Latest news with #GB
Hypebeast
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Closer Look: Yung Lean's '256 GB' Book
Earlier this week,Yung Leanrevealed the imminent release of his first book. Entitled256 GB, the book compiles, you guessed it, 256 gigabytes of content from Lean's iPhone hard drive from 2014 through 2024 – selfies, screenshots, notes, and other candid images included. Totalling 574 images (and 594 pages from front to back), the book is divided into nine color-coded chapters, with each spanning about 50 or so pages: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, black, and white. Housed in a black bound casing complete with red embossed lettering and a matching silk ribbon, the book opens with a title page, on which Lean lists the different iPhone models he shot the contents of 256 GB on: 6, 8, X, and SE. The next page lists out the chapters in order, followed by an entire table of contents of each image included in the book; titles include 'F*ck You,' 'Holy Trinity,' 'Air Jordan 12' and 'Boy life in EU.' To close out, Lean leaves a note that reads: 'I buy a lot of phones and lose a lot of phones. I spend more time in hotels than in the places I live in. It feels like collecting these photographs and memories. I hope it will be a bigger photograph of my life and maybe bring some inspiration and love to some. This is what I try to do.' Take an exclusive closer look at some of the pages of 256 GB in the gallery above and get your hands on a copy while they're still available at Lean'sworldaffairswebsite.
Finextra
11 hours ago
- Business
- Finextra
Is Flexibility the Main Driver of Growth for Identity Verification Solutions?
In this interview, Gus Tomlinson, Managing Director, Identity Fraud, GBG sat down with FinextraTV to discuss some of the progress being made when it comes to identity verification. Speaking about an increasingly fragmented landscape, Tomlinson explained how the history of technology has tended to encourage fragmentation, but that now it is important to focus more on finding solution that is designed not just for the industry, but for the end customer in mind. At the heart of all of this, Tomlinson holds flexibility up as being the primary driver of growth.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Amazing AI PLC Announces Bitcoin Treasury Policy Update
LONDON, GB / / June 27, 2025 / Amazing AI plc (AQSE: AI) - AAI, a global fintech group specialising in online consumer loans, announces an update to its Bitcoin Treasury Policy. AAI is in discussions with one of the world's largest regulated custodians of bitcoin who are highly experienced in setting up Bitcoin Treasuries and act for over 1,500 institutional clients in over 50 countries and hold over 100 billion USD of assets on their platform as custodian. AAI's proposed custodian, which has the ability to buy at lower spreads over-the-counter compared to crypto exchanges, will facilitate all purchases of bitcoin and provide secure cold wallet storage for AAI's bitcoin, avoiding crypto exchange hot wallet risk. Once engaged, the custodian will be able to provide financing against AAI's bitcoin providing AAI with the benefit of any appreciation in the value of the Bitcoin whilst also allowing it to leverage its bitcoin asset 50%. This can then be used to drive greater lending resources in its USA lending operation, which currently charges 59.9% per annum in the state of Georgia, and, in turn, revenues and profits. By way of example, if AAI was able to purchase £20 million of bitcoin in its Bitcoin Treasury, it could potentially borrow up to £10 million to lend out to consumers in Georgia, USA which the Board anticipate could be able to generate up to £5.99 million in additional recurring revenue to AAI per annum. In addition, AAI is currently incorporating a 100% owned subsidiary company in the bitcoin friendly jurisdiction of Mauritius. This entity will serve a dual purpose for both acting as the entity that will buy and hold bitcoin and for potential future expansion into consumer lending emerging markets utilising fiat. The Company will continue to focus on delivering its organic growth strategy centered on consumer lending and on exploring AI finance related services whilst growing a bitcoin treasury over the shorter-term. The Company intends to strategically allocate capital generated from its business operations and future fundraisings, with the aim of maintaining a treasury consisting of both traditional cash reserves and bitcoin. The Company is exploring potential fundraising opportunities for this purpose, following which, the Directors anticipate being in a position to commence bitcoin acquisitions in July 2025. Relevant material changes to its bitcoin treasury holdings and further updates on the Bitcoin Treasury Policy will be announced by the Company in a timely manner. Paul Mathieson, CEO of Amazing AI plc said,"The key difference between Amazing AI plc and most other companies with Bitcoin Treasuries is that we have an underlying consumer loans business that will be able to leverage up the benefits of Bitcoin Treasury by utilising borrowed funds against our Bitcoin Treasury to increase revenue growth in our existing US lending business, future potential Philippines and African lending businesses and our best-of-breed AI finance related services business." This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the UK Market Abuse Regulation and the Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. Enquiries: Amazing AI plc Paul Mathieson - Chief Executive Officer iecenquiries@ Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (AAI Corporate Adviser) Ludovico Lazzaretti +44 (0) 20 7213 0880 Jo Turner Oberon Capital (AAI Corporate Broker) Adam PollockNick LoveringJessica Cave +44 (0) 203 179 5300 Professional/institutional investors can contact Oberon Capital on corporatesales@ About Amazing AI plcAmazing AI plc (AAI) is an AI driven, consumer finance fintech innovator that leverages its regulated licensed lending and collections operations, experience and network to distribute best-of-breed AI finance related services globally, specifically focused on lending, collections and debt financing services. AAI operates under the consumer brand Mr. Amazing Loans in the United States with state consumer lending licenses/certificates of authority and an established track-record of lending, collections and regulatory compliance for over 14 years. AAI intends to investigate further utilisation of AI in its own US consumer lending operational processes and seek additional strategic collaborations, joint ventures and acquisitions in the AI sector globally, including in AI deception detection services to increase underwriting and collections performance. AAI also plans to investigate the potential to conduct its own enhanced product/service development, territory customisation and new service initiatives. For more information please visit: Important Notices Amazing AI plc (the "Company") intends to hold treasury reserves and surplus cash in bitcoin. Bitcoin is a type of cryptocurrency or crypto asset. Whilst the Board of Directors of the Company considers holding bitcoin to be in the best interests of the Company, the Board remains aware that the financial regulator in the UK (the "Financial Conduct Authority" or "FCA") considers investment in bitcoin to be high risk. At the outset, it is important to note that an investment in the Company is not an investment in bitcoin, either directly or by proxy. However, the Board of Directors of the Company consider bitcoin to be an appropriate store of value and growth for the Company's reserves and, accordingly, the Company is materially exposed to bitcoin. Such an approach is innovative, and the Board of Directors of the Company wish to be clear and transparent with prospective and actual investors in the Company on the Company's position in this regard. The Company is neither authorised nor regulated by the FCA and cryptocurrencies (such as bitcoin) are unregulated in the UK. As with most other investments, the value of bitcoin can go down as well as up, and therefore the value of bitcoin holdings can fluctuate. The Company may not be able to realise any future bitcoin exposure for the same as it paid in the first place or even for the value the Company ascribes to bitcoin positions due to these market movements. As bitcoin is unregulated, the Company is not protected by the UK's Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors of the Company has taken the decision to invest in bitcoin, and in doing so is mindful of the special risks bitcoin presents to the Company's financial position. These risks include (but are not limited to): (i) the value of bitcoin can be highly volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise. Investors in bitcoin must be prepared to lose all money invested in bitcoin; (ii) the bitcoin market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and counterparty failure; (iii) the Company may not be able to sell bitcoin at will. The ability to sell bitcoin depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at the relevant time. Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delay; and (iv) crypto assets are characterised in some quarters by high degrees of fraud, money laundering and financial crime. In addition, there is a perception in some quarters that cyber-attacks are prominent which can lead to theft of holdings or ransom demands. The Board of Directors of the Company does not subscribe to such a negative view, especially in relation to bitcoin. However, prospective investors in the Company are encouraged to do their own research before investing. Caution Regarding Forward Looking StatementsCertain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, and projections about its industry; its beliefs; and assumptions. Words such as 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'estimates,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions security holders and prospective security holders not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the view of the Company only as of the date of this announcement. The forward-looking statements made in this announcement relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this announcement except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ or visit SOURCE: Amazing AI PLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Geek Girl Authority
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Everything Coming to Netflix in July 2025
Netflix has revealed what new Originals, movies, TV series, anime, documentaries and stand-up specials are coming to the streaming giant in July 2025, plus what's leaving. This month, Charlize Theron returns as an immortal mercenary in The Old Guard 2 . The second and final season of The Sandman drops, plus a The Sandman special bonus episode. Read on for everything coming to Netflix in July 2025 and what's leaving. New on Netflix July 2025 July 1 Attack on London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY Insider accounts and never-seen-before footage tell the story of the 7/7 bombings on London's transport network in 2005 — and its explosive aftermath. Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY Featuring tell-all interviews with insiders and former staff, this exposé traces American Apparel's journey from fashion phenomenon to financial flop. 17 Again Annie (1982) Blow Born on the Fourth of July Captain Phillips The Deer Hunter Friday Night Lights Here Comes the Boom The Hitman's Bodyguard The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard Horrible Bosses The Karate Kid The Karate Kid The Karate Kid Part II The Karate Kid Part III Mission: Impossible Mission: Impossible II Mission: Impossible III Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation Mom: Seasons 1-8 The Notebook Pacific Rim PAW Patrol Seasons 2-3 Portlandia: Seasons 1-8 The Sweetest Thing Tangerine V for Vendetta White Chicks Yellowjackets: Season 2 Zathura: A Space Adventure July 2 The Old Guard 2 (L-R) Henry Golding as Tuah, Luca Marinelli as Nicky, Marwan Kenzari as Joe, Charlize Theron as Andy and KiKi Layne as Nile in The Old Guard 2. Cr. Eli Joshua Ade/Netflix © 2025 The Old Guard 2 — NETFLIX FILM Andy and her team of immortal warriors fight with renewed purpose as they face a powerful new foe threatening their mission to protect humanity. Tour de France: Unchained: Season 3 (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY In a thrilling 2024 Tour de France, larger teams dominate while smaller ones struggle to survive — and recent injuries cast a long shadow for some. RELATED: The End Is Here in Explosive First Trailer for The Sandman Season 2 July 3 Countdown: Taylor vs. Serrano — NETFLIX SPORTS SERIES Narrated by Uma Thurman, the film follows Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano's intense journey and preparations as they train for their historic trilogy fight, airing live on Netflix on July 11th. Mr. Robot: Seasons 1-4 The Sandman. Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death in episode 205 of The Sandman. Cr. Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025 The Sandman: Season 2 Volume 1 — NETFLIX SERIES A reunion of the Endless thrusts Lord Morpheus onto a perilous path, where a fateful choice makes him the target of a relentless quest for vengeance. July 4 All the Sharks — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY All the Sharks is a thrilling new competition series where four teams of passionate shark experts embark on the ultimate adventure to find and photograph the most sharks. Racing against time – and each other – teams dive deep into the world's most spectacular shark habitats, all in hopes of winning a $50,000 prize for their chosen marine charity. Over six action-packed episodes, they'll travel from the crystal-clear Caribbean waters to the mysterious depths of the Pacific where they'll come face to toothy face with incredible species like the critically endangered Great Hammerhead and the remarkable walking Epaulette Shark. Blending breath-taking visuals, 'fin-tastic' shark facts, and stunning underwater encounters, All the Sharks is a fun, fast-paced journey into the misunderstood world of sharks —showcasing why these incredible creatures are more vital to our planet now more than ever. RELATED: Cecilia Lee on the Wild Ride That Is Fear Street: Prom Queen July 5 The Summer Hikaru Died (JP) — NETFLIX ANIME July 8 A Star Is Born (2018) Better Late Than Single (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES Ready to step into the dating world, lifelong singles get expert help for style, health and confidence. Will they manage hiccups on their way to love? Nate Jackson: Super Funny — NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL Sharp jokes meet savage roasts as Nate Jackson blends his infamous crowd work with takes on topics from judgment-free gyms to catfishing. Quarterback: Season 2 — NETFLIX SPORTS SERIES From stunning wins to crushing losses, the hit series returns to give viewers exclusive, unprecedented access to Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff on and off the field during the 2024-25 NFL season. Sullivan's Crossing: Seasons 1-2 Trainwreck: The Real Project X (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY A night of drunken chaos rocks a quiet Dutch town in this shocking documentary about a teen's birthday invite that accidentally went viral on Facebook. July 9 Building The Band — NETFLIX SERIES Building the Band brings together talented singers for a truly unique competition show where building the perfect band is all about chemistry. The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual 'booths' without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection and chemistry. What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, emotional stakes, and one big goal—to find the next great music band—the stage is set for an unforgettable experience. RELATED: Stranger Things : Netflix Announces Premiere Dates for Epic Final Season The Gringo Hunters (MX) — NETFLIX SERIES A top Mexican police unit hunts U.S. fugitives fleeing across the border, grappling with lies and crime in this gripping series based on true events. Mad Max: Fury Road Under a Dark Sun (FR) — NETFLIX SERIES On the run from her troubled past, a young mother is accused of killing her new boss at a flower farm just before discovering he's actually her father. Ziam. Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich (ณัฏฐณิชา ดังวัธนาวณิชย์) as Rin (ริน) in Ziam. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 Ziam (TH) — NETFLIX FILM In a fight for survival against a horrifying army of zombies, a former Muay Thai fighter must use skill, speed and grit to save his wife — and his life. July 10 7 Bears (FR) — NETFLIX FAMILY Forget the Seven Dwarfs — here come the 7 Bears! This lovable pack of furballs is putting a fuzzy twist on the classic fairy tales you thought you knew. Brick (DE) — NETFLIX FILM When a mysterious brick wall encloses their apartment building overnight, Tim and Olivia must unite with their wary neighbors to get out alive. Leviathan (JP) — NETFLIX ANIME Set in an alternate steampunk past, an Austrian fugitive prince and a Scottish airman in disguise embark on an unexpected quest to prevent a world war. Off Road (IL) — NETFLIX SERIES Two Israeli actors embark on an unforgettable road trip across Central Asia to learn more about themselves and the people they encounter along the way. Sneaky Pete: Seasons 1-3 Too Much (GB) — NETFLIX SERIES When a heartbroken New Yorker moves to London hoping for a love story, she falls for an indie musician who's anything but the typical romantic hero. RELATED: On Location: The Watershed Grill on Netflix's Virgin River July 11 Aap Jaisa Koi (IN) — NETFLIX FILM Shrirenu lives by tradition. Madhu lives unapologetically. When their paths cross, a tender romance unfolds — awkward, sweet but shadowed by patriarchy. Almost Cops (NL) — NETFLIX FILM When an overeager community officer and a reckless ex-detective are forced to team up, plenty of chaos ensues on the streets of Rotterdam. Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 — NETFLIX LIVE EVENT Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano headline a historic all-women's boxing mega-event from Madison Square Garden. Presented by Most Valuable Promotions. Tyler Perry's Madea's Destination Wedding — NETFLIX FILM Madea packs her best floral dresses and a whole lot of chaos when the Simmons family heads to the Bahamas for her grandniece's whirlwind wedding. July 14 Apocalypse in the Tropics (BR) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY When does a democracy end, and a theocracy begin? In Apocalypse in the Tropics, director Petra Costa takes us on a decade-long journey through the spiritual and political upheaval of Brazil. What begins as a search for signs of life in a fragile democracy transforms into a deeper inquiry into the seductions of power, prophecy and belief. Costa gains extraordinary access to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former President Jair Bolsonaro and the nation's magnetic televangelist Silas Malafaia. More than a chronicle of political change, Apocalypse in the Tropics is a cinematic investigation of the fault lines that emerge when religion fuels political ambition. With the savage clarity that defined her Academy Award–nominated The Edge of Democracy, Costa documents a time of kaleidoscopic confusion and fear with intimate observational filmmaking that braids together the personal, the historic and the mythic. As faith shifts from private refuge to public battleground, Brazil holds a mirror to a world where democracies are being tested by the power of prophecy. RELATED: The Competition Turns Deadly in Fear Street: Prom Queen Trailer SAKAMOTO DAYS: Season 1 Part 2 (JP) — NETFLIX ANIME Once the greatest hitman of all, Taro Sakamoto retired in the name of love. But when his past catches up, he must fight to protect his beloved family. July 15 Entitled: Season 1 Jaws Jaws 2 Jaws 3 Jaws: The Revenge Trainwreck: Balloon Boy (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY A homemade flying saucer lifts off, and a 6-year-old boy might be inside. National panic ensues — but what truly happened? This documentary investigates. RELATED: Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast Announces Season 3 Is in Production July 16 Amy Bradley Is Missing — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY This true-crime series investigates the 1998 disappearance of a 23-year-old woman from a Caribbean cruise and her family's tireless search for answers. Mamma Mia! Wanted July 17 Catalog (EG) — NETFLIX SERIES A recently widowed workaholic clumsily navigates life with his kids, guided by his late wife's online tips. Can he ace this crash course in parenthood? Community Squad: Season 2 (AR) — NETFLIX SERIES During the election campaign, the Urban Guard expands and Felipe is recruited by Intelligence. The city isn't ready — but neither are they. Untamed. (L to R) Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, Lily Santiago as Naya Vasquez in episode 102 of Untamed. Cr. Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix © 2025 UNTAMED — NETFLIX SERIES A character-driven mystery-thriller that follows Kyle Turner (played by Eric Bana), a special agent for the National Parks Service who works to enforce human law in nature's vast wilderness. The investigation of a brutal death sends Turner on a collision course with the dark secrets within the park, and in his own past. RELATED: Bridgerton Renewed for Seasons 5 and 6; Watch New Teaser for Season 4 July 18 Almost Family (BR) — NETFLIX FILM A Brazilian dad meets his match in his daughter's Argentine in-laws — where a trip to Bariloche spirals into a comedy of local pride and competition. Delirium (CO) — NETFLIX SERIES When his wife Agustina falls into delirium, a professor delves into her dark past to piece together her story and uncover the cause of her madness. I'm Still a Superstar (ES) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY This documentary explores Yurena's meteoric rise to fame as Tamara, the media frenzy she faced in the 2000s and the present-day lives of her TV rivals. Superstar (ES) — NETFLIX SERIES Set deep in the chaos of the early 2000s, this series reimagines the life of pop icon Tamara — and her metamorphosis into Yurena — as never seen before. Vir Das: Fool Volume (IN) — NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL Whether it's the police, the evil eye or a badly timed lost voice, comedian Vir Das explores how embracing foolishness has led him to shared happiness. Wall to Wall (KR) — NETFLIX FILM A man who poured his life savings into a new apartment discovers its walls are full of disturbing noises, hostile neighbors and unsettling secrets. July 19 Eight for Silver July 21 The Hunting Wives: Season 1 The Steve Harvey Show: Seasons 1-6 RELATED: Agape Mngomezulu Talks Bryon and Bracia's Relationship in Ginny & Georgia Season 3 July 22 Trainwreck: P.I. Moms (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY This tell-all documentary investigates an early 2000s reality show about private eye moms and the drug scandal that sabotaged the series and its stars. July 23 Critical: Between Life and Death (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY From critical emergencies to the operating room, this documentary series follows London's trauma units as they treat the most severely injured. Hightown: Seasons 1-3 House of Lies: Seasons 1-5 Letters From The Past (TR) — NETFLIX SERIES When a young woman discovers a long-buried secret about her past, she must trace back a collection of letters to their writers to uncover the truth. July 24 A Normal Woman (ID) — NETFLIX FILM When an unidentified disease starts to upend her life, a socialite must unravel the mystery behind it — before her whole sense of self falls apart. Hitmakers — NETFLIX SERIES Creativity and ego collide in this all-access reality series that follows a group of gifted songwriters as they pen hits for music's biggest stars. My Melody & Kuromi (JP) — NETFLIX ANIME When My Melody's visit to the Cloud Kingdom leads to a whirlwind of trouble, can she, Kuromi and their friends save their home before it's too late? The Sandman. Jenna Coleman as Lady Johanna in episode 206 of The Sandman. Cr. Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025 The Sandman: Season 2 Volume 2 — NETFLIX SERIES A reunion of the Endless thrusts Lord Morpheus onto a perilous path, where a fateful choice makes him the target of a relentless quest for vengeance. RELATED: The Sandman Will End With Season 2 July 25 Happy Gilmore 2 — NETFLIX FILM Happy Gilmore returns! Trigger (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES As illegal firearms flood into a gun-free South Korea, a resolute cop and a cunning arms broker find themselves at odds in a tense showdown. The Winning Try (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES July 28 The Lazarus Project: Seasons 1-2 July 29 Dusty Slay: Wet Heat — NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL Trainwreck: Storm Area 51 (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY When 20-year old Matty Roberts creates a Facebook event inviting people to storm the classified Air Force facility Area 51 in the Nevada desert, the post quickly goes viral, with hundreds and then thousands saying they'll join the event that stated 'They can't stop all of us'. WWE: Unreal — NETFLIX SPORTS SERIES For the first time ever, step into the WWE writer's room and outside the ring with your favorite WWE Superstars, where the drama is just as intense offstage as it is under the spotlight. RELATED: On Location: Cantacuzino Castle in Netflix's Wednesday July 30 Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY From Emmy-winning and Academy Award nominated director Joe Berlinger, this chilling new chapter of Conversations with a Killer delves into one of the most infamous cases in American history: the 44-caliber killer, David Berkowitz. Unspeakable Sins (MX) — NETFLIX SERIES A woman trapped in a controlling marriage finds solace in a secret affair with a younger man until it spirals into a dangerous game of survival. July 31 An Honest Life (SE) — NETFLIX FILM When a cynical law student in search of inspiration joins a band of anarchists, he becomes entangled in a web of crime where he is more pawn than player. Glass Heart — NETFLIX SERIES An aspiring drummer suddenly loses her spot in the band. But when a brilliant musician recruits her for his new band, her life takes a passionate turn. Leanne — NETFLIX SERIES When her husband leaves her for another woman, a resilient Southern mom starts over with the support of her loving, but unfiltered family. Marked (ZA) — NETFLIX SERIES Desperate to pay for her daughter's life-saving surgery, devout ex-cop Babalwa turns to an unholy savior to help her plan a daring heist. The Sandman. (L to R) Tom Sturridge as Dream, Umulisa Gahiga as Nada in episode 201 of The Sandman. Cr. Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025 The Sandman: Season 2: Special Episode — NETFLIX SERIES In this standalone episode, a journalist whose work has left him feeling hopeless about the world has a life-altering 24 hours after crossing paths with Death on her day off. RELATED: What Netflix's Heartstopper Got Right About Eating Disorders Leaving Netflix in July 2025 July 1 13 Going on 30 28 Days 3 Ninjas: Kick Back Annabelle Colombiana Constantine Couples Retreat Crazy, Stupid, Love. Do the Right Thing Draft Day Dune: Part Two Friends with Money Geostorm Get Him to the Greek Hotel Transylvania Hotel Transylvania 2 I Know What You Did Last Summer Loudermilk: Seasons 1-3 The Net The Nun Obsessed Ocean's Eleven Ocean's Thirteen Ocean's Twelve Resident Evil: Retribution Runaway Jury Sicario: Day of the Soldado Sisters Twilight The Twilight Saga: New Moon The Twilight Saga: Eclipse The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2 The Wonder Years: Seasons 1-2 July 3 Insecure: Seasons 1-5 July 4 80 for Brady July 5 The Addams Family July 8 This Is Us: Seasons 1-6 July 13 Life or Something Like It July 15 Barbie July 16 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga July 22 Call My Agent!: Seasons 1-4 July 25 Scream VI July 26 Wynonna Earp: Seasons 1-4 July 28 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 July 30 The Kingdom THE SANDMAN Season 2 Adds New Faces to Its Impressive Cast
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Localisation beyond the Grand Bargain: Structural contradictions in the Global South
Rajeev Kumar Jha is a development professional with over 18 years of extensive experience in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) across the South Asia region. He currently serves as the Director of DRR and CCA at the esteemed Humanitarian Aid International (HAI). LESS ... MORE On March 10, Tom Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator and UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, issued a high-profile call for a 'humanitarian-reset' to consolidate efforts, re-evaluate strategies, eliminate redundancies, and enhance accountability across clusters and at the country level. A central part of his message was the need to accelerate the shift toward cash-based programming, aligning with long-standing commitments under the Grand Bargain. Yet, the timing and tone of this appeal raise important questions. Many observers argue that this reset was less a bold reformist initiative and more a reaction to the recent wave of development aid cuts by the US administration and other major donors. While Mr. Fletcher referenced the grand-bargain, his statement notably sidestepped the issue of localisation, failing to outline concrete mechanisms for transferring power, resources, or leadership to local actors. This omission is particularly striking as the current iteration of the Grand Bargain is set to expire in 2026, and localisation remains one of its most contested and unfulfilled goals. As the sector approaches this critical juncture, fundamental questions emerge: Will there be a genuine reset that centres local leadership and accountability, or will it dissolve into another cycle of rhetorical commitments and fragmented reform? The Grand Bargain Annual Meeting, held in Geneva on 16–17 October 2024, reflected these tensions. While members reaffirmed their interest in advancing quality funding, gender-transformative approaches, and strengthening national reference groups to serve as feedback loops between local and global levels, the outcomes were, by most accounts, muted and incremental. Without decisive action and structural reform, the localisation agenda risks becoming another diluted ambition, overshadowed by geopolitical shifts and institutional inertia. The Grand Bargain (GB) was introduced in 2016 at the World Humanitarian Summit to transform the humanitarian system, with localisation as one of its core pillars. A predominant argument for localisation critiques the historical dominance of Northern development agencies and donor governments in shaping humanitarian responses. Another classical question that always generates interest is issues of resource sharing through the local actors, which generally flows from the coffers of Northern Hemisphere countries and their institutions. It has been perceived that most of the Southern Hemisphere-based actors are net receivers of the resources. Grand Bargain was embraced with optimism, viewing it as a potential game-changer. However, the reality has proven more complex. As per the Passing the Buck report 2022, 1.2% of humanitarian funding only going directly to local and national actors till 2022. Based on the evidence, one can argue that it has fallen short of shifting power and resources to local actors in any substantive way. Questions about its legacy and next phase persist. If it ends without achieving substantial progress, the humanitarian system risks retaining the same colonial-era dynamics it sought to redress. Along the way, another question arises: Will countries and institutions in the Southern hemisphere take on new leadership roles, develop innovative funding mechanisms, and demonstrate the political will necessary to advance localisation? Alternatively, will they continue to rely on financial support from Western nations? There is a concern that existing imbalances may simply re-emerge in different forms. One significant challenge is that many Southern countries lack national-level funding systems that can sustain local actors without depending on international aid. This creates a disconnect between the expressed support for localisation and the actual structural policies, which are often centralised, top-down, and counterproductive to the aims of localisation. This inconsistency highlights a fundamental contradiction that must be addressed for effective advancement in localisation efforts. Let us examine a few large Southern countries that hold influence in the global humanitarian order and can change the course of localisation if they act collectively: India India's development space is increasingly shaped by corporate-led social responsibility under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate of the Companies Act, 2013. While CSR has mobilised significant funds (over INR 25,000 crore in 2021-22), it operates under strict government guidelines, which restrict innovation and prioritise state-aligned objectives. Local community agency is often subsumed under state-corporate frameworks. Direct humanitarian funding mechanisms for local NGOs are virtually non-existent. Further, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendments in 2020 have significantly curtailed foreign funding to local NGOs, reducing their operational independence. China China's development cooperation is entirely state-led. China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), formed in 2018, coordinates China Aid, which focuses on government-to-government projects, infrastructure, and technical assistance. China's engagement in humanitarianism has grown—e.g., through contributions to WFP, WHO, IFRC—but this rarely involves local civil society partners. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) further emphasizes large-scale corporate participation over grassroots empowerment. Domestic restrictions on NGO activity further limit the growth of an independent humanitarian civil society. Mexico Mexico lacks a formal humanitarian funding mechanism accessible to CSOs. The previous disaster response mechanism, FONDEN, was dissolved in 2020. Disaster and emergency responses are now managed through federal systems with minimal CSO engagement. Regulatory constraints also inhibit foreign funding to local NGOs. Despite efforts to integrate DRR into public policy, most CSOs operate in precarious environments. Brazil The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) coordinates South-South development cooperation but mainly offers technical support through state-to-state partnerships. Despite a vibrant NGO landscape, access to both national and international funding is bureaucratically arduous. The government does not maintain a grant-making mechanism for local humanitarian actors. Moreover, recent political shifts have led to reduced civic space for CSOs and public budget cuts for social development initiatives. Nigeria Nigeria heavily depends on foreign humanitarian aid. Currently, between 4 and 5 per cent of the operation is delivered directly through local partners, compared to 1.2 per cent globally. Most funding passes through UN agencies and INGOs. Although the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) was established in 2019, its focus remains on poverty alleviation (e.g., through the National Social Investment Programme) rather than on empowering local humanitarian actors. Despite hosting many humanitarian operations in Northeast Nigeria, local NGOs are often subcontractors rather than equal partners. Indonesia Indonesia has a well-established disaster management framework through the BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency), but local NGOs struggle to access core funding or influence national decision-making processes. Civil society contributions are seen as complementary rather than central. International funding flows still dominate in humanitarian response efforts such as tsunamis, floods, or volcanic eruptions. Suggestions to Improve Localisation: Establish international humanitarian funds with Southern leadership-Governments, particularly in the Global South, should lead in establishing transparent, accessible international humanitarian funding pools that include mandatory quotas for local and national NGOs. These could be disbursed through competitive grant mechanisms, matching fund models, or simplified direct financing channels. A strategic starting point would be for a coalition of countries in the Global South—for example, India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and Nigeria—to launch a $10 billion Southern Humanitarian Solidarity Fund, focused on regional crises, protracted emergencies, and anticipatory action. Currently, less than 2% of international humanitarian funding directly reaches local actors as per the Global Humanitarian Report, 2023. A South-led pooled fund could set a precedent for reversing this imbalance. Institutionalise local representation in national and international coordination platforms-National governments should mandate the inclusion of local NGOs, women-led groups, and community-based organizations into disaster coordination bodies such as NEMA (Nigeria), BNPB (Indonesia), and NDMA(India). Representation should be formalised in national disaster policies and linked to decision-making rights. International forums (e.g., the Grand Bargain, IASC) must also include local actors through elected representatives. Without institutional support, local actors often remain peripheral: for instance, only 3% of attendees at the 2023 Global Humanitarian Summit represented local organisations. Transition from capacity building to capacity sharing-Rather than treating capacity building as a unidirectional process, a shift toward mutual capacity sharing is needed. This means creating South-South peer learning platforms, where local actors co-develop tools, exchange lessons from disaster response, and contribute their deep contextual knowledge. Initiatives like the Humanitarian Exchange Language (HXL) or peer-review networks across Red Cross/Red Crescent national societies offer replicable models. Studies show that 'peer-to-peer learning between local responders in similar risk environments has higher retention and contextual adaptation than traditional training models' (ODI, 2022). Promote South-South localisation alliances-Regional alliances among Global South countries—such as the African Union, ASEAN, or CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States )—should mainstream localisation within their humanitarian frameworks. These alliances can launch regional localisation funds, create civil society working groups, and host annual South-South Humanitarian Localisation Forums. The Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) provides a powerful precedent in pooling sovereign funds for disaster risk reduction and response. A 2023 FAO-WFP review highlighted that regional cooperation on humanitarian action in the Global South has doubled in the past decade but remains underfunded and donor-dependent. Localise monitoring and accountability mechanisms-Localisation benchmarks (e.g., the 25% direct funding target from the Grand Bargain) should be monitored not just by international bodies like the IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) or OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), but by national civil society coalitions and independent watchdogs. Public scorecards, community-level audits, and data disaggregation by local/national/international status can foster greater accountability and transparency. Conclusion: The call for a 'Humanitarian Reset' invites a thoughtful reckoning with the enduring tensions within the aid system. Efforts to advance localisation cannot rely solely on international platforms, particularly when national frameworks in many parts of the Global South continue to exhibit centralising tendencies and offer limited avenues for civil society engagement. As the Grand Bargain draws to a close, the challenge lies less in formulating new pledges and more in fostering the quiet but essential shifts within donor approaches and domestic governance alike that enable a more balanced distribution of power and resources. Real progress will depend on sustained collaboration between actors across both the Global South and traditional donor landscapes. It is through such partnerships, grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to shared responsibility, that localisation can move from aspiration to practice. Governments, donors, and civil society must work together to cultivate an environment in which the humanitarian system becomes more inclusive, responsive, and accountable to those it seeks to serve. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
