Pillar

Is Japan joining AUKUS? Not formally – its cooperation will remain limited for now

Retrieved on: 
火曜日, 4月 9, 2024

With Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visiting Washington this week, rumours have circulated that Japan might soon join the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Key Points: 
  • With Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visiting Washington this week, rumours have circulated that Japan might soon join the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has downplayed the suggestion, indicating this is not something that will happen soon.

Partner on the ‘Pillar II’ level

  • For some time now, Japan was talked about as a potential fourth partner in the agreement.
  • The Pillar I level of the partnership involves the US transferring nuclear submarine propulsion technology to Australia.
  • This level focuses on the sharing of technology related to artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, hypersonic missiles and precision guided munitions.
  • Nonetheless, Japan has strong capabilities and critical skills in the areas covered by the Pillar II level of cooperation.

Complications to AUKUS expansion

  • This includes ensuring the drafting and implementation of procedural mechanisms to allow technology transfers to take place between the members.
  • No one inside AUKUS wants to mess with the dynamics that have enabled such close and trusted ties.
  • In addition, there is a reluctance to go beyond three core members of AUKUS until the envisioned technology sharing is proven to work.
  • Read more:
    Will the AUKUS deal survive in the event of a Trump presidency?

A delicate balancing act

  • This is demonstrated in the trilateral arrangements between them, as well as the quadrilateral ties with India (known as the Quad).
  • Japan is also boosting its ties with the Philippines, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
  • So, it is a delicate balancing act to encourage Japanese engagement in external security arrangements, while being mindful the country still has a constitution that binds it to a strictly defensive and relatively benign military posture.


John Blaxland is director of the ANU's North America Liaison Office, based in Washington DC, and has been attending the US Navy's Sea Air Space Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

AM Best Places Credit Ratings of Pillar Life Insurance Company Under Review With Developing Implications

Retrieved on: 
水曜日, 3月 27, 2024

AM Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” (Good) of Pillar Life Insurance Company (Pillar) (Harrisburg, PA).

Key Points: 
  • AM Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” (Good) of Pillar Life Insurance Company (Pillar) (Harrisburg, PA).
  • The Credit Ratings (ratings) of Pillar have been placed under review with developing implications following a change in its strategic vision.
  • For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings .
  • For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments .

Avangrid Foundation Celebrates National Reading Month

Retrieved on: 
火曜日, 3月 26, 2024

The Avangrid Foundation, the primary philanthropic arm of leading sustainable energy company Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), is celebrating National Reading Month this March by recognizing its partners that promote literacy and education.

Key Points: 
  • The Avangrid Foundation, the primary philanthropic arm of leading sustainable energy company Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), is celebrating National Reading Month this March by recognizing its partners that promote literacy and education.
  • “Reading is a foundational skill that can pave a pathway toward future success,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO.
  • In Oregon, the Avangrid Foundation has partnered with SMART Reading for nearly a decade to support their child literacy programs.
  • “Reading is a powerful tool that benefits us in countless ways,” said Pablo Colón, director of corporate citizenship at Avangrid and executive director of the Avangrid Foundation.

Curaleaf International Comments As German Federal Cannabis Law Passes Without Delay

Retrieved on: 
金曜日, 3月 22, 2024

Today, it has been announced that the German Federal Government's cannabis law, also known as Pillar 1, has successfully progressed without delay.

Key Points: 
  • Today, it has been announced that the German Federal Government's cannabis law, also known as Pillar 1, has successfully progressed without delay.
  • Juan Martinez, Head of Curaleaf International, a leading cannabis company in Europe, commented:
    "The successful passage of the Cannabis Act represents a significant milestone in our journey towards destigmatisation and decriminalisation of cannabis for both patients and consumers.
  • As a company deeply invested in the European cannabis landscape, we are excited about the opportunities this legislation brings.
  • Our full seed-to-sale process allows us first mover advantage to meet the anticipated demand from a thriving, regulated, and safe cannabis industry.

ICPO ACADEMY FOR THERANOSTICS to Grant EACCME Credits after Accreditation by Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS)

Retrieved on: 
水曜日, 3月 20, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the prestigious accreditation form the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS), an esteemed institution dedicated to enhancing medical education and professional standards across Europe.

Key Points: 
  • We are thrilled to announce the prestigious accreditation form the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS), an esteemed institution dedicated to enhancing medical education and professional standards across Europe.
  • Odile Jaume, CEO of the ICPO Foundation, commented on the news of UEMS: "The accreditation from UEMS is a significant milestone for the ICPO ACADEMY FOR THERANOSTICS.
  • The ICPO ACADEMY FOR THERANOSTICS offers a comprehensive online educational program, developed by the ICPO Foundation and powered by its global community of experts.
  • For one of these pillars, participants of the ICPO ACADEMY FOR THERANOSTICS receives 10 credits for their educational training.

CallRail and Jobber Partner to Help Home Service Businesses Optimize Marketing Campaigns for Higher-Value Leads

Retrieved on: 
火曜日, 3月 19, 2024

CallRail , the AI-powered lead intelligence platform, today announced an integration with Jobber , the leading provider of operations management software for home service businesses.

Key Points: 
  • CallRail , the AI-powered lead intelligence platform, today announced an integration with Jobber , the leading provider of operations management software for home service businesses.
  • “Our technology automatically surfaces actionable insights from calls and highlights the marketing activities that are bringing those leads.
  • "Spending money on marketing can be intimidating for home service businesses, which often operate on tight budgets where every dollar counts," said Sam Pillar, CEO and co-founder of Jobber.
  • At Jobber, we want to take the guesswork out of running a successful home service business and provide the right tools for service pros to win work faster.

Wolters Kluwer extends Global Minimum Tax expert solution to North America

Retrieved on: 
水曜日, 3月 13, 2024

Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services, today launched its CCH® Tagetik Global Minimum Tax expert solution in North America.

Key Points: 
  • Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services, today launched its CCH® Tagetik Global Minimum Tax expert solution in North America.
  • Our new Global Minimum Tax expert solution enables CFOs and tax leaders to collect, aggregate and analyze fragmented data and supports the end-to-end tax process, providing vital insights for tax strategy planning.”
    The goal of the OECD Pillar Two framework is to create a global minimum tax, with large, multinational enterprises paying, at minimum, an effective tax rate of 15% in every jurisdiction in which they do business.
  • The CCH Tagetik Global Minimum Tax expert solution was named New Product of the Year in the Business Intelligence Group’s annual BIG Awards for Business.
  • Wolters Kluwer CCH Tagetik has significant expertise and experience in supporting clients’ corporate tax needs in North America.

Shield AI to Acquire Australia-Based Sentient Vision Systems and Establish Shield AI Australia

Retrieved on: 
木曜日, 4月 4, 2024

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI, Inc., the defense technology company building the world's best AI pilot, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Sentient Vision Systems (Sentient), an Australia-based leader in AI-enabled real-time situational awareness, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI, Inc., the defense technology company building the world's best AI pilot, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Sentient Vision Systems (Sentient), an Australia-based leader in AI-enabled real-time situational awareness, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.
  • In August 2023, the companies announced the joint development of a ViDAR-enabled wide area motion imagery (WAMI) solution called "Sentient Observer," which Shield AI plans to fly this year.
  • For Shield AI, Sentient Observer is the final piece of that puzzle.
  • Shield AI has accumulated more autonomous flight hours executing fighter jet maneuvers, like dogfighting, than any company in the world.

Pillar To Post Recognizes Its Top-Performing Franchise Business Owners for A Year of Innovation & Growth At Annual Conference

Retrieved on: 
火曜日, 4月 2, 2024

TAMPA, Fla., April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pillar To Post, the largest home inspection company in North America, recently concluded its annual franchise conference held in Jacksonville, FL, celebrating the brand's franchise achievements as it heads into its 30th year in business. The conference brought together franchise business owners, corporate executives, and industry experts to celebrate milestones, foster collaboration, and map out a course for continued success in the coming year.

Key Points: 
  • The conference brought together franchise business owners, corporate executives, and industry experts to celebrate milestones, foster collaboration, and map out a course for continued success in the coming year.
  • The event showcased the dedication, innovation, and excellence exhibited by franchise business owners across the Pillar To Post network.
  • As Franchise Business Owner of The Year, David serves as a symbol of excellence and inspiration for fellow franchise business owners across the Pillar To Post network.
  • For more information on Pillar To Post franchise opportunities, please visit https://franchise.pillartopost.com/ .

EY spokespeople available for federal budget insights and commentary

Retrieved on: 
月曜日, 4月 1, 2024

Fred O'Riordan , National Tax Policy Leader, EY Canada and Stéphane Leblanc , Tax Partner, EY Private will be attending the budget lock up on Tuesday, April 16 and are able to provide direct insights on the federal budget and its impact on Canadian citizens and businesses.

Key Points: 
  • Fred O'Riordan , National Tax Policy Leader, EY Canada and Stéphane Leblanc , Tax Partner, EY Private will be attending the budget lock up on Tuesday, April 16 and are able to provide direct insights on the federal budget and its impact on Canadian citizens and businesses.
  • They will also be hosting a webcast that evening at 6:30 pm EDT to share insights into what was covered.
  • Additionally, EY business subject matter experts are available to provide insights.
  • Dr. Lance Mortlock , Managing Partner, Energy EY Canada
    Terry McKay – Oil and Gas Leader, EY Canada
    Legislation changes around open banking, financial services and cryptocurrency
    To learn more about the Canadian federal, provincial and territorial budgets or explore EY's Tax Alerts, click here .