What would be the best framework for effective Russia-India cooperation? The two countries have built a solid foundation for their cooperation, and have gone to great lengths recently to reach new heights in their relations and ensure that their regulators and institutions back these efforts. However, they have a lot of work ahead of them. It is quite obvious that the economy has come to dominate Russia-India relations. Today, they…
This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.How is the procurement function changing? Roman Belotserkovskiy: The role of the procurement organization and the position of procurement leader have been elevated to a much more visible and impactful position across most companies, in almost every industry. Jennifer Spaulding Schmidt: Right now what we’re seeing is procurement is involved very early on, scoping and shaping the demands of the business, and then…
CDOs are under fire due to ROI pressures, evolving operating models, and GenAI disruption — and must brace for change in their role. Ryan den Rooijen, Wade Munsie, and Randy Bean February 24, 2025 Reading Time: 13 min Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images The rise of generative AI has inspired a wave of transformation ambitions as organizations seek to reimagine everything from customer engagement to operational efficiency. The evidence…
TBI is a critical public health issue, with severe and long-term neurological consequences. In forensic investigations, determining whether an impact could have caused a reported injury is crucial for legal proceedings, yet there is currently no standardised, quantifiable approach to do this. The new study demonstrates how machine learning tools informed by mechanistic simulations could provide evidence-based injury predictions. This would help police and forensic teams accurately predict TBI outcomes…
Will generative AI live up to its hype? On this episode of At the Edge, tech visionaries Navin Chaddha, managing partner at Mayfield Fund; Kiran Prasad, CEO and cofounder of Big Basin Labs; and Naba Banerjee, McKinsey senior adviser and former director of trust and operations at Airbnb, join guest host and McKinsey Senior Partner Brian Gregg. They talk about the inevitability of an AI-supported world and ways businesses can…
Speaking to parents of undergraduates on Friday morning, President Jonathan Levin noted the unique and special environment that Stanford offers its students.“The kind of culture and spirit of the American West – where we’re located – it just opens up your mind to different opportunities,” he said.He explained that at Stanford, students can explore their interests and different ideas, meet different people, and experience different cultures and ways of thinking.…
Democracy is under threat worldwide. In 2023, global freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year across all regions and levels of democratic performance. In historically democratic strongholds such as Europe and the United States, growing political polarisation and the rise of populist authoritarian movements pose significant challenges. In response, the University of Oxford’s new Centre for Democratic Resilience is bringing together world-class expertise, research, and education to tackle these pressing issues of…
Three years ago, on 24 February 2022, Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. While Ukraine was largely ignored in international discourses and policy debates prior to late 2021, it was a sovereign state at the time of Russia’s invasion, as it has been since 1991 and remains today. Like all fifteen of the former republics of the Soviet Union, Ukraine became independent with the Union’s collapse in the early 1990s. For Ukraine,…
The year 2024 was another noteworthy year for class actions in British Columbia. In this article, we provide an overview of key developments and trends from 2024, and areas to watch in 2025. Key legal developments of 2024 1. Supreme Court of Canada confirms constitutionality of government-led class actions The Supreme Court of Canada delivered a landmark class action ruling in November 2024, deeming British Columbia’s role as representative plaintiff…
My answer: Homo sapiens’s most impressive accomplishments, from building the pyramids to developing Covid-19 vaccines, are not individual achievements. They were possible only because many people worked together effectively. “How to organise groups to attain goals” is our oldest general-purpose technology (GPT!). But there is more. To humans, organisations don't just help accomplish goals. We are a species that has evolved to survive and thrive in groups, and organisations (i.e. groups…
After a period of exceptional profits, commodity trading markets are starting to normalize, causing industry-wide margins to stagnate or even recede. Our research shows commodity traders generated more than $100 billion EBIT in 2023, and 2024 earnings indicate industry value pools decreased by more than 30 percent year over year, with 2025 shaping up to look much the same. During the boom years of 2022 and 2023, higher volatility spurred…
The strategic future of Africa is not predetermined, and understanding the in-depth factors of prosperity and decline allows us to outline a prognostically probable and original trajectory of its renaissance, writes Nikita Ryabchenko, researcher of international relations and world development (Belarus). The author is a participant of the Valdai – New Generation project. The future architecture of the world order is emerging around several civilisational and techno-economic centres of development. At present, the most…
Seyfarth Synopsis: On Friday, February 21, 2025, a federal district court in Maryland issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of several key provisions of the January 2025 executive orders targeting DEI programs. The nationwide injunction blocks the federal government from requiring federal contractors and grantees to certify they do not operate DEI programs that violate federal anti-discrimination laws, and from bringing enforcement actions, including False Claims Act claims, premised on…
When a landlord in British Columbia terminates a lease for non-payment of rent, the tenant can seek relief from forfeiture. Tenants often believe that if they cure this default, relief will be granted. However, as shown in the recent Supreme Court of British Columbia decision of Delta Automotive Ltd. v 4846 Elliott St Ltd., 2024 BCSC 2246 [Delta Automotive], a tenant’s ability to cure the default is only one factor…
Quick Hits On February 19, 2025, Québec Minister of Labour Jean Boulet introduced legislation that would ensure necessary services are maintained during strikes or lock-outs to protect public well-being. The bill would empower the government and the Administrative Labour Tribunal to ensure necessary services are maintained during work stoppages, balancing the right to strike with public welfare. The bill would allow the minister of labour to refer disputes to arbitration…
A recent transaction has illustrated how creative deal-making, in the right circumstances, can address Canadian governmental concerns with respect to foreign investment in the critical minerals sector. Canada’s federal government announced in 2022 that under its new “Critical Minerals Policy” (Policy), investors considered to be owned or influenced by “non-likeminded foreign governments” (including investors “who could be compelled to comply with extrajudicial direction” from such governments) would in most circumstances face…
Quick Hits Updated interview waiver criteria limits eligibility to those seeking a visa renewal in the same category and only if their most recent visa expired within twelve months prior to the application. Visa appointment wait times are likely to increase. Consulate action such as scheduling interviews for those already issued drop box appointments who may now be ineligible remains unclear. The State Department updates followed the recent changes to…
The rapid adoption of machine learning-enabled medical devices (MLMDs) is transforming patient care, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare efficiency. However, the regulatory landscape is evolving to address the novel challenges these technologies introduce, particularly regarding safety, effectiveness, and adaptability. In response, after releasing draft guidance in August 2023, Health Canada has issued its finalized Pre-Market Guidance for Machine-Learning Enabled Medical Devices (February 2025), providing crucial direction…
Overview President Trump’s February 10th Executive Order (EO) titled “Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security,” has introduced significant uncertainty into FCPA enforcement. Despite this companies should remain committed to their compliance efforts and consider whether this is an appropriate time to amplify to staff and stakeholders their corporate expectations. Maintaining and promoting robust Code and ABC programs, monitoring regulatory priorities in domestic and international…
Quick Hits A federal court in Maryland preliminarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing executive orders that seek to eliminate DEI programs and initiatives in the federal government and private sector. The court found the executive orders are likely unconstitutionally vague, lack clear definitions, and potentially discriminate against certain viewpoints in violations of the First Amendment. The ruling provides some temporary relief for federal contractors and other private employers that…
BLG vient d’obtenir un deuxième jugement favorable pour sa cliente, Kleen-Flo Tumbler Industries Limited. Dans l’affaire Desaulniers c. Kleen-Flo Tumbler Industries Limited, 2025 QCTAT 471, la terminaison d’emploi d’un cadre supérieur mettait en cause des allégations de détournement de cartes-cadeaux et de divulgation d’informations confidentielles et sensibles appartenant à l’employeur. Notre victoire précédente de 2023, dans Couture c. Kleen Flo Tumbler Industries Limited, 2023 QCCS 2175, avait également mené à…
Quick Hits On February 21, 2025, Michigan Governor Whitmer signed an amendment to the Earned Sick Time Act, providing several employer-friendly changes. Employers with ten or fewer employees now have until October 1, 2025, to comply. Highlights of the amendment include clarifications regarding covered employer qualifications, benefit accruals, employee eligibility, and benefit amounts. Quick History In 2019, Michigan enacted the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) in response to an adopted…
Determining country of origin From a customs perspective, determining the country of origin of imported goods are crucial for several reasons, including: determining whether imported goods are entitled to most-favoured-nation (MFN) or preferential tariff treatment; determining whether imported goods are subject to tariffs or safeguard measures (e.g., anti-dumping or countervailing duties); determining whether imported goods are subject to discriminatory quantitative restrictions or tariff rate quotas; and fulfilling any product labelling…
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Azure AI Foundry Labs, a hub for developers, startups, and enterprises to explore groundbreaking innovations from research at Microsoft. Today we’re launching Azure AI Foundry Labs, a hub for developers, startups, and enterprises to explore groundbreaking innovations from research at Microsoft. Foundry Labs unites cutting-edge research with real-world applications, to enable developers and creators across industries to discover new possibilities, solve complex problems,…
This commentary originally appeared in Newsweek. The views expressed are the author’s own. Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency is not about reforming anything. It’s about cutting costs indiscriminately and gaining control over all the levers of government power. The result is that vital activities are being hastily cut alongside superfluous ones. Understandably, change is needed across the federal government, and not just to address the budget deficit. But…
After six years, the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) has expanded from 16 to 189 Lighthouses, representing factory, sustainability, and end-to-end value chain categories across 33 countries and 35 subsectors—four times greater than the number of subsectors in 2018 (Exhibit 1). The latest 36 Lighthouses—awarded in October 2024 and January 2025—have not only followed the playbook but are continuing to innovate. They illuminate three leading-edge lessons: They are tackling the digital…
On a scale of one to five, how was your omelet? Your car rental experience? Your dentist, your doctor? How was your water bottle purchase? Your shoe purchase? Your microwave purchase and your home purchase? “These ratings are not only ubiquitous but take many forms,” says Prof. Tristan Botelho. But he has doubts that evaluators use different rating scales in a consistent way. “You have to do a lot…
The Faculty Senate approved proposed modifications to the Research Policy Handbook from the Committee on Research and received an update from the president and provost on federal policy matters during its meeting Thursday.Federal policy updatePresident Jonathan Levin highlighted concerns about federal support for university research that have been exacerbated by staff reductions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). “The indirect cost reduction that…
Development of digital currencies Aside from the payment systems, digital currencies, including central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and cryptocurrencies, constitute another pillar of the economic resilience of the SCO. China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia have already launched CBDC operation and Belarus is in the pilot phase. The SCO is ahead of other regions, which can create a considerable comparative advantage. Central bank digital currencies might strengthen national sovereignty while…
Quick Hits Alabama’s “‘What Is a Woman?’ Act” applies “wherever state law classifies individuals on the basis of sex or otherwise mentions individuals as being male or female, men or women, or boys or girls.” According to the act, there are only two sexes: male and female. Under the act, public entities may establish certain single-sex spaces or environments without running afoul of anti-discrimination laws. The act becomes effective on…
With growing consumer demand for Canadian-made products, companies are choosing to make various forms of Canadian country of origin claims on products, e.g. “Product of Canada”, “Made in Canada” etc. (Canadian Product Claims). Companies should be aware that different laws and regulations1 may apply to Canadian Product Claims, and this will depend on the type of product (e.g. food vs non-food), the type of claim made (i.e. “Product of” vs…
We’re excited to announce the next phase of the 2025 Imagine Cup – meet the startups who were selected to advance to the Semifinals! These student founders are the future, and their innovative ideas are sure to capture your interest and perhaps spark your own new idea. The semifinalists will receive advice and guidance through personalized mentorship and additional benefits within Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub to help further develop…
An organization’s culture—or the common set of behaviors, mindsets, and beliefs that shape how people work and interact—is a driving force for its success. In companies with strong cultures, employees at all levels understand the business’s mission and purpose, how decisions are made, how performance is measured, and individuals’ roles in achieving critical organizational objectives. It’s always surprising, then, when culture is overlooked in discussions about M&A. Typically, the focus…
As an attempt to appeal to pan-Arabism, albeit with no international legal basis, Donald Trump's idea of transferring control over the Gaza Strip to the US, in economic respects, resembles past regional initiatives such as those put forward during his first presidential term. In this regard, regardless of the prospects for implementation, this version of post-conflict development of the Palestinian enclave can be considered another step in outlining the contours…
More fires, taking hold over more months of the year, are causing more carbon to be released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.Fires on peatlands, which are carbon-rich, can almost double global fire-driven carbon emissions. Researchers found that despite accounting for only a quarter of the total UK land area that burns each year, dwarfed by moor and heathland, wildfires that burn peat have caused up to 90% of annual…
On February 20, 2025, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion ahead of the early Bundestag elections, titled “The Phenomenon of Modern Germany: Where Is German Politics Heading?” Fyodor Lukyanov, the moderator of the discussion, noted that the political situation in Europe is currently changing. The era of stable governments is fading into the past, and this is a characteristic of the new international environment. Judging by the fact that…
Among oil and gas majors, TotalEnergies stands alone in its plans to shift a fifth of its business to renewable-led integrated power by 2030. It’s a tightrope walk for the company’s long-time CEO Patrick Pouyanné—essentially a strategy that’s not “enough oil and gas” for traditional investors nor “enough renewables” for green ones. But after a decade in charge, the Frenchman is thinking about his legacy and remains confident his is…
Research Highlight Leaders must find ways to execute on sustainability aspirations throughout the organization, including prioritizing investments and optimizing operating plans. Stuart L. Hart February 20, 2025 Reading Time: 21 min subscribe-icon Subscribe Share Aad Goudappel/theispot.com Thoughtful business leaders today recognize that the social and environmental challenges the world now faces require nothing short of a fundamental reorientation of the company. Business purpose must flip from maximizing short-term profit to…
The critical role of people and culture in retail mergers and acquisitions Summary: Many Retail & Consumer M&A deals fail to realise full value due to overlooked people and culture factors. With rising costs and strategic shifts, businesses must balance integrations with maintaining brand DNA, consistency of culture, while ensuring people remain focussed on core delivery. Q5 helps organisations embed a people-centric approach to maximise synergies and drive long-term success.…
Quick Hits Under recently enacted state legislation, undocumented immigrants in Florida will no longer be eligible for in-state tuition benefits at public colleges and universities. Any undocumented immigrant convicted of a capital felony will face the death penalty. A new State Board of Immigration Enforcement will be created, and more than $298 million will be allocated to law enforcement for immigration-targeted hiring and training, including bonuses to officers who cooperate…