WASHINGTON , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI, the defense technology company building autonomy for the world, has announced it is expanding its work with Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR), a leading provider of AI systems, to develop and deliver large-scale command and control of autonomous uncrewed systems, including operations in GPS- and communications-denied environments. With Warp Speed, Palantir's manufacturing OS for American re-industrialization, Shield AI is doubling down on its commitment to delivering scalable, AI-powered solutions to protect service members and civilians. By leveraging Shield AI's advanced Hivemind software development kit, along with Palantir's suite of powerful software solutions—including enterprise resource planning, geospatial intelligence, and operational decision-making tools—the partnership combines the strengths of both companies to address the most critical defense challenges. "Shield AI and Palantir have both built technology products proven in the most demanding environments," said Brandon Tseng , Shield AI's President, Co-founder, and former Navy SEAL. "Our partnership is about bringing together Palantir's software dominance and Shield AI's expertise in autonomy to deliver the best possible outcomes for customers. It's exciting to scale up what we've been working on together in this next chapter of our partnership." This announcement builds on work Shield AI and Palantir showcased at the Association of the U.S. Army's (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Expo in October, where the companies demonstrated the integration of Shield AI's Hivemind with Palantir's Gaia. This integration created a unified command-and-control system for autonomous systems. Hivemind's proven autonomy capabilities—demonstrated on platforms like the V-BAT , F-16, MQM-178 Firejet, and Nova quadcopter—now seamlessly integrate with Gaia's geospatial intelligence tools, enabling real-time mission execution and precision targeting. "The American Industrial Base needs Warp Speed," said Shyam Sankar , Palantir's Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. "Shield AI stands out in their field, having achieved mission impact and product results where others have struggled. This partnership, and Shield AI's deploying of our newly announced manufacturing OS will enable faster and better delivery to customers, and ultimately aid in the defense of the West." About Palantir Technologies Inc. Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today. Additional information is available at https://www.palantir.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, Palantir's expectations regarding the amount and the terms of the contract and the expected benefits of our software platforms. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and were based on current expectations as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management as of that time with respect to future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include our ability to meet the unique needs of our customer; the failure of our platforms to satisfy our customer or perform as desired; the frequency or severity of any software and implementation errors; our platforms' reliability; and our customer's ability to modify or terminate the contract. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. Media Contact Lisa Gordon, media@palantir.com About Shield AI Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown jets (F-16; MQM-178 Firejet), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (MQ-35 V-BAT), and three quadcopters (Nova, Nova 2, iPRD). The company has offices in San Diego , Dallas , Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI's products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram. Media Contact Lily Hinz , media@shield.ai View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shield-ai-and-palantir-technologies-deepen-strategic-partnership-and-announce-deployment-of-warp-speed-302324396.html SOURCE Shield AI
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS’), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasise the need to consider Socio-Economic and environmental factors in the national security equation. This is as the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, argued that the media have the power to shape opinions, and influence perspectives/narratives. The very senior officers spoke on Thursday in Abuja, at a Round Table on Nigeria’s Unity and National Interest, organised by the NCTC for defence correspondents. In his remarks, the defence chief noted: “Although these views are essential, it is important that our understanding of national security is expanded to incorporate broader social, economic, and environmental elements which are hallmarks of what is termed development journalism. “It is also necessary to note that actions of the military in ensuring Nigeria’s national security account for only 30% or less of the overall efforts required, while the remaining 70% of maintaining Nigeria’s peace and security rest on the socio-economic elements of the country. “In a nutshell, national security entails the protection of our nation’s core values, institutions, as well as citizens from both external and internal threats, while national interests involve important goals and objectives guiding our nation’s actions and decisions. “These critical concerns over our nation, particularly in the face of numerous security challenges, tend to undermine the very fabric of our country and threatens the safety and security of our citizens. “Military efforts to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty will be enhanced through development journalism, which is a specialized form of journalism that focuses on the social, economic, and political development of the nation. “In the area of defence bits, development journalism seeks to promote public awareness and understanding of defence as well as security issues, while holding governments, the defence sector, and other stakeholders accountable for their actions as well as informing decision-making by policymakers and defence officials. In his welcome address, the NCTC’s coordinator said: “We are gathered here today, though from various professional backgrounds, but as athletic Nigerians, jointly committed to understanding the role of the media in relation to national security and interests. “As we are rightly aware, the role of the media, especially journalists, as signed defence and security beats is pivotal in shaping public perception and policy on critical issues of national security and interests. “Through reporting, analysis and storytelling, journalists inform members of the public and have the power to influence strategies, people’s actions and reactions. Having been in this military career for a while, I must attest to the fact that our defence and security correspondents have been an immense wealth of expertise and experience. “Most of you have reported on the frontlines, analysed trends and followed the intricate network that sustained these threats to our national security and interests. “You have confronted not just the facts, but also the responsibility to report with accuracy, fairness and sensitivity in an environment that is often fraught with misinformation and heightened emotions. It is in appreciation of your role in the counter-terrorism efforts that I granted my prompt approval to your request for this important conversation. “I therefore assure you that the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Advisor, will continue to collaborate with you and other critical stakeholders to achieve and sustain the destruction of terrorist propaganda. “The objective of this roundtable discussion with you is to foster an open and insightful exchange of ideas. “By sharing your experiences, observations and challenges, together we aim to enhance collective understanding of the dynamics of terrorism and its evolving tactics, discover the ethical considerations of reporting on such sensitive issues, identify opportunities for collaboration between journalists, security experts and policy makers, and have best thoughts on the development of a national strategic communication plan and protocol for the gathering and distribution of news on terrorism and violent extremism with the hope of stemming threats to our national security and interests”.
In a move to finance the space sector manufacturing and other related areas, state-owned IIFCL has urged the government to bring the space sector under the harmonized list of infrastructure for easier financing of satellite vehicle manufacturing activity in the country. Currently, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) is providing advisory services to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) through its subsidiary IIFCL Projects Limited (IPL), which helped in transferring 13 satellites from ISRO to NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) that involved a very complicated legal process and IPL has also done their business plans, according to a top IIFCL official. "Space sector is something which we have been engaged in through our subsidiary IPL. IPL got repeated mandates from ISRO for helping them in many of their endeavours, including transfer of space satellites," IIFCL managing director PR Jaishankar told a Delhi-based news agency. The NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO with the primary responsibility of enabling Indian industries to take up high-technology space-related activities and is also responsible for the promotion and commercial exploitation of the products and services emanating from the Indian space programme. At the same time, Mr Jaishankar said, "We would like to engage with the space sector in terms of financing the space satellite vehicles manufacturing and other related areas. So, we have requested the government to include the space sector in the harmonized list of infrastructure so that we can be enabled to provide funding to this sector." As per the extant guidelines, IIFCL can provide funds only to sectors in the harmonised master list of infrastructure. Presently, it includes five main sectors and 37 sub-sectors. Earlier this year, the Union Cabinet liberalised foreign direct investment (FDI) policy allowing up to 100 per cent FDI through the automatic route in the space sector. Foreign firms now planning to build satellites would not require government approval up to 74 per cent of the investment while up to 49 per cent in the case of launch vehicles. This increased private sector participation would help to generate employment, enable modern technology absorption and make the sector self-reliant. Besides, Mr Jaishankar also said that IIFCL is planning to set up a subsidiary for issuance of asset backed securities (ABS) or covered bonds, as it aims to securitize its assets and conserve capital for further growth in business. "Presently, the company is working on details and once it is crystalised, we will take it to the board for its approval.The idea is to hive off part of our assets, he said, adding, the company will maintain a threshold and will focus on increasing the sanctions and disbursements more as compared to growing the asset size or loan book size.Tigers can't stop Bulldogs, lose second straight state title game
Now the sun shines Macomb, Detroit, Michigan- Oil has been a dominant force shaping global economies over the past two centuries, acting as both a maker and breaker of fortunes. Fluctuations in oil prices and supply chain disruptions have historically been a nightmare for governments worldwide. Low oil prices in the mid-20th century encouraged the production of large, fuel-inefficient vehicles, the conversion of coal-based power plants to oil-based ones, and the industrial shift to oil as a primary energy source. This transition boosted the economies of oil-producing nations, significantly raising the quality of life for their populations. Once regarded as an efficient and clean source of energy, oil— often called “black gold”— evolved into a potent political and security tool for oil-rich nations. By the mid-1970s, oil-producing countries, especially OPEC members, realized the political leverage and economic influence they wielded. The 1973 oil embargo, led by Arab nations, demonstrated how increased oil prices could disrupt global economies and even trigger regime changes. Oil became a weapon that could bring even powerful nations to their knees. In response, oil-importing nations began transforming their industries by developing nuclear power plants and producing fuel-efficient vehicles. However, their reliance on oil persisted. Devastating nuclear plant disasters, such as Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011), shifted the focus towards renewable energy sources. Scientists explored several options to reduce dependence on oil, including nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium, releasing immense energy. However, the extreme heat generated by fusion reactions proved too intense for any material currently known to mankind to withstand, making the technology unviable for practical energy generation. Alcohol-based fuels, like ethanol blends, were also introduced as alternatives, but motorists often criticized their performance. This compelled scientists to turn to renewable energy sources such as wind, ocean waves, and solar power as the most promising avenues for reducing reliance on oil. Among these, solar energy emerged as a frontrunner, steadily challenging the dominance of “black gold” with increasing effectiveness. Recognizing the vast potential of solar energy, countries around the world began making substantial investments in developing innovative technologies to harness it. Global investment in solar energy has surged, with China leading at over $100 billion in 2023, pioneering perovskite-silicon tandem cells with efficiencies exceeding 30 percent, and dominating low-cost panel production. The USA follows, investing $56 billion, achieving breakthroughs like quantum dot solar cells with 39.5 percent efficiency and advanced grid-scale storage. India, at $25 billion, excels in agrivoltaics and bi-facial cells (22 percent efficiency), while Germany, with $19 billion, advances thin-film solar cells (26 percent efficiency) and decentralized storage. Japan, investing $17 billion, developed multi-junction cells achieving 47 percent efficiency and floating solar farms. The global shift to solar energy has enabled significant economic savings by reducing reliance on oil imports. China leads with annual savings of $13 billion through extensive solar adoption in industries, followed by the USA at $11 billion due to reduced oil usage in power generation. India saves $9 billion annually, leveraging solar for rural electrification and industrial needs, while Germany’s $8 billion savings result from replacing oil-fired power plants. Japan ($6 billion) benefits from residential and industrial solar systems, and Australia ($4.5 billion) achieves savings through rooftop solar and large-scale farms. Collectively, the top ten sunshine gold nations save over $60 billion annually, demonstrating solar energy’s role in enhancing energy security and cutting costs. If solar cell efficiency continues to improve, reaching consistent 40-50 percent efficiency in the coming decades, solar energy could progressively replace oil across various sectors. By 2035, solar could significantly reduce oil demand for electricity generation, which accounts for 10-15 percent of current usage, especially with advancements in energy storage and grid integration. By 2050, with widespread adoption and enhanced technology, solar could replace 70-80 percent of global oil demand, particularly in electricity, transportation (via electric vehicles), and industrial heating. A complete replacement of oil by solar energy is plausible by the 2060s, contingent on overcoming technological, political, and infrastructural barriers. This transition would bring profound economic changes. Oil-importing nations would save trillions, enhance energy security, and reduce geopolitical risks, while oil-exporting countries could face severe economic disruptions, necessitating diversification. Global energy markets would shift towards renewables, fostering job creation in solar industries but challenging oil-dependent economies. Additionally, transitioning to solar energy would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, offering environmental and health benefits. The good news is that sunshine gold (solar energy) does not hold the same economic and security value for producing and consuming countries as black gold (oil). For sunshine-producing countries with abundant sunlight, solar energy offers economic opportunities through domestic use and export, but unlike oil, it cannot be monopolized or wielded as a geopolitical weapon. Solar energy’s decentralized nature makes it accessible to many, reducing the ability of any one country to dominate it. For sunshine-consuming countries, solar energy provides significant economic benefits by lowering energy costs and enhancing energy security, reducing reliance on foreign oil. However, the security value of solar energy will depend on technological advancements, such as storage and grid infrastructure, and international cooperation. To foster a win-win situation between sunshine-rich and non-sunshine countries, the global community must right now prioritize equitable collaboration in renewable energy development and trade. This would involve cross-border energy sharing through advanced grids and storage technologies, technology transfer, and joint R&D to adapt renewables to diverse climates. Establishing global green funds, fair carbon credit systems, and hybrid energy solutions can ensure financial and energy access equity. In addition, international cooperation should be emphasized for fair revenue distribution, capacity building, and private sector engagement, alongside ethical resource management and community empowerment. By integrating diverse renewable energy sources, fostering innovation, and strengthening global climate agreements, the global community should create a sustainable and inclusive energy future that addresses economic disparities and mutual dependencies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );ocugen director Fernandes buys $9,095 in common stockThe two parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century have fallen just short of the combined number of TDs required for a Dail majority. A range of independent TDs are contemplating the prospect of entering Ireland’s next coalition government as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consider ways to secure a solid majority. Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.