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Niti Aayog CEO: Growth Must Go Hand-in-Hand with Sustainability

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WRI India’s Connect Karo 2024 Spotlights Strategies for Resilient, Inclusive Development in a Changing Climate

NEW DELHI, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — “The growth and rise of India is undeniable but it is happening in times which are very different. This is the first time in the history of mankind that a large country is seeking its future to be a developed nation, Viksit Bharat@2047, in an environment where climate change is an ever-present threat and technological changes like AI are not just minor disruptions,” said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog at Connect Karo 2024, WRI India’s flagship annual event.

Speaking at the plenary session at Day One, ‘Pathways to Low Carbon Equitable Development in India,’ Subrahmanyam said, “This is one of the most challenging times for India. We have the challenge of growth, jobs and energy consumption which we have to balance with environmental considerations. It is no longer about growth or sustainability but growth and sustainability. And India’s commitment to addressing the issues is visible. If you see the Climate Change Performance Index, India is one of the top 10 nations, one of the few countries which is on track to meet its climate goals. And India’s success will be a model for other countries to follow.”

With large investments being made in energy, transportation, and urban infrastructure sectors, India is at the brink of major economic growth in the coming decades. As this transformation unfolds against the backdrop of global climate change and increased extreme weather events, this session focussed on strategies for achieving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth for everyone.

Subrahmanyam also highlighted that NITI Aayog is working towards developing pathways towards net zero, by creating roadmaps for supporting a green transition across sectors and developing sustainable economic plans for cities.

Connect Karo 2024 brings together Indian and global leaders committed to critical issues related to sustainable cities, clean energy, food, land and water, and climate action and finance. Held at the India Habitat Centre, the two-day convening is hosting more than 150 thought leaders, policymakers, financial experts, academics, scientists and civil society members to discuss the most urgent development and environmental challenges of our times.

The convening offers a diverse range of sessions, including expert panel discussions, interactive workshops and keynote addresses from renowned speakers, exploring themes like transformative urbanization and green development, with sessions on climate action, clean energy transition, food loss and waste, building healthy public spaces and safer streets, water security, heat mitigation, green skilling, eco-city regions, transit-oriented development, and much more.

Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta, Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, who joined virtually on Wednesday, said, “We think of issues like waste segregation as an urban problem but it is also a rural issue. We have introduced initiatives in rural Karnataka where local bodies are now working with self-help groups for end-to-end waste management. This is ensuring a dignified livelihood for more women, leading to sustainable waste management and a model that can be emulated by other states.”  

Speaking about the significance of the convening, Madhav Pai, CEO, WRI India, said, “This decade presents a significant opportunity for India to shape its large-scale infrastructure investments into a catalyst for a new climate economy. Such an economy will support India’s ambitious growth and development goals, fulfil the aspirations of its young demography and protect its most vulnerable citizens from the rising threats of climate change.”

He further added, “Collaboration is crucial for driving this collective effort. Events like Connect Karo bring together diverse stakeholders to exchange ideas and discuss new research that enables concentrated action.”

Key Initiatives and Research Papers Launched on Day 1 of Connect Karo:

Working Paper | Jobs Near Metro Rail Transit in Bengaluru: Enabling an Accessible and Productive City: The paper highlights the critical need for a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) strategy to address the city’s severe traffic congestion, which hampers access to jobs and labor markets, workforce productivity, and overall competitiveness. This study also maps 2023 data on Bengaluru’s registered factories, shops and commercial establishments – to assess current job proximity and density along the city’s operational and under-construction metro network.Working Paper | Pathways to Decarbonize India’s Transport Sector: Scenario Analysis using the Energy Policy Simulator: The analysis reveals that electrification provides highest CO2 emission reduction potential by 2050 (53%), followed by fuel economy improvements (21%) and modal shift (18%) in comparison to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. When these three strategies are implemented simultaneously at their highest ambition, it results in 71% reduction in CO2 emissions through 2050.The Eco-City Region (ECR) Forum and ECR Microsite Launch: While the Forum will enable peer learning, multi-stakeholder dialogue, expert talks and collaborative initiatives aimed towards building ecologically resilient and economically productive city-regions, the microsite will serve as an online repository for critical knowledge resources covering work across six city regions.MoU for National-Level Project Preparation Facility (PPF) for Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience (A&R) Projects in Cities: The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and WRI India have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a national-level project preparation facility. This initiative aims to offer early-stage support for adaptation and resilience projects across Indian cities. The platform will provide technical assistance for identifying, developing, and appraising climate adaptation and resilience (A&R) projects, to help cities prepare bankable and investible project proposals, thereby enabling better access to climate finance.

On Day 1, WRI India also showcased an exhibition on enabling innovation for public service delivery and climate action. The exhibition looked at innovation through the lenses of data-driven decision making, first practice projects, scaling finance and inclusive innovation through partnerships.

About WRI India

India Resources Trust, an independent charity referred to as ‘WRI India’, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Our work focuses on building sustainable and livable cities and working towards a low carbon economy. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. We are inspired by World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization.

Know more: https://wri-india.org/ 

The press release is intended solely to spread awareness, provide information, and foster an informed discussion on the subject matter. The information has been collated by WRI India from various sources. The views and opinions expressed in this release do not reflect those of WRI India.

Media Contacts:

Tanushree Venkatraman
+91 9819761990
tanushree.venkatraman@wri.org

Satbhan Singh
+91  8920105135
satbhan.singh@wri.org

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502649/WRI_CK_Logo.jpg

 

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Solid Joins Snowflake and Industry Leaders to Advance Open Standards for AI-Ready Semantic Context

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The Open Semantic Interchange (OSI) creates a universal semantic framework that enables AI agents, analytics platforms, and data systems to share trusted business context across the modern data ecosystem.

NEW YORK, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Solid today announced it is joining the Open Semantic Interchange (OSI), an open source initiative that creates a universal specification for all companies to standardize their fragmented data definitions with an open, vendor-neutral semantic model specification. OSI aims to enhance interoperability across various tools and platforms, offering enterprises a vendor-neutral specification that provides consistent metrics and definitions across dashboards, notebooks, and machine learning models.

OSI is an open source initiative led by Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, and ecosystem partners across multiple domains and industries including business intelligence (BI), data governance, data engineering, AI, financial services, and manufacturing. Its goal is to create a common, vendor-agnostic specification that defines semantic metadata in a standard, open format. By facilitating seamless semantic metadata exchange, the initiative will accelerate the adoption of AI and BI tools to streamline operations and reduce complexity. This in turn allows organizations to unify their data definitions, leading to more comprehensive and accurate data analysis and data product sharing to fuel AI innovation.

By joining the Open Semantic Interchange, Solid is committed to the creation of a universal standard that simplifies data operations and accelerates innovation for the broader ecosystem,” said Yoni Leitersdorf, CEO & Co-Founder, Solid. “Our participation ensures that semantic context can automatically move seamlessly across AI agents, data warehouses, BI tools, and analytics platforms – enabling organizations to build reliable AI systems on top of a shared, interoperable understanding of their business, without vendor lock-in.”

As a member of OSI, Solid is helping to build a transparent and community-driven standard for semantic model sharing, ensuring that business metrics and definitions remain consistent and interoperable.

“Unlocking the full potential of data and AI requires a common foundation, and the Open Semantic Interchange is the critical step in building that bedrock,” said Josh Klahr, Director of Analytics Product Management at Snowflake. “Our collaboration with partners like Solid establishes a unified, vendor-neutral standard for semantic data, ensuring clarity and consistency across the entire ecosystem. This initiative is essential for simplifying data operations, fostering innovation, and preparing organizations to build the next generation of AI applications.”

OSI is poised to revolutionize interoperability within the data and AI ecosystem by providing a transparent, community-driven standard. This collaborative effort simplifies data operations, unlocks new possibilities for innovation, and gives organizations the flexibility and efficiency they need to build a future-ready data infrastructure.

To learn more about the Open Semantic Interchange visit Snowflake’s blog here.

About Solid

Solid is the AI-native context layer for enterprise AI, automatically creating, evaluating, and maintaining the semantic context AI agents need to understand and act on business data reliably. Unlike legacy semantic layers built for dashboards and manual modeling, Solid continuously benchmarks accuracy, detects data changes, and keeps AI systems aligned as the business evolves. The result is faster deployment of trusted AI agents, workflows, and analytics across any data warehouse or AI platform.

To learn more about Solid, visit getsolid.ai

Media Contact: Blair Bader, blairb@getsolid.ai

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Orbis Marks 30 Years of Advancing Eye Health in Vietnam Through Long-Term Partnership and Training

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Flying Eye Hospital project in Da Nang, supported by FedEx, advances locally led eye care and expands access across Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

DA NANG, Vietnam, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global eye care nonprofit Orbis International is marking three decades of collaboration with Vietnam’s eye health community, a long-term partnership that has helped build local expertise, strengthen institutions, expand access to care, and support Vietnam’s growing leadership in eye health across the Asia-Pacific region.

The arrival of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital in Da Nang represents the next chapter in that partnership. At the invitation of Da Nang Eye Hospital and with approval from the People’s Committee of Da Nang City, and support from Da Nang Department of Health, and other relevant departments and local authorities, the project will serve as a platform for hands-on training, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Through clinical training and mentorship across key specialties, the project will help approximately 230 eye care professionals build skills that will benefit communities for years to come, while supporting access to specialized services for nearly 9 million people in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

Cybersight, Orbis’s telemedicine and e-learning platform, is an integral part of every Flying Eye Hospital project—connecting in-person training with continuous learning before and after the aircraft is on site. Through Cybersight, participants can prepare in advance, consult with global experts, access ongoing education, and continue building skills long after the project concludes, extending the impact of the Flying Eye Hospital far beyond the aircraft itself.

“This project is not a standalone intervention; it is the latest chapter in a long-term partnership to advance Vietnam’s eye health system,” said Ngoc Pham, Orbis Vietnam Country Director. “The most important outcome is not what Orbis has done in Vietnam, but what Vietnamese institutions and eye care professionals now lead themselves. Our role at Orbis is increasingly to support, convene, innovate, and accelerate that local leadership so progress continues long after the Flying Eye Hospital departs.”

“Around the world, Orbis is focused on creating lasting change by investing in people, institutions, technology, and local leadership,” said Kathleen Sherwin, President and CEO of Orbis International. “The Flying Eye Hospital is one part of that larger model—bringing intensive, hands-on training together with tools like Cybersight, artificial intelligence (AI), and research so local teams can continue improving care long after a project ends. Vietnam shows what is possible when long-term partnership helps proven solutions take root and scale.”

Building on decades of progress, Vietnam is emerging as a regional leader in eye health, with particular strengths in pediatric care, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, workforce development, and technology-enabled care. Its growing experience in AI-supported screening, implementation, research, and evidence generation can help inform eye health progress across the Asia-Pacific region.

FedEx, a long-time supporter of Orbis, and a title sponsor for this Flying Eye Hospital project in Vietnam, donated the MD-10 aircraft that serves as the Flying Eye Hospital and continues to provide essential logistical, financial, and operational support. Volunteer pilots from FedEx fly the aircraft to its destinations around the globe. FedEx is represented on the Orbis International Board of Directors.

“At FedEx, we believe that connecting people goes beyond delivering packages – it is about creating opportunities and helping communities thrive,” said Ee-Hui Tan, managing director of FedEx Vietnam and Cambodia. “We are proud to support the return of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital to Vietnam. Together with Orbis, we are investing in the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals, helping strengthen Vietnam’s eye care system so more patients can access quality care closer to home.”

Underscoring Orbis’s commitment to high-quality training and patient care, QUAD A, a nonprofit accreditation organization, works with Orbis to ensure that the Flying Eye Hospital meets rigorous standards that prioritize patient safety.

Over the past 30 years, Orbis has supported the training of more than 40,000 eye care professionals and helped expand access to care for millions of people across Vietnam. Today, Vietnamese institutions and professionals are increasingly leading innovation and delivering high-quality care independently, demonstrating the impact of sustained investment in local capacity, technology, and systems change.

Looking ahead, Orbis will continue working with partners across Vietnam to scale proven solutions through workforce development, technology, Cybersight, AI-supported screening, research, and stronger health systems—so that more people can receive quality eye care closer to home.

Orbis in Vietnam

Since beginning work in Vietnam in 1996, Orbis has worked alongside government partners, hospitals, and training institutions to expand access to quality eye care and build sustainable local capacity. Cumulative impact includes:

More than 40,000 eye care professionals trained.More than 5.2 million people reached with eye care services.More than 139,000 sight-saving surgeries supported.17 retinopathy of prematurity centers supported.12 vision centers strengthened to bring care closer to communities.National clinical guidelines supported across priority eye health areas.Cybersight and AI-supported screening deployed to expand training, consultation, and early detection.

This work has supported national clinical guidelines, stronger referral pathways, improved treatment outcomes, and new models of care in areas including retinopathy of prematurity, pediatric eye care, school eye health, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

As the partnership continues, Orbis and its partners are focused on scaling proven solutions through workforce development, technology, Cybersight, AI, research, and stronger health systems—so that everyone can access quality eye care closer to home.

About Orbis International

Orbis International works around the world to prevent blindness and restore sight for children and adults in places where eye care is out of reach—so vision problems don’t make it harder to learn, earn a living, or enjoy life. Around 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, but with the right care, 90% of it is completely avoidable. That is why Orbis trains doctors, nurses, and other eye care professionals to provide care in their own communities—and works to make sure people of all ages can access the eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgeries they need to protect and restore their sight. Orbis began this work more than 40 years ago with the Flying Eye Hospital, a teaching hospital on a plane that brings expert training and care where they’re needed most. Today, we also work with local hospitals and clinics across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to make eye care available to more people, and we use and develop technology—like our award-winning Cybersight e-learning and telehealth platform, artificial intelligence screening, and virtual reality training—to help eye care teams treat patients more effectively. Orbis ranks in the top 3% of U.S. charities, having earned top marks for transparency and accountability from Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. To learn more, please visit orbis.org

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $92 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

Media Contacts

Orbis Vietnam
Nhung Nguyen
Communications Officer
Nhung.nguyen@orbis.org
+84 0904562983

Orbis International
Jenna Montgomery
Interim Lead, Global Communications and Marketing
Jenna.montgomery@orbis.org

FedEx
Heather Harshbarger
Communications Advisor
+1 901-690-9869

 

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In HelloNation, Property Management Expert Karen Nolan Explains What Property Managers Do for Landlords

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The article outlines how property management services support landlords through tenant screening, maintenance, and lease enforcement.

MENIFEE, Calif., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What do property managers actually do for landlords in Menifee, CA? HelloNation has published an article that provides clear answers and practical insight into the full scope of property management services.

 

The HelloNation article explains that a property manager handles far more than rent collection. Property management services begin with marketing vacancies and attracting qualified renters in Menifee, CA. The article explains how tenant screening plays a central role in protecting landlords by carefully evaluating applicants and reducing the risk of future issues.

According to the article, tenant screening helps ensure that each tenant meets financial and behavioral expectations. This step supports stable occupancy and reduces turnover, which is critical for any landlord managing property in Menifee, CA. Property Management Experts note that consistent tenant screening also helps maintain the long-term value of rental properties.

Once tenants are placed, the article outlines how a property manager becomes the main point of contact. Property management services include responding to tenant concerns, handling communication, and enforcing leases. By managing these responsibilities, the property manager allows the landlord to avoid direct disputes and maintain professional distance.

The article emphasizes that lease enforcement is essential to protecting both the property and the agreement. Property managers monitor compliance with lease terms and address violations when necessary. This structured approach helps landlords in Menifee, CA, maintain order and consistency across their rental properties.

Maintenance is another major focus of property management services. The article explains that property managers coordinate maintenance and oversee property repairs to keep homes safe and functional. While they may not perform repairs themselves, they manage vendors, schedule work, and respond to urgent issues quickly.

The article notes that timely maintenance and property repairs prevent small issues from becoming larger and more expensive problems. This proactive approach supports tenant satisfaction while preserving the property’s condition. Property Management Experts highlight that consistent maintenance planning is a key benefit for any landlord.

Beyond daily operations, the HelloNation article describes the administrative side of property management services. A property manager prepares leases, maintains records, and ensures compliance with local and state regulations in Menifee, CA. This includes staying informed about legal requirements that affect landlords and rental properties.

Financial oversight is also part of the role. The article explains that property managers handle rent collection, manage deposits, and provide regular financial reporting. These services give landlords a clear understanding of property performance without requiring constant involvement.

For landlords who own multiple properties or live outside Menifee, CA, the article highlights the value of professional property management services. A property manager helps streamline operations, coordinate maintenance, and ensure that lease enforcement and tenant screening are handled consistently. This reduces stress while improving efficiency.

The article concludes that understanding the full role of a property manager helps landlords make informed decisions about their level of involvement. With responsibilities that include tenant screening, maintenance, lease enforcement, and property repairs, property management services offer a comprehensive solution for effectively managing rental properties.

What Do Property Managers Actually Do for Landlords in Menifee features insights from Karen Nolan, Property Management Experts of Menifee, California, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content with storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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