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Young inventor offers smart 'vision' to the blind in Mozambique
Young inventor offers smart 'vision' to the blind in Mozambique

The Star

time7 days ago

  • Science
  • The Star

Young inventor offers smart 'vision' to the blind in Mozambique

When Armando Ernesto Chau straps on the futuristic smart glasses that a young Mozambican robotics student is developing in the family dining room, he has a vision of a life less confined to his modest home. Chau is the prototype tester for Joao Antonio Rego, a 24-year-old robotics and electronic engineering student driven to provide visually impaired Mozambicans with assistance that goes beyond a simple cane. Since he lost his sight 20 years ago, the 45-year-old father has not worked and rarely leaves his home in Matola, outside the capital Maputo. Rego's electronic glasses – battery-powered devices embedded with sensors that scan for obstacles ahead and emit warning vibrations – offer the promise of new possibilities. "It is vibrating... it is those bushes," Chau said, demonstrating Rego's Vision Hope 0.2. "Maybe, there is a window here... yes. Because of these obstacles, it vibrates. So I go back. It stopped. See? Then it says there is something on this side... When I turn, it is quiet." Resembling a virtual reality eye mask, this is Rego's latest prototype since he launched his Vision Hope project in 2021, winning Mozambique's Young Creative Award for technological innovation the following year. New features include a larger 120-degree range and more accurate sensors, said Rego, a student at Eduardo Mondlane University. The battery, attached to a strap that is worn over a shoulder, is on a smart system that saves power and warns when it is running low. A GPS allows others to know the whereabouts of the user. (2nd) Chau (left), who is visually impaired, sits next to a pair of smart glasses invented by Rego. Inspired by an incident Rego is already working on improvements in his dining room workshop. "I want the next version to have sensors capable of detecting very thin obstacles like wires and threads," he said. "The coating also needs to be waterproof." Slim and serious, Rego was inspired to help when, years ago, he saw a visually impaired woman fall in a busy street in downtown Maputo, said his mother, Helena Inacio. "Seeing that woman on the ground disturbed him. He vowed that he would create glasses," she said. "'So that blind people can see?'" she asked him. No, to give them directions, he replied. "I thought it was fantasy," Inacio said. Rego moved his lab out of his bedroom for better ventilation after a health scare led a doctor to warn about the risks of fumes from his soldering work. "I had health problems and after an X-ray, they said there were some spots on my lungs which might have been caused by chemical fumes, like tin. It was temporary, but I must always take precautions," he said. Smart glasses prototypes invented by 24 years old robotics student Joao Antonio Rego (R) are displayed at his house in Matola on June 14, 2025. This prototype is the latest in a series since Rego launched his Vision Hope project in 2021, earning Mozambique's Young Creative Award for technological innovation the following year. The device resembles a virtual reality eye mask and is embedded with sensors that scan for obstacles. Vibrations increase in intensity the closer an object features include a larger 120-degree range and more accurate sensors, explained Rego, a robotics and electronic engineering student at Eduardo Mondlane University. (Photo by Amilton Neves/ AFP) A sense of independence Rego's dream is to secure partnerships that will allow him to one day produce and distribute his glasses across his impoverished country, where nearly 2.7 million people suffer vision loss, according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Chau, who lost his sight after falling ill in 2005, has made some suggestions for the next iteration. "I told him to first improve the roadside verification system," he said. He would also like a sensor that can detect the pools of stagnant water that are common in his area. And, if possible, a way for detected obstacles to be identified. "A system that communicates... about what kind of obstacle is in front of me, if it is a human being, a car," he said. "If the glasses are made the way I suggest, it will help us a lot, me and many other visually impaired people out there," said Chau. When they are in production and he can get his own pair, the glasses will give Chau a new lease of life, said his wife, Felizarda Nhampule. "Sometimes he stays here at home alone while I go out and do my errands. Sometimes he wants to go out somewhere but can't," she said. "With the glasses, he will be able to visit his friends... And in an emergency, he can go and seek help from neighbours," she said, flashing a smile. "So these glasses will be a great help to him and to us as a family." – AFP

Spain : A Minister welcomes children sent by the Polisario
Spain : A Minister welcomes children sent by the Polisario

Ya Biladi

time16-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Ya Biladi

Spain : A Minister welcomes children sent by the Polisario

Spain's Minister of Youth and Children, Sira Rego, a member of the United Left party, on Monday offered an «institutional welcome» to around fifty children from the Tindouf camps, brought to Spain by the Polisario Front as part of the «Holidays in Peace» program. The announcement was made via X (formerly Twitter) by the Polisario's representative in Madrid. Seizing the opportunity, Rego delivered a political message, stressing «the urgent need to implement the solution advocated by the United Nations in its resolutions on Western Sahara, particularly the organization of a self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people». While Sira Rego is part of the coalition government led by Pedro Sanchez, her party has opposed the Prime Minister's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara since March 2022. This meeting comes at a sensitive moment for Sánchez's PSOE, which has been entangled in corruption scandals for several weeks. Politically weakened, the Socialists are seeking to maintain the support of formations like United Left, which help them hold onto power—at least until the next legislative elections in 2027.

Stunning exhibition celebrating artist Paula Rego hosted in Kilmarnock
Stunning exhibition celebrating artist Paula Rego hosted in Kilmarnock

The Herald Scotland

time15-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Herald Scotland

Stunning exhibition celebrating artist Paula Rego hosted in Kilmarnock

A public preview evening will take place at the Dick Institute on Thursday 19 June from 5pm, providing visitors with an early opportunity to experience the exhibition. One of the great printmakers and storytellers of our time, Paula Rego drew inspiration from a vast range of sources - from traditional folklore and fairy tales, to literary classics and nursery rhymes. (Image: ● Captain Hook and the Lost Boy, 1992, Coloured etching and aquatint on Somerset paper) Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature will present three of the artist's most ambitious and profound series of works in printmaking: Nursery Rhymes, Peter Pan and Jane Eyre, made across a decade of the artist's life. Each series will be accompanied by a variety of personal items from the artist, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. Unseen preparatory sketches, etching plates and Rego's very own childhood copy of Peter Pan will offer audiences an intimate portrayal of the artist's lifelong fascination with literature and insight into how the artist transformed this material into startlingly original and unexpected pictures. From menacing oversized creatures etched into life from children's nursery rhymes such as Little Miss Muffet and Three Blind Mice, to the almost hallucinatory depictions of Neverland from Peter Pan and the tumultuous relationships based on power read about in Jane Eyre, Rego's work tells stories that combine fantasy and imagination, innocence and cruelty, in order to explore the complexities of life and the experience of women in particular, in all its strangeness and mystery. Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature aims to spark new ways of seeing the world from audiences in relation to these seemingly familiar, age-old stories. Hayward Gallery Touring is the UK's largest contemporary art organisation producing exhibitions that tour Britain. As part of the Southbank Centre, an engine of creativity for the nation's artists and audiences, Hayward Gallery Touring is passionate about the important role that cultural institutions play in providing access to the arts. Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature will bring a unique cultural experience to new audiences up and down the UK, providing an opportunity to step into the world and mind of one of the most important figurative artists of her generation. Brian Cass, Senior Curator, Hayward Gallery Touring, says: 'Throughout her life, Paula Rego used print-making as a central tool of her art. Taking inspiration from literature, she connected with stories in very personal ways, using them to articulate the conditions of her own life and draw her desires, dreams, fears, and traumas into sequences of remarkable pictures. "Hayward Gallery Touring had the honour of working with Paula Rego on a small travelling show in the 1990s. We are absolutely delighted to continue this relationship 35 years later, and by collaborating with a range of exhibition patterns, celebrate her unique art and vision with audiences across the UK.' Geraldine Green, Visual Arts Development Officer, East Ayrshire Leisure, says: 'We are honoured to present Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature at the Dick Institute. Rego's work resonates deeply with audiences through its powerful storytelling and emotional intensity. "This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore her printmaking in depth, revealing the creative processes behind some of her most iconic series.' (Image: The Dick Institute, Kilmarnock) Paula Rego's Estate, says: 'Life with Paula was filled with stories, humour and mischief and she always seemed to have her own, surprising twist on the books she read. She often said that she had the most fun making the prints for these series because the stories were already laid out for her, but there's no question that she made them her own. "We'd like to thank Hayward Gallery Touring for mounting this exhibition.' Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature will be a long-standing touring exhibition, taking residency at further locations following its presentation at Lakeside Arts. These locations will be announced at a later date. Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature is a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition. It has been developed with the support of Paula Rego's Estate. For more details, click here

Expert view: Nifty EPS may grow at a 13% CAGR over FY25–FY27, says Anil Rego of Right Horizons PMS
Expert view: Nifty EPS may grow at a 13% CAGR over FY25–FY27, says Anil Rego of Right Horizons PMS

Mint

time14-07-2025

  • Business
  • Mint

Expert view: Nifty EPS may grow at a 13% CAGR over FY25–FY27, says Anil Rego of Right Horizons PMS

Expert view: Anil Rego, the founder and fund manager at Right Horizons PMS, believes the Nifty 50 EPS may grow at a CAGR of nearly 13 per cent over FY25–FY27, making the case for moderate, earnings-driven gains over the medium term. In an interview with Mint, Rego shared his expectations for Q1 earnings and said he is positive about banking, defence, and consumer discretionary sectors, among others, at this juncture. Edited excerpts: Following a sluggish start, Indian markets witnessed a notable recovery in June, spurred by a combination of supportive global developments and decisive domestic policy actions. The Reserve Bank of India's 50 bps rate cut and a 100 bps reduction in the CRR, alongside a 9 per cent monsoon surplus and easing oil prices, have improved liquidity and sentiment. This led to a sharp uptick in rate-sensitive sectors like financials, real estate, and autos, with broader markets outperforming large caps. Globally, while risk sentiment has improved post-ceasefire in the Middle East, geopolitical fragility, policy uncertainty in the US, and tariff tensions remain key overhangs. Despite these risks, corporate earnings remain resilient, and consensus expects Nifty EPS to grow at a CAGR of nearly 13 per cent over FY25–FY27. This supports the case for moderate, earnings-driven gains over the medium term. The US tariff risk is a growing concern for Indian markets, especially after India announced retaliatory tariffs on US steel and aluminium at the WTO. While the risk remains sector-specific for now, impacting exports like IT, pharma, and metals, it does not yet pose a threat of prolonged economic pain due to India's strong domestic fundamentals. However, if trade tensions escalate further, it could hurt earnings in export-oriented sectors and trigger FPI outflows. The Q1FY26 earnings season is expected to show early signs of recovery, but it may not mark a broad-based turnaround just yet. While some sectors are poised to outperform, others are likely to face lingering challenges, suggesting that the worst may be behind us selectively, not uniformly. Banking sector: Banks are expected to report muted earnings growth due to margin compression from the RBI's recent repo rate cuts, seasonally weak fee income, and elevated credit costs, particularly in unsecured and agri loan segments. However, the outlook improves from the second half of the financial year (H2FY26), with expectations of improved loan growth, easing deposit costs, and declining slippages. IT sector: The IT sector is likely to report mixed revenue growth. Tier-1 IT companies may post flat to marginally negative constant-currency (CC) growth, with only a few companies expected to grow sequentially. Mid-tier firms are expected to do relatively better, driven by strength in BFSI, healthcare, and GenAI-led demand. The sector's deal pipeline remains healthy, and margin guidance is stable, indicating resilience despite macro headwinds. The market outlook supports a selective sectoral approach, focusing on areas with strong earnings visibility, structural tailwinds, and valuation comfort. Financials (banks & NBFCs) Banks remain structurally positive, with asset quality stabilising and credit demand holding up. Margins may have peaked, but lower funding costs from RBI rate cuts should aid profitability from H2FY26. NBFCs, especially in retail lending, gold loans, and vehicle finance, are expected to benefit from improved liquidity and demand recovery. Funding diversification and strong disbursement momentum support their outlook. Public and private capex revival, strong order books, and government focus on infrastructure make this sector attractive. Execution momentum is visible across electrification, construction equipment, and engineering segments, backed by rising investments and policy incentives. A structural growth story driven by indigenous procurement (92 per cent of contracts awarded to Indian firms), record exports, and rising capex allocation. Private players are gaining traction alongside DPSUs, supported by a ₹ 40,000 crore emergency procurement push. Hospitals are showing robust growth in profitability, ARPOB, and occupancy rates. Expansion into tier-2 cities and the medical tourism potential offer multi-year tailwinds. Diagnostics and digital health initiatives continue to support earnings resilience. Urban consumption remains healthy, aided by premiumisation and easing input costs. Value fashion, QSRs, electronics, and jewellery segments are doing well. Tax relief and rural revival could further aid demand in H2FY26. EMS firms are benefitting from PLI schemes, China+1 diversification, and rising demand for domestic electronics. Strong capex, growing order books, and operating leverage suggest continued double-digit growth. The Indian wealth management sector is at a pivotal inflection point, driven by the rapid rise of HNIs and ultra-HNIs. Financial assets held by these segments are projected to grow from $1.2 trillion in 2023 to $2.2 trillion by 2028, reflecting strong wealth creation and rising financialization of assets. Yet, only 15 per cent of India's financial wealth is professionally managed, compared to nearly 75 per cent in developed markets. This vast gap presents a structural opportunity for PMS, AIFs, and advisory platforms to expand. There appears to be selective value emerging in the IT sector, particularly among mid-tier companies, although the broader outlook remains cautious. Early Q1FY26 earnings trends suggest that: Tier-1 IT firms are expected to post muted revenue growth in constant currency terms, with flat to low-single-digit QoQ changes. Deal flow remains intact, but revenue conversion is lagging due to delayed decision-making by clients in the US and Europe. Mid-cap IT players, however, are showing signs of resilience. They are benefitting from niche capabilities in areas like healthcare, engineering services, and AI-linked digital services. Early previews indicate better execution and margin improvement from this segment. From a valuation standpoint, the sector has derated and is trading closer to its long-term average. While high-growth tailwinds of the pandemic years have faded, the sector offers reasonable entry points for long-term investors willing to ride out near-term demand uncertainty. Cost efficiency, GenAI adoption, and vendor consolidation deals could drive outperformance for well-positioned firms. As of June 2025, key indices like the Sensex are trading at nearly 24.7 times trailing PE and nearly 3.7 times P/B, which are above their 10-year averages. This elevated valuation comes after a sharp June rally driven by the RBI's front-loaded rate cuts, falling crude prices, and foreign inflows. In this context, a prudent equity investment strategy would involve: Bottom-up stock selection: Focus on fundamentally strong companies with stable earnings visibility, robust cash flows, and sectoral tailwinds, particularly in financials, manufacturing, healthcare, and select midcap IT. Maintain valuation discipline: Avoid chasing momentum in overvalued stocks or sectors. Seek opportunities where growth is not fully priced in, especially in sectors benefiting from reforms, PLI, or rising domestic demand. Diversify across market caps: While large caps offer safety in uncertain times, select mid and small caps with solid fundamentals and reasonable valuations can provide alpha as the cycle broadens. Use volatility to build exposure: Geopolitical risks, global rate uncertainty, and election-driven policies may trigger short-term corrections. These should be used to accumulate quality names rather than exiting in panic. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations expressed are those of the expert, not Mint. We advise investors to consult with certified experts before making any investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly and circumstances may vary.

ETMarkets Smart Talk: Have Rs 10 lakh to invest in 2H2025? Anil Rego recommends 65:25:10 asset allocation mix
ETMarkets Smart Talk: Have Rs 10 lakh to invest in 2H2025? Anil Rego recommends 65:25:10 asset allocation mix

Economic Times

time27-06-2025

  • Business
  • Economic Times

ETMarkets Smart Talk: Have Rs 10 lakh to invest in 2H2025? Anil Rego recommends 65:25:10 asset allocation mix

Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel As global markets navigate geopolitical tensions , shifting interest rate cycles, and lingering inflation concerns, investors are seeking clarity on how to position their portfolios for the second half of this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, we spoke with Anil Rego , Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Right Horizons PMS, to decode the road India continuing to stand out amid global uncertainty — thanks to strong GDP growth , cooling inflation, and policy continuity — Rego believes now is an opportune time to gradually deploy fresh long-term investors with a Rs 10 lakh corpus, he suggests a balanced 65:25:10 allocation across equities, debt, and gold, tailored for a risk-averse this exclusive conversation, Rego shares his insights on market outlook, sector opportunities, interest rate dynamics, and the right strategy to navigate the evolving macro landscape in 2H2025. Edited Excerpts –A) Volatility in June after can be largely attributed to geopolitical concerns and global macro uncertainties, among other ongoing Israel-Gaza and Israel-Hezbollah escalations have rekindled fears of a broader conflict, which can disrupt oil supply routes and global trade Fed's cautious stance on rate cuts has firmed up the dollar and pressured EM flows. While the world faces geopolitical tensions, slow economic growth, high inflation, and elevated interest rates, India tells a different nation is witnessing solid GDP growth, a steady currency, easing inflation and interest rates, and strong corporate may persist in the near term due to global cues, but structural domestic drivers (capex push, consumption revival, earnings growth) remain nominal GDP expanded by 10.8% yoy in Q4 FY25, the fastest pace in the last four quarters, leading to an overall growth of 9.8% for the full fiscal strong performance underscores improving domestic macroeconomic conditions, which are expected to persist and continue supporting corporate earnings.A) The outlook appears cautiously optimistic. On the macro front, India continues to stand out with stable GDP growth around 6.5%, well-contained inflation, and policy continuity RBI has front-loaded 100 bps of rate cuts this year, which should begin transmitting into lower borrowing costs and potentially support consumption and private capex in the coming cues will play a major role. If the U.S. Fed were to initiate rate cuts by Q4CY25, it would improve global risk appetite and support foreign inflows into emerging markets like geopolitical flashpoints particularly in the Middle East remain key downside risks, especially if crude oil spikes above $90/bbl and disrupts supply corporate earnings, sectors like financials, autos, industrials, and consumer discretionary are likely to drive the next leg of growth, while IT and export-oriented businesses may remain range-bound amid global 2H2025 is expected to see stable economic momentum, gradual recovery in consumption, and greater market depth supported by both domestic and foreign investors.A) Crude oil prices have remained relatively low over the past year due to uncertain demand and sufficient supply, which have outweighed the ongoing effects of the Russia-Ukraine recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Iran's retaliatory actions have reignited concerns, pushing prices upward once these events pushed Brent crude briefly above $75/bbl, prices remain below the FY22–25 average, suggesting that global supply is still largely crude movement will likely be shaped by how the conflict evolves if oil infrastructure or shipping lanes are directly hit, Brent could spike a macro perspective, moderate crude prices are a net positive for India. Every $10/bbl rise in crude can shave 30–40 bps off GDP growth and widen the current account corporate earnings, for upstream companies, higher prices could support earnings. OMCs could face margin pressure if retail prices remain unchanged, while inventory gains may offer temporary companies may see a negative impact due to rising LNG prices linked to crude. If prices remain range-bound, the impact on India's FY26 GDP and earnings would be manageable.A) The corporate profit-to-GDP ratio for Nifty 500 held steady year-on-year at a 17-year high of 4.7% in FY25, largely supported by a strong 10.5% growth in corporate profits which was reinforced by a solid 9.8% rise in GDP during the same strong performance in GDP growth in Q4 underscores improving domestic macroeconomic conditions, which is expected to persist and continue supporting corporate corporate earnings are projected to outpace GDP growth. We remain optimistic on sectors with strong structural tailwinds, where policy support, demand visibility, and earnings momentum align to create compelling long-term Capital Goods and Industrial sectors are riding a structural upcycle, supported by the government's infrastructure push and private capex revival. The electrical equipment market is projected to more than double by 2027, while the construction equipment segment is poised to grow at a 15% CAGR. This growth is backed by strong order books, execution tailwinds, and continued momentum in railways, power, and defense. Valuations, particularly in mid-cap names, remain attractive relative to growth prospects. With operating leverage kicking in and policy continuity post-elections, this sector offers a strong combination of earnings visibility and valuation comfort, making it a core long-term consumer discretionary sector continues to benefit from robust urban demand, premiumization, and formalization. Despite rural softness and inflationary pressures, segments like value fashion, QSRs, and jewellery are witnessing strong traction. With consumer spending projected to reach USD 4.3 trillion by 2030, India's aspirational consumption story is intact. Easy credit, digital access, and expanding middle-class income underpin this trend. While valuations for large caps have rerated, opportunities exist in niche mid-cap players with strong brand equity and efficient cost structures. The sector remains structurally sound, but stock selection is key amid divergent growth trajectories across wealth management sector in India is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a sharp rise in HNI and UHNI wealth. With financial assets projected to grow from USD 1.2 trillion in 2023 to USD 2.2 trillion by 2028, and only 15% of this wealth professionally managed, the runway for growth is immense. Regulatory changes like the revised income tax slabs also support financial product adoption. The sector offers structural tailwinds, though valuations vary. Companies with scalable digital platforms, high-retention advisory models, and diversified product suites stand to benefit the most. This is a long-term theme with potential for strong compounding.A) FIIs are turning constructive on India amid falling global interest rates. As central banks like the move toward easing, India stands out with its stable macroeconomic environment and robust GDP growth. The RBI's front-loaded rate cuts and improved liquidity conditions have further strengthened the investment to other emerging markets, India offers a compelling combination of policy continuity, structural reform momentum, and resilient corporate earnings. FIIs also value India's demographic strength and rising digital and consumption-driven global bond yields softening and risk appetite improving, India is regaining favour as a long-term allocation. While geopolitical risks remain a watch point, India's relative insulation, stable currency, and strong domestic flows provide FIIs a dependable and scalable growth story in the current global macro cycle.A) It is a favorable opportunity to gradually deploy fresh capital, especially given the evolving macro environment and supportive policy RBI's front-loaded rate cuts, a benign inflation outlook, and the prospect of stable real interest rates indicate a shift toward a growth-supportive as the global monetary cycle begins easing and domestic capex and consumption cycles gain traction, long-term investors can find attractive entry points across asset classes.A staggered deployment is recommended with asset Allocation assuming a risk averse client with exposure towards Equity/Debt/Gold at 65%/25%/10% respectively.A) The RBI's rate trajectory has taken a decisive turn with a surprise front-loaded 50 bps repo rate cut in June 2025, bringing the policy rate down to 5.5%. This move followed two earlier 25 bps cuts since February, marking a cumulative easing of 100 bps in a short RBI also announced a 100-bps cut in the CRR to 3%, aimed at injecting ₹2.5 trillion of liquidity into the banking system by December the 50-bps front-loaded cut is a strong and timely policy signal, its impact on consumption, especially private and rural demand, may be limited in the short lending rates and improved liquidity could support credit flow, ease borrowing costs, and boost urban discretionary segments like housing and also strengthens monetary transmission and may lift business sentiment, aiding capex recovery. A rate cut only helps in stimulating demand to drive a broad-based consumption rebound.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

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