Latest news with #GFA
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Goa Monsoon Premier League: Goals and entertainment as GFA experiments with new format
The Goa Monsoon Premier Football League kicked off at Duler on Wednesday Mapusa: Even though it was early on a Wednesday morning, the players gathered in full force, and so did the administrators. There were musicians and dancers too as the first of its kind Goa Monsoon Premier Football League kicked off at the Duler Football Stadium in Mapusa. Organised by the Goa Football Association (GFA) in collaboration with Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Social Welfare Trust, the Goa Monsoon Premier Football League aims to put the focus back on youth, besides promoting monsoon tourism in the state through integrated cultural experiences. On the opening day, it was largely about football as the new six-a-side format for under-20 boys kicked off. Sixteen GFA-affiliated clubs are taking part, and even though it's a 'league' in name, the competition has a knockout format. The GFA calls it a festival. Some of the rules are straightforward, like the five-a-sides in futsal. Two halves of 20 minutes each, penalties if there's a tie at the end of regulation time, rolling substitutions and no offside. Players took time to adjust to some other rules: prohibition on slide tackles, restrictions on goalkeepers and persistent fouling that could result in two-minute sin-bin penalties. 'At this time of the year, with monsoon in full flow, there's limited football activity, so we permitted this event that combines development of football with promotion of art and culture,' said GFA president Caitano Fernandes, who was the chief guest for the inaugural. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Поза во сне может многое рассказать о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo 'The Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Social Welfare Trust approached us and we had no hesitation in giving this (format) a try. Let's see how this goes. They have bigger and better plans for the future. ' The Goa Monsoon Premier Football League is the brainchild of V.P.V. Yugka Murrthy, trustee of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and vice president (South India) of the Indo-Latin American Chamber of Commerce. 'As vice president (of the Indo-Latin American Chamber of Commerce), I have had several opportunities to discuss football with people in Latin America and even Europe. They always ask me why Indian football has not progressed, why are we not producing quality footballers. I know there is talent, but it remains largely untapped. Many don't have enough (international) opportunities,' said Yugka Murrthy. Murrthy is hoping the selectors' eyes can spot talent, who can then be trained as part of a 'professional roadmap.' 'In Goa where everyone breathes football and the GFA is an organisation which has a rich 65-year history, we think it's the best place to provide the deserving players the opportunities they deserve. We chose this format because everyone likes entertaining play with goals,' he said. On the field, some of the teams gave a good account of themselves with Dempo SC demolishing FC Tuem 8-0 in the opening game. Results (day 1): Dempo SC bt FC Tuem 8-0; CAC, Cansaulim bt St Anthony's, Marna 7-1; Patrong SC bt Chapora Yuvak Sangh 4-1; Guardian Angel bt Sinquerim SC 2-0 via tiebreaker after being tied 3-3 at full time
Fashion United
08-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Accompanying report helps navigate new GFA Fashion Impact Toolkit
A new Fashion Impact Toolkit, presented by the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and Deloitte at the Global Fashion Summit in June, wants to share a meaningful inventory of industry impacts for guidance on strategy assessment. But how to use it? And what are some of the key findings from the impact inventory? An accompanying report, published recently, offers guidance as well as insights on transforming these learnings into actionable strategies for sustainable impact. It also outlines the background, purpose and framework of the Fashion Impact Toolkit, thus serving as a first step to engage with it, ultimately helping companies identify their potential impacts, make better informed decisions, become more resilient, boost stakeholder confidence in their operations and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. New Fashion Impact Toolkit is a valuable resource 'We hope that the Fashion Impact Toolkit will be a valuable resource for the textile industry as it navigates increasing regulatory and stakeholder pressure. By identifying and acting upon the most critical sustainability implications across the value chain, companies can foster greater resilience, trust and long-term transformation. We are proud to collaborate with Deloitte to support this much-needed shift,' commented GFA CEO Federica Marchionni in a press release. The report is divided into five chapters, starting with setting the context and why companies should identify sustainability impacts. Chapter Two deals with how and why to create an impact inventory, while Chapter Three explains how the textile sector's value chain was mapped: into 20 main activities and 101 sub- activities that were narrowed down to the 88 most relevant sub-activities. By outlining almost 3,000 impacts across value chain stages such as material production, garment manufacturing, product distribution and use, end-of-life management and material recycling, Chapter Four highlights key hotspots and pressure points that were identified through the research conducted to construct the Fashion Impact Toolkit. Chapter Five lists the six key questions for turning impacts into actionable strategies. 'An early outcome of Deloitte's collaboration with the Global Fashion Agenda, the Fashion Impact Toolkit is designed to help textile company leaders better understand their footprint across the value chain and help inform how they adapt their strategies to be more resilient. These adapted strategies can help organizations identify opportunities to enhance performance, helping drive industry-wide progress,' added Cecilia Dall' Acqua, partner strategy sustainability leader, Deloitte Global Circular Economy Hub. The full report can be downloaded from the Global Fashion Agenda's website.
Iraq Business
22-06-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
WFP Iraq Country Brief, May 2025
In Numbers 11,293 People assisted USD 347,958 cash-based transfers made USD 24.7 million six months (June - November 2025) net funding requirements Operational Updates General Food Assistance WFP provided e-vouchers to over 4,940 residents (1,299 households) in the Al-Amal Rehabilitation Centre (formerly Jed'ah 1 Centre) in Ninewa Governorate. In addition, WFP provided cash assistance to over 6,353 individuals (1,279 households) without civil documentation in Baghdad, Salah Al-Din, Kirkuk, Ninawa, Diyala, and Babel Governorates. Urgent funding is required for WFP's General Food Assistance (GFA) programme. Without additional support, the assistance will be forced to end in August 2025. WFP's shift from humanitarian to development assistance requires multi-year and flexible funding for a full transition bringing sustainable impact. The current Country Strategic Plan (CSP) has been extended in time to allow for necessary adjustments, allowing time to considering implications of funding forecast on activities and working towards increased investment/ownership from the Government of Iraq. New CSP will be presented at the Executive Board in February 2026. On 28 May 2025, a European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) donor delegation visited a direct cash distribution site in Mosul, Ninewa Governorate. The delegation observed the cash distribution process firsthand and engaged in a focus group discussion (FGD), which offered insights into the assistance's impact and the beneficiaries' experiences. Please click here to download the full report. (Sources: ReliefWeb, WFP) Tags: featured, United Nations (UN), World Food Programme (WFP)
Int'l Business Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Universal Digital Inc. Announces Bitcoin Treasury Strategy Across North America And Asia
Vancouver, Canada, June 16th, 2025, Chainwire Company Begins Bitcoin Accumulation And Signs Non-binding Strategic Mou With Japan's Gfa Co., Ltd. Targets Launching Bitcoin Treasuries in Asia's US$25 Trillion Public Market Universal Digital Inc. (the 'Company' or 'Universal Digital') (CSE: 'LFG', FSE: 8R20) is pleased to announce the launch of its Bitcoin Treasury Strategy, which will form a core pillar of the Company's capital allocation framework. As an initial step, the Company has commenced the orderly divestment of its existing altcoin holdings, with the proceeds to be reallocated toward Bitcoin accumulation under a new reserve model. The goal of this strategy is to enhance long-term net asset value and align the Company with global trends in institutional digital asset adoption. Universal Digital views Bitcoin as a complementary reserve asset and plans to implement the strategy in a transparent and phased manner. As part of this initiative, the Company plans to collaborate with publicly-listed companies across Asia to implement Bitcoin treasury models, leveraging the region's growing institutional and retail interest in digital assets and its increasing openness to blockchain-based financial innovation. According to Chainalysis, Eastern Asia accounted for approximately 8.9% of global on-chain cryptocurrency transaction volume between July 2023 and June 2024, with the bulk of activity driven by institutional and professional investors in markets like Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. In furtherance of this regional focus, on June 12, 2025, the Company entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ('MOU') with GFA Co., Ltd. ('GFA'), a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed diversified financial and technology group (TSE: 8783). The MOU sets out a partnership framework for jointly advancing Bitcoin-based corporate finance models in Japan. Under the MOU, the companies will jointly explore: Introducing Bitcoin reserve models to Japanese listed companies; Structuring capital raising tools such as warrants and market-based offerings to fund Bitcoin acquisitions; and Enhancing governance, investor relations, and custody frameworks for digital assets. The MOU also sets the stage for broader collaboration in Japan's digital economy, including joint investments in public companies, the development of blockchain-based corporate structures, initiatives that connect Bitcoin adoption with cultural IP and Web3-driven consumer ecosystems. The MOU was entered on an arm's length basis and there are no related party interests between Universal Digital and GFA. 'Our Bitcoin Treasury Strategy marks a deliberate shift in how we manage capital — by holding Bitcoin as a long-term treasury asset, we aim to enhance balance sheet strength and align with the evolving global financial landscape,' said Tim Chan, CEO of the Company. 'The framework we've established with GFA enables us to explore extending this model to Asia, where digital assets are gaining traction among public companies and institutional investors.' 'Universal Digital's and its management's experience with the crypto and Bitcoin treasury combined with our expertise on the Japanese markets makes us a strong team. I look forward to working closely with Universal Digital to introduce bitcoin reserve model to Japanese listed companies.' Stated Gen Matsuda, CEO of GFA Co., Ltd. The MOU is non-binding and provides a framework for further negotiations and joint structuring discussions. About Universal Digital Inc. The Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses, and private and publicly-listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies. About GFA CO., LTD. GFA Co. is a Japanese company primarily involved in financial services, cybersecurity, space production, and gaming. The company operates through four business segments: financial services, cybersecurity, space production, and game business. Its financial services segment includes financial advisory, investment, and loan activities, and real estate investment. Additionally, they engage in real estate rental, buying/selling, and brokerage services, along with real estate secured loans and resale. References Chainalysis 2024 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report – Regional Overview: East Asia Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plan to sell its altcoin holdings and the uses of proceeds therefrom, statements with respect to the Company's future net asset value, balance sheet strength and financial resilience, statements relating to the Company's plans and anticipated benefits of the MOU, as well as statements relating to the Company's business strategy, market positioning, investor engagement, regulatory approvals, the availability of capital, anticipated timelines, and general economic, financial, market and political conditions. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the assumption that the Company will be able to liquidate its altcoin holdings at favourable prices or at all, the Company continuing its anticipated business strategy, including entrance into of the Asian market, and the Company and GFA being able to consummate a binding transaction or series of transactions based on the non-binding MOU, the Company's business strategy, expectations with respect to market conditions, investor engagement, regulatory approvals, the availability of capital, anticipated timelines, operating costs, and other business and economic considerations. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the risk that the Company is not able to liquidate its altcoin holdings at favourable prices or at all, which would affect the uses of proceeds from such sale, the Company and GFA failing to enter into a binding agreement based on the MOU and not realizing the anticipated benefits set out above, the Company changing its business strategy relating to the Asian market or the Bitcoin Treasury Strategy. Please see the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recent annual information form dated June 3, 2025 for the year ended January 31, 2025, as well as the 'Financial Instruments and Related Risks' section of the Company's most recent management discussion & analysis for the year ended January 31, 2025 for a further description of the risks applicable to the Company. Contact CEO Tim Chan Universal Digital Inc. IR@
Business Insider
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Universal Digital Inc. Announces Bitcoin Treasury Strategy Across North America And Asia
Vancouver, Canada, June 16th, 2025, Chainwire Company Begins Bitcoin Accumulation And Signs Non-binding Strategic Mou With Japan's Gfa Co., Ltd. Targets Launching Bitcoin Treasuries in Asia's US$25 Trillion Public Market Universal Digital Inc. (the 'Company' or 'Universal Digital') (CSE: 'LFG', FSE: 8R20) is pleased to announce the launch of its Bitcoin Treasury Strategy, which will form a core pillar of the Company's capital allocation framework. As an initial step, the Company has commenced the orderly divestment of its existing altcoin holdings, with the proceeds to be reallocated toward Bitcoin accumulation under a new reserve model. The goal of this strategy is to enhance long-term net asset value and align the Company with global trends in institutional digital asset adoption. Universal Digital views Bitcoin as a complementary reserve asset and plans to implement the strategy in a transparent and phased manner. As part of this initiative, the Company plans to collaborate with publicly-listed companies across Asia to implement Bitcoin treasury models, leveraging the region's growing institutional and retail interest in digital assets and its increasing openness to blockchain-based financial innovation. According to Chainalysis, Eastern Asia accounted for approximately 8.9% of global on-chain cryptocurrency transaction volume between July 2023 and June 2024, with the bulk of activity driven by institutional and professional investors in markets like Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. In furtherance of this regional focus, on June 12, 2025, the Company entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ('MOU') with GFA Co., Ltd. ('GFA'), a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed diversified financial and technology group (TSE: 8783). The MOU sets out a partnership framework for jointly advancing Bitcoin-based corporate finance models in Japan. Under the MOU, the companies will jointly explore: Introducing Bitcoin reserve models to Japanese listed companies; Structuring capital raising tools such as warrants and market-based offerings to fund Bitcoin acquisitions; and Enhancing governance, investor relations, and custody frameworks for digital assets. The MOU also sets the stage for broader collaboration in Japan's digital economy, including joint investments in public companies, the development of blockchain-based corporate structures, initiatives that connect Bitcoin adoption with cultural IP and Web3-driven consumer ecosystems. The MOU was entered on an arm's length basis and there are no related party interests between Universal Digital and GFA. 'Our Bitcoin Treasury Strategy marks a deliberate shift in how we manage capital — by holding Bitcoin as a long-term treasury asset, we aim to enhance balance sheet strength and align with the evolving global financial landscape,' said Tim Chan, CEO of the Company. 'The framework we've established with GFA enables us to explore extending this model to Asia, where digital assets are gaining traction among public companies and institutional investors.' 'Universal Digital's and its management's experience with the crypto and Bitcoin treasury combined with our expertise on the Japanese markets makes us a strong team. I look forward to working closely with Universal Digital to introduce bitcoin reserve model to Japanese listed companies.' Stated Gen Matsuda, CEO of GFA Co., Ltd. The MOU is non-binding and provides a framework for further negotiations and joint structuring discussions. About Universal Digital Inc. The Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses, and private and publicly-listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies. About GFA CO., LTD. GFA Co. is a Japanese company primarily involved in financial services, cybersecurity, space production, and gaming. The company operates through four business segments: financial services, cybersecurity, space production, and game business. Its financial services segment includes financial advisory, investment, and loan activities, and real estate investment. Additionally, they engage in real estate rental, buying/selling, and brokerage services, along with real estate secured loans and resale. Chainalysis 2024 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report – Regional Overview: East Asia Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plan to sell its altcoin holdings and the uses of proceeds therefrom, statements with respect to the Company's future net asset value, balance sheet strength and financial resilience, statements relating to the Company's plans and anticipated benefits of the MOU, as well as statements relating to the Company's business strategy, market positioning, investor engagement, regulatory approvals, the availability of capital, anticipated timelines, and general economic, financial, market and political conditions. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the assumption that the Company will be able to liquidate its altcoin holdings at favourable prices or at all, the Company continuing its anticipated business strategy, including entrance into of the Asian market, and the Company and GFA being able to consummate a binding transaction or series of transactions based on the non-binding MOU, the Company's business strategy, expectations with respect to market conditions, investor engagement, regulatory approvals, the availability of capital, anticipated timelines, operating costs, and other business and economic considerations. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the risk that the Company is not able to liquidate its altcoin holdings at favourable prices or at all, which would affect the uses of proceeds from such sale, the Company and GFA failing to enter into a binding agreement based on the MOU and not realizing the anticipated benefits set out above, the Company changing its business strategy relating to the Asian market or the Bitcoin Treasury Strategy. Please see the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recent annual information form dated June 3, 2025 for the year ended January 31, 2025, as well as the 'Financial Instruments and Related Risks' section of the Company's most recent management discussion & analysis for the year ended January 31, 2025 for a further description of the risks applicable to the Company. Contact CEO
