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DCA’s Responsible Markets Initiative to Scrutinize Growing Impact of Online Markets on Economy and Internet Safety

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From Tickets to Accommodations to Drugs to Domains Names to Goods and Services, Consumers Need Online Markets to be Trustworthy and Safe

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Digital Citizens Alliance today launched the Responsible Markets Initiative (RMI) to raise awareness about the need to keep online secondary markets, which 75 percent of Internet users rely upon, trustworthy and safe.

“When Internet users search for tickets to an event, rental accommodations, or goods and services such as retail products or domain names, they are as likely to consider using an online secondary market as they are the original seller,” said Tom Galvin, executive director of the Digital Citizens Alliance. “But all too often, these online markets are not subject to the same rules. This initiative intends to spotlight online secondary markets to help consumers make smart decisions and provide information to policymakers grappling with how to ensure online trust and safety.”

Americans, by a 6-1 ratio, believe these markets are becoming an increasingly larger portion of the overall economy. That comes from personal experience. Here’s how many Americans reported using online secondary markets in the last year, according to a Digital Citizens research survey conducted in June 2024:

Retail Goods                       

51 %

Event Tickets                       

35 %

Travel Accommodations         

33 %

Pharmaceutical Drugs           

16 %

Automobile                       

14 %

Domain Name                   

11 %

Yet, the Digital Citizens research survey shows an emerging trust gap for online markets. Seventy-two percent of Americans believe primary sellers are more trustworthy than secondary sellers. When asked whether online secondary markets have led to an increase, decrease, or no change in retail or travel scams, credit card fraud, identity theft, or copycat website schemes, 57 percent of Americans say “yes.”  Only five percent say “no.”

The initial markets the Responsible Markets Initiative will explore include:

Event tickets. Online sellers such as StubHub, which boasts that it has sold tickets to over 10 million events worldwide, play an increasingly vital role in the distribution of tickets. Fifty percent of Americans say that after purchasing tickets on the secondary market, either the seats were of lower quality than advertised, the price was not fair, or they had trouble entering the venue.

Travel accommodations. Online marketplaces such as Airbnb and VRBO have booked billions of stays worldwide. However, guests have long raised concerns about their safety, and a recent CNN investigation found that Airbnb is failing to protect its guests from hidden cameras.

Goods and Services. Whether counterfeit luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, other drugs, or toys made of dangerous materials, online markets have been especially risky for consumers. The online sale of counterfeit products has exploded, and many Americans don’t realize that third parties are peddling many products sold on platforms such as Amazon.

Domain Names: The secondary domain market poses an issue for consumers and businesses alike. Consumers may often be tricked into purchasing event tickets at a premium because an online site appears to be the venue box office when it’s actually a reseller. The emergence of domain secondary markets has led to a spike in domain name prices, making it difficult for small business owners to establish an online presence.

Americans are looking for greater scrutiny on online markets. By an 8-1 margin (64 percent to 8 percent), survey respondents said online secondary markets should face more regulations. And 67 percent of Americans said they would be more likely to rely on and use online secondary markets if they were better regulated.

“Given that online secondary markets are likely to become an even bigger part of consumers’ lives and more important to the economy, we have to ensure that they operate in a trustworthy fashion. We hope that Digital Citizens’ Responsible Markets Initiative will help advance the cause of trust in these markets,” said Galvin.

About Digital Citizens Alliance
The Digital Citizens Alliance is a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization that is a consumer-oriented coalition focused on educating the public and policymakers on the threats that consumers face on the Internet. Digital Citizens wants to create a dialogue on the importance for Internet stakeholders— individuals, government, and industry—to make the Web a safer place. Based in Washington, DC, the Digital Citizens Alliance counts among its supporters: private citizens, the health, pharmaceutical, and creative industries, online safety experts, and other communities focused on Internet safety. Visit us at www.digitalcitizensalliance.org.

Media Contact: Adam Benson, adam@vrge.us

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dcas-responsible-markets-initiative-to-scrutinize-growing-impact-of-online-markets-on-economy-and-internet-safety-302211878.html

SOURCE Digital Citizens Alliance

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The Battery Show Asia 2025: Uniting Global Innovators in Hong Kong

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September 20, 2024

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July 15-17, 2025 | AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Battery Show, organized by Informa Markets, is a globally recognized platform for cutting-edge battery technology, energy storage solutions and electric/hybrid vehicle (EV/HV) innovations. It is expanding its reach with the inaugural The Battery Show Asia 2025, which will take place from July 15-17, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. This landmark event builds on the long-lasting success of The Battery Show in North America and Europe, highlighting the strategic importance of the Asian in the fast-evolving advanced battery, energy storage and e-mobility sectors. 

Over three days, The Battery Show Asia 2025 will feature 350+ exhibitors, attract over 15,000 industry professionals, and host 150+ expert speakers. The event will be a pivotal meeting ground for innovators, engineers, manufacturers, and thought leaders from Asia and around the world, offering a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development in this dynamic industry.

Hong Kong, strategically located within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), is an ideal venue for this prestigious event. With its world-class connectivity and business-friendly environment, Hong Kong offers unparalleled access to the vibrant and diverse markets of China and the broader Asia-Pacific region, making it the perfect location for industry professionals looking to expand their global business footprint, either into Asia or from Asia to the rest of world.

The Battery Show Asia 2025 will feature a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in battery technology, energy storage solutions, and EV/HV innovations. Complementing the exhibition will be a cutting-edge conference program addressing critical topics such as policy and regulation, advanced technology, hydrogen energy, emerging applications, and investment trends. The show will be co-located with Mobility Tech Asia and Data Center Asia, further enhancing its appeal and reach across interconnected sectors.

Attendees will have exclusive opportunities to engage with leading battery and component manufacturers, EV/HV producers, renewable energy experts, and influential decision-makers from across the globe. With a strong international presence, the event promises to foster meaningful connections and strategic partnerships, particularly for those looking to engage with China’s rapidly advancing technology sector.

A series of exclusive networking events, including VIP receptions, an all-day Open Tech Forum, and the premium TBSA/MTA 2025 Conference, will offer additional opportunities for deep engagement and collaboration. Whether you’re showcasing innovations, exploring market insights, or expanding your professional network, The Battery Show Asia 2025 is the essential event to drive your business forward.

Contact:
For more information or partnership and sales inquiries, please contact:
info@thebatteryshow.asia

About Informa Markets:
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. Through our comprehensive portfolio of exhibitions, digital content, and services, we enable customers and partners to connect, discover new opportunities, and drive industry progress.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-battery-show-asia-2025-uniting-global-innovators-in-hong-kong-302254003.html

SOURCE Informa Markets Asia-The Battery Show Asia & Mobility Tech Asia

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Valmet to supply a new BCTMP line and an evaporator line to JK Paper Limited in India

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12 mins ago

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September 20, 2024

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Valmet Oyj press release, September 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. EEST

ESPOO, Finland, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Valmet is to supply a new bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) line and a related evaporator line to JK Paper Limited’s Fort Songadh mill in India. The new BCTMP line will manufacture high-quality BCTMP pulp for lightweight coated board production. The start-up is scheduled for the end of 2025.

The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2024. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

“The new BCTMP and evaporator line will play a crucial role in our production process, enabling us to meet increasing market demands while adhering to the highest quality and environmental responsibility standards. Valmet’s unique high-temperature (HT) BCTMP technology will allow us to achieve superior pulp quality and energy efficiency, ensuring that we remain competitive in the global marketplace,” says A.S. Mehta, President, JK Paper Limited.

“The BCTMP order from JK Paper marks a significant continuation of our cooperation. We are privileged that Valmet has been chosen to contribute to their ongoing success. Our advanced HT-BCTMP and evaporator line technologies will enhance their production capabilities and support their efforts to minimize environmental impact through energy-efficient and resource-saving solutions,” says Fredrik Willgottson, Vice President, Pulp & Energy, Asia Pacific, Valmet.

Technical details about the delivery

The 400 ADMT/d BCTMP line is based on Valmet’s HT-BCTMP technology for optimized impregnation, producing pulp with high bulk and low shive content at minimum energy consumption. The line will include all main process technology for chip washing, pre-steaming, PREX impregnation, HC refining, MC bleaching, HC bleaching, LC refining, screening, reject refining, steam separation, heat recovery, and pulp washing.

The delivery includes a Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) tube evaporator plant for handling the BCTMP plant liquor. It covers MVR evaporator effects, a tube concentrator, and a condensate treatment plant. The evaporator line includes Valmet’s patented Internal Condensate Treatment for producing cleaner condensate for recycling in the mill. The new line will have a design capacity of 180 tons of water per hour.

Information about JK Paper Limited

JK Paper Limited, an integrated pulp and paper plant, was established in 1962. The company is a leading Indian producer of office papers, coated papers, writing and printing papers, and high-end packaging boards. The company has three integrated Pulp and Paper Mills: Unit JKPM at Rayagada (Odisha), Unit CPM at Songadh (Gujarat), and Unit SPM at Kagaznagar, Telangana. The company’s installed capacity is around 800,000 tonnes per annum.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Pawan Kumar Agarwal, Director, India Region, Asia Pacific, Valmet, tel. +91 96540 69641
Fredrik Willgottson, Vice President, Pulp and Energy, Asia Pacific, Valmet, tel. +66 61384 7911

Valmet has a global customer base across various process industries. We are a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, and with our automation and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our more than 19,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. Valmet’s net sales in 2023 were approximately EUR 5.5 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.

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The Second “FROM ZIQUEJIE TERRACES TO THE WORLD” Global Farming Culture Exchange and Mutual Learning Conference Held

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September 20, 2024

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LOUDI, China, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On September 12, the opening ceremony and keynote speeches of the Second “FROM ZIQUEJIE TERRACES TO THE WORLD” Global Farming Culture Exchange and Mutual Learning Conference were presented in Xinhua County, Loudi City, Hunan Province. Over 200 guests, including representatives from international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), diplomats from terrace-cultivating countries like France and Peru, and domestic and international experts from the agriculture, culture, and tourism sectors, gathered to discuss key issues including the protection of global agricultural cultural heritage and the development of the green agricultural economy. Together, they explored ways to preserve and promote farming culture, showcasing Hunan’s unique approach to agricultural heritage protection and innovation, while contributing China’s solutions for the safeguarding of global agricultural cultural heritage.

During the opening ceremony, the Consensus on the Integrated Development of Terraces in Agriculture, Culture, and Tourism was released. The document promotes the understanding of the value of terraces, the protection of terrace ecosystems, the preservation of farming culture, the active promotion of agriculture, culture, and tourism integration, enhanced international exchange and cooperation, and the innovation of development models. The aim is to promote the effective protection and sustainable development of terraces globally, deepen the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism, build distinctive terrace-based industrial chains, enhance the overall competitiveness of terrace regions, and achieve ecological, economic, and social benefits for all.

Terraced fields exemplify the harmonious coexistence of human ingenuity and nature. They carry rich agricultural traditions and historical memories, and their value in preserving biodiversity, ensuring food security, and promoting regional economic development is immeasurable. The Ziquejie Terraces, recognized as both a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System and a World Heritage Irrigation Structure, are the product of the collective labor of the Miao, Yao, Dong, Han, and other ethnic groups throughout history. These terraces are a historical testament to the merging of mountain hunting cultures with rice farming cultures.

Looking ahead, Loudi City will further strengthen the protection of agricultural cultural heritage, promote cultural inheritance, and foster the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. Through these efforts, it aims to provide concrete examples of “authentic protection, living use, and industrial integration” for the world.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2510688/FROM_ZIQUEJIE_TERRACES_TO_THE_WORLD.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-second-from-ziquejie-terraces-to-the-world-global-farming-culture-exchange-and-mutual-learning-conference-held-302254010.html

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