Source: Reserve Bank of India
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In the underwriting auction conducted on August 01, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:
Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/821 |
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Source: Reserve Bank of India
Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/822 |
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
From local manufacturing to research and development, India has a significant role in the development of the new foldable series, JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia, said on Friday.
According to him, the company engineers from the Bengaluru R&D facility have contributed significantly in the development of new Z Fold7 and the Z Flip7 devices.
“I am happy to share that these new phones are being manufactured at our Noida factory,” Park said.
“Our latest foldables represent the next leap in smartphone innovation. They are the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z series designs yet. They deliver cutting-edge performance and come with seamless Galaxy AI integration,” added Park.
The company received a record 210,000 pre-orders for its seventh generation foldables – Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy ZFlip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – in just 48 hours in India – signalling rapid mainstreaming of the foldable form factor in the country.
The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy Z Fold7 is surprisingly gaining significant traction from not only tier 3 markets, but also tier 4 and beyond, amid a resilient economy and rising aspirations across the country, the company informed.
Park said the new devices will “help us mainstream the foldables in India”.
“Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers the Ultra experience in the thinnest, lightest and most advanced Fold yet. Galaxy Z Flip7 packs flagship power, intelligence and personality into a compact and iconic form,” he mentioned.
On AI, he said that today, on-device AI is independent of being in the cloud or a third-party source.
“But tomorrow, I think it’s more of how people are using the AI. Like in India, you have so many dialects that you need someone to interpret. Tomorrow, it will all be done simultaneously on the devices. So you don’t have to memorise things. You don’t have to have an opinion of a lawyer or doctor. You just can have a massive intelligence that’s connected on your device to a cloud that can guide you to a better solution. I think that’s how the technology will evolve,” said Park.
(IANS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday responded warmly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for his recent visit to Gujarat, reaffirming the critical role tourism plays in J&K’s economy and national integration.
In a post on X, Abdullah wrote: “I’m a firm believer that travel broadens the horizons & the mind, @narendramodi ji. It’s especially important for us in J&K, as tourism is a crucial part of our economy and has the potential to gainfully employ lakhs of people. That’s why my colleagues and I are trying to convince more of our fellow Indians to visit J&K, especially after the tragic events earlier this year.”
His remarks came in response to a message from PM Modi, who had lauded Abdullah’s visit to the Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity during a recent tourism event in Ahmedabad.
“Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
Abdullah had earlier shared his experience from Gujarat, where he went for a morning run along the Sabarmati Riverfront.
“While in #Ahmedabad for a tourism event, I took advantage of being here to get my morning run at the famed Sabarmati River Front promenade. It’s one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run, and it was a pleasure to share it with so many other walkers and runners. I even managed to run past the amazing Atal Foot Bridge,” he wrote.
The J&K Chief Minister was on a two-day visit to Gujarat aimed at promoting the Union Territory as a travel destination, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to a temporary decline in tourist activity.
During his visit, Abdullah met with tour operators and travel industry stakeholders to rebuild trust and attract more domestic tourists to the region. He also held a meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
-IANS
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The basic-tier drug list under the Chronic Disease Co-care Pilot Scheme has been expanded from 59 items to 114 items starting from today.
The Health Bureau said the 55 additional drug items cover antidepressants and drugs for the management of chronic hepatitis B, osteoporosis and thyroid disorder. More items have also been included to address health problems associated with episodic illnesses, such as drugs for relieving asthma exacerbation, gout, nausea and vertigo.
Scheme participants prescribed with drugs on the list need not pay for such medications.
The expanded list will provide family doctors with greater flexibility to cater for patients’ clinical needs, the bureau added.
To date, more than 140,000 people have enrolled in the pilot scheme. As of July 23, about 85,000 participants had completed screenings, with around 34,000 being diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or hyperlipidaemia, and proceeding to treatment.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Thursday sentenced more than 100 members of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party to prison terms on charges related to riots that targeted military sites in 2023, a court order said.
Fifty-eight of the defendants, who included parliamentarians and senior officials, were sentenced to 10 years in prison and the rest were given sentences ranging from one to three years, the court said.
The accused include Omar Ayub Khan and Shibli Faraz, the leaders of Khan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) in the lower and upper houses of parliament respectively, the court order seen by Reuters read.
“The prosecution has proved its case against the accused without a shadow of doubt,” it said in announcing the sentences.
Khan, who has been in prison since 2023 facing charges of corruption, land fraud and disclosure of official secrets, is being tried separately on similar charges related to the riot.
The government accuses him and other leaders of inciting the May 9, 2023, protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi.
He denies wrongdoing and says all the cases are politically motivated as part of a military-backed crackdown to dismantle his party. The military denies it.
Khan’s arrest had prompted the countrywide violent protests.
Thursday’s ruling does not directly affect the incitement case against him in which prosecution is still presenting witnesses.
The PTI party said it will challenge the verdict.
The ruling is the third such mass conviction this month; Khan’s party says they have included at least 14 of its parliamentarians.
They will lose their seats in parliament under Pakistani laws, which will shred Khan’s opposition party’s strength.
Another 77 were acquitted for lack of evidence in the latest verdict, which is linked to an attack on the office of an intelligence agency in eastern city of Faisalabad, the court said.
The party plans new protests starting on August 5, the second anniversary of Khan’s jailing, to demand his release.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
In a major announcement ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday declared a significant hike in the honorarium for several categories of support staff in government schools, including cooks, night watchmen, and physical education and health instructors.
The announcement was made via a post from the Chief Minister’s official X account, highlighting the government’s continued focus on strengthening the education sector through better compensation and support for ground-level workers.
As per the revised honorarium, cooks employed under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) saw their monthly payment increase from Rs 1,650 to Rs 3,300, while night watchmen deployed in secondary and higher secondary schools have seen a monthly honorarium increase from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
Similarly, physical education and health instructors’ monthly honorarium increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 apart from annual increment raised from Rs 200 to Rs 400 for eligible personnel.
CM Nitish Kumar said, “These workers have played an important role in strengthening the education system. Doubling their honorarium will boost their morale and lead to greater dedication in their duties.”
Highlighting the evolution of the education sector since his government took over in November 2005, the CM noted, “The education budget has risen from Rs 4,366 crore in 2005 to Rs 77,690 crore in 2025. Progress includes massive teacher recruitment, new school buildings, and infrastructure development.”
Earlier, the journalist pension scheme increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000, social security pension for the elderly, disabled, and widows was hiked from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, ASHA workers’ incentive was raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, and MAMTA workers now get Rs 600 per delivery, up from Rs 300 earlier.
These measures signal the government’s intent to consolidate support across various working-class and grassroots segments.
(IANS)
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Vladivostok, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — Over the past 24 hours, Kamchatka has recorded about 120 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 3.5 to 6.7 after a powerful earthquake that occurred on July 30, TASS reported on Friday, citing the Main Directorate of the Russian Emergencies Ministry for Kamchatka Krai.
According to the report, some of the aftershocks of up to 5 points were felt in populated areas of the region. Two temporary accommodation points have been set up to receive citizens in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and in the Yelizovsky district. On the morning of August 1, there were 190 people in them. Psychologists from the Russian Emergencies Ministry are working with people.
According to seismologists, seismic activity in the region is decreasing, although it still remains high. The aftershock process after the earthquake of July 30, according to forecasts, will last for several months.
On the morning of July 30, a powerful earthquake occurred off the coast of Kamchatka, the strongest since 1952. Its magnitude, according to the Kamchatka branch of the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences, reached 8.7. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinhua | 01. 08. 2025
Keywords: Chile
Source: Xinhua
Lightning: One worker killed, nine injured, five missing in seismic event at Andesita mining site in Chile – media Lightning: One worker killed, nine injured, five missing in seismic event at Andesita mining site in Chile – media
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) on Thursday released a list of promising information engineering technologies and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are expected to be key to AI development in the next five to 10 years.
The list includes about 300 technologies.
In terms of information engineering technology innovations, the list includes 163 technologies in areas such as 6G communications, multimodal large-scale artificial intelligence models, and general-purpose AI super agents.
The list includes 122 emerging technologies designed to help transform traditional industries and drive cross-disciplinary integration. These technologies span fields such as computational neuroscience, smart wearables, and AI-powered drug discovery.
In addition, the list includes 12 promising AI technologies that are closely related to the daily life of the population, including technologies for creating large-scale artificial intelligence models, intelligent unmanned systems, and embodied AI.
According to IAC academician Yu Shaohua, the purpose of publishing the above list is to deepen the public’s understanding of the future impact of AI on social life, as well as to promote strategic planning for the development of artificial intelligence. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
WASHINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday sent letters to the heads of 17 pharmaceutical companies, demanding that they lower drug prices within 60 days, threatening to take action if they refuse.
On his Truth Social page, D. Trump published letters sent to 17 pharmaceutical manufacturers, including Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Merck. They demand that they take steps to reduce drug prices in the US.
The letters were sent after Trump signed an executive order in May to restore the “most favored nation” policy, which is designed to lower drug prices by tying the cost of some medications in the U.S. to much lower prices in other developed countries.
“Most of the proposals my administration has received to ‘solve’ this critical problem have promised the same thing: shifting blame and demanding policy changes that will result in billions of dollars in handouts to industry,” Trump said in the letters.
“Going forward, the only thing I will accept from drug manufacturers is a commitment to protect American families from exorbitant drug prices and to stop European and other developed countries from freely using American innovations,” he said.
D. Trump also warned that if the pharmaceutical companies that received the letters refuse to meet, “we will use every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abuses in drug pricing.” The president did not specify what measures would be taken.
Currently, brand-name drugs in the United States cost, on average, three times more than identical drugs in other countries, the letters say.
Shares of major pharmaceutical companies fell after the letter news broke. On Thursday, shares of Eli Lilly and Pfizer fell more than 2 percent, while shares of Merck fell more than 4 percent. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order further changing tariff rates with nearly 70 trading partners.
The decree introduces “additional ad valorem duties on goods from certain trading partners.”
According to an appendix to the White House press release, most of the new tariff rates range from 10 percent to 40 percent.
The new tariffs will come into force seven days after the date of the decree, except in cases related to logistics.
As D. Trump noted in the document, some US trading partners, despite participating in the negotiations, proposed conditions that do not sufficiently eliminate the “imbalance” in trade relations or do not meet US demands on “economic and national security issues.”
“Some trading partners have failed to engage with the United States or to take adequate steps to sufficiently align their actions with the United States on economic and national security issues,” the president said.
The order requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, along with other senior officials, to publish every six months a list of countries and specific facilities used in tariff evasion schemes to inform government procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.
In addition, key U.S. government agencies are directed and authorized to take “all necessary actions” to implement this order consistent with applicable law. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Source: World Health Organisation
Jakarta, 1 August 2025 – As Indonesia commemorates World Breastfeeding Week 2025, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) are highlighting the importance of strengthening support systems for breastfeeding mothers across the country.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed around the world from 1–7 August. In Indonesia, this important occasion is observed throughout the month of August, under the theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”.
UNICEF and WHO commend the Government of Indonesia’s continued commitment to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months has steadily increased, rising from 52% in 2017 to 66.4% in 2024. However, many infants are not exclusively breastfed for the full six months – the duration required to achieve the full health benefits.
With reliable and long-lasting support, mothers can better access help when they need it, wherever they are – at work, home or in their community. This includes skilled counselling from trained health workers, workplace policies and physical arrangements that enable breastfeeding, and ongoing support from community networks.
“By investing in support systems for breastfeeding mothers, we create a vital a safety net that ensures no mother has to navigate breastfeeding challenges alone,” said UNICEF Indonesia Representative, Maniza Zaman. “When women and their babies are supported to breastfeed successfully, it sets off a chain of positive outcomes – not only for the child’s development, but also for stronger families, healthier communities and ultimately a better future for the nation.”
“Indonesia’s steady rise in exclusive breastfeeding is a remarkable achievement and reflects the commitment of families, communities and the health system,” said Dr N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Indonesia. “With stronger support systems, every mother in Indonesia can have the resources needed to exclusively breastfeed for the full recommended six months, giving every child the healthiest start to life.”
Breastfeeding is a baby’s first source of protection and nutrition. UNICEF and WHO recommend that infants are breastfed within one hour of birth and exclusively breastfed in their first six months of life, with no other foods and liquids provided.
Evidence shows that breastfeeding boosts children’s cognitive development by 3–4 IQ points, reduces overweight and obesity risk and provides lifelong protection against non-communicable diseases. Babies who are not breastfed are up to 14 times more likely to die before their first birthday than those who are exclusively breastfed during their first six months.
Unlike formula production, breastfeeding is also environmentally sustainable, lowering carbon emissions and reducing packaging waste.
UNICEF and WHO call on all stakeholders – the government, workplaces, healthcare institutions, the private sector and communities – to accelerate efforts to support breastfeeding mothers. Key actions include:
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The imposition of 25 per cent tariff on India with penalty is a “bad business decision” but the mysterious forces of global supply chain will auto adjust and cushion the impact, and Indian businesses and firms would do well to reinvigorate the ‘Made in India’ as a hallmark of unquestionable quality, an SBI Research report said on Friday.
Not surprisingly, the US GDP, inflation and currency face a greater risk of downgrades compared to India, the report noted.
Though the US is India’s top exporter (20 per cent in FY25), India has diversified its export destinations, and the top 10 countries only accounted for 53 per cent of total exports.
The top 15 items exported to the US accounted for 63 per cent of total exports. Electronics, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals and nuclear reactors and machinery account for 49 per cent of India’s exports to the US.
The earlier tariff imposed by the US on such articles varied from 0 per cent (on diamonds, smartphones, pharma products, among others) to a maximum of 10.8 per cent (other bed linen of cotton). Now all of them will face a 25 per cent tariff.
“Exports of smartphones and photovoltaic cells to the US have seen a spurt by the PLI scheme of the government, and rationalisation of the GST on cut and polished diamonds has pushed gems and jewellery exports to the US. For the other products, it’s the robust demand from the US that led to higher exports, according to the SBI report.
India has been a cornerstone of the global supply chain for affordable, high-quality and availability of essential medicines, particularly life-saving oncology drugs and antibiotics.
In the generic drug market, India supplies nearly 47 per cent of the pharmaceutical needs of the US. If the US shifts manufacturing and API production to other countries or domestic facilities, it will take a minimum of 3-5 years for meaningful capacity. So, the tariff rise may lead to drug shortages and price increases for American citizens.
As the US accounts for 40 per cent of India’s pharma exports, if a 25 per cent tariff continues, it may hit earnings of pharma companies by 2-8 per cent in FY26, as many big pharma companies’ revenue from the US stood in the range of 40-50 per cent.
Further, the tariff will reduce competitiveness in the world’s largest pharma market and the profit margins pressure due to the inability to pass on costs, the report noted.
“When we map the sectors with most favoured nation (MFN) tariffs imposed by India on the corresponding imports from the US, the average MFN tariff comes to around 20 per cent. Certain sectors like Automobile, FMCG, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, electrical equipment, textile and consumer durables stand out as the tariff applied is 15 per cent or more. The Indian government can think of reducing the tariffs in such sectors,” the SBI report suggested.
(IANS)
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They discussed ways to promote relations between ASEAN and Somalia, and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Communities hit hardest by knife crime see a drop in offences and more weapons removed from the streets.
The number of robberies involving a knife – or the threat of one – have dropped after months of targeted police action in seven highest risk areas, according to new data published by government today.
After seeing a stark rise in knife-enabled robbery in the year to June 2024, driven by a 14% increase across seven police forces, the Home Secretary set up a dedicated police taskforce last October and after just nine months of activity, there has been a 6% overall reduction compared with the previous year across those highest risk areas – with places like the West Midlands seeing a substantial annual drop of 25%.
The reduction has been driven by intense police efforts and a range of tactics, including upping visible patrols, using drones, knife arches and detection dogs to support police on the ground, and deploying plain clothes officers.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper:
Since day one we have acted with urgency to turn the tide on knife crime, which destroys lives and devastates communities.
When we came to office, knife-enabled robbery was increasing at a concerning rate, but we have now started to drive numbers of those offences down through the work of our dedicated taskforces, and as a result, we have also seen the first small reduction in overall knife crime for four years.
The drop in knife enabled robbery in key problem areas shows the impact that our strong new action on knife crime is having, but we now need to supercharge these efforts through more smart and targeted interventions. Anyone can be a victim of knife crime, but new ‘hex mapping’ technology shows that the vast majority of knife crime is concentrated in a relatively small, hyper-concentrated number of areas.
As part of the Plan for Change, we will use that new technology to support our mission to halve knife crime over the next decade. In the 2020s, the way to be ‘tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime’ is also to be smart on crime, using the latest technology to target criminals and problem areas, and keep the country safe.
The announcement comes as a ban on ninja swords come into force today – the first part of the government’s manifesto commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law, and latest step under the pledge to halve knife crime in the next decade.
Ahead of the ban, at least a thousand deadly weapons have been handed in following the country’s largest weapons surrender scheme.
Launched in June, the Home Office developed this scheme with members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime to provide a broader range of ways the public could surrender weapons outside of police stations. This saw Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, driving a custom built and fully secure surrender van, across London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, and Words4Weapons supplying 37 new surrender bins, all funded by the Home Office. The surrender van will also be deployed at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan said:
Ronan was just 16 years old when his life was stolen by a 22-inch ninja sword that should never have been so easy to buy. Ronan’s Law is not only a step towards justice for my son, but for every parent who wants to see their child come home safely.
This law is about saving lives, closing dangerous loopholes, and holding those responsible to account.
The government’s knife surrender scheme has been a sign of commitment to tackling the scourge of knife crime. While there is still much more to do, these are significant steps in the right direction.
Sandra Campbell, CEO of Word 4 Weapons said:
For over 16 years, Word 4 Weapons has played a leading role in the UK’s national weapon surrender schemes, enabling thousands of knives and dangerous items to be taken off the streets through our network of secure and accessible surrender bins.
These initiatives are designed to help save lives, raise awareness, and give communities a practical way to reduce harm.
We therefore welcome the government’s decision to ban dangerous weapons like ninja swords, a move that reinforces the importance of community-led approaches to tackling knife and weapon-related violence. We remain committed to supporting this work and expanding our efforts to build safer public spaces for all.
Ronan’s Law will also see the government bring in the toughest measures to date to tackle the sale of weapons online – requiring retailers to report bulk or suspicious knife orders to the police; put in place more stringent age verification checks and impose significant fines on tech executives whose platforms fail to prevent illegal sales.
As part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade the Home Office is also delivering a pilot using sophisticated new mapping technologies to target hyper-concentrated knife crime hotspots, backed by up to £5 million this year.
This funding will be targeted towards 50 of the top 100 hyper-local knife crime hotspots to trial targeted intervention tactics and prevent further offending. This could include using more facial recognition and advanced knife detection technology, or the use of police drones to support the increased presence of police officers in our communities – part of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
These activities are taking place against the backdrop of the summer long Safer Streets Initiative launched by the Home Secretary to tackle town centre crime, which is delivering a smarter, more visible police and community operation across the country.
Source: City of Leeds
Yorkshire Day marks one year on from service starting
Yorkshire Day this year is a double cause for celebration in Leeds due to the successful impact of the first year of household glass collections in the city.
The new service delivered by Leeds City Council, which began a year ago today, has seen nearly 12,000 tonnes of glass recycled by residents across the city through their green bins. That equates to over two million wine bottles per month and has helped save 464 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2e), the equivalent of taking more than 170 cars off the road. It has also helped increase glass recycling levels in Leeds from 48 per cent to 75 per cent in the first 12 months.
Empty glass bottles and jars are 100 per cent recyclable, with the process able to be repeated endlessly with no loss in quality, delivering significant benefits to the environment.
The council works with contractor HW Martin to sort the glass at its Leeds plant, with over 85 per cent of it being remelted at facilities in Yorkshire to produce new bottles and jars ready for reuse within a month.
The collection service is for any colour of glass bottle or jars, including those for wine, spirits, beer, pop, jam, sauces, coffee jars and spreads. Caps, lids and labels can be left on ready for collection. As part of the Leeds approach to make recycling as simple and easy as possible from home, all glass bottle and jars can go in the green bin; along with paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, foil and metal cans.
The council is keen to build on the success of the first 12 months by encouraging even more glass to be recycled in green bins. Currently 25 per cent of glass bottles and jars are still needlessly being put in black bins and the council is asking residents to encourage everyone to use their green bins to recycle more.
Another option aside from the green bin is to make use of the extensive network of more than 700 glass recycling banks around the city. Each of these banks is able to hold up to 3,000 bottles and jars. This option is particularly helpful after a party or large gathering to dispose of empty glass, or for those who still prefer to make regular trips to their nearest bottle bank.
While glass bottles and jars can be easily remelted and recycled, a few specialised types -such as oven-proof or Pyrex dishes, lightbulbs, and drinking glasses – require different handling due to their unique melting points. These items can still be given a second life by donating them to a local charity shop or responsibly disposing of them at a household waste recycling centre in Leeds.
Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique said:
“The first year of household glass collections has been a big success so we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone in Leeds for their efforts, and on Yorkshire Day we would call on people to continue to be glass acts and recycle even more if they can, as it does make a big and real difference.
“Let’s all work together to make the second year of glass collections even more successful than the first, to help the environment and the Yorkshire economy so that everyone wins.”
Victoria Adams, Marketing and Communications manager, British Glass, said:
“British Glass are pleased to see the success of the approach by Leeds and, importantly, how much glass is now being sorted and then remelted into new bottles and jars within the local area.
“We supported Leeds with the launch a year ago on Yorkshire Day and join with the council in thanking residents for their efforts in this first year and we look forward to even more glass being recycled in the year ahead.”
Declan Nortcliffe, Operations Director, HW Martin Waste said:
“It’s fantastic that Leeds is extracting over 75 per cent of the city’s glass, within a year of taking jars and bottles in the green bin. We prioritise sending this material to local outlets across Yorkshire for remelting, keeping our carbon footprint low and ensuring new products are back on shelves quickly.”
Notes to editors:
Leeds waste collections services currently empty on average 88,000 bins per day – over half a million a week. Annually, this adds up to almost 33,500 tonnes collected from green bins and over 172,000 tonnes from black bins. Thanks to increases in green bin collections to 10,000 homes in 2024 and a further 40,000 in 2025, all households in Leeds now receive a green bin recycling collection at least fortnightly, with 20,000 households in the most densely housed areas now getting a weekly recycling collection. Less than 0.2% of Leeds kerbside collection waste goes to landfill.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Leeds City Council communications and marketing,
Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk
Tel: 0113 378 6007
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Communications Authority today announced the launch of a public consultation on applications for the renewal of domestic free television programme service (free TV) licences.
The free TV licences of HK Television Entertainment Company (HKTVE), i-CABLE HOY and Television Broadcasts (TVB), each with a validity of 12 years, are due to expire between 2027 and 2028.
The three licensees have submitted licence renewal applications to the authority.
In accordance with requirements under the Broadcasting Ordinance and established procedures, the authority will carry out a detailed assessment of the licensees’ past performance and renewal proposals, and collect public views through various means. This will include carrying out a two-month public consultation, an opinion survey, a televised online public hearing and focus group discussions.
The authority will take into account the licensees’ respective performances, views from the industry and public, market developments, and more. It will make recommendations on the three licence renewal applications to the Chief Executive in Council before the end of March 2026.
Members of the public may submit their views in writing by email, by fax to 2507 2219, or by mail to Office of the Communications Authority (Attn: Broadcasting Section 33), 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
They may also register to participate in the televised online public hearing, due to be held on September 20.
The public consultation will end on September 30.
The free TV licence of HKTVE is valid until March 31, 2027, while the licence of TVB runs until November 30, 2027, and that of i-CABLE HOY until May 30, 2028.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily M. Ogier, Associate Professor in Marine Social Science, University of Tasmania
The world’s oceans are being rapidly transformed as climate change intensifies. Corals are bleaching, sea levels are rising, and seawater is becoming more acidic – making life difficult for shellfish and reef-building corals. All this and more is unfolding on our watch, with profound consequences for marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
In response, scientists, governments and industries are trying to intervene.
People all over the world are experimenting with new ways to capture and store more carbon dioxide, or make up for damage already done.
Ocean-based climate actions include breeding more heat-tolerant corals, restoring mangroves, and farming seaweed. Such interventions offer hope, but they’re also inherently risky. Some may be ineffective, inequitable or even harmful.
The pace of innovation is now outstripping the capacity to responsibly regulate, monitor and evaluate these interventions. This means current and future generations may not be getting value for money, or worse – the chance to avoid irreversible change may be slipping away.
In our new research, published in Science, we reviewed the latest evidence on known and perceived risks of new ocean-based climate interventions. We then gathered emerging ideas on how to reduce those risks.
We found the risks aren’t being widely considered, and the benefits are unclear. But there are emerging assessment tools and planning frameworks we can build on, to plan ocean-based climate actions that meet humanity’s climate goals.
Marine climate interventions vary in scope and ambition. Examples can be found all over the world. These include:
making oceans in North America more alkaline (less acidic) so they can take up more carbon dioxide
breeding heat-tolerant corals in Australia to transplant onto degraded reefs
farming seaweed in Africa to capture carbon and reduce ocean acidity
restoring mangroves in Asia to defend coastal communities
avoiding emissions by banning offshore oil and gas exploration.
Some interventions are still at proof-of-concept stage, and several have been tested and abandoned. Others are facing challenges owing to complexity of monitoring and verification.
Each has its own set of benefits, costs and risks. For example, making the ocean more alkaline may help to squeeze in more carbon from the atmosphere, but it’s difficult to verify how much carbon has been removed. This makes it hard to justify the costs and the potential damage to ecosystems, such as effects on local fish populations.
Restoring coral can support biodiversity in the short term, but it may not last as warming exceeds their (modified) ability to adapt. This type of intervention is also expensive and labour-intensive, with unintended emissions from energy-intensive processes. So it may be impossible to scale up.
Seaweed farming at scale would occupy thousands if not millions of square kilometres of oceans, displacing fishing, shipping and conservation. Harvesting 1 billion tonnes of seaweed carbon would require farming more than 1 million square km of the Pacific Ocean, and would deliver just 10% of the annual atmospheric carbon dioxide removal required to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
It’s doubtful whether seaweed farming would actually remove carbon from the atmosphere. But seaweed farming can – if well-planned – produce a range of other climate-related benefits.
Moreover, interventions often overlap in space and time, creating cumulative impacts and unintended consequences. In some cases, the projects may displace other users, undermine Indigenous rights, or erode public trust in climate science and policy. Without careful understanding and planning, these efforts could exacerbate the very problems they aim to solve.
One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of regulation and oversight suited to the scale and complexity of marine climate interventions.
Existing regulations are often outdated, fragmented, or designed for land-based systems. Few countries have biosafety laws for the ocean. This means many interventions proceed without comprehensive risk assessments or community consultation.
Ethical dilemmas abound. Who decides what constitutes a “healthy” ocean? Who bears responsibility if an intervention causes harm? And how do we ensure benefits — such as improved livelihoods or climate resilience — are equitably distributed?
Currently, scientists, funding bodies and non-government organisations do the bulk of the decision-making. There is limited input from governments, local communities and Indigenous Peoples. This imbalance risks perpetuating historical injustices and undermining the legitimacy of many ocean-based climate actions.
We identified opportunities for scientists, policymakers, and funding bodies to work together more effectively on more comprehensive assessments of interventions.
Guidelines and insights are emerging from experimental-scale research into capturing and storing “blue” carbon in ocean and coastal ecosystems. Similarly, a non-profit organisation in the United States has developed a code of conduct for marine carbon dioxide removal. However these guidelines are yet to be integrated into broader governance frameworks.
Awareness of the urgent need to ensure intervention is done responsibly is also growing. Many high-level policy documents now recognise the importance of transitioning to more sustainable, equitable, and adaptive states. For example, the Samoa Climate Change Policy 2020 recognises the need to adapt coastal economies and communities to warming oceans, while also working to reduce carbon emissions.
The ocean is central to our climate future. It absorbs heat, stores carbon, and sustains life. But it is also vulnerable — and increasingly, a site of experimentation. If we are to harness the promise of ocean-based climate action, we must do so with care, humility, and foresight.
Responsible governance is not a barrier to innovation — it is its foundation. By embedding ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based principles into our marine climate strategies, we can chart a course toward a more resilient and equitable ocean future.
Emily M. Ogier receives salary support from the Australia Research Council. She receives funding from The Nature Conservancy, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the Blue economy Centre for Research Excellence. She is affiliated with the Centre for Marine Socioecology.
Gretta Pecl receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet (Tasmania), the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, The Ian Potter Foundation and has received travel funding support from the Australian government for participation in the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change process. She is affiliated with the Biodiversity Council and the Centre for Marine Socioecology.
Tiffany Morrison receives funding from the Australian Research Council Laureate and Discovery Programmes, WorldFish-CGIAR ( (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), and The Nature Conservancy Science for Nature and People Partnership.
– ref. Marine climate interventions can have unintended consequences – we need to manage the risks – https://theconversation.com/marine-climate-interventions-can-have-unintended-consequences-we-need-to-manage-the-risks-262343
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
From August 1, 2025, by decision of the NCO NCC (JSC), the lower maximum value of the deviation of bid prices PcL_max on the stock market and deposit market will change:
| No. | Trade code | Name | The current value of the PcL_max parameter | New value of the PcL_max parameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sago | Samara-ao | 0.22 | 0.1 |
| 2 | Sagop | SamaraN-up | 0.22 | 0.1 |
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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In accordance with the Listing Rules of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the Chairman of the Management Board made the following decision on July 31, 2025:
cancel the decision of 31.07.2025 (HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.Kom/nya2456? NT = 104) “On Amending the Decision on Determining the Start Date of Trading”, in Connection with the Completion of the Placement (HTTPS: //vv.) exchange-traded interest-bearing non-convertible book-entry bonds of series BO-01 of Limited Liability Company “AgroDom” (registration number of the issue 4B02-01-00171-L dated 20.08.2024, trade code RU000A109AU3).
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Aug. 1 — China’s top economic planner on Friday said that another 69 billion yuan (about 9.65 billion U.S. dollars) in ultra-long special treasury bond funds will be allocated in October to support the country’s consumer goods trade-in program.
This will be the fourth and final batch of the year, according to Jiang Yi, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), who noted that the country has already issued its third batch of ultra-long special treasury bond funds in the same amount.
The Ministry of Finance, together with the NDRC, has this year earmarked 300 billion yuan in such funds to back the consumer goods trade-in program.
The economic performance in the first half of the year demonstrated strong resilience, with domestic demand contributing 68.8 percent to GDP growth and continuing to serve as a driving force for expansion, NDRC official Zhou Chen told a press conference Friday.
Moving forward, the NDRC will continue to promote the introduction and implementation of a series of measures to stabilize employment and the economy, Zhou said.
The NDRC will strengthen economic monitoring, forecasting and early warning, regularly conduct policy research and preparation, and continuously improve the policy toolkit for stabilizing employment and expanding domestic demand, Zhou added.
The NDRC will formulate a list of preventive measures against acts that obstruct the unified market and fair competition.
It will implement stronger and more effective measures to advance the building of the unified national market as planned.
The ratio of social logistics cost to GDP, a key indicator reflecting cost efficiency of the sector, was 14 percent in the first half of 2025, down 0.2 percentage points from the same period last year and hitting a record low, according to the NDRC.
According to a plan unveiled last year, China aims to cut the ratio of social logistics costs to GDP to around 13.5 percent by 2027.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Yangshan Port in east China’s Shanghai Municipality has become the country’s first port to offer bunkering services for liquefied natural gas (LNG), green methanol, biofuels and ultra-low sulfur fuel oil, according to local authorities.
Recently, bunkering vessel Qi Hong 9 carried out a bunkering operation at the port, supplying 875 tonnes of domestic ultra-low sulfur fuel oil to the COSCO PRIDE ship.
It was the first ship-to-ship bunkering operation involving Chinese ultra-low sulfur fuel oil for an internationally navigating vessel in China, the port said.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the sulfur content limit for fuel oil used by ships navigating in certain international waters was reduced from 0.5 percent to 0.1 percent from May 1, 2025.
The domestic ultra-low sulfur fuel oil supplied at Yangshan Port was produced by PetroChina Huabei Petrochemical Company.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The value of China’s international trade in goods and services reached 4.22 trillion yuan (about 588.3 billion U.S. dollars) in June, up 6 percent year on year, official data showed Thursday.
In U.S. dollar terms, the country’s exports of goods and services amounted to 329.2 billion U.S. dollars, while the imports were 259.1 billion U.S. dollars, resulting in a surplus of 70.1 billion U.S. dollars, according to data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.
Of the total, the export of goods reached 2.12 trillion yuan and the import reached 1.51 trillion yuan, resulting in a surplus of 607.3 billion yuan. The export of services reached 243.7 billion yuan and the import reached 348 billion yuan, resulting in a deficit of 104.3 billion yuan.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The national capital is expected to witness a fresh spell of rain over the next three days, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms between Friday and Sunday (August 3).
According to the IMD’s Thursday bulletin, heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over parts of the Northeast and adjoining eastern India over the next seven days. In Delhi, however, the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease slightly starting Friday.
On Friday, Delhi will witness very light to light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain below normal, ranging between 33 to 35 degrees Celsius and 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Winds will initially blow from the northeast in the morning, shift to the southwest by afternoon, and then turn southeasterly in the evening and night, at speeds of 10–15 kmph.
Rainfall is expected to continue through August 2 and 3, with mostly cloudy skies and light showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 34 to 36 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures will range between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, remaining a few degrees below the seasonal average. Winds will vary in direction but remain steady at 10–20 kmph, mostly from the northwest and northeast.
Earlier on Thursday, parts of Delhi received moderate rainfall, while isolated areas saw heavy showers that led to localised waterlogging and traffic congestion.
The maximum temperature recorded was 29.9 degrees Celsius, five degrees below normal, while the minimum stood at 24.7 degrees Celsius, two degrees below the usual.
The met department also noted that Delhi has been experiencing irregular rainfall over the past few days, which has caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters in several areas of the city.
With weather conditions remaining unstable and intermittent showers expected to continue, residents are advised to remain cautious, especially during peak travel hours.
(IANS)
Source: APO
The Ministry of Education branch in the Anseba Region, in collaboration with partners, has provided training to heads of education regional office and supervisors, school directors, heads of sub-zonal education offices, and other officials.
The training, conducted from 22 to 28 July in Keren, covered administration and leadership, student-centered teaching methodology, conflict resolution, reporting and statistics, as well as other topics related to the teaching-learning process.
Mr. Kiflai Andemicael, head of the education office in the region, stated that the objective of the training was to identify strengths and challenges, and to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of students.
Ambassador Abdella Musa, Governor of the region, emphasized the significance of the training in ensuring quality education and called for its sustainability.
In the same vein, Brig. Gen. Eyob Fesehaye (Halibai), Commander of the Western Command of the Eritrean Defense Forces, conducted a seminar for the training participants under the theme “The Compensation of a Committed Teacher is the Satisfaction of Conscience.”
Noting that teachers and teaching are key pillars of resilience, Brig. Gen. Eyob underscored that education is the only path to development and called on teachers to properly discharge the heavy responsibility bestowed upon them.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: APO
The Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs, through its Employment Department, hosted a special commemorative ceremony on Thursday afternoon at the Eden Bleu Hotel to mark the 10th anniversary of the My First Job (MFJ) Scheme—an initiative that has played a vital role in empowering and integrating young Seychellois into the workforce.
The event was graced by the presence of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, who delivered the keynote address as Guest of Honour. In his remarks, the President commended the Ministry and its partners for the tangible impact the scheme has had over the past decade, highlighting the government’s continued commitment to youth empowerment and the promotion of inclusive employment opportunities.
The ceremony, which was also attended by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, Vice-President Mr. Ahmed Afif, and various distinguished guests, featured a captivating video montage retracing the decade-long journey of the MFJ Scheme. Delivering the official keynote address on behalf of the Ministry, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs, Mrs. Patricia Francourt, reflected on the programme’s vision, key milestones, and inspiring success stories that have shaped its impact over the years.
The programme included heartfelt testimonies from MFJ participants, musical performances, and a series of award presentations – among them the Loyalty Award and the Excellence Award – honouring outstanding contributions by both employers and beneficiaries who have played a pivotal role in the success of the scheme.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the new My First Job Scheme logo, symbolising the scheme’s evolution and future aspirations.
The event concluded with a commemorative group photo and a light cocktail, bringing together government officials, employers, programme alumni, and stakeholders in a spirit of reflection, pride, and continued collaboration.
The My First Job Scheme, launched in 2015, remains a cornerstone of the government’s employment strategy – bridging the gap between education and the workforce while fostering a culture of professionalism and responsibility among young workers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Source: APO
At the end of their two-day consultative meeting under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the 6+6 Committee and the Advisory Committee agreed on the necessity of amending Libya’s constitutional and legal framework to facilitate presidential and parliamentary elections with broadly accepted results.
Members of the 6+6 Committee praised the Advisory Committee’s recommendations published on 5 May and committed to integrating them into efforts to make the electoral laws more implementable.
Both committees acknowledged that a comprehensive political settlement is crucial for paving the way for elections. This settlement requires amending the Constitutional Declaration, revising electoral laws to ensure the integrity of election outcomes, establishing a unified government with a clear, time-bound electoral mandate, and adopting both domestic and international guarantees to rebuild trust among stakeholders, particularly between the Libyan people and political institutions.
Stengthen local governance, ensure election security, advance national reconciliation, and enhance spending transparency while combating corruption.
This meeting came as part of UNSMIL’s ongoing consultations with Libyan stakeholders, ahead of the anticipated announcement of a political roadmap during the upcoming Security Council briefing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Source: APO
What began as protests against fuel price hikes in Angola have escalated into deadly unrest across the country, with at least 22 people killed and more than 1,000 detained, prompting calls from the UN for restraint and urgent investigations into possible rights violations by security forces.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Thursday urged Angolan authorities to conduct prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the deaths as well as the reported use of excessive force during the demonstrations.
“Unverified footage suggests that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, which points to an unnecessary and disproportionate use of force,” OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said.
He added that while some demonstrators resorted to violence and looting, any force used by authorities must comply with international human rights standards.
“Any individuals who may have been arbitrarily detained must be immediately released.”
Rapid escalation in situation
The protests began on Monday as a strike by minibus taxi drivers over a one-third rise in diesel prices, part of a government effort to reduce fuel subsidies. According to media reports, the demonstrations quickly spread, becoming one of Angola’s most disruptive protest waves in recent years.
Government officials reported that at least one police officer was among those killed. Nearly 200 people are said to have been injured and shops and vehicles reportedly vandalised, mostly in the capital, Luanda.
Sporadic gunfire was also reported in parts of the city earlier in the week, and emergency services were overwhelmed. Many businesses remained shuttered Thursday, and hospitals reportedly struggled to cope with the number of casualties.
Ensure rights protection
OHCHR emphasised that while authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order, they must do so in a way that protects human rights.
“All protesters taking to the streets to express their opinions should do so peacefully,” said Mr. Al-Kheetan. “All human rights violations must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.”
The UN rights office also reiterated the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, including the rights to life, expression and peaceful assembly, in any law enforcement response.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Source: APO
Marlene Le Roux has lived with the effects of disability since she was three months old. Now 57, she has spent decades confronting physical, structural, and social barriers.
Resilience is part of her everyday reality, as she manages pain, stays engaged, and keeps going even when her body resists.
Ms Le Roux had spent the day before speaking and dancing to mark South Africa’s Freedom Day in Cape Town. By morning, her legs gave in. She was at the physio, acupuncture needles in her thigh to ease the pain.
That pain, she says, is part of the “gift”– a lived experience that gave her the lens to understand the marginalization millions face every day.
“I have a job, that’s why I could pay for treatment,” she said. “Others with polio? They suffer. They die in their beds.”
Her story begins with polio and builds into a fight fueled by loss, sustained by purpose, and anchored in a refusal to accept exclusion.
She’s lived the weight of exclusion twice over. First, as a child disabled by apartheid-era neglect, contracting polio at just three months old, after clinics denied the remaining vaccines to non-white children. And later, as a mother to her son Adam, who had profound cerebral palsy and required constant care. Adam later passed away, a loss that deepened her resolve.
That urgency is also reflected in efforts across the United Nations system. In 2019, the UN launched the Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) to promote accessibility, participation, and accountability in its operations.
By 2023, more than 60 UN entities had adopted action plans under the strategy, and over $77 million had been mobilized to support more than 100 initiatives in 93 countries. Yet implementation remains uneven, with many persons with disabilities still facing barriers even within institutions that champion inclusion.
At the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town, where Ms Le Roux is the CEO, accessibility is built into the structure: automated doors, wheelchair seating, level entryways, tactile carpeting, comfort rooms. Staff receive training on both visible and non-apparent disabilities. Every feature is intentional, designed in consultation with those who use them.
“Life here at Artscape is very easy for people with disabilities,” said vocalist Nikita Scott, a wheelchair user. “It feels like a second home. You just feel freer because there are no challenges you have to face as a disabled person.”
Families raising children with disabilities find refuge at Artscape. “They can attend performances and relax in a space that doesn’t treat them as an afterthought,” Ms Le Roux said. “Here, no one stares.”
Artscape also supports grassroots groups, including Lief en Leed (Love and Sorrow), a community initiative in Mamre. Its founder, Michael September, who has speech and mobility impairments, said people still assume disability means incapacity.
“Artscape is one of the few places that sees our dignity first,” he said.
Ms Le Roux’s leadership style is grounded in presence and humility. It’s not uncommon to see her joking with staff or sitting down for tea with the cleaning crew. “No one should be invisible,” she said. “Everyone here matters.”
She helped launch the ArtsAbility Festival, an annual celebration that features performers with disabilities and challenges public perceptions through art and movement. The Unmute Dance Company, a regular participant, blends wheelchairs, crutches, and movement to challenge perceptions.
“Artscape focuses on what people can do, not what they lack,” she said. “When they perform, you see ability. Not disability.”
She sees these lessons as central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the pledge to “leave no one behind.”
“We can’t just have things on paper and expect it to work. It has to be in the fiscal budget, in the mindset, in the leadership.”
To her, inclusion isn’t a checklist but a cultural shift. She meets regularly with an advisory group of people with disabilities to keep the work grounded in lived experience.
In 2024, she launched Warrior Woman, a petition and art installation to protest gender-based violence. She plans an annual march to parliament with the statue in hand. “We’ve had enough of talking,” she said.
“Artscape is more than a theatre,” she said, adding that it’s a platform to open doors and influence lives.
“I can look glamorous now because I have a job. I can pay for treatment; I can walk into the best orthopaedic surgeon. But what happens to others? They suffer. They die. My job is to open doors for them.”
And she’ll keep pressing forward, legs willing or not, until systems do too.
Ms Le Roux’s full interview can be watched in this episode of our Sustainable Africa Series
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
