Latest news with #Rashidi
Barnama
25-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Agro MADANI Sales Tour In Penang Boosts Market Reach For Local Agropreneurs
KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- For many small-scale agropreneurs in Penang, the Agro MADANI Sales Programme (JAM) Penang Tour Edition is more than just a marketplace, it's a launchpad for growth, helping them build sustainable incomes and expand into markets beyond state borders. Now in its third edition, this time held in the capital as part of the Selangor leg of the tour, the programme continues to serve as a strategic platform to strengthen the marketing network and outreach of Penang's agricultural entrepreneurs, said State Executive Councillor for Trade and Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Datuk Rashidi Zinol. He said the programme, organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) in collaboration with the Penang government, is not merely a sales event but a high-impact initiative aimed at generating long-term income for agropreneurs. 'Previously, the programme was held in Melaka and Kelantan, both of which received encouraging responses. The current edition has not only sustained that momentum but also opened new avenues for Penang products to penetrate interstate markets,' he said. 'InsyaAllah, we will bring the tour to other strategic locations. We are currently identifying areas with strong market potential and opportunities to help our entrepreneurs broaden their reach,' he added. Rashidi was speaking after officiating the Penang showcase of the JAM Tour at FAMA headquarters here today. Also present were FAMA chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli and director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri. Commenting further, Rashidi said the state government remains committed to supporting such initiatives to ensure lasting impact on local agropreneurs and producers nationwide. Among the products featured at this edition of the JAM Tour were Penang durians, a signature offering of the state, which drew strong demand, including advance orders ahead of the event. In addition to durians, Penang entrepreneurs also offered a wide range of fresh and dried food products, including vegetables, fruits, chicken, fish, meat and essential goods such as cooking oil, flour and rice.
DW
18-06-2025
- Politics
- DW
How Iran's internet serves as lifeline despite censorship – DW – 06/18/2025
Using the internet in Iran has long meant navigating government restrictions, fake news and propaganda. But now, as parts of the country are cut off after Israeli airstrikes, many still use it to help their neighbors. As fighting with Israel continues, many parts of Iran have little to no internet access. Even direct calls, including both mobile phones and landlines, often fail to connect. "We live in a situation similar to total war," documentary filmmaker and photographer Pouria Nouri told DW from the Iranian capital, Tehran. "There are explosions ringing through the city night and day. Military bases and strategic infrastructure are getting bombed, and the civilian death toll keeps rising." The Israeli army launched large-scale attacks on Iran last Friday, June 13, with the declared goal of destroying Iran's nuclear program. The attacks hit Tehran and other parts of the country, crippling Iran's telecommunications. Iran responded by firing missiles on multiple Israeli cities. Internet still viewed as public enemy in Iran While images of targeted sites in Israel are difficult to find online, Iranians are publishing plenty of self-made videos showing the impact of Israeli missiles. Many Iranians are simply ignoring the security guidance issued by their officials, saying that the state is incapable of protecting the people. "In Iran, the internet is being suppressed by the security apparatus, who see it as an enemy and want to control it," cybersecurity expert Amir Rashidi told DW. Tehran gridlocked as thousands try to flee Israeli strikes To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Rashidi said that the internet is portrayed in Iran as a Western espionage tool, noting that Iranians urgently need internet access — "first and foremost as means of communication, to keep in touch with one another and find out how other people are doing." The cybersecurity expert said that while people need to stay informed during the escalating conflict, "officials are doing the exact opposite and keep limiting internet access." Doctors, firefighters, everyday people use internet to help their neighbors For many years, Rashidi has pushed for protecting digital rights and civil society in the digital world. He says that his efforts seem to be bearing fruit in Iran. "We can see that some Iranian start-ups have started to offer their services free of charge — including finding apartments outside Tehran or sharing information on VPN access, so people can still read the news," he told DW. There are also people offering ride sharing for those seeking to leave the Iranian capital. Other internet users, like photographer and travel writer Peyman Yazdani, are attempting to help in other ways. "If you live abroad and your parents are in Tehran, and need groceries or someone needs to check up on them, send us a direct message," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We can take care of the shopping or visits." Watch: Israeli strike interrupts Iran state TV broadcast To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video On Instagram, some doctors have published their phone numbers and offer medical consults, prescriptions and recommendations on Tehran pharmacies that still offer specific medications. "There are still many elderly or disabled people remaining in the city," filmmaker Pouria told DW from Tehran. "In the poorer neighborhoods in the south there are still many people going to work." Firefighters are posting photos of themselves on call, trying to reassure the public that they are not leaving the city. And despite the escalation and mounting death toll, no videos have surfaced showing looting or chaos on the streets. Fake 'Starlink' apps used as bait At the same time, Iranians are seeing a flood of false information online. Some claim that Israel is controlling apps such as WhatsApp or Instagram, others say that a simple app download is enough to use Starlink satellites for internet access. "Those who want to use Starlink need a satellite dish to connect to the network," he told DW. "The apps spreading online now could be dangerous and used to spy on people." There is also a lot of unverifiable information circulating among Iranians, including claims that the top religious and political leaders of the Islamic Republic have fled the country. Regime challenged like never before "The current situation in the digital space cannot be compared to the crises faced by security officials in the past, including the repeated nationwide protests," Hossein Kermani, the author of the 2025 book "Twitter activism in Iran," told DW. In his scientific work, Kermani focuses on political communication in digital spaces and digitally-enforced propaganda under authoritative regimes. "Unlike the protests, which sprung up inside the country, we are now seeing a transnational crisis," the researcher told DW. "It is no longer about controlling their own population, but about confronting an external opponent." "While the regime can call upon years of experience in suppressing protests and pro-democracy movements, it does not have such experience in dealing with an external conflict. The security apparatus seems to be overwhelmed and still in shock." Fear deepens in Tehran as Israel targets Iran's capital To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video At the same time, there are propaganda videos spreading among regime loyalists, trying to downplay attacks by the Israeli military. Famous Islamist preacher and conspiracy theorist, Ali Akbar Raefipour, is playing a key role in those propaganda efforts. "The target audience for those videos are members of the political system, whose morale apparently needs a boost," Kermani said. "The regime is currently spreading targeted disinformation about its alleged strength, aiming to psychologically manipulate society, so that members of the regime don't turn their backs on it." This article was originally published in German.
The Print
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind to move court against ‘forced closure' of unrecognised madrassas in UP
Senior member and the Jamiat's legal adviser Maulana Kaab Rashidi told PTI that the committee discussed recent administrative actions taken particularly in districts bordering Nepal, such as Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur and Maharajganj, where several unrecognised madrassas have allegedly been shut down by the authorities. The decision was taken during a key meeting of the state executive committee of the Jamiat held here under the chairmanship of state president Maulana Ashhad Rashidi. Lucknow, May 22 (PTI) The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind on Thursday alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government is forcibly closing down unrecognised madarassas in the state and said it has decided to approach the Allahabad High Court against the 'unconstitutional' move which 'violates educational rights'. 'We will approach the Allahabad High Court against the move,' he said. Rashidi said madrassas are protected under the Right to Education Act and cited a 2014 judgment by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court that upheld the constitutional validity and protection of madrassa education. 'Despite the UP government's order dated December 20, 2023, directing a halt on action against madrassas, the forced closures continue in violation of constitutional norms,' he said. Over 200 madrassas have been shut down across districts like Bahraich, Shravasti, Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit on allegations of illegal encroachment and lack of recognition. Rashidi also stated that the meeting extensively discussed the Waqf (Amendment) Act and informed the attendees that petitions challenging the law are currently pending before the Supreme Court. 'Future strategy will be formulated based on the court's decision and directives from the central leadership,' he added. The committee further deliberated on ways to ensure 100 per cent literacy among Muslims. As part of this initiative, district units of the Jamiat have been given specific guidelines to promote education within the community. The meeting saw participation from over 150 representatives, including Jamiat's state vice president Mufti Ashfaq, general secretary Hafiz Abdul Quddus and members from various district units. PTI SLM ABN ABN KSS KSS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Ottawa Citizen
28-04-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Sol Rashidi Joins Cyera as Chief Strategy Officer for Data and AI, Joining Wave of Industry Leaders Betting on the AI-Native Security Revolution
Article content Article content Article content NEW YORK — Cyera, the world's fastest-growing AI-native data security company, today announced a major expansion of its executive team with the appointment of Sol Rashidi as Chief Strategy Officer for Data and AI. Rashidi is joined by Dave Rogers, former SVP of Global Alliances at Palo Alto Networks, and Amit Raikar, who led Global Technology Alliances at Zscaler, as strategic members of Cyera's executive team. Article content Article content Their decision to leave legacy leaders for Cyera signals a broader shift underway in cybersecurity, where securing data for AI, not just from AI, is becoming the new frontier. Article content A defining voice in enterprise data and AI, Rashidi brings two decades of leadership at Amazon, Estee Lauder, Merck, Sony Music, and IBM, where she helped launch IBM Watson and became the first Chief Data & AI Officer in the Fortune 500. She holds 10 patents and has earned a reputation as one of the most influential women in data and technology. Article content 'I'm stepping into a new mission-driven era: to ensure AI happens with us, not to us,' said Sol Rashidi, Chief Strategy Officer for Data and AI at Cyera. 'Cyera is the right place to pursue that purpose. We're securing what matters most: our data and our people, so that AI can scale our empathy, intelligence, and creativity, not diminish it. This isn't just a career move. It's a calling.' Article content In her role, Rashidi will guide Cyera's strategic direction at the intersection of data, AI, and trust, helping customers adopt AI responsibly by grounding it in secure, well-governed, high-integrity data. Article content To support this next phase of growth, Cyera also announced the appointments of two seasoned cybersecurity executives: Article content Dave Rogers joins as Head of Global Channels and Alliances, after more than two decades of leadership at Palo Alto Networks, Optiv, EMC, and IBM. Previously served as SVP of Global Alliances at Palo Alto networks and Netskope, where he led the partner ecosystem to grow from $17M to over $500M in ARR. Article content 'Cyera is the most exciting company I've seen in my career,' said Dave Rogers. 'It's rare to see this kind of vision, execution, and momentum all in one place. The chance to help build the partner ecosystem for a company defining the future of data protection is an opportunity I couldn't pass up.' Article content Amit Raikar joins as VP of Strategic Alliances, bringing over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and ecosystem development. At Zscaler, he led Global Technology Alliances and helped shape the company's Zero Trust strategy. Article content 'The industry is facing a shift, and Cyera is leading it. What excites me most is the chance to build an ecosystem that empowers innovation, not just protection,' said Amit Raikar. 'I'm here because Cyera isn't just solving today's challenges, but it's building for what's next.' Article content 'Sol, Dave, and Amit are three of the most respected leaders in data and security,' said Yotam Segev, CEO and co-founder of Cyera. 'Their decision to join Cyera is a powerful endorsement of the platform we've built and the mission we're on. Together, we're not just securing data, we're reshaping how security supports innovation in the AI era.' Article content Article content The appointments follow the recent launch of Omni DLP, Cyera's newest product and the industry's first adaptive, AI-native data loss prevention solution. Built to unify fragmented DLP tools and bring intelligence to every layer of the stack, OmniDLP helps security teams move from thousands of false positives to a clear view of real risk, delivering protection that keeps up with how data moves today. Article content Cyera's momentum continues to accelerate following its $300M Series D funding round and a $3B valuation. Over the past two years, the company has grown revenue 26x, rapidly expanding its global footprint as organizations embrace AI and cloud at scale, becoming the fastest-growing data security company in history. Article content Cyera is the fastest-growing data security company in the $24 billion data security market. Its AI-powered platform gives organizations a complete view of where their data lives, how it's used, and how to keep it safe, so they can reduce risk and unlock the full value of their data, wherever it is. Backed by top-tier investors including Sequoia, Accel, and Coatue, Cyera's unified data security platform helps businesses discover, secure, and leverage their most valuable asset- data, and eliminate blind spots, cut alert noise, and protect sensitive information across the cloud, SaaS, databases, AI ecosystems, and on-premise environments. Recent innovations like Cyera's Omni DLP extend this platform with adaptive, AI-native data loss protection, bringing real-time intelligence and contextual understanding to how data moves and is used across the enterprise. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
National Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- National Post
Sol Rashidi Joins Cyera as Chief Strategy Officer for Data and AI, Joining Wave of Industry Leaders Betting on the AI-Native Security Revolution
Article content Article content Article content NEW YORK — Cyera, the world's fastest-growing AI-native data security company, today announced a major expansion of its executive team with the appointment of Sol Rashidi as Chief Strategy Officer for Data and AI. Rashidi is joined by Dave Rogers, former SVP of Global Alliances at Palo Alto Networks, and Amit Raikar, who led Global Technology Alliances at Zscaler, as strategic members of Cyera's executive team. Article content Their decision to leave legacy leaders for Cyera signals a broader shift underway in cybersecurity, where securing data for AI, not just from AI, is becoming the new frontier. Article content A defining voice in enterprise data and AI, Rashidi brings two decades of leadership at Amazon, Estee Lauder, Merck, Sony Music, and IBM, where she helped launch IBM Watson and became the first Chief Data & AI Officer in the Fortune 500. She holds 10 patents and has earned a reputation as one of the most influential women in data and technology. Article content 'I'm stepping into a new mission-driven era: to ensure AI happens with us, not to us,' said Sol Rashidi, Chief Strategy Officer for Data and AI at Cyera. 'Cyera is the right place to pursue that purpose. We're securing what matters most: our data and our people, so that AI can scale our empathy, intelligence, and creativity, not diminish it. This isn't just a career move. It's a calling.' Article content In her role, Rashidi will guide Cyera's strategic direction at the intersection of data, AI, and trust, helping customers adopt AI responsibly by grounding it in secure, well-governed, high-integrity data. To support this next phase of growth, Cyera also announced the appointments of two seasoned cybersecurity executives: Article content Dave Rogers joins as Head of Global Channels and Alliances, after more than two decades of leadership at Palo Alto Networks, Optiv, EMC, and IBM. Previously served as SVP of Global Alliances at Palo Alto networks and Netskope, where he led the partner ecosystem to grow from $17M to over $500M in ARR. Article content 'Cyera is the most exciting company I've seen in my career,' said Dave Rogers. 'It's rare to see this kind of vision, execution, and momentum all in one place. The chance to help build the partner ecosystem for a company defining the future of data protection is an opportunity I couldn't pass up.' Article content Amit Raikar joins as VP of Strategic Alliances, bringing over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and ecosystem development. At Zscaler, he led Global Technology Alliances and helped shape the company's Zero Trust strategy. Article content 'The industry is facing a shift, and Cyera is leading it. What excites me most is the chance to build an ecosystem that empowers innovation, not just protection,' said Amit Raikar. 'I'm here because Cyera isn't just solving today's challenges, but it's building for what's next.' Article content 'Sol, Dave, and Amit are three of the most respected leaders in data and security,' said Yotam Segev, CEO and co-founder of Cyera. 'Their decision to join Cyera is a powerful endorsement of the platform we've built and the mission we're on. Together, we're not just securing data, we're reshaping how security supports innovation in the AI era.' Article content The appointments follow the recent launch of Omni DLP, Cyera's newest product and the industry's first adaptive, AI-native data loss prevention solution. Built to unify fragmented DLP tools and bring intelligence to every layer of the stack, OmniDLP helps security teams move from thousands of false positives to a clear view of real risk, delivering protection that keeps up with how data moves today. Article content Cyera's momentum continues to accelerate following its $300M Series D funding round and a $3B valuation. Over the past two years, the company has grown revenue 26x, rapidly expanding its global footprint as organizations embrace AI and cloud at scale, becoming the fastest-growing data security company in history. Article content Cyera is the fastest-growing data security company in the $24 billion data security market. Its AI-powered platform gives organizations a complete view of where their data lives, how it's used, and how to keep it safe, so they can reduce risk and unlock the full value of their data, wherever it is. Backed by top-tier investors including Sequoia, Accel, and Coatue, Cyera's unified data security platform helps businesses discover, secure, and leverage their most valuable asset- data, and eliminate blind spots, cut alert noise, and protect sensitive information across the cloud, SaaS, databases, AI ecosystems, and on-premise environments. Recent innovations like Cyera's Omni DLP extend this platform with adaptive, AI-native data loss protection, bringing real-time intelligence and contextual understanding to how data moves and is used across the enterprise. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
