HBOThe smaller scope of offers numerous advantages. It lets us see moments that would stay hidden in larger shows like Game of Thrones or , — such as puppet show performances or the behind-the-scenes logistics of tournaments. With the introduction of fan-favorite character Egg, there’s space to depict this young boy just being a kid: marveling at fire effects, watching jousts, and munching on snacks. Yet one of these lighthearted scenes where Egg acts his age actually references a major segment of Westerosi history that unfolded between House of the Dragon and this series — and it matters for the Targaryens’ future. Warning! Spoilers for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2 ahead!Episode 2 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms depicts the Targaryens’ arrival, Ser Duncan finally getting someone to vouch for him, and the start of the tournament. Later that night, back at the elm tree Dunk and Egg call home, Dunk is thinking about the challenge of winning the tournament while Egg play-fights in the background. “Do you yield, Blackfyre bastards!?” he yells, thrusting a stick like a sword. But who exactly are the Blackfyres? They’re a key part of Targaryen history. Egg may be a squire, but he’s still just a kid. | HBOThe Blackfyre Rebellion began with King Aegon IV, a character George R. R. Martin has called the “King Henry VIII” of Westeros. Much like his real-world inspiration, he was cruel, large, and promiscuous, fathering many bastards even though he was married to his sister Naerys. (Both he and Naerys are grandchildren of Daemon and Rhaenyra from House of the Dragon.) On his deathbed, Aegon IV declared all his bastards legitimate. Normally, this would be unproblematic — we saw Corlys Velaryon legitimize bastards in House of the Dragon. However, one of these bastards, Daemon (son of Aegon and his cousin Daena), saw this as his chance to seize the throne. Aegon IV had always favored Daemon over his trueborn son Daeron the Good (who was then king) and even gave Daemon Blackfyre: the Valyrian steel sword heirloom once wielded by Aegon I, the Conqueror. So when Daemon decided to challenge his half-brother for the throne, he took the name Daemon Blackfyre. The First Blackfyre Rebellion was fought against King Daeron — the father of Baelor and Maekar Targaryen, who are at the tourney — and Daemon Blackfyre. | HBOSo when Aegon says “Blackfyre bastards,” he’s not being derogatory — that’s actually how Daemon and his half-siblings are described. The Blackfyre Rebellion split Westeros in two, but it ended with a final battle at Redgrass Field about 13 years before A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set. Basically, Aegon is pretending to fight in a battle that happened a few years before he was born.There would be multiple Blackfyre rebellions during the Targaryen reign, but the first shook the entire kingdom — changing the political landscape and even affecting how children play. That’s an effect only A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms can show. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is now streaming on HBO Max.
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Russia denounces Trump’s ‘provocative’ Golden Dome as trillion-dollar defense shield advances
Russia has condemned a proposed U.S. missile defense system, cautioning on Monday that it has the potential to upset the balance of global nuclear deterrence, as indicated by reports.Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, described the ambitious initiative as profoundly "provocative" in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper.TASS reported his statement: "Problems in the strategic sphere resulting from destabilizing U.S. actions only continue to grow. It is enough to recall the highly provocative anti-missile project ‘Golden Dome for America.’"Medvedev further stated that the project "fundamentally contradicts the assertion of the inseparable interrelationship between offensive and defensive strategic arms," a principle he noted is embedded in the preamble of a treaty that safeguards U.S. national security by restricting Russia's deployed intercontinental nuclear arsenal.A defense analyst suggests that Russia's response highlights the Golden Dome's significance as a strategic message to the international community."Even prior to its construction, the dome serves as a potent military and political instrument and represents a formidable bargaining asset in dealings with U.S. adversaries," defense expert Cameron Chell stated to Digital.The CEO asserted, "Specifically concerning Russia and China, it influences how the U.S. positions itself in negotiations over peace agreements, treaty conditions, and the potential neutralization of their current arsenals."The Golden Dome is conceptualized as a long-range defense system intended to shield North America from ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missile attacks.Chell's comments followed the January 23 unveiling of the U.S. National Defense Strategy, which details a reinforced emphasis on homeland defense, enhanced missile defense, counter-drone technology, cyber capabilities, and long-range strike forces.According to the strategy document, the proposed Golden Dome shield is engineered to counter "large missile barrages and other advanced aerial attacks," while also strengthening military and critical civilian infrastructure against cyber threats, especially as Russia and China advance their hypersonic weapons programs.Digital had previously reported that China has also voiced criticism of the U.S. missile defense plan, alleging that Washington is eroding global strategic stability and promoting the militarization of space."There is substantial strategic value in the discussions and development phase of the Golden Dome, well before construction begins, alongside the research and technological advancements it generates," Chell remarked."The strategic positioning and the process of constructing such a system are also key reasons for its importance," he added.The immense scope of the project is anticipated to amplify its strategic influence, though it may also carry a colossal cost."Constructing the dome will require trillions of dollars, making it the most extensive military undertaking, and likely the largest engineering and technology project in history, which will inevitably present significant challenges," Chell explained.He noted that "The U.S. has a decade of planning behind it, covering the placement of communication links, radar systems, and early warning systems," describing this groundwork as comprehensive."To effectively defend the U.S., the objective is to intercept threats before they cross into the nation's airspace," Chell said."Areas such as Canada, or territories further north, would serve as the engagement zone. The goal is to neutralize these threats at the earliest opportunity."Northern regions are considered essential by U.S. defense strategists for providing radar coverage, space tracking, and early-warning capabilities."The concept involves intercepting objects from space, but achieving that demands highly detailed topographical data of the entire northern region and requires access to it," Chell stated.President Trump has consistently emphasized the importance of the Arctic for U.S. national security, pointing to its strategic position and abundant natural resources."Establishing infrastructure and monitoring capabilities in the far north, including Canada, Greenland, and similar locations, is necessary," Chell said. "All such planning must be completed long before the system becomes operational."Chell also highlighted the possible role of drones in aiding the Golden Dome's comprehensive operations."Drones could support the Golden Dome by functioning as reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering assets," he said, noting that the "entire military apparatus is interconnected."Digital has contacted the Department of War for a statement.
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30 Years Ago, Robocop’s Actor Starred In an Even More Dystopian Sci-Fi
Triumph/Allegro/Kobal/ShutterstockThree years after handing off the role to Robert John Burke for the third installment of cyborg crime-fighting action, Peter Weller starred in a sci-fi film that envisioned an even grimmer dystopian world. In fact, marking its 30th anniversary this month, it made the vice-ridden streets of a near-future Detroit seem downright pleasant by comparison.Set on the barren planet Sirius 6B in 2078, this mostly forgotten story is unrelenting in its bleakness—from the opening scene where a soldier is savagely dismembered to the final twist (which the sequel revealed drove the sole survivor to suicide). Visually, it’s also unbearably dreary, with a color scheme stuck mostly in murky grays and browns, and most action taking place in rusted underground bunkers swarming with rats. This isn’t the kind of movie to lift your spirits on a rainy weekend.Interestingly, the film itself languished in development hell for over a decade. Screenwriter Dan O’Bannon finished his adaptation of the short story Second Variety all the way back in 1981. But it wasn’t until Montreal’s Allegro Films finally got production moving—ultimately without O’Bannon’s awareness—14 years after his work (polished by Miguel Tejada-Flores) hit the big screen.Allegro’s participation likely accounts for the heavy Canadian influence. Director Christian Duguay, a two-time Gemini Award winner, had previously directed the two direct-to-video sequels to David Cronenberg’s cult horror film. The main villain, Becker, is portrayed by Roy Dupuis, a wildly popular French-Canadian actor, and Montreal’s Olympic Stadium and a Quebec quarry were used to craft the film’s toxic wasteland.Maybe the most striking element of a film that clearly showed budget constraints elsewhere was these expansive, hazardous landscapes. In the movie, they’re the outcome of a prolonged war between the evil corporate rulers of the New Economic Block (N.E.B.) and the scrappy miners’ union The Alliance. The N.E.B. exposed its workers to radiation while chasing Beryllium—a rare material fueling the Cold War on Earth—while The Alliance created its own retaliatory weapons called Autonomous Mobile Swords.As the first scene graphically shows, these sand-dwelling robots are built to tear apart any living thing—which is why Alliance members wear a special tag that basically makes them immune to these ruthless killing machines. Still, they can hear the deafening, high-pitched sounds the robots make when attacking—hence their nickname and the film’s title. And due to a string of conflicting messages that force the group to cross enemy lines to find the truth, they soon learn their creations have evolved far beyond their worst fears.Peter Weller leading the fight against the robot uprising. | Moviestore/ShutterstockWeller plays Commanding Officer Hendricksson, who leads the mission alongside his opposite, Jefferson (Andrew Lauer)—a naive, jockish private who just added to the chaos by crash-landing a spaceship carrying nuclear reactors. Things get even more tangled when they find a young boy holding a teddy bear who says he’s an orphan of the war. While they let him come along, enemy soldiers Becker and Ross (Charles Powell) soon shoot him dead.Yes, this horror film doesn’t shy away from killing child characters—well, sort of. The boy isn’t actually a child; he’s the first hint that the screamers can now pass as real humans. Before long, this new group (including Jennifer Ruben’s black-market dealer Jessica) is destroying the bots (which also look like small dinosaurs) in large numbers in a sequence that calls to mind [original reference omitted]. What’s more, they start suspecting—and pointing their guns at—each other.How these mechanical creatures evolved so drastically in such a short time is never explained. In fact, the film raises more questions than it answers from start to finish. Why do the screamers kill each other? Who sent the original truce message? Screamers starts strong by building its grim alien world, but it ends up leaving too many loose ends.Is it a boy? Is it an orphan? No, it’s a highly evolved killing machine. | Triumph/Allegro/Kobal/ShutterstockEven so, it’s surprisingly sharp—and sadly ahead of its time—in its exploration of key themes: global capitalism, political paranoia, and most notably, the risks of AI. “Well, you’re moving up in the world—you’ve learned to kill each other,” Hendricksson quips about how technological progress has also advanced criminality.Weller delivers all the standout lines as the grouchy commander who seems to hate anything from the last 100 years—we first meet him blasting Mozart while examining an ancient Roman coin. “Goddamn Morse code was better than this virtual reality crap,” he snaps after a chat with a glitchy hologram. He’s almost as contemptuous of his peers, whether mocking Becker’s limited words or Jefferson’s oversharing (“you must be mistaking me for someone who cares”). It’s a top-notch performance in a B-level film, though even Weller can’t make the forced romance work—it briefly risks turning the ending into a soap opera.Truth be told, Screamers doesn’t make you care much about its characters—the smarts it shows rarely extend to emotional depth. Because of that, the various deaths and the climax where Jessica and Hendricksson offer to sacrifice themselves for humanity don’t hit hard. Even so, you have to respect a film that fully embraces unrelenting gloom.Screamers is available to stream on Tubi.
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Venezuelan opposition leader asserts democratic transition would be the Americas’ ‘fall of the Berlin Wall’
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado contended that a democratic transition for her nation would quickly revamp its economy, undo years of instability, and reshape the political landscape of the region.Machado stated in an interview that this outcome would define the legacy of Trump’s foreign policy, drawing a parallel to the fall of the Berlin Wall."The legacy to the world is going to be huge," she explained. "You’re going to have a prosperous Venezuela and region.… If you make a historical comparison, this would mean as much to the Americas as the fall of the Berlin Wall meant to Europe. It’s equivalent.""For the first time in history, the Americas will be free of communism, dictatorship, and narco-terrorism," she added.Machado said she intends to return soon to help drive a democratic transition, despite the risks she faces under the country’s current government."I need to be there. I want to go back as soon as possible," Machado said.Her planned return would come at a critical juncture for Venezuela, as interim President Delcy Rodríguez leads efforts following the removal of Nicolás Maduro.Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, was sworn into office on Jan. 5 after U.S. forces ousted the ex-leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their Caracas compound during a military operation.The pair were flown to New York and arraigned in federal court on multiple charges, to which they pleaded not guilty.Rodríguez has since worked with the White House and spoken with President Trump by phone.Machado, however, voiced deep doubts about Rodríguez’s leadership, warning that the transition risks falling short without a fuller break from the Maduro-era government."If Delcy Rodríguez stays, nothing truly changes," she told the Post. "There will be no rule of law, no trust, no stability. Venezuelans will not come home under a criminal."
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Iran regime reportedly authorized nationwide shoot-to-kill orders amid surging protest death toll
Increasingly brutal evidence of the regime's crackdown on its own citizens is spreading online, as the actual death toll from Iran's protests remains fiercely disputed amid internet shutdowns and government intimidation. Activists, media reports, and medical data suggest the numbers range from thousands of confirmed fatalities to tens of thousands feared dead.Fatemeh Jamalpour, an Iranian journalist who has reported on every major protest movement over the last twenty years, stated that the current unrest marks a turning point in how the regime deploys force. "The regime's violence has escalated dramatically, and with the internet blackout, determining the true extent of the killings is extremely difficult.""What I've witnessed in these protests that is unprecedented is that beginning on the night of January 8, the regime issued shoot-to-kill orders to the IRGC, Basij, and riot police, permitting them to fire directly at protesters," Jamalpour told Digital."In earlier protests, military-grade weapons were primarily deployed in minority regions like Kurdistan and Baluchestan," she added. "Now they've been used throughout the entire nation... Health Ministry officials informed us they exhausted their supply of body bags for the deceased."The most frequently referenced baseline originates from the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a U.S.-based organization that monitors fatalities by name and location.As of January 25, HRANA documented 5,848 confirmed deaths. This includes 5,520 protesters, 77 minors under 18, 209 government-aligned forces, and 42 non-protesters or civilians. An additional 17,091 fatalities remain under investigation.The organization has stressed that its verified count only includes cases that could be independently substantiated, and anticipates that total numbers will increase as more information becomes available.Per The Associated Press, Iranian officials have provided only a single official tally of 3,117, which they haven't publicly updated in five days. The authorities have not disclosed names, locations, or any documentation to substantiate this number.In addition to human rights counts, a separate medical working paper examined by Digital indicates the death toll could be substantially higher.The Munich Med Group report, written by Professor Dr. Amir-Mobarez Parasta, compiles hospital-recorded deaths and employs what the author calls a conservative extrapolation model to adjust for underreporting during the communications shutdown.Applying this methodology, the paper projects a national death toll of roughly 33,130 individuals as of January 23. The author emphasizes this is not a confirmed count, but rather a conservative estimate derived from incomplete medical data and specific assumptions.Another media outlet conducted its own investigation, asserting it examined documents suggesting over 36,500 people were killed during just two days of protests on January 8 and 9. The publication stated the documents were supplied by sources within Iran, though these allegations have not been independently corroborated.The substantial discrepancy between these figures underscores not only the magnitude of the violence, but also the challenging circumstances in which it took place.Jamalpour noted that despite the internet blackout, physicians and medical personnel tried to record their observations using restricted satellite connections."Numerous doctors and medical staff attempted to transmit their reports and evidence to us via limited Starlink connections," she explained. "Healthcare workers report that protesters were frequently shot in the head and neck, indicating an intent to kill. Many victims were struck by multiple bullets. Some were shot in the back while attempting to escape."Jamalpour stated that the victims she recorded represented a generation that the regime seemed intent on destroying. "The deceased include children and a 67-year-old man, but the majority are young individuals under 30," she said.Jamalpour recounted the killing of Mehdi Khanmohammadi, a 67-year-old retired army colonel and pilot. "He was fatally shot twice on Friday, January 9, in Saadat Abad," she said. "In a video, his daughter stands over his motionless body asking, Can you open your eyes and wake up?"She said such scenes have plunged the nation into widespread mourning. "Iranians are currently in a state of shock," Jamalpour stated. "Grief is pervasive throughout the country."Simultaneously, she cautioned that the repression is ongoing. "Legal professionals and human rights groups are gravely worried about over 20,000 detained protesters who remain in custody," she said.Yet despite the atmosphere of fear, Jamalpour reported hearing a new sentiment within Iran. "In my discussions with people inside the country, I detect hope that Trump will assist in liberating Iran," she said. "Along with a resolve to overthrow the regime, now mixed with anger and sorrow."
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Israel verifies recovery of the final hostage’s remains from Gaza
Israel confirmed on Monday that the remains of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, who was held in Gaza, have been recovered and returned home.Gvili, a 24-year-old Israel Police officer from Meitar at the time of his death, was killed during fighting on Oct. 7, 2023, after confronting Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Alumim, according to a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.“Ran, with his broad shoulders and bright smile, was pure heart. A genuine friend, adored by everyone. He cherished life, was a young man of deep values, always spoke to others at eye level, and carried a powerful yet calm presence,” the group said.Gvili leaves behind his parents, Talik and Itzik, his brother Omri, his sister Shira, and extended family.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that following the completion of an identification process conducted by Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in coordination with police and military authorities, officials informed the Gvili family that their loved one’s remains had been identified and would be returned for burial.The IDF expressed condolences to the family and said all hostages have now been returned from Gaza to Israel.This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
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Zelenskyy states US security guarantees document is ‘100% ready’ for signing
Ukrainian President stated that a long-awaited document on U.S. security guarantees is "100% ready" for signing, with Kyiv now waiting for its American partners to confirm the date and location before the agreement proceeds to ratification in both the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian parliament."For us, security guarantees are first and foremost security assurances from the United States. The document is 100% ready," Zelenskyy said Sunday at a joint press conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside the presidents of Lithuania and Poland, according to a from Reuters.Zelenskyy reiterated at the press conference that Ukraine views membership in the as another core security guarantee and is aiming to join the bloc by 2027, the Ukrainian president's office said in a statement on its website.His remarks follow two days of held over the weekend involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.Zelenskyy said on X that the discussions, which involved political and military representatives from all three sides, were "constructive" and focused on potential parameters for ending his country's war with Russia.The talks in the United Arab Emirates followed a meeting in Moscow on Thursday between , U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and head of the Federal Acquisition Service Josh Gruenbaum.Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said the "extremely frank" discussions lasted roughly four hours and included U.S. officials updating Moscow on their recent conversations with Ukrainian and European leaders, according to a summary of the meeting from the Kremlin.Territorial issues remain a key obstacle in the negotiations, with to relinquish parts of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region that Russian forces do not fully control.U.S. officials that negotiations examined the full range of unresolved issues, from Russia’s territorial demands in the Donbas to control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and potential steps to prevent a return to fighting.Another U.S. official told the outlet a second round of talks is scheduled to take place on Feb. 1.
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USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Positions Itself Amid Iran Threat
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has deployed to CENTCOM waters in the Indian Ocean, a senior U.S. official confirmed Monday, citing escalating threats from Iran.Reports indicate that Iran's Ayatollah has gone underground, potentially signaling preparations for military action. A prominent analyst informed Fox on Sunday that Iranian drone swarms represent a credible and serious threat to the Lincoln and its accompanying strike group.The senior U.S. official clarified that the Lincoln was not currently prepared for potential future strikes targeting Iran.Cameron Chell, CEO and co-founder of, stated to Fox that Iran has developed "an effective asymmetric threat against highly sophisticated military systems" through its unmanned drone fleet, which combines "low-cost warheads with inexpensive delivery platforms."Chell explained that Iran possesses the capability to launch numerous relatively unsophisticated drones directly at naval vessels, thereby generating saturation attacks capable of overwhelming conventional defenses."Should hundreds be launched rapidly, some are almost certain to penetrate defenses," Chell noted."Contemporary defense systems were not initially engineered to counteract such saturation attacks. For assets operating near Iran, warships represent prime targets," he further stated.U.S. officials report that Washington is strengthening its military posture in response to increasing instability within Iran, enhancing its presence across air, land, and sea, concurrently monitoring developments in Syria.A squadron of has been deployed to the region, and C-17 transport aircraft laden with heavy equipment have arrived.Chell observed that U.S. and allied militaries are swiftly developing defensive measures, yet uncertainty persists regarding the new capabilities of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier groups to manage multiple Iranian drones operating in formation. He underscored that Iran’s drone fleet constitutes a significant concern."These drones provide Iran with a highly credible means to threaten surface vessels," he stated. "U.S. assets in the region are characterized as large, slow-moving, and readily identifiable on radar, rendering them susceptible to targeting.""Iran’s strategic advantage, conversely, resides in these low-cost, high-volume drone systems — specifically one-way strike drones engineered to impact a target and detonate," he concluded.' Jennifer Griffin and Emma Bussey contributed to this dispatch.
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Baelor, Maekar, and Aerion: ‘Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Targaryens Explained
HBOThe Targaryen dynasty has consistently ranked among the most captivating elements of the Game of Thrones world. While the original series featured just one Targaryen (excluding Jon Snow), House of the Dragon compensated by dedicating an entire series to Targaryen civil wars complete with a full dragon arsenal. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest Game of Thrones series, operates on a more modest scale, yet Episode 2 introduces several Targaryens who significantly impact Westerosi history. Here's a complete guide to these characters. Caution: This article contains spoilers for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2.Baelor TargaryenBaelor Targaryen stands apart from his Targaryen kin. | HBOBaelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) serves as both heir to the Iron Throne and Hand of the King during his appearance in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. As the firstborn son of King Daeron II (commonly known as Daeron the Good) and his Dornish princess wife Myriah Martell, his Dornish ancestry likely explains his dark hair, distinguishing him from his silver-haired relatives. During this period, Baelor is wed to Jena Dondarrion, with whom he shares two sons: Valarr and Matarys. Valarr joins his father at the Ashford tourney and appears in the episode, sporting dark hair like Baelor but featuring a silver streak. Baelor recalls Ser Arlan Pennytree's tournament performance, enabling him to endorse Ser Duncan the Tall.Maekar TargaryenMaekar Targaryen juggles family tensions while concerned for his absent sons. | HBOMaekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell) stands as Baelor's youngest sibling. King Daeron fathered four sons total, though only Baelor and Maekar attended the tourney. The second son, Aerys Targaryen, preferred scholarship over combat, while the third son, Rhaegel Targaryen, suffered from "madness" that left him mentally and physically unfit for battle. Maekar and his wife Dyanna Dayne produced six children, among them four sons: Aerion, Daeron, Aemon, and Aegon. Though Aerion joined Maekar at the tourney, Episode 2 finds Maekar worried about his other two sons slated to compete, Daeron and Aegon. Though fourth in line, Maekar would ultimately ascend to the Iron Throne, founding Summerhall as the Targaryen summer retreat. Aerion Targaryen Aerion Targaryen channels a sinister Viserys-like presence in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. | HBOAerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett) has quickly proven himself a bully, having confused Ser Duncan for a stablehand. This behavior defines his legacy in Game of Thrones lore. He inherited the Targaryen family's recurring madness, but while Rhaegal exhibited only gentleness, Aerion displayed cruelty and callousness. The books reveal an eccentric trait: Aerion genuinely believed he was a dragon—not metaphorically, as Targaryens are sometimes described, but in every way except physically. This delusion leads to his demise when he consumes wildfire, convinced it would transform him into a dragon. The series adaptation seems to downplay this aspect of his personality, yet even with dragons extinct during A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Aerion preserves their spirit—however absurdly. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms currently streams on HBO Max.
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TIS Appoints New CEO to Accelerate Global Growth
BERLIN, Germany, Jan 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Treasury Intelligence Solutions (TIS), a leading cloud-based platform for payments and cash management, today announced Zlatko Vucetic as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective from February 1, 2026. This move comes as a pivotal step in advancing the company's long-term vision and global growth strategy in cloud-native cash management, liquidity, and payment solutions.As an experienced CEO, Zlatko brings a strong track record in scaling software companies across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., combined with deep expertise in driving innovation and accelerating growth in competitive markets. Zlatko will lead TIS in its journey to be a market leader in payment and liquidity management across Europe and North America.After five successful years as CEO, Erik Masing will transition into the role of Vice Chair of the Board, where he will continue to provide strategic guidance and support. Under Erik's leadership, TIS achieved significant milestones, including the strategic acquisition of Cashforce, which expanded the company's portfolio and strengthened its position in the global payments and cash management market. Joerg Wiemer, TIS co-founder and former CEO, will remain actively involved, ensuring continuity and leveraging his deep industry expertise to support TIS's long-term vision.Zlatko is a seasoned technology executive with extensive leadership experience in the enterprise software space. Most recently, he served as CEO of Infront AS, a leading European provider of financial market data solutions, including trading and wealth management technology. Prior to this, he was CEO of FocusVision, a U.S.-based market research and customer insights software platform. Earlier in his career, Zlatko spent nearly a decade in senior leadership at Saxo Bank, a leading online trading and investment firm.Commenting on his appointment, Zlatko said: "TIS has built a strong foundation as a trusted partner for CFOs, treasurers and finance teams worldwide. Our mission is clear: to help the entire office of the CFO manage liquidity and payments on a global scale. We will double down on innovation, accelerate our international footprint, and deliver solutions that not only meet today's challenges but anticipate tomorrow's. With the best-in-class products and the strength of our team, I'm confident TIS will set the standard for this industry."About TISTIS helps CFOs, Treasurers, and Finance teams transform their global cash flow, liquidity, and payment functions. Since 2010, our award-winning cloud platform and best-in-class service model have empowered the entire office of the CFO to collaborate more effectively and attain maximum efficiency, automation, and control. TIS enables users to achieve superior performance in key areas surrounding cash forecasting, working capital, outbound payments, financial messaging, fraud prevention, payment compliance, and more.For more information, visit tispayments.com and begin reimagining your approach to global cash flow, liquidity, and payments.Contact:Thomas MullertzChief Marketing Officer+4520989479thomas.mullertz@tispayments.comSOURCE: Treasury Intelligence Solutions Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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The 19th Asian Financial Forum officially kicks off today
HONG KONG, January 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), kicked off today with the theme “Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape”, and a new tagline “Finance Empowering Business”. The forum has invited more than 150 government officials, business leaders, senior executives from financial institutions, and regulatory representatives from around the world as speakers. It is expected to attract over 3,600 participants from over 60 countries and regions, featuring about 80 business delegations from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.This strong global participation reinforces Hong Kong's unique position as an international financial centre and demonstrates its exceptional advantage in facilitating connections between the Chinese Mainland and international markets. This year’s forum features a special discussion session on gold trading to promote Hong Kong’s development into an international gold exchange and to jointly build a gold market ecosystem with the Chinese Mainland, bringing new value to the global precious metals market.Welcome remarks were delivered by Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, during the Opening Session, followed by opening remarks by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Zou Lan, Deputy Governor, People’s Bank of China. Chairman Ma said: “AFF has continued to broaden its scope and enhance its reputation over the years as the platform that demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique roles of a superconnector, super value-adder and supercollaborator. For the past 19 years, this forum has attracted influential leaders from public administration, finance and business sectors from around the world. With their and many other people’s support, AFF has become one of the world’s most pre-eminent financial forums, hosting insightful and forward-looking conversations as well as impactful cross-border deal-making. We have chosen “Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape” as the theme for this year. Under this banner, we are pleased to introduce the Global Business Summit, which will be held tomorrow. The summit will evaluate the impact of high-growth industries, including AI and technology, robotics, biopharma and healthcare, new energy and more. This is part of an increased focus to strengthen ties between finance and the real economy at AFF to help support sustained innovation and long-term growth.”The two-day forum presents over 40 sessions ranging from Plenary Sessions, Panel Discussion, Keynote Luncheons, Breakfast Panel, and thematic sessions. Key sessions include Global Economic Outlook, CIO Insights and Asset and Wealth Management, alongside the newly introduced Supply Chain Financing and Gold Exchange.Discussion sessions gather global leaders to share visionary insightsThis year's forum is committed to advancing international financial cooperation and policy coordination. Plenary Session I – Fostering Cooperation for Shared Success, hosted by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, brought together finance officials and multilateral organisation leaders to discuss key issues, including the global economic outlook, financial stability, infrastructure investment, and sustainable development. Guest speakers included Zou Jiayi, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank; H.E. Mehmet Å'imÅŸek, Minister of Treasury and Finance for Türkiye and Klemen BoštjanÄ'iÄ', Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Republic of Slovenia.The following session, Plenary Session II – Charting the Future of Finance in Times of Uncertainty, focused on the risks and opportunities encountered by central banks, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions in promoting the development of financial markets, and the strategies for enhancing the resilience of these markets. The discussion was moderated by Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Futures Commission, and the speakers, including H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer, Capital Market Authority of the United Arab Emirates; Changyong Rhee, Governor for the Bank of Korea; Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank; Benjamin Hung, Chairman of the Financial Services Development Council, and Gokul Laroia, Chief Executive Officer Asia of Morgan Stanley, addressed topics such as Hong Kong's positioning within the global financial system, the promotion of cross-border regulatory cooperation, and strategies for tackling challenges in the global economy.The first day's keynote luncheon commenced with welcome remarks by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, followed by opening remarks from Wang Shuguang, Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Member of the Management Committee of China International Capital Corporation Limited. The keynote speaker Dr José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission, Former Prime Minister of Portugal and the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Goldman Sachs International, provided an in-depth analysis of current macroeconomic risks in Europe and on the global stage, and discussed strategies for economies to foster coordination and mutual complementarity in navigating future uncertainties.The afternoon session began with the Global Economic Outlook, moderated by Prof Edward Chen, Honorary Professor of the HKU Business School, joining with Sir Douglas Flint, CBE, Chairman of the Aberdeen Group plc; Kevin Sneader, President, Asia Pacific Ex-Japan of Goldman Sachs; Dr Ridha Wirakusumah, Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Prof Paolo Zannoni, Executive Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Prada Group, and Dr Zhu Min, Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. The participants forecasted the 2026 global economic outlook, examined the strategies for businesses to navigate uncertainty.In alignment with the 2025 Policy Address to expedite the building of an international gold trading market to energise Hong Kong's financial ecosystem, AFF introduced a new session titled Global Spectrum – Gold Exchange. Featuring overseas speakers James Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP SA and David Tait, Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council, the session analysed the landscape of international gold trading, strategies to enhance Hong Kong's pivotal role in gold pricing and trading in Asia, and opportunities to expand trading, clearing, delivery, and derivative services for renewed sector growth.Insights into asset and pension strategies within the global investment landscapeIn recent years, rapid technological advancements, shifts in population demographics, rising demands for sustainable development, and increased market volatility have been reshaping investors' expectations of asset and wealth management firms. The Panel Discussion on Asset and Wealth Management was moderated by Amy Lo, Chairman, UBS Global Wealth Management Asia of UBS, and Head and Chief Executive, UBS Hong Kong. This panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Lavanya Chari, Head of Wealth and Premier Solutions, International Wealth and Premier Banking of HSBC; Stefanie Drews, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amova Asset Management; Ed Huang, Senior Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Blackstone Private Wealth; Dr Levin Wang, Chairman of Private Wealth Management Committee, Huatai Securities Co., Ltd.; CEO, Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd. and Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth Division, ETFs & Index Business Lines, Chair of Asia, Amundi. Speakers discussed how artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making efficiency in asset management, helping clients generate additional returns and explored methods for diversifying risks through alternative investments and integrating ESG factors into investment decisions to strike a balance between returns and sustainability.CIO Insights highlighted Chief Investment Officers from Asia, Europe, and the United States, and, who provided an in-depth analysis of this year's asset allocation trends across various sectors and regions. They shared forward-looking insights on interest rate movements, liquidity cycles, and cross-regional allocations. Speakers included Deborah Cunningham, Chief Investment Officer, Global Liquidity Markets of Federated Hermes; Vincenzo Vedda, Chief Investment Officer & Member of the Executive Board of DWS Investment GmbH, and Yang Liu, Chairperson and Chief Investment Officer of Atlantis Investment Management Ltd.The Global Spectrum – Pension and Endowment brought together leaders from fund management firms and financial services institutions worldwide to discuss the transformation of retirement and philanthropic funds in the context of the changing global economy and long-term investment strategies. The session featured speakers including Cuan Coulter, Head of International of State Street; Arsa Indaravijaya, Chief Investment Officer of the Government Pension Fund of Thailand; Lou Lizhou, Chairman of E Fund International Holdings Limited, and Wilson Zhang, Managing Director, Chair of the Global Equities Management Committee, China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC). They shared insights on how retirement and philanthropic funds can adjust their strategies amid an increasingly volatile environment to preserve asset value and enhance risk resilience.The findings were released today from a survey conducted by HKTDC and EY, the AFF Knowledge Partner, which examined how corporates and financial leaders are responding to disruptive challenges and shaping their next stage of global expansion and capital allocation. Jack Chan, EY China Chairman and EY Greater China Regional Managing Partner, said that prolonged uncertainty has become the new baseline, yet global expansion remains a strategic imperative. The survey also highlights Hong Kong’s evolution from a super-connector to a proactive growth orchestrator – where capital, compliance and competitive strengths converge – and offers recommendations to help businesses build resilience, capture overseas opportunities and leverage Hong Kong as a key hub for high quality global growth.AFF Deal-making and exhibition to promote substantial cooperationAs one of the highlights of the forum, AFF Deal-making continues to offer an efficient one-on-one matching platform for project owners and investors, attracting over 280 investors and 560 projects. It enables participants to gain valuable insights into the potential of investment projects and uncover opportunities across various industries. The project investment session invited project owners from around the world to showcase quality initiatives in key sectors such as Environment, Energy and Clean Technology, Healthcare Technology, and Financial Technology, aiding participants in identifying market trends and expanding cross-industry investment opportunities.This year's forum features four key exhibition zones, including the InnoVenture Salon & FintechHK Start-up Salon, Global Investment Zone, and a new FutureGreen Showcase, bringing together about 150 exhibitors. Global leading asset-management firms Ardian, Federated Hermes and E Fund Management joined as exhibitors for the first time, each showcasing cutting-edge financial concepts and offering participants diversified investment perspectives and opportunities for exchange.A particular highlight this year is the debut of the FutureGreen Showcase, which focuses on showcasing opportunities in green finance, green technology, rating and transition services. It aims to promote precise capital matching with low-carbon projects and ESG innovation, strengthening Hong Kong’s leading position as an international green finance centre and injecting new momentum into the global green transition.Inaugural Global Business Summit to explore finance and real economic integrationThe first Global Business Summit will take place tomorrow (27 January), co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. The summit will invite leaders from high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology, robotics, high growth consumer markets, biomedicine and healthcare, and green energy to explore how to leverage financial services to drive innovation and long-term growth.Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, will deliver opening remarks at the opening session. Exploring Chinese Mainland Opportunities will feature speeches by Wu Wei, Executive Vice Mayor of Shanghai; Tang Zhiping, Vice Governor, The People's Government of Shanxi Province; Wang Junshou, Vice Governor, The People's Government of Hunan Province. The summit will also host a series of thematic forums, including Business Plenary I - Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global and Business Plenary II - Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth, among others.The Global Business Summit has received support from a range of esteemed international companies, with executives from Amgen, Hermès, Jardine Matheson, JD Group, Merck Group, Tencent and XPENG. Leaders will analyse future development trends across various industries, providing the financial sector with the insights needed to leverage opportunities and deliver customised financial services. This collaborative approach is expected to create a significant multiplier effect, transforming capital into considerable economic growth and facilitating industrial advancements.In addition, the second-day Keynote Luncheon will feature Paul Polman, a Business Leader, Investor, and Philanthropist, as the keynote speaker. He will share his insights on the role of finance in driving real-economy development, how collaboration between policymakers and businesses can generate positive social and environmental impact, and strategies for sustainable development.AFF collaborates with organisations to provide overseas attendees with a unique Hong Kong experienceInternational participants attending AFF will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Hong Kong and experience the city's diverse attractions. The forum will offer several guided tours to key sites, including the Cyberport, the Court of Final Appeal, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Hong Kong Stock Exchange, allowing guests to gain valuable insights into Hong Kong's financial and innovation landscape.Additionally, AFF has partnered with various organisations including Hong Kong Tourism Board to provide exclusive travel, cultural, and culinary promotions for overseas visitors, encouraging them to explore Hong Kong's unique charm beyond the forum activities. Highlights include a night tour with Hong Kong Big Bus Tours, a traditional sailing trip on the Aqua Luna, and tickets to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ Museum. Attendees can enjoy dining discounts at venues such as the Lan Kwai Fong Group and Hong Kong Bankers Club, along with Happy Wednesday hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.The International Financial Week (IFW) 2026, lasting one week, will kick off with AFF today. This event marks Hong Kong's first major financial event of the year, aimed at assisting industry professionals in seizing opportunities and unlocking market potential.WebsitesAsian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/enProgramme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programmeSpeaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakersPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/49F23nhThe 19th Asian Financial Forum opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running for two days under the theme “Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape”John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, delivered opening remarks today at AFFProf Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, delivered welcome remarks to participants this morningPaul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government joined in the Keynote Luncheon today and delivered welcome remarksDr José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission, Former Prime Minister of Portugal, and the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Goldman Sachs International, delivered a keynote speech on the first day’s keynote luncheonGlobal Economic Outlook, moderated by Prof Edward Chen (far left), Honorary Professor of the HKU Business School, joining with Sir Douglas Flint, CBE (second left), Chairman of the Aberdeen Group plc; Kevin Sneader (third left), President, Asia Pacific Ex-Japan of Goldman Sachs; Dr Ridha Wirakusumah (third right), Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Prof Paolo Zannoni (second right), Executive Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Prada Group, and Dr Zhu Min (far right), Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, forecasted the 2026 global economic outlook.AFF introduced a new session titled Global Spectrum – Gold Exchange, featuring James Emmett (second left), Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP SA, and David Tait (centre), Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council.This year’s AFF Deal-making has brought together over 280 investors and over 560 projects.Media enquiriesYuan Tung Financial RelationsLousie SongTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkTiffany LeungTel: (852) 3428 2361Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung.hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Focus Graphite Announces Allowance of Canadian Patent for Silicon-Enhanced Graphite Anode Materials
Patent Allowance Strengthens Intellectual Property Position in Advanced Battery and Dual-Use Energy Storage MaterialsOttawa, Ontario--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - January 26, 2026) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a leading developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office ("CIPO") has allowed the Company's Canadian patent application No. 3,209,696, entitled "Advanced Anode Materials Comprising Spheroidal Additive-Enhanced Graphite Particles and Process for Making Same" (the "Patent"). The allowance confirms that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office has completed its substantive examination and determined that the Patent claims meet all Canadian requirements for patentability, including novelty and inventiveness. Subject to the completion of final administrative steps, the Patent is expected to proceed to formal grant. The allowed Patent covers proprietary processes and compositions for silicon-enhanced, spheroidal graphite particles, designed to improve performance characteristics critical to lithium-ion battery anodes, including energy density, charge efficiency, and cycling stability, by incorporating silicon within the graphite particle architecture while leveraging graphite's structural stability and conductivity. Silicon is widely recognized as a key material in next-generation battery anodes due to its significantly higher theoretical energy storage capacity relative to conventional graphite.By distributing silicon within the graphite structure, the technology is intended to address two fundamental challenges associated with silicon-enhanced anodes: charge-induced volume expansion and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) instability. Embedding silicon within a graphite matrix is expected to help buffer volumetric expansion during cycling, supporting improved mechanical integrity, while the surrounding graphite structure may reduce direct silicon-electrolyte interactions, contributing to enhanced cycling stability and battery longevity.In addition to commercial battery markets, the Company believes these performance attributes are relevant to a range of dual-use applications, including defence, aerospace, and other mission-critical systems, where energy density, durability, and operational reliability are essential. Advanced anode materials capable of maintaining stable performance under demanding operating conditions are increasingly viewed as strategically important across both civilian electrification and national security-related energy storage applications.Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite, commented, "The allowance of this Patent represents the culmination of years of focused research and development. The underlying technology was shaped under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Doninger, whose deep technical insight and commitment to innovation were instrumental to its success, and we are grateful for the work he contributed. With the Patent now allowed, we are well positioned to move forward with broader testing and advancement of this technology as part of our downstream strategy."The allowance of this patent also aligns with growing North American and allied-nation priorities to establish secure, non-adversarial sources of battery materials, as governments and industry increasingly recognize the strategic risks associated with reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains. Graphite represents the largest material component of a lithium-ion battery by weight, and intellectual property protecting advanced anode materials is expected to play an important role in supporting domestic manufacturing, energy security, and defence-aligned and dual-use supply chains serving both civilian and national security priorities.Focus Graphite continues to advance its graphite assets and technology initiatives as part of its broader strategy to support North American battery, energy storage, electrification, and advanced industrial markets, while building a differentiated portfolio that spans resource development and value-added downstream innovation.Further updates will be provided as the Patent progresses to formal issuance and as the Company advances related technical and commercial initiatives.In Memoriam - Dr. Joseph. E. DoningerThe Company also notes with deep respect the recent passing of Dr. Joseph E. Doninger, who was one of the inventors of the allowed patent and a key contributor to the development of the underlying technology. Dr. Doninger served as Vice President of Manufacturing and Technology at Focus and played an instrumental role in shaping the Company's downstream and advanced materials strategy.Dr. Doninger earned his B.A. from the University of Illinois and completed his Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Northwestern University, beginning a distinguished career in industrial and applied materials science. He spent many years at IMC before serving as Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Superior Graphite, where he became widely recognized as a leading expert in the use of graphite for battery and advanced material applications. Over the course of his career, Dr. Doninger authored technical publications, held patents related to carbon-based materials, and addressed legislative and industry forums on energy and materials innovation.Later in his career, Dr. Doninger founded Dontech Global, continuing to advise companies and advance materials technologies until the time of his passing. His technical insight, leadership, and commitment to innovation were foundational to the silicon-enhanced graphite anode technology reflected in this patent. Focus Graphite acknowledges his lasting contributions and honours his legacy.About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defence, and advanced materials industries.Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals — reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/ X: https://x.com/focusgraphiteInvestors Contact: Dean Hanisch CEO, Focus Graphite Inc. dhanisch@focusgraphite.com +1 (613) 612-6060Jason LatkowcerVP Corporate Developmentjlatkowcer@focusgraphite.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, without limitation: (i) the expected progression of the allowed Canadian patent application to formal grant following completion of final administrative steps; (ii) the potential technical performance characteristics and intended benefits of the Company's silicon-enhanced, spheroidal graphite anode materials; (iii) the continued development, testing, and advancement of the patented technology as part of the Company's downstream strategy; (iv) the potential commercial applications of the technology across battery, energy storage, industrial, and dual-use markets; (v) the Company's ability to leverage its intellectual property portfolio to support future partnerships, licensing opportunities, or commercialization initiatives; and (vi) the role of the Company's advanced materials strategy in supporting secure, non-adversarial, and domestically aligned supply chains for critical battery materials.Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281602 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Fujitsu launches new platform enabling autonomous operation of generative AI optimized for in-house applications in a dedicated environment
KAWASAKI, Japan, Jan 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced the launch of a dedicated AI platform that allows enterprises to autonomously manage the entire generative AI lifecycle, including optimal model development, operation, and incremental learning as well as continuous improvement of models and agents. The platform will be rolled out sequentially in Japan and Europe, with preliminary trial registration slated to begin in February 2026.Moving forward, Fujitsu will accelerate deployment of the platform for all AI scales from large enterprise AI to edge and physical AI. Fujitsu will continuously evolve generative AI to align with business changes, enabling its safe and reliable use across all industries and operations, ultimately fostering customer transformation and growth.Overview of the new platformEnterprises using generative AI need an environment that meets sovereign requirements, including the need for protection of confidential data and the ability to autonomously control AI models and agents optimized for their operations. However, deploying such an AI platform in a dedicated in-house setting faces challenges including AI engineer staffing, complex operation management, escalating computing resource requirements, and new security threat mitigation.To address these challenges and realize highly sovereign AI, Fujitsu will offer a dedicated AI platform that can also be utilized on-premise. Fujitsu will provide the new platform on Private AI Platform on PRIMERGY [1] and Private GPT [2]. The platform comprises Fujitsu's advanced AI technologies and platform products, including the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI platform. By delivering these as a single package, Fujitsu reduces initial deployment hurdles, enabling rapid adoption even without extensive specialized knowledge.Platform features1. Infrastructure for dedicated environmentsThe platform ensures secure generative AI usage in a dedicated, closed environment, preventing external data exposureCustomers can choose their preferred installation location, including their own data centers or Fujitsu's data centers, based on their specific requirementsFujitsu provides extensive services, ranging from infrastructure deployment to advanced operationalization, to fully assist customers2. Generative AI trust technologiesThe platform utilizes a vulnerability scanner identifying over 7,700 vulnerabilities (including Fujitsu-defined types) and guardrail technologies to detect and suppress malicious attacks like prompt injections, inappropriate outputs, and unexpected behaviors pre-execution and at runtimeAutomated rule generation for detected vulnerabilities and their application to guardrails enable stable, safe, and reliable AI operation, even for non-specialistsFujitsu plans to further strengthen technologies that prevent hallucinations, thereby improving the reliability of generated information3. High-precision generative AI models and customization/lightweighting technologiesThe platform is built around Takane, [3] a large language model offering high-precision Japanese performance and image analysis, alongside an in-house fine-tuning feature for continuous improvement of business-specific modelsAI models are lightweighted to reduce memory consumption by up to 94%, [4] enhancing generative AI usability through more efficient computing resource utilizationQuantization technology is integrated to substantially lower AI utilization costs while improving performance4. Efficiency technologies for AI agent developmentThe AI agent framework offers low-code/no-code capabilities, accelerating AI agent construction and boosting development efficiency and speed for on-site teamsThe platform supports MCP (Model Context Protocol) and inter-agent communication, enabling seamless integration with existing systems and data, and cooperative operation among multiple AI agents for sophisticated applicationsFujitsu is exploring plans to containerize and offer its proprietary technologies as AI agents on demandFigure: New Platform OverviewAvailabilityPrior to the official launch, preliminary trials for select features such as in-house fine-tuning and model quantization will begin accepting registrations on February 2, 2026. Features will be progressively rolled out starting in February, with the official launch anticipated in July 2026.[1] Private AI Platform on PRIMERGY: A generative AI solution for on-premise environments provided by Fsas Technologies Inc.[2] Private GPT: A generative AI solution for on-premise environments provided by Fsas Technologies GmbH[3] Takane: Jointly developed by Fujitsu and Cohere Inc.[4] Reduce memory consumption by up to 94%: Actual measurement value for the large language model Takane as announced by Fujitsu on September 8, 2025About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric Invest in Japan LEO Shachu, a Space Venture Established by Mitsui & Co.
TOKYO, Jan 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Japan LEO Shachu, Inc. ("Japan LEO Shachu", Head Office: Chuo City, Tokyo, President and CEO: Yudai Yamamoto), which was established by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui", Head Office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Kenichi Hori), has implemented a third-party allocation of new shares, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. ("MHI", Head Office: Chiyoda City, Tokyo, President and CEO: Eisaku Ito) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation ("Mitsubishi Electric", Head Office: Chiyoda City, Tokyo, President and CEO: Kei Uruma) have conducted their subscription and investment procedures.The International Space Station (ISS) has hitherto been developed and operated by the governments of 15 countries participating in an intergovernmental agreement. Following the planned retirement of the ISS in 2030, development and operation of space stations in the post ISS era are expected to be led by the private sector. As private-sector activities related to post-ISS accelerate, market expansion is anticipated. Japan LEO Shachu was established in July 2024 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui with the aim of creating a new economy in low Earth orbit (LEO) by leveraging Japan's technology and industrial foundation. In April 2025, Japan LEO Shachu commenced development of the Japan Module, which will be connected to commercial space stations, with the objective of enabling Japan to secure commercial utilization opportunities in LEO, leveraging the nation's strengths in the technologies of Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the ISS and New unmanned cargo transfer spacecraft "HTV-X."MHI has developed strong capabilities in spacecraft integration, space-environment durability, and human space habitation through its role as the prime contractor for the development of Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo", the overall system and Pressurized Module of HTV-X, and mass production of H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI (HTV)." Mitsubishi Electric also has extensive experience in developing key spacecraft modules such as the electronics module for "KOUNOTORI" and Service Module for HTV-X, and has strong technological expertise in rendezvous and docking operations through accurate determination and control of spacecraft position, velocity, and attitude in space. Mitsui was selected by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2023 to conduct a concept study for the development of the successor to Japan's science module, designed to dock with US commercial space stations. It will draw on its accumulated knowledge of and expertise in the LEO field to support the management of Japan LEO Shachu and the development of its business activities.With MHI and Mitsubishi Electric, both of which have long been engaged in Japan's space development with a wealth of achievements, joining as investors in Japan LEO Shachu, the development structure for the post ISS era will be further strengthened. Going forward, the four companies will contribute to improving Japan's presence in the international LEO economy through public private collaboration.Profile of Japan LEO Shachu, Inc.NameJapan LEO Shachu, Inc.Headquarters2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022, JapanRepresentativeYudai Yamamoto, Representative Director, CEOFoundedJuly 2024Business ActivitiesDevelopment of a commercial cargo resupply vehicle, the Japan Module, and utilization of low Earth orbit technologiesWebsitehttps://japan-leo-shachu.com/en/ About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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CaoCao Inc. Ushers in China’s Fully Purpose-Built Robotaxi Era, Aims to Deploy 100,000 Robotaxis by 2030
HONG KONG, January 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – On January 22, at Geely Holding Group’s Strategy Briefing for 2026, CaoCao Inc. announced plans to deploy 100,000 fully purpose-built Robotaxis by 2030 and to launch large-scale commercial operations worldwide.CaoCao is Geely Holding Group’s primary commercial platform for Robotaxi operations and has developed a three-part model that combines “intelligent purpose-built vehicle, intelligent driving technology and intelligent operation”. This model brings together all the key elements required for Robotaxi development. CaoCao has spent the past decade cultivating the shared mobility market, accumulating vast volumes of trip data, developing mature dispatch algorithms, and building a nationwide service network, all of which provide a solid foundation for Robotaxi commercialization. In addition, by owning and operating the largest custom fleet of its kind in China, CaoCao has gained valuable experience in large-scale fleet operations and efficient asset management, directly applicable to the Robotaxi era.CaoCao’s Robotaxi 2.0 phase is currently undergoing pilot operations. The company is focused on improving the automated management of large-scale fleets, with plans to launch the ‘CaoCao Intelligent Mobility RAS’ platform and fully implement an intelligent asset management system. This will further integrate its operational strengths with smart cockpit and autonomous driving technologies. As part of its Robotaxi 2.0 phase, CaoCao aims to transition from operations with safety drivers to fully driverless service, while also exploring mixed fleets that combine human-driven and autonomous vehicles.In parallel, CaoCao is working with Geely and other partners to develop a fully purpose-built Robotaxi model pre-equipped with proprietary autonomous driving components and related applications. The vehicle is set to debut this year, and the company aims to deploy 100,000 of these vehicles by 2030.Geely’s Green Intelligent Mobility Hub serves as the physical embodiment of the group’s “green and intelligent mobility ecosystem” vision and is expected to become a key node in a three-dimensional mobility network that links transportation, energy and data. CaoCao has developed a replicable standard for building such hubs and intends to roll them out alongside the expansion of its Robotaxi business. The hubs are intended to provide full-scenario automated operational support for fully custom vehicles and, together with partners, underpin an integrated “Space-Air-Ground Integrated” mobility ecosystem.While expanding its presence in the domestic market, CaoCao is also actively building out its international partnerships. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and will establish an office and operations center in Abu Dhabi this year. There, it will work with local institutions to pilot autonomous driving and green mobility technologies and promote sustainable transport solutions centered on electric and battery-swapping vehicles. Together, the two sides will integrate CaoCao’s highly efficient battery-swapping network and operations framework—already proven at scale in the Chinese market—into Abu Dhabi’s green energy ecosystem.Looking ahead, CaoCao will work to deepen collaboration with other Geely business units, with fully purpose-built Robotaxi fleets at the core and intelligent infrastructure as the backbone. The company aims to gradually build an autonomous mobility service network that spans China and reaches global markets, helping to steer urban transportation toward a greener, smarter and more efficient future.CaoCao Inc (HKSE 02634), https://www.caocao.com.cnGeely Automobile Holdings Ltd (HKSE 00175), https://www.geelyauto.com.hk Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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FDA Accepts LEQEMBI(R) IQLIK(TM) (lecanemab-irmb) Supplemental Biologics License Application as a Subcutaneous Starting Dose for the Treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease under Priority Review
TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, “Eisai”) and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB, Corporate headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, CEO: Christopher A. Viehbacher, “Biogen”) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review Eisai’s Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for lecanemab-irmb (U.S. brand name: LEQEMBI®) subcutaneous autoinjector (SC-AI), LEQEMBI IQLIK, as a weekly starting dose. LEQEMBI is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease (collectively referred to as early AD). The sBLA has been granted Priority Review, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of May 24, 2026.Should the FDA approve the LEQEMBI IQLIK 500 mg SC dosing regimen (two 250 mg injections), the autoinjector could be used to administer a once-weekly starting dose, as an alternative to the current bi-weekly intravenous (IV) dosing. This would enable patients and care partners to choose SC administration at home for both treatment initiation and the currently approved maintenance therapy (360 mg), offering the option of SC or IV administration throughout the entire treatment journey. The injection time for LEQEMBI IQLIK autoinjector takes approximately 15 seconds per each 250 mg injection. The SC formulation also has the potential to reduce healthcare resources associated with IV dosing, such as infusion preparation and nurse monitoring, while streamlining the overall AD treatment pathway.The sBLA is supported by data evaluating SC administration of lecanemab across a range of doses and as part of sub-studies within the Phase 3 Clarity AD open-label extension (OLE) following the 18- month core study in individuals with early AD. Data show that once-weekly administration of the 500 mg of SC-AI achieved equivalent exposure to once every two weeks IV administration and similar clinical and biomarker benefits. SC administration demonstrated a safety profile similar to IV administration, with less than 2% incidence of systemic injection or infusion-related reactions.AD is a progressive, relentless disease, with amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau as hallmarks, that is caused by a continuous underlying neurotoxic process driven by protofibrils* (PF) that begins before amyloid plaque removal and continues afterward. 1,2,3 Only LEQEMBI fights AD in two ways – targeting both PF and amyloid plaque, which can impact tau downstream.LEQEMBI is currently approved in 53 countries and regions and is under regulatory review in 7 countries. In August 2025, the US FDA approved LEQEMBI IQLIK 360 mg for weekly subcutaneous maintenance dosing after 18 months of IV treatment every two weeks.Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab’s development and regulatory submissions globally, with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.*Protofibrils are thought to be the most toxic Aβ species that contribute to brain damage in AD and play a major role in the cognitive decline of this progressive and devastating disease. Protofibrils can cause neuronal and synaptic damage in the brain, which can subsequently adversely affect cognitive function through multiple mechanisms. 1 The mechanism by which this occurs as been reported not only by increasing the formation of insoluble Aβ plaques, but also by directly damaging signaling between neurons and other cells. It is believed that reducing protofibrils may reduce neuronal damage and cognitive impairment, potentially preventing the progression of AD.2For more details, please visit: https://www.eisai.com/news/2026/pdf/enews202605pdf.pdf Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Emory University dismisses Iranian official’s daughter following protests against her appointment
The daughter of a high-ranking Iranian official, who has openly condemned U.S. actions, has been dismissed from her faculty position at a prominent American university.According to Emory University's news outlet, the dean of the School of Medicine stated in a January 24 email that Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani's employment with the university had been terminated.Ardeshir-Larijani served as an assistant professor in the hematology and medical oncology department at Emory's medical school.The outlet noted that the announcement came after a demonstration where Iranian-American protesters assembled outside Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute to voice opposition to the university's hiring of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani.Her faculty profile on Emory's website and her Emory Healthcare pages were also removed from the internet.The nonprofit organization AAIRIA asserted that Ardeshir-Larijani had resided and been employed in the United States for a number of years.The group further referenced her professional listing on Emory Healthcare’s official site, which identified a woman named Ardeshir-Larijani as a U.S.-trained hematologist-oncologist in active practice.These allegations initially gained notice during a period of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, which followed the start of protests and reports of fatalities during a severe government crackdown beginning December 28.Former President Donald Trump cautioned about possible U.S. retaliation.In a January 2 post on Truth Social, Trump warned that if Iran "violently kills peaceful protesters," America "will come to their rescue," adding, "we are locked and loaded and ready to go."Trump's comments elicited warnings from senior Iranian figures, who stated that any U.S. intervention would constitute a "red line."Ali Larijani posted on X that such actions would "[destabilize] the entire region" and "[destroy] American interests.""The American people must know that Trump is the one who started this adventure," he wrote, "and they should pay attention to the safety of their soldiers."In response, AAIRIA called on U.S. authorities to examine the immigration and visa standing of Ardeshir-Larijani and her spouse.The group pressed officials to assess if her ongoing stay in the U.S. complies with American law, national security concerns, and the principles of accountability and human rights, in a statement published online.Republican Representative Buddy Carter of Georgia also demanded that Emory terminate Ardeshir-Larijani and that the state medical board withdraw her medical license.Her dismissal occurred two weeks after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on her father, stating he "is responsible for coordinating the response to the protests on behalf of the Supreme Leader of Iran and has publicly called for Iranian security forces to use force to repress peaceful protesters," while publicly defending the regime's conduct.Ali Larijani has historically characterized the United States as an adversarial nation.A 2018 report brought to light what detractors call a double standard practiced by Iranian officials whose family members live or are employed in Western nations.Digital has contacted the , the Department of Homeland Security, and Emory University seeking comment.
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Defense expert says Iranian drone swarms present a ‘credible threat’ to USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group
According to a leading military drone expert, as reports surface that Iran's supreme leader has gone underground, U.S. military assets bound for the Middle East may encounter a significant threat from Iranian drone swarms.Cameron Chell, CEO and co-founder of, cautioned that Iran's increasing reliance on low-cost unmanned systems poses a credible danger to high-value U.S. naval assets, such as the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group."Iran's drone capabilities are worth well into the tens of millions of dollars," Chell told Digital."By combining low-cost warheads with inexpensive delivery platforms, essentially remotely piloted aircraft, Iran has developed an effective asymmetric threat against highly sophisticated military systems."Chell stated that Iran can launch a large number of relatively unsophisticated drones directly at naval vessels, creating saturation attacks that could overpower traditional defenses."If hundreds are launched in a short span of time, some are almost certain to penetrate," Chell said."Modern defense systems were not initially designed to counter that type of saturation attack. For operating near Iran, warships are prime targets."This warning comes as a senior U.S. official confirmed to Digital that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has not yet entered U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility in the Indian Ocean."It is close, but technically not in CENTCOM yet," the source said. This indicates that the carrier strike group is not yet in a position to strike Iran.U.S. officials say Washington is strengthening its military stance in response to the growing instability within Iran, enhancing its presence by air, land, and sea while closely monitoring developments in Syria.A squadron of has been deployed to the region, and C-17 aircraft carrying heavy equipment have arrived.Once the aircraft carrier strike group enters the CENTCOM area of operations, which should be soon, it will still take several days before the strike is fully operational.Chell noted that U.S. and allied militaries are rapidly developing defenses, but there remains uncertainty regarding the new capabilities of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier groups for managing multiple Iranian drones flying in formation. He emphasized that Iran's drone fleet is a concern."These drones provide Iran with a very credible means to threaten surface vessels," he said. "U.S. assets in the region are large, slow-moving, and easily detectable on radar, making them vulnerable to targeting.""Iran's strength lies in these low-cost, high-volume drone systems—especially one-way strike drones designed to fly into a target and detonate."Chell explained that Iran gained an early advantage in what are known as Category One and Category Two drone systems—low-cost platforms that can be mass-produced and effectively utilized in asymmetric warfare."Category Three systems are an entirely different matter," he said. "In that area, Iran is decades behind the United States."The U.S. military buildup coincides with. Protests broke out on Dec. 28 amid escalating public discontent.The (HRANA) stated that the casualty figures had reached 5,459 as of Sunday, with 17,031 cases under investigation.Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been reported to have moved into a fortified underground shelter in Tehran after senior officials evaluated an increased risk of a potential U.S. strike, according to.President also addressed the deployment on Jan. 21, telling reporters, "We have a large flotilla heading in that direction, and we'll see what occurs. We have a substantial force moving towards Iran. I'd rather not see anything happen, but we're closely observing them."
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Fujitsu to support Mizuho Financial Group’s human capital disclosure with a non-financial information collection and disclosure support service
KAWASAKI, Japan, Jan 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited today announced the introduction of FUJITSU Sustainability Solution Eco Track (Eco Track), a non-financial information collection and disclosure support service for Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (hereinafter Mizuho) to assist with human capital disclosure in its sustainability management. Mizuho will start operation of the service in January 2026.The SaaS-based service comprehensively supports the collection, aggregation, and disclosure of various data, including human capital information and other non-financial information, required for corporate sustainability management.Fujitsu will provide the service as part of its Sustainability Compliance offering under Uvance to support the realization of sustainable management by addressing ESG challenges. The service will feature a platform for collecting approximately 170 human capital data items, including the ratio of female managers and managers hired outside Japan.Mizuho previously adopted the service for the measurement, aggregation, and visualization of GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) across the company’s domestic and overseas sites. Following the confirmed effectiveness of the service, Mizuho has now expanded its use to include human capital information collection and aggregation.In Japan, the disclosure of human capital information in annual securities reports became mandatory for approximately 4,000 companies in March 2023. Previously, Mizuho's group companies collected and aggregated human capital data manually using different processes, leading to challenges such as inconsistencies in information levels and increased workload. By introducing this service, Fujitsu will support Mizuho's human resources department in standardizing and streamlining data collection processes and definitions across its global operations, including Mizuho’s five core group companies, offices outside Japan, and other consolidated subsidiaries.As part of its Uvance business model, which addresses societal challenges, Fujitsu will continue to advance long-term corporate value enhancement through data-driven strategy formulation and ESG initiatives, including information disclosure to society.Figure: Operational image for Mizuho's human capital disclosure About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Israel to partially reopen Rafah Crossing under Trump’s 20-point plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced Sunday that Israel has consented to a "limited reopening" of Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt as part of Trump's 20-point peace plan. In a series of posts on X, the office stated that the crossing will reopen following the completion of an operation to locate the remains of the last Israeli hostage. The reopening will be restricted to pedestrian traffic and will be subject to comprehensive Israeli inspection procedures. "As part of President Trump's 20-point plan, Israel agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah Crossing for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism," the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel wrote. The Prime Minister's Office stated that the reopening was conditional on the return of all hostages and what it termed a "100 percent effort" by Hamas to locate and return the remains of all deceased hostages. All deceased hostages have been recovered with the exception of police officer Ran Gvili. "The IDF is currently conducting a focused operation to exhaust all intelligence gathered in the effort to locate and return the fallen hostage, Master-Sgt. Ran Gvili, of blessed memory," the Prime Minister's Office wrote. "Upon completion of this operation, and in accordance with the agreement, Israel will open the Rafah Crossing." "The State of Israel is committed to the return of Israeli hero Master-Sgt. Ran Gvili and will spare no effort to bring him home for a proper Jewish burial," the statement added. President Trump unveiled his 20-point plan to end the Gaza war in September. The 20 remaining hostages were released from captivity in Gaza on October 13. Earlier this month, the Trump administration formally initiated the second phase of the plan, transitioning from a ceasefire framework to a post-ceasefire political and security phase for Gaza. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff warned that Hamas must fully comply with its obligations under the agreement, which includes the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. "The U.S. expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage," Witkoff wrote on X on January 14. "Failure to do so will bring serious consequences." Digital's Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.