Latest news with #LISC
Time of India
7 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
India helps detect: Biggest black hole crash; signal found, 240 times heavier than sun
PUNE: A team of scientists has detected the largest black hole collision ever observed - two massive black holes crashed into each other to create a colossal, 'binary' black hole 240 times the size of the Sun. Indian scientists - Archana Pai, Koustav Chandra and a team led by M K Haris - played a central role in the landmark discovery of this event, dubbed 'GW231123'. The discovery was announced on Monday by the global LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) network - an international team of scientists whose mission is to detect tiny ripples in spacetime triggered by powerful cosmic events, such as black hole collisions. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune LVK comprises three gravitational-wave detectors - LIGO in the United States, Virgo in Italy, and KAGRA in Japan. GR231123 was discovered by LIGO Hanford in Richmond (Washington) and LIGO Livingston (Los Angeles) on Nov 23, 2023. The event involved two massive black holes, one measuring 103 times the mass of the Sun and the other, 137 solar masses. The result was a binary black hole the mass of which is 240 times that of the Sun. Furthermore, Pai, principal investigator of the LIGO-India Scientific Collaboration (LISC), said black holes were spinning at a rate six lakh times faster than the earth's rotation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo "GW231123 is the heaviest and highly spinning binary black hole system detected to date," she said. Black holes this large and fast-spinning aren't supposed to exist - at least not according to our current understanding of how stars evolve. Chandra, who completed his PhD at IIT Bombay and is now a postdoctoral researcher at Pennsylvania State University, helped study and make sense of the GW231123 signal, wrote up the findings, and figured out what the final part of the signal tells us after the black holes merged. He also helped write the main scientific paper. Haris and his team from IIT Calicut checked if the signal behaved exactly as Einstein's theory of gravity predicted - and so far, it seems to match. "This signal, just a tenth of a second long, was a real puzzle at first," Chandra said. It matched the waveform of emerging black holes, as predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity. "We realised that we may have, for the first time, witnessed the collision of two intermediate-mass black holes. Chandra said it could be years before scientists are able to uncover the true origin of the gravitational wave and extracting all data from it. India participates in global gravitational wave astronomy via LISC, which currently comprises 17 academic institutions across India. IIT Bombay specialises in short-duration transient searches, including intermediate-mass black holes in the LIGO-Virgo data.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LISC VA updates City Council on wealth-building work in Petersburg, future projects
A representative of nonprofit LISC VA delivered a presentation during Petersburg's June 3 City Council meeting, outlining the significant financial services that the nonprofit provides to the community. LISC, which stands for Local Initiatives Support Corporation, supports community development in cities and rural areas. "We provide job training, digital literacy and financial training services as well as job placement and workforce training," LISC's Program Officer for Housing and Capacity Building, Jonathan Adkins-Taswell, previously told The Progress-Index. The nonprofit also provides grants, loans and expertise to help construct affordable homes, businesses and community centers. It approaches its investments in communities through four key pillars: affordable housing, wealth building, economic development and lending, she said. 'We're one of the country's largest community development nonprofits,' LISC Executive Director Jane Ferrara told City Council on June 3. '…The essence of our work is moving capital and expertise — investing in people and places to grow authentic and lasting economic opportunity.' LISC recently celebrated its 35-year anniversary serving the Central Virginia Region, Ferrara told meeting attendees. During that time, the nonprofit has invested over $200 million in the region through grants, loans and other resources, she said. These investments have been 'leveraged to almost $800 million of investment supporting 6,900 affordable homes and apartments and 1.1 million square feet of commercial space,' Ferrara said. Most of LISC's wealth building work within communities occurs through its financial opportunity centers, Ferrara told meeting attendees. These centers aim 'to provide a full suite of financial coaching services to individuals to promote wealth building and financial stability,' Ferrara said. 'The core services are employment training, financial education and benefits access.' The nonprofit has a total of five financial opportunity centers in the state, including one in Petersburg that is run by LISC's partner, Southside Community Development Housing Corporation. 'Over the last few years, we have served 309 Petersburg residents' through this center, Ferrara said. Among other initiatives, the financial center recently launched a Smart Savings program, an asset building program in which participants are encouraged to open savings accounts that are then matched by LISC. The center also offers a digital inclusion program in partnership with Virginia State University. 'Basically we train VSU students to be in the community teaching fundamental, foundational and practical laptop and internet skills,' Ferrara said. 'That would include job searches, telehealth, access to resources and those types of things.' In the last two years, 120 Petersburg residents have graduated from the program and received a free laptop from LISC upon graduation, she said. Got outdoor activities planned for Juneteenth? Forecasters predict dicey weather LISC's longest-standing affordable housing initiative is it's Partners for Neighborhood Renewal program. In Petersburg, LISC's PNR program aims to use targeted investments to breathe new life into Petersburg's historic Poplar Lawn neighborhood in partnership with local nonprofits. The initiative builds on a 2014 assessment by the Cameron Foundation, which surveyed hundreds of structures in the Poplar Lawn and Folly Castle historic districts. The findings spurred a three-pronged local PNR approach to restore the neighborhood's historic character and boost property values: helping current homeowners with visible repairs, renovating and filling vacant multifamily buildings with quality rental housing and restoring abandoned single-family homes to sell to new buyers. 'We have done some intensive investment in the Poplar Law historic district focused on renovating historic homes to stabilize the neighborhood,' Ferrara said. 'We have so far improved 14 homes… So we're pretty excited about a decade of improvement in that neighborhood over the last few years.' Two years ago, LISC also started a home ownership program to help community members 'achieve their dream of becoming homeowners,' Ferrera said. 'Specifically, we were interested in working with those folks that had experienced historical barriers to achieving home ownership,' she added. '…It has allowed us to assist aspiring homeowners with down payment assistance, housing counseling and a variety of other services…' In Petersburg, LISC has assisted 79 families through this program over the last two years, Ferrera said. 68 have become homeowners since 2023, she added. 'We've also deployed 120,000 downpayment assistance grants and housing counseling services through our partners,' Ferrera said. '…we're seeing real significant results around the region in terms of helping people become homeowners.' Petersburg crowd braves rain, joins others across nation in 'No Kings' anti-Trump protests LISC has also been providing economic development services to Petersburg's residents for at least five years, Ferrara said. 'We've been providing low cost capital to small entrepreneurs, particularly Petersburg entrepreneurs, with a 0% business loan program through a relaxed capital access and pairing it with technical assistance, through the small business development program,' she said. 'Thus far in the city of Petersburg, we have provided $415,000 in 0% interest loans to businesses across across the city.' Lending is also core to LISC's mission, Ferrara told meeting attendees, primarily in its goal of making capital accessible to those who might not otherwise qualify for traditional loans. 'For the most part, we finance affordable housing, economic development and community facilities,' she said. Moving forward, LISC is working on launching several new initiatives in Petersburg. Among them, the nonprofit plans to establish additional home buyers programs throughout the city to provide more community members with important home ownership education. LISC also plans to set up a new heirs property services program to assist families with heirs' property issues, primarily those involving land inherited without a will or clear legal documentation of ownership. The program will offer community members with a range of support services to help families keep their land. Want to help out? You can donate to LISC through their website, Petersburg Biz Buzz: New exquisite wine bar, bridal boutique relocates Questions? Interested in participating in some of these programs? Contact LISC VA at infovirginia@ This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Nonprofit briefs Petersburg City Council on local work, plans ahead Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
20-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Verizon announces a $5B commitment to support small businesses
Small businesses fuel the U.S. economy — and a new investment aims to supercharge their role in it. Verizon just announced a commitment to invest $5 billion over the next five years in U.S. small business suppliers with the launch of its new Small Business Supplier Accelerator. What you need to know: The program helps create a pipeline for American small businesses, many of which are owned by veterans, to work with Verizon and other large corporations. The strategy: This program is designed to strengthen small businesses — the backbone of the U.S. economy — and to help the country create a more resilient supply chain. The Verizon Small Business Supplier Accelerator builds on the comprehensive support that Verizon has provided to small businesses and the communities they serve for years. On top of the $5 billion in supplier spend, the program aims to empower American small businesses to work with Verizon and other large corporations through targeted training and flexible solutions such as: Faster payment terms. Modified insurance requirements. Adjusted indemnification requirements. The goal: To make it easier for small businesses to join Verizon's supplier network or the network of other large companies. "Verizon recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and a staple in our local communities," said Hans Vestberg, CEO, Verizon. "Our long-standing commitment and investment in small businesses aims to empower local businesses and communities with financial, technology and business expertise and resources to advance economic growth and foster job creation." Helping over 460,000 small businesses succeed Verizon is further fueling small businesses through its Small Business Digital Ready program, a free online program offering small businesses nationwide the opportunity to access: Over 50 expert on-demand courses curated by and for small businesses. 1:1 expert coaching. Online and in-person networking opportunities. Curated loans and grants. In partnership with the nonprofit LISC, Verizon recently announced another Small Business Digital Ready grant opportunity where eligible small businesses who are Digital Ready members (and complete two resources) can apply for $10,000 grants (open until June 30, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT). Since 2021, Verizon has awarded $13.5 million in grants to support small businesses. Verizon has supported nearly half a million small businesses through Small Business Digital Ready since 2021, almost halfway to the company's goal to equip one million small businesses with the skills and resources they need to thrive in the digital economy by 2030. The takeaway: Verizon offers a comprehensive commitment to small businesses that extends beyond a financial investment, aiming to equip these vital economic drivers with the tools and resources small businesses need to grow and protect their businesses using technology.
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Verizon Announces a $5B Commitment To Continue Investing in America and Supporting Small Businesses
What you need to know: NEW YORK, May 14, 2025 /3BL/ - Verizon today announced a commitment to invest $5 billion over the next five years in US small business suppliers with the launch of its new Small Business Supplier Accelerator. The program helps create a pipeline for American small businesses, many of which are owned by veterans, to work with Verizon and other large corporations. This program is designed to strengthen small businesses — the backbone of the US economy — and to help the country create a more resilient supply chain. The Verizon Small Business Supplier Accelerator builds on the comprehensive support that Verizon has provided to small businesses and the communities they serve for years. On top of the $5B in supplier spend, the program aims to empower American small businesses to work with Verizon and other large corporations through targeted training and flexible solutions such as faster payment terms, modified insurance requirements and adjusted indemnification requirements. The goal is to make it easier for small businesses to join Verizon's supplier network. 'Verizon recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and a staple in our local communities,' said Hans Vestberg, CEO, Verizon. 'Our long-standing commitment and investment in small businesses aims to empower local businesses and communities with financial, technology and business expertise and resources to advance economic growth and foster job creation.' Keeping nearly 500,000 SMBs digitally readyVerizon is further fueling small businesses through its Small Business Digital Ready program, a free online program offering small businesses nationwide the opportunity to access over 50 expert on-demand courses curated by and for small businesses; 1:1 expert coaching, online and in-person networking opportunities and access to capital. In partnership with LISC, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready today announces another Small Business Digital Ready grant opportunity where eligible small businesses who are Digital Ready members (and complete two resources) can apply for $10,000 grants (open until June 30, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT). Since 2021, Verizon has awarded $13.5 million in grants to support small businesses. Verizon has supported nearly half a million small businesses through Small Business Digital Ready since 2021, almost halfway to the company's goal to equip one million small businesses with the skills and resources they need to thrive in the digital economy by 2030. Verizon offers a comprehensive commitment to small businesses that extends beyond a financial investment, aiming to equip these vital economic drivers with the tools and resources small businesses need to grow and protect their businesses using technology. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit or find a retail location at VERIZON'S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit Media Contact:Hope Armanus [email protected] 6469834148 Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Verizon
Phone Arena
14-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Verizon just pledged $5 billion to change how small businesses grow
Verizon isn't slowing down when it comes to supporting small businesses in the US. After launching the industry's first GenAI Assistant for small companies and partnering with global players – including a satellite provider – to boost IoT connectivity, the carrier is back with even more news. This time, Verizon is committing a massive $5 billion over the next five years to invest in US small business suppliers. The new initiative, called the Small Business Supplier Accelerator, is designed to help veteran-owned and other American small businesses get into Verizon 's supplier network and partner with other big companies, too. The Accelerator builds on Verizon 's long-standing support for small businesses and their communities. Beyond just spending $5B, the program also includes training and support tailored for small businesses – things like faster payment terms, reduced insurance requirements and more flexible contracts. The whole point is to make it easier for small businesses to compete and grow by working directly with large corporations. – Hans Vestberg, CEO, Verizon , May 13, 2025 On top of that, Verizon is continuing to support its Small Business Digital Ready program – a free online platform that gives small businesses access to over 50 on-demand expert-led courses, personalized coaching, networking opportunities and funding options. And yes, that includes another round of Small Business Digital Ready grants. In partnership with LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), small businesses that are Digital Ready members and complete at least two resources can apply for a $10,000 grant. The deadline is June 30, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT. Since 2021, Verizon has given out $13.5 million in grants and supported nearly 500,000 small businesses through its Digital Ready program – already getting closer to its goal of reaching one million small businesses by 2030. At the end of the day, Verizon 's efforts go well beyond just money. The company is focused on giving small businesses the tools, training and tech they need to grow, adapt and stay competitive in today's digital world.
