India plans to turn its most remote battlefields into tourist hotspots

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreTourists may soon gain access to some of India’s most famous recent battlefields, such as the icy Siachen Glacier, the Kargil war zone, and the Galwan Valley.General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, said the military is working to allow visitors to see these historically significant, if inhospitable, places. “We are opening battlefields, including Kargil and Galwan, for tourists to allow them to get first-hand experience,” Gen Dwivedi was quoted by news agency PTI as saying during a lecture at the Savitribai Phule Pune University on Wednesday.Tourism in the Himalayan border region has seen exponential growth in recent years, he said, and 48 locations have been picked for further development. The military has launched initiatives such as the “Soul of Steel” trek in Uttarakhand and trained local villagers in mountaineering and adventure sports to promote border tourism, he added.The Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest and coldest battlefield, and Kargil in Kashmir, the site of a 1999 conflict with Pakistan, hold great historical and geopolitical significance for India. The Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers died in a clash with Chinese troops four years ago, is still involved in an active border dispute with Beijing despite the two countries recently announcing measures for deescalation.“Now, you are allowed to climb to Tiger Hill and see the battlefield,” Gen Dwivedi was quoted as saying by The Tribune earlier in September, referring to one of the sites of the Kargil conflict.Indian army vehicles move in a convoy in the cold desert region of Ladakh on 18 September2022

Brainomix Awarded For Its Breakthroughs With Transformative AI Imaging Technology

(MENAFN- PR Newswire)

Two top healthcare awards underline Brainomix’s landmark achievements in 2024 and the validation of its software’s impact on treatment rates
OXFORD, England and CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ –Brainomix, a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) imaging solutions, has been awarded the LSX European Lifestars Award for “Healthtech Company of the Year” by hsbc Innovation Banking, and the “Most Transformative Healthtech Company of the Year” by OBN.

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Brainomix Awarded for Its Breakthroughs with Transformative AI Imaging Technology

The two awards, both highly competitive and prestigious, involved nominations from dozens of leading global healthtech innovators. Judges acknowledged the breadth of Brainomix’s success over the past year,including the endorsement by the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) and a series of FDA clearances both in stroke and lung fibrosis driving the company’s expansion into the US market, and also the transformative impact that the technology is having on patient care.

“We are honored to be recognized by LSX and OBN for these top awards, which reflect the transformative impact our technology is having on patient care globally,” said Dr Michalis Papadakis , CEO and Co-Founder of Brainomix. “We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge AI solutions that will facilitate faster diagnosis and expand access to life-saving treatments for stroke and lung fibrosis patients.”
The largest real-world evaluation of stroke AI imaging, presented in May at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) in Basel, showed that Brainomix 360 Stroke was associated with a 50% greater increase in the number of patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy. Mechanical thrombectomy is a life-changing stroke treatment which can reduce disability and prevent or limit long-term care needs in patients with the most severe strokes due to blockage of a large blood vessel supplying the brain.Evidence of this impact has also been observed at national levels, with Brainomix software deployed countrywide in Wales and Hungary, servicing all stroke centers across their respective health systems.”Now deployed across 28 sites in Hungary, we have seen the rate of thrombectomy increase by more than 50%,” said Prof István Szikora , National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery (OMIII), Budapest. “Brainomix 360 Stroke has proved itself an extremely effective asset in improving the efficacy of stroke care in Hungary.”Wales has reported similar results, with a noted increase in thrombectomy of more than 44%. “The Brainomix 360 Stroke platform is a game-changer in stroke care, generating critical information from simple brain scans and providing a secure platform for clinicians to share information, images and analysis,” Dr Shakeel Ahmad , National Clinical Lead for Stroke. “This enables us to make faster, more precise decisions, which in turn will improve the quality of care and outcomes for stroke patients wherever they live in Wales.” About Brainomix Brainomix specializes in the creation of AI-powered software solutions to enable precision medicine for better treatment decisions in stroke and lung fibrosis. With origins as a spin-out from theUniversity of Oxford, Brainomix is an expanding commercial-stage company with offices in the UK, Ireland and the USA, and operations in more than 30 countries. A private company, backed by leading healthtech investors, Brainomix has innovated award-winning imaging biomarkers and software solutions that have been clinically adopted in hundreds of hospitals worldwide. Its first product, the Brainomix 360 stroke platform, provides clinicians with the most comprehensive stroke imaging solution, driving increased treatment rates and improving functional independence for patients.To learn more about Brainomix and its technology visit, and follow us onTwitter ,LinkedIn andFacebook .Photo: SOURCE Brainomix

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Brainomix Awarded For Its Breakthroughs With Transformative AI Imaging Technology

(MENAFN- PR Newswire)

Two top healthcare awards underline Brainomix’s landmark achievements in 2024 and the validation of its software’s impact on treatment rates
OXFORD, England and CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ –Brainomix, a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) imaging solutions, has been awarded the LSX European Lifestars Award for “Healthtech Company of the Year” by hsbc Innovation Banking, and the “Most Transformative Healthtech Company of the Year” by OBN.

Continue Reading

Brainomix Awarded for Its Breakthroughs with Transformative AI Imaging Technology

The two awards, both highly competitive and prestigious, involved nominations from dozens of leading global healthtech innovators. Judges acknowledged the breadth of Brainomix’s success over the past year,including the endorsement by the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) and a series of FDA clearances both in stroke and lung fibrosis driving the company’s expansion into the US market, and also the transformative impact that the technology is having on patient care.

“We are honored to be recognized by LSX and OBN for these top awards, which reflect the transformative impact our technology is having on patient care globally,” said Dr Michalis Papadakis , CEO and Co-Founder of Brainomix. “We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge AI solutions that will facilitate faster diagnosis and expand access to life-saving treatments for stroke and lung fibrosis patients.”
The largest real-world evaluation of stroke AI imaging, presented in May at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) in Basel, showed that Brainomix 360 Stroke was associated with a 50% greater increase in the number of patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy. Mechanical thrombectomy is a life-changing stroke treatment which can reduce disability and prevent or limit long-term care needs in patients with the most severe strokes due to blockage of a large blood vessel supplying the brain.Evidence of this impact has also been observed at national levels, with Brainomix software deployed countrywide in Wales and Hungary, servicing all stroke centers across their respective health systems.”Now deployed across 28 sites in Hungary, we have seen the rate of thrombectomy increase by more than 50%,” said Prof István Szikora , National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery (OMIII), Budapest. “Brainomix 360 Stroke has proved itself an extremely effective asset in improving the efficacy of stroke care in Hungary.”Wales has reported similar results, with a noted increase in thrombectomy of more than 44%. “The Brainomix 360 Stroke platform is a game-changer in stroke care, generating critical information from simple brain scans and providing a secure platform for clinicians to share information, images and analysis,” Dr Shakeel Ahmad , National Clinical Lead for Stroke. “This enables us to make faster, more precise decisions, which in turn will improve the quality of care and outcomes for stroke patients wherever they live in Wales.” About Brainomix Brainomix specializes in the creation of AI-powered software solutions to enable precision medicine for better treatment decisions in stroke and lung fibrosis. With origins as a spin-out from theUniversity of Oxford, Brainomix is an expanding commercial-stage company with offices in the UK, Ireland and the USA, and operations in more than 30 countries. A private company, backed by leading healthtech investors, Brainomix has innovated award-winning imaging biomarkers and software solutions that have been clinically adopted in hundreds of hospitals worldwide. Its first product, the Brainomix 360 stroke platform, provides clinicians with the most comprehensive stroke imaging solution, driving increased treatment rates and improving functional independence for patients.To learn more about Brainomix and its technology visit, and follow us onTwitter ,LinkedIn andFacebook .Photo: SOURCE Brainomix

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DEKA’s Excellence In Laser Technology Continues To Extend Across France And North Africa

(MENAFN- AETOSWire) (BUSINESS WIRE ) — With its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, DEKA, which is part of the multinational El. group, listed on the Euronext Star segment of the Italian Stock Exchange, continues to transform the laser application landscape in several sectors, including aesthetic medicine, surgery and the restoration of works of art.Since 1981, El. Group has been a global leader in optoelectronics, photonics and laser engineering capabilities. The group founded its French subsidiary – DEKA Sarl – in 1996.
DEKA and its French subsidiary have built up a solid reputation in France and North Africa, owing to their unrivalled expertise in developing and marketing state-of-the-art laser technologies.Whether it’s the famous MonaLisa Touch TM, the MOVEO TM technology, or the latest platforms of the “PRO” range, Deka has always met the complex challenges of modern professionals with unique and exclusive solutions.
More recently, the company has developed technologies based on artificial intelligence (for example, its Lipo AI TM for the lipolysis laser and the laser-assisted liposuction , and the nano and picosecond TORO TM hybrid system). These innovations further differentiate the brand from the global technological panorama and have fostered a fruitful history marked by strategic partnerships and continuous research.
The entire DEKA France team were on hand to celebrate the opening of the new offices. Numerous doctors from all regions of France, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria, as well as a large delegation from Italy, led by the president Ing. Andrea Cangioli, DEKA CEO Ing. Paolo Salvadeo, International Sales Director Dr. Giustino Gallo, and Davide Zotta, Global Marketing Director on behalf of the parent company, were also present.
“Today, DEKA is proud to inaugurate its new premises in Lyon, which is designed to ensure a solid expansion of our business in France and throughout the Maghreb region, and to showcase the company’s latest range of medical devices, including micro-ablative and sub-ablative CO2 laser systems which ensure a minimal amount of time off for patients, as well as cutting-edge devices for tattoo removal, body contouring and melasma treatment. These innovative solutions have been designed to optimize results, in complete safety, while guaranteeing the best possible return on investment for our customers”, stated Emmanuel Maroselli, General Manager, DEKA Sarl .
“Our CO2 laser solutions are recognized across the world. The CoolPeel TM procedure, currently launched in the United States, is the leading rejuvenation treatment, which can be performed even during a lunch break, enabling patients to resume their daily lives, including their professional lives, without any time off. These platforms deliver outstanding results in applications ranging from dermatology and otolaryngology to gynecological and proctological surgery, with a maximum level of precision and selectivity. Our laser solutions guarantee superior treatment quality and long-lasting results. The opening of our new offices is proof of this excellence, marking a new era for DEKA in France and North Africa.
As Managing Director of El. Group and CEO of DEKA, I’m proud to see the growth of our subsidiary in France. This is the result of extensive investment and teamwork”, Paolo Salvadeo, CEO of DEKA .
DEKA offers a complete range to satisfy all the needs of doctors and patients.“In the field of tattoo removal, DEKA has developed innovative laser solutions using the latest ultra-short-pulse technologies, including picoseconds, on new-generation platforms: the latest addition is the “TORO TM” laser, a versatile concentrate also used for pigmented lesions, rejuvenation and other treatments. But that’s not all, DEKA is also proud of its innovative exosomes , which deliver information and nutrients to cells, guaranteeing even more synergistic results with our energy-based devices,” stated Giustino Gallo, DEKA’s Director of International Sales .
“At DEKA, we firmly believe that every customer is unique and deserves customized solutions tailored to their particular needs.Our clinical and customer service teams work in harmony with our partners to understand their challenges and goals, providing advice, training and technical support to maximize the effectiveness of our technologies.It has been an honor to collaborate with leading physicians in a variety of fields; their feedback attests to our commitment to excellence.”, confirmed Benjamin Martinent, Sales Manager France DEKA Sarl .
Information about DEKA Sarl
DEKA Sarl is the French subsidiary of the multinational EL. group, recognized as a leader in laser technologies for over 40 years.The Florence-based El Group is rooted in a culture characterized by a constant quest for excellence.Drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique history, DEKA’s mission is to transform every scientific discovery into a tangible benefit for doctors and patients, as well as to ensure every technological innovation becomes a lever for the continuous improvement of its products and services, with the aim of enhancing everyone’s quality of life.
The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
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Jasmine Richards on launching micro-indie press Storymix Books

What is Storymix Books and why are you launching it?
Over the last five years, Storymix has been creating and incubating high-concept, multi-award-winning inclusive fiction as a book packager. We have worked with more than 50 writers and illustrators from the global majority in that time and the stories from our fiction studio have gone on to sell hundreds of thousands of copies that resonate deeply with families who rarely see themselves represented in books.
Storymix Books will be a micro-indie press that will sit alongside our packaging business. As a fiction incubator, we have seen incredible success, but we’ve seen a growing hesitancy to take on books featuring Black and brown protagonists over the past 18 months. I appreciate that it is a tough market. I appreciate the allure of “safe”, but I am not prepared to leave kids of colour off the bookshelves. Nor am I prepared to leave creators of colour out in the cold.   
We’ll be starting very small and will be publishing one book next year. We’re partnering with UCLan Publishing for trade distribution but will also be experimenting with crowdfunding and selling directly to readers.   
What is the story behind your first title, The Other Father Christmas?
It is time for a change. For decades, publishing has served up the same kind of festive story—a familiar “White Christmas” narrative that leaves so many families out of the picture.
The Other Father Christmas is about Mikey and his Gramps—a grieving grandfather from the Windrush generation. Once the heart of his community, running a Santa’s grotto every year with his wife, Gramps has lost his Christmas spirit since she passed away. Now, Gramps is on a wild adventure with Mikey to compete to become the next Father Christmas—and maybe, just maybe, find his way back to joy.
When Storymix did not sell this project to a publisher last year, I knew that it would not be the end of the road. The market is desperate for a more inclusive Christmas. You see it in the rise of brands like March Muses, which create diverse Christmas decorations and apparel. You see it in Christmas adverts that grab the headlines. Publishing might not be ready for a diverse Christmas, but readers are.
Co-written by Priscilla Mante and myself, and illustrated by the brilliant Shahab Shamshirsaz, The Other Father Christmas is filled with festive magic—and a whole lot of heart. 

Gemini Books moves from Grantham Book Services to Macmillan Distribution

Gemini Books is moving the publishers currently under its sales and distribution contract to Macmillan Distribution (MDL) from Grantham Book Services (GBS). The change will come into place from 1st June 2025.
The move follows the announcement earlier this year that the warehouse, originally slated for closure, will instead be used as the new operational hub for Penguin Random House US, fulfilling orders to customers in continental Europe. However, the publisher told The Bookseller earlier this year that it still intends to exit its third-party operations at GBS by late 2025, and will not be offering distribution services to publishers from that point onwards.
Adrian Greenwood, executive director at Gemini, said: “GBS have been the perfect partner in the launch year for Gemini as we brought together all its acquired publishers. The team at GBS has given fantastic service to all the publishers in the group for many years and we shall miss them very much and wish them all every success and happiness in the years ahead. We will also be moving our distributed publishers across to MDL at the same time as we launch Gemini Distribution Services in 2025. We are delighted to be moving to MDL who have shown great enthusiasm and support for Gemini’s plans from the first conversation.”
Matthew Hogg, commercial director for MDL, said: “We are excited to be working with Gemini Books and are delighted that they have chosen to join us. MDL is committed to providing the highest levels of service to its publishers, while ensuring focus on the needs of their customers. This we believe positions us well, to support not only Gemini’s existing business, but also their future growth plans. We very much look forward to working with them from 2025.”

NBT Office to Shift to City; Pune Book Festival Expected to Attract 7.5 Lakh Visitors

NBT Office to Shift to City; Pune Book Festival Expected to Attract 7.5 Lakh Visitors | X/@PandeRajeshBJP
Former minister Chandrakant Patil on Thursday said that the office of the National Book Trust (NBT) will now be permanently shifted from Mumbai to Pune, and a building space from the Pune Municipal Corporation has been leased to them immediately. This year’s book festival, organized by the National Book Trust, will take place from December 14 to 22 at the grounds of Fergusson College. On Thursday, the office of the book festival was inaugurated, and the foundation stone for the pandal was laid by former minister Chandrakant Patil. On this occasion, the festival organizers, including Rajesh Pande, MP Medha Kulkarni, Savitribai Phule Pune University Vice Chancellor Suresh Gosavi, Pro-Vice Chancellor Parag Kalkar, NBT Director Yuvraj Malik, President Milind Marathe, Entrepreneur Krishnakumar Goyal, DCC President Milind Kamble, DES President Pramod Rawat and others were present.NBT to carry out work whole year

“As a result, not only will the Pune Book Festival be held, but NBT’s work will be carried out throughout the year. With the Marathi language now given classical status, a film should be made and shown at the festival to help the general public understand its significance. Additionally, a book-based play should be staged alongside the film festival for children to foster a love of books. Pune city has emerged as a leader in various fields, and thus, the Pune Book Festival is expected to be a success,” expressed Chandrakant Patil on Thursday.
Medha Kulkarni stated, “Pune is the home of knowledge, with many educational institutions. The Pune Book Festival will be held on a large scale this year. Along with the film festival, storytelling and book reading classes should be organised for children. I am proud that this historical festival is being held in Pune.”Rajesh Pande said in his introduction, “This festival is not about one person but about the people of Pune. Public participation is essential. This year, four world records will be set, and China’s record will be broken. It is expected that 7.5 lakh people will visit the festival. Many people are involved in organizing this festival. This year, there will be 598 stalls at the Pune Book Festival, and this capacity will be filled in three days, with 80 more people waiting to get stalls. Book sales from last year, which totaled 11.5 crore, are expected to double this year. Writers from abroad will also participate. Additionally, one lakh books will be distributed free of cost. On November 11, between 12 pm and 1 pm, the ‘Shanti Punekar is reading a book’ initiative will be launched.”

That Christmas to Beatles ’64: the seven best films to watch on TV this week

Pick of the week
That ChristmasWeaving together the plots of three children’s books by Richard Curtis, Simon Otto’s studiedly British but bubbly animation is set in a tight-knit Suffolk coastal town just before Christmas. Shy newcomer Danny pines for nice, studious Sam; however, her twin sister – and budding lord of misrule – Charlie is in danger of missing out on pressies when Santa (Brian Cox) flies by. But after a blizzard strands most of the adults out of town, the home-alone kids have the chance to break with tradition, learn those inevitable life lessons and find inventive uses for the brussels sprouts. There’s something for everyone – snowball fights, runaway turkeys, an Ed Sheeran song – in a film destined for repeat viewings.
Wednesday 4 December, NetflixBeatles ’64View image in fullscreenDavid Tedeschi’s documentary – produced by Martin Scorsese and using extensive fly-on-the-wall footage by the Maysles brothers – follows the Fab Four’s 14-day trip to the US, when their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show (watched by over 70 million people) catapulted them to international stardom. New interviews with Paul and Ringo, and the likes of Ronnie Spector and Smokey Robinson, plus reminiscences from fans, give a real sense of the hysteria the Beatles inspired, while the archive film captures the lads in their cocky, witty, world-beating prime. Out now, Disney+The Edge of the WorldView image in fullscreenThis 1937 drama turned out to be director Michael Powell’s ticket to the big time. It’s a lyrical but clear-eyed yarn about a Shetland island community in its death throes. The escalating conflict between tradition and modernity is personified in Eric Berry’s Robbie, who feels constricted by parental expectation, and childhood friend Andrew (Niall MacGinnis), who is involved with Robbie’s sister Ruth (Belle Chrystall) and wants to preserve the old ways. It’s followed by a quirky 1978 short that takes cast member John Laurie back to Foula, where the film was shot. Saturday 30 November, 10.30pm, BBC FourThe American Society of Magical NegroesView image in fullscreenA magical negro here is a “Black supporting character who exists solely to serve a white protagonist’s storyline”. In this satirical romcom, failed artist Aren (Justice Smith) is recruited to the titular secret group (with nods to Harry Potter) and assigned to boost the self-worth of Drew Tarver’s tech startup worker Jason, which includes hooking him up – Cyrano-style – with co-worker Lizzie (An-Li Bogan). If he doesn’t, levels of “white discomfort” could lead to the loss of the society’s magic powers – and racial violence. Sunday 1 December, 8.35am, 5.10pm, Sky Cinema PremiereThe Quiet GirlView image in fullscreenA delicate performance from the young Catherine Clinch anchors Colm Bairéad’s beautiful, achingly tender Irish-language film. She plays Cáit, one of five neglected children of a pregnant mother and feckless father, who is sent for the summer to a childless cousin Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley) and her farmer husband Seán (Andrew Bennett). They are attentive and kind but nurse a sadness Cáit can’t fathom in a drama as absorbed in the child’s view of the world as the woes of the grownups. Thursday 5 December, 9pm, Film4Fly Me to the MoonView image in fullscreenGreg Berlanti’s easygoing romantic comedy offers up a new, if fictional, angle on the oft-told story of Nasa’s historic Apollo missions. Marketing specialist Kelly (Scarlett Johansson, ladling on the charm) is hired by the Nixon administration to boost the public profile of the beleaguered US space programme, which she does through PR stunts and product placement – much to the irritation of Kennedy Space Center launch director Cole (Channing Tatum). Naturally, opposites attract – but a top-level directive to secretly fake the moon landing as a backup to Apollo 11 leads to personal and political complications. Friday 6 December, Apple TV+WonkaView image in fullscreenThis sugar rush of a fantasy musical from Paddington maestro Paul King brings those films’ homespun eccentricity to bear on an origin story for Roald Dahl’s confectionery genius. Timothée Chalamet (with a surprisingly effective singing voice) is all gangly exuberance as young Willy, who has a vision of selling his magical chocolates – but a trio of established rivals (Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas and Mathew Baynton) set out to crush him. New songs by Neil Hannon hit the spot, while the scene-stealing Hugh Grant is a hoot as an irate Oompa-Loompa. Friday 6 December, 7.55am, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere