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CEPT University Hosts Three Day Global South Academic Conclave on WASH and Climate 2025

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~ Participants from 30 countries on CEPT campus from February 21 to 23, 2025

AHMEDABAD, India, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The second edition of the Global South Academic Conclave (GSAC) on WASH and Climate 2025 commenced on February 21 at CEPT University. Organized by the Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) at CEPT Research Development Foundation (CRDF) and the Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Viega Foundation, the three-day conclave brought together experts and stakeholders to address critical challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) amidst changing climates.

The key highlight of the opening day was the launch of the PAS@15 report, celebrating 15 years of the Performance Assessment System (PAS). This digital platform for urban WASH performance assessment in India, developed by CWAS, has become a vital tool for data-driven improvements in water, sanitation, and climate resilience. Since its launch in 2009, PAS has expanded its reach from 414 to over 800 cities in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam and Sikkim, covering a population of 115 million, making it the country’s largest WASH and climate-linked database for urban areas.

With climate change exacerbating water scarcity, sanitation challenges, and waste pollution, data-driven solutions such as PAS are critical for climate-resilient urban planning. By tracking water efficiency, sanitation infrastructure, and solid waste management, PAS empowers cities to build a sustainable and climate-smart future. PAS has shown that measuring performance can lead to measurable impacts. As cities face climate uncertainties, data-driven governance will be the foundation for sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban development.

Post the launch of the report, faculty members and Heads of CWAS, Prof Dinesh Mehta and Prof Meera Mehta reflected on the 15-year journey of the initiative and shared the report’s key findings. CWAS has been working on urban water and sanitation-related action research since 2009. CWAS began its work when CEPT University received a grant from the Gates Foundation for Performance Assessment System (PAS) Project. Over the past decade, the project has developed an online system, methods, and processes for performance assessment and improvement for urban water supply and sanitation in India.

The full report is available on https://cwas.org.in/cwas-resources/fifteen-years-of-performance-assessment-system-pas

Delivering the opening address, Professor Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University, highlighted the importance of academic gatherings focused on climate change. He stressed the power of academia to bring diverse stakeholders together to build consensus and drive action. “We, the academia, are the custodians of knowledge, experience and the drive towards addressing the issues of climate change. We must document the developments and foster an active community so that we can continue contributing towards policymaking in the years to come,” he said.

Over the next two days, the conclave featured discussions on a wide range of topics, including WASH outcome monitoring, governance and financing for climate-resilient WASH, and the intersection of WASH, climate, and urban planning. Keynote addresses were delivered by K Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India; Ms. Sheela Patel, Society for the Promotion of Area Resource (SPARC); Ms. Sunita Narain, CSE; Mr. Rakesh Mohan, Centre for Social and Economic Progress; Mr. Rick Johnston, World Health Organization (WHO); Mr. Ashok Khosla, Development Alternatives and Mr. Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy, International Water Association (IWA).

About CEPT University

CEPT University is a recognized leader in education and research in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology and urban management. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding in its areas of expertise.  CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to support the national, state and city governments and large sections of private industry. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to contribute to enriching the lives of people in India’s villages, towns and cities. 

The University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. In December 2023, CEPT University was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years.

CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has over 30 ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world.

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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