Gene Bank to be established to ensure food security and genetic resources for future generations: Shri Narendra Modi Aims to ensure genetic resources and food security for future generations
Establishment of the second GenBank will strengthen India’s position as a leader in global biodiversity conservation
This initiative reflects India’s commitment to preserving agricultural biodiversity, securing the future of food, and supporting sustainable farming systems
Posted On: 05 MAR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during a post-budget webinar held via video conferencing today, has announced that a Gene Bank will be established to conserve the country’s genetic resources. This initiative aims to ensure genetic resources and food security for future generations.
The webinar fosters collaboration among government, industry, academia, and citizens encouraging discussions to help translate the transformative Budget announcements towards the same into effective outcomes. With a key focus on empowering citizens, strengthening the economy, and fostering innovation, the deliberations will aim at paving the way for sustainable and inclusive growth; leadership in technology and other sectors; and a skilled, healthy workforce working towards realising the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The key themes of the webinar include Investing in People, the Economy, and Innovation
A gene bank is a repository of genetic material, such as seeds, pollen or tissue samples, collected from different plant species in order to protect them from potential extinction and preserve vital varieties for future generations.
India’s first gene bank was set up in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi. This bank is comprised of 12 regional stations across the country for collection and storage of vital crop germplasms. These germplasms are the genetic constituents of plants or animals that is used in research, conservation and crop breeding.
As on January 15, 2025, the bank currently stores 0.47 million accessions (plant material stored and used for breeding) — according to the database maintained by ICAR-NBPGR. These include cereals (0.17 million accessions), millets (more than 60,600 accessions), legumes (over 69,200 accessions), oilseeds (more than 63,500 accessions) and vegetables (nearly 30,000 accessions).
The Ministry of Finance has announced the establishment of a second National GenBank in the 2025-26 budget to safeguard India’s agricultural biodiversity. This facility will house 10 lakh (1 million) germplasm lines, offering critical conservation support for both public and private sectors involved in genetic resource management.
India is recognized as a biodiversity-rich country with a wide variety of cultivated crop species and their wild relatives. With over 811 cultivated crop species and 902 crop wild relatives, the nation plays a pivotal role in preserving plant genetic resources (PGR), which are essential for agricultural resilience, food security, and combating the challenges posed by climate change. The existing National GenBank, led by ICAR-NBPGR, conserves over 4.7 lakh accessions and supports the global effort of PGR conservation through partnerships and distributions to researchers, breeders, and scientists.
The establishment of the second GenBank will strengthen India’s position as a leader in global biodiversity conservation. This new facility will not only safeguard India’s invaluable plant genetic resources but also support international biodiversity initiatives, especially for countries in SAARC and BRICS regions, offering conservation assistance to those lacking well-established PGR networks.
With growing threats like climate change, natural disasters, and geopolitical challenges that jeopardize the security of genetic diversity worldwide, the creation of the safety duplicate GenBank is vital. This redundancy structure will provide a fail-safe for India’s irreplaceable germplasm, ensuring long-term sustainability and global food security.
This initiative reflects India’s commitment to preserving agricultural biodiversity, securing the future of food, and supporting sustainable farming systems both domestically and internationally.
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Dhenkanal, one of the premier media training institutes in India, has announced the commencement of the admission process for the Post Graduate Diploma in Odia Journalism (PGDOJ) for the academic session 2025-26. This one-year full-time professional programme aims to train students in journalism, media writing, reporting, editing, digital communication, and public relations with a special focus on the Odia language.
Prof. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director, IIMC Dhenkanal, informed that the admission process will begin from 3rd March 2025. Interested candidates can apply through both online and offline modes. The last date for submission of application forms is 30th April 2025. The entrance examination will be held on 18th May 2025 at five cities across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, Dhenkanal, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Balasore. The entrance test will assess candidates’ language proficiency in Odia, writing skills, general knowledge, and aptitude for journalism.
The course has 30 seats, including reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD categories as per Government of India norms. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year graduation students can also apply, provided they submit their final mark sheets by 30th September 2025. The maximum age limit is 25 years for the General category, with age relaxations for reserved categories.
Applicants can download the admission form and instructions from the IIMC website:https://iimc.gov.in/language-courses-25-26. The hard copy of the admission forms will also be available at the following locations:
Applicants can also submit their applications online through the Google Form link:https://forms.gle/ZzU1Ftf7UCe9kFr37. The entrance test fees are Rs. 500 for the General category and Rs. 350 for SC/ST/EWS/PwD candidates, payable via UPI, NEFT, or bank transfer.
The course curriculum covers communication theory, reporting and writing, editing, digital media, media laws and ethics, audio-visual production, development journalism, and advertising and PR. The programme includes a one-month mandatory internship with reputed media organizations to provide hands-on training to students. The total course fee is Rs. 55,500/-.
Prof. Anand Pradhan said that IIMC, Dhenkanal has been at the forefront of media education in Eastern India and has produced many successful media professionals over the years. The PG Diploma in Odia Journalism programme provides high-quality media education in regional language journalism and offers a unique opportunity for young aspirants to build their careers in the media industry.
For further details, applicants can contact:
Mr. Jitendra Pati, Academic Coordinator: +91 9437444200
Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav – South India Edition at Rashtrapati Bhawan Mahotsav is open to the public from 6th to 9th March from 10.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Posted On: 05 MAR 2025 3:41PM by PIB Delhi
“Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav” is an annual cultural festival that celebrates India’s diverse heritage by showcasing the unique traditions of different regions. This year the event is being inaugurated by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu on 5th March 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhawan. It will be open to the public from 6th to 9th March from 10.00 AM to 8.00 PM. The first edition, held last year, focused on North-East India and received an overwhelming response with 1.3 lakh visitors and ₹1 crore+ in sales for artisans. Following this success, the second edition highlights South India, featuring the five states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, along with Lakshadweep and Puducherry. The festival aims to make Rashtrapati Bhavan a hub for cultural exchange, bringing India’s vibrant heritage closer to its citizens.
500+ artisans and weavers showcasing traditional handicrafts and handlooms, including Kanjeevaram and Kasavu sarees, Pochampally ikat, Mysore silk, and intricate brass and wooden crafts.
400+ artists presenting folk and classical dance and music forms, bringing South India’s cultural essence to life.
Authentic cuisines featuring signature South Indian delicacies such as Bisi Bele Bath, Kerala Sadya, Chettinad specialties, and Andhra’s fiery flavors.
Youth Engagement Zone with interactive workshops, storytelling, and cultural activities to inspire the younger generation.
This festival has been made possible through the support of the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, and all the participating states and Union Territories which have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s diverse heritage.
To ensure that this cultural celebration is inclusive and open to all, entry is completely free, allowing every citizen to experience the richness of South India’s traditions without barriers.
The public is encouraged to visit, engage with artisans, enjoy cultural performances, and immerse themselves in the unique heritage of South India. The free ticket for the festival can be booked throughhttps://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in/plan-visit/amrit-udyan/rE/mO
Entry to the venue is from Gate No. 35 of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav serves as a platform to connect people with their roots while empowering artisans and performers. This Mahotsav is not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of India’s unity in diversity, strengthening cultural bonds and fostering pride in our collective heritage.
List of art forms and craft forms are attached below:-
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today approved the Revision of Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
The scheme has three components namely National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), LH&DC and Pashu Aushadhi. LH&DC has three sub-components i.e. Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP), Establishment and Strengthening of existing Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries – Mobile Veterinary Unit (ESVHD-MVU) and Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases(ASCAD). The Pashu Aushadhi is new component added to the LHDCP scheme. The total outlay of the scheme is Rs.3,880 crore for two years i.e. 2024-25 and 2025-26, which includes provision of Rs. 75 crore to provide good quality and affordable generic veterinary medicine and incentive for sale of medicines under Pashu Aushadhi component.
Productivity of the livestock is impacted adversely due to diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants(PPR), Cerebrospinal Fluid(CSF), Lumpy Skin Disease, etc. Implementation of the LHDCP will facilitate reduction in these losses by preventing diseases through immunization. The Scheme also supports door-step delivery of livestock health care through the subcomponents of Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU) and improving availability of generic veterinary medicine- Pashu Aushadhi through network of PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendra and Cooperative Societies.
Thus, the scheme will help in prevention and control of livestock diseases through vaccination, surveillance and upgradation of healthcare facilities. Also, the scheme will improve productivity, generate employment, encourage entrepreneurship in the rural area and prevent economic losses of farmers due to disease burden.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the Post-Budget Webinar on boosting job creation- Investing in People, Economy, and Innovation This year’s Union Budget paves the way for a stronger workforce and a growing economy: PM
We have given People, Economy and Innovation same priority as infrastructure and industries in investment: PM
The vision of Investment in People stands on three pillars – Education, Skill and Healthcare!: PM
Today we are seeing India’s education system going through a huge transformation after several decades: PM
Telemedicine facility is being expanded in all Primary Health Centres: PM
Through day-care cancer centres and digital healthcare infrastructure, we want to take quality healthcare to the last mile: PM
Many decisions have been taken in this budget to promote domestic and international tourism: PM
50 destinations across the country will be developed focusing on tourism: PM
Giving infrastructure status to hotels in these destinations will increase the ease of tourism and will also boost local employment: PM
India will establish National Large Language Model to develop AI capabilities: PM
In this direction, our private sector also needs to be one step ahead of the world: PM
The world is waiting for a reliable, safe and democratic country that can provide economic solutions in AI: PM
The government has taken several steps in this budget to promote startups,A corpus fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has been passed to promote research and innovation: PM
This will increase investment in emerging sectors with deep tech fund of funds: PM
The announcement to preserve India’s rich manuscript heritage through Gyan Bharatam Mission is very important: PM
More than one crore manuscripts will be converted into digital form through this mission: PM
Posted On: 05 MAR 2025 2:59PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Post-Budget Webinar on Employment via video conferencing today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he highlighted the importance of the theme of the webinar, “Investing in People, Economy, and Innovation,” which defines the roadmap for Viksit Bharat. He remarked that this year’s budget reflects this theme on a large scale and serves as a blueprint for India’s future. He emphasized that investments have been prioritized equally across infrastructure, industries, people, economy, and innovation. Underlining that capacity building and talent nurturing are foundational for the nation’s progress, Shri Modi urged all stakeholders to step forward and invest more in these areas as the next phase of development requires it. He stressed that this is essential for the country’s economic success and forms the basis of every organization’s success.
“The vision of investing in people stands on three pillars: education, skill, and healthcare”, said Shri Modi, remarking that India’s education system is undergoing a significant transformation after several decades. He emphasized key initiatives such as the National Education Policy, the expansion of IITs, the integration of technology into the education system, and the utilization of AI’s full potential. Underlying the efforts like the digitization of textbooks and the availability of learning materials in 22 Indian languages, the PM said, “these mission-mode efforts have enabled India’s education system to align with the needs and parameters of the 21st-century world”.
Highlighting that since 2014, the government has provided skill training to over 3 crore youth, the Prime Minister mentioned the upgrade of 1,000 ITIs and the establishment of 5 Centers of Excellence. He emphasized the goal of equipping youth with training that meets the needs of industries. He remarked that with the help of global experts, efforts are being made to ensure that Indian youth can compete at the world level. Shri Modi underlined the critical role of industry and academia in these initiatives and urged industries and educational institutions to understand and fulfill each other’s needs, providing youth with opportunities to adapt to the rapidly changing world, gain exposure, and access platforms for practical learning. Highlighting the launch of the PM-Internship Scheme to provide youth with new opportunities and practical skills, he stressed the importance of ensuring maximum industry participation at every level in this initiative.
Touching upon the medical field, Shri Modi mentioned the addition of 10,000 new medical seats in this budget and a target of adding 75,000 seats in the medical field over the next five years has been set. He highlighted the expansion of telemedicine facilities across all Primary Health Centres. He also emphasized the establishment of daycare cancer centers and the development of digital healthcare infrastructure to ensure quality healthcare reaches the last mile. He said that these initiatives will have a transformative impact on people’s lives. The Prime Minister said that these efforts will create numerous new employment opportunities for youth and urged stakeholders to work swiftly to implement these initiatives, ensuring the benefits of budget announcements reach the maximum number of people.
Pointing out that over the past decade, investments in the economy have been guided by a futuristic vision, the Prime Minister remarked that by 2047, India’s urban population is projected to reach approximately 90 crore, necessitating planned urbanization. He announced the initiative to establish a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, focusing on governance, infrastructure, and financial sustainability, while also boosting private investment. “Indian cities will be recognized for sustainable urban mobility, digital integration, and climate resilience plans”, emphasized the Prime Minister. He urged the private sector, particularly the real estate and industrial sectors, to prioritize and advance planned urbanization. He also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to further initiatives like AMRUT 2.0 and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Emphasising the need to focus on the potential of the tourism sector while discussing investments in the economy, Shri Modi highlighted that the tourism sector has the potential to contribute up to 10% of India’s GDP and create employment opportunities for crores of youth. He mentioned several measures in the budget to promote domestic and international tourism. “50 destinations across the country will be developed with a focus on tourism”, said the Prime Minister adding that granting infrastructure status to hotels in these destinations will enhance ease of tourism and boost local employment. Highlighting the expansion of the Mudra Yojana to support homestays, Shri Modi also stressed that initiatives like ‘Heal in India’ and ‘Land of the Buddha’ to attract global tourists. “Efforts are being made to establish India as a global tourism and wellness hub”, he added.
Underscoring that tourism offers opportunities beyond the hotel and transport industries, extending to other sectors as well, the Prime Minister urged stakeholders in the health sector to invest in promoting health tourism. He stressed the need to fully utilize the potential of yoga and wellness tourism, remarking on the significant scope for growth in education tourism. He expressed his desire for detailed discussions in this direction and called for the development of a strong roadmap to advance these initiatives.
“The future of the nation is determined by investments in innovation”, exclaimed Shri Modi, highlighting that artificial intelligence has the potential to contribute several lakh crore rupees to India’s economy, underscoring the need for rapid progress in this direction. He mentioned the allocation of ₹500 crore in the budget for AI-driven education and research. Mentioning the plans to establish a National Large Language Model to develop AI capabilities in India, the Prime Minister urged the private sector to stay ahead of the global curve in this field. “The world awaits a reliable, safe, and democratic nation that can provide economical AI solutions”, he added, emphasising that investments made in this sector today will yield significant advantages in the future.
“India has become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world”, said the Prime Minister, adding that several measures have been introduced in this budget to promote startups. He mentioned the approval of a ₹1 lakh crore corpus fund to boost research and innovation. The Prime Minister emphasized that this will increase investments in emerging sectors through the ‘Deep Tech Fund of Funds’. He noted the provision of 10,000 research fellowships at IITs and IISc, which will foster research and provide opportunities for talented youth. The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of the National Geo-spatial Mission and the National Research Foundation in accelerating innovation. He stressed the need for collective efforts at all levels to elevate India to new heights in research and innovation.
Underlining the significance of the Gyan Bharatam Mission in preserving India’s rich manuscript heritage, Shri Modi announced that over one crore manuscripts will be digitized under this mission, leading to the creation of a National Digital Repository. This repository will enable scholars and researchers worldwide to access India’s historical, traditional knowledge and wisdom, he added. The Prime Minister also mentioned the establishment of a National Gene Bank to preserve India’s plant genetic resources. He emphasized that this initiative aims to ensure genetic resources and food security for future generations. He urged for the expansion of such efforts and called on various institutes and sectors to actively participate in these initiatives.
Citing the remarkable observations made by the IMF regarding India’s economy in February 2025, Shri Modi noted that between 2015 and 2025, India’s economy has recorded a 66% growth, making it a $3.8 trillion economy. He emphasized that this growth surpasses that of several major economies, and that the day is not far when India will become a $5 trillion economy. He stressed the importance of making the right investments in the right direction to continue expanding the economy. He underlined the critical role of implementing budget announcements in achieving this vision and acknowledged the significant contributions of all stakeholders. He mentioned that the tradition of working in silos was broken and now the Government has both pre-budget consultations as well as post-budget discussions for better implementation of the schemes and initiatives with the stakeholders, highlighting the ‘Jan-Bhagidari’ model. He concluded by expressing hope that the fruitful discussions of the webinar will play a remarkable role in fulfilling the aspirations of 140 crore Indians.
Background
Employment generation has been one of the key focus areas of the government. Driven by the vision of the Prime Minister, the government has taken multiple steps to promote job growth and generate greater avenues of employment. The webinar will foster collaboration among government, industry, academia, and citizens encouraging discussions to help translate the transformative Budget announcements towards the same into effective outcomes. With a key focus on empowering citizens, strengthening the economy, and fostering innovation, the deliberations will aim at paving the way for sustainable and inclusive growth; leadership in technology and other sectors; and a skilled, healthy workforce working towards realising the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
This year’s Union Budget paves the way for a stronger workforce and a growing economy. Addressing a post-budget webinar on boosting job creation. https://t.co/ymjiCeZoVb
हमने इनवेस्टमेंट में जितनी प्राथमिकता infrastructure और industries को दी है… उतनी ही प्राथमिकता People, Economy और Innovation को भी दी है: PM @narendramodi
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Couple given jail and suspended sentence with fine respectively for tax evasion *******************************************************************************
A couple were convicted of tax evasion today (March 5) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. The first defendant was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined $338,068 (equivalent to 200 per cent of the tax evaded). The second defendant was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for three years, and fined $405,300 (equivalent to 200 per cent of the tax evaded). The first defendant pleaded guilty to seven charges of evading tax wilfully with intent, which comprised six counts of omitting or understating rental income obtained from six subdivided units of a residential property in his tax returns for the years of assessment 2014/15 to 2019/20 and one count of giving false answers in writing to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD)’s request for rental information for the years of assessment 2014/15 to 2016/17. The total rental income omitted and understated was $1,412,537, and the tax involved was $169,034. The second defendant, the first defendant’s wife, pleaded guilty to six charges of evading tax wilfully with intent, which comprised five counts of omitting rental income obtained from six subdivided units of a residential property and a car parking space in her tax returns for the years of assessment 2015/16 to 2019/20 and one count of giving false answers in writing to the IRD’s request for rental information for the years of assessment 2015/16 and 2016/17. The total rental income omitted was $1,701,075, and the tax involved was $202,650. They were in contravention of section 82(1)(a) and 82(1)(e) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (IRO) (Cap. 112). A spokesman for the IRD reminded taxpayers that tax evasion is a criminal offence under the IRO. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for each charge is three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $50,000, plus a further fine of three times the amount of tax evaded.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Caritas Medical Centre announces sentinel event ***********************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) announces a sentinel event today (March 5): A 75-year-old male patient, who had a medical history of hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease, started a puree diet instead of a minced diet in February this year. The patient was admitted to CMC for abdominal pain and constipation on February 28. During hospitalisation, the patient was kept nil by mouth, and the doctor arranged intravenous therapy for him. On the morning of March 2, the patient’s condition was improving, and his diet order was changed to “fluid diet” after the doctor’s assessment. The patient was reassessed by the case doctor on March 3. As the patient had bowel opened, the doctor changed the patient’s diet order from “fluid diet” to “diet as tolerated”. Near lunchtime, the nurse overseeing the patient interpreted the adjustment as allowing the patient to have a regular meal after reading through the diet order made by the doctor. A regular meal was therefore served to the patient for lunch subsequently. A student nurse followed the diet order to feed the patient. The patient could chew and swallow and showed no abnormalities at the beginning of feeding. The student nurse continued to monitor his condition. However, the patient suddenly started coughing after a few mouthfuls of food. The patient developed cardiac arrest. The team performed resuscitation for the patient promptly. However, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he finally succumbed at around 1.30pm on the same day. The hospital is very concerned about the incident and is deeply saddened by the patient’s passing. The hospital has met with the patient’s family to explain details of the incident and extended sincere apologies and condolences. All possible assistance will be rendered to the family. The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office. A root cause analysis panel will be set up to investigate the incident thoroughly. The investigation and recommended improvement measures will be completed within eight weeks. The hospital has subsequently devised enhanced measures to remind all healthcare staff to strengthen communication and ascertain their understanding of patients’ clinical condition and treatment arrangements. The incident has also been reported to the coroner for follow-up. The Root Cause Analysis Panel members are as follows: Chairperson:Dr Lau Ka HinClinical Stream Coordinator (Medical), Hong Kong East Cluster MembersProfessor Chair Sek YingVice-Director of Research, The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong Mr Chan Man NokChief Nursing Officer, Nursing Services Department, Hospital Authority Dr Raymond CheungChief Manager (Patient Safety and Risk Management), Hospital Authority Mr Lam Yan KiDepartment Manager (Speech Therapy), Kowloon East Cluster Dr Lau Chi HungChief of Service (Surgery), Queen Elizabeth Hospital Dr Ben WongClinical Services Coordinator (Surgery), Caritas Medical Centre
Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under Ministry of Power, has issued Comprehensive Guidelines for the usage and sharing of fiber cores of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW)/Underground Fiber Optic (UGFO) cables for Power System applications. The guidelines have been formulated with the collective efforts of the Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Member (Power Systems), CEA with representatives from Central Transmission Utility, State Transmission Utilities, Grid Controller of India Ltd, Transmission Service Providers, and other key stakeholders.
These guidelines aim to provide a clear and standardized framework for the allocation and sharing of fiber cores of OPGW/UGFO cable deployed across power transmission network, thereby balancing the commercial prospects of fiber usage with the imperative of maintaining secure, reliable, and scalable grid operations. It establishes a structured approach to fiber allocation, safeguarding power system communication needs and mitigating future conflicts.
Key Highlights:
Prioritizing grid needs:The guidelines prioritize fiber allocation for critical grid communications, ensuring free spare fibers for future grid needs.
Sharing framework:A well-defined framework has been outlined to facilitate the sharing of spare fiber capacity among various stakeholders, including Central Transmission Utility (CTU), State Transmission Utilities (STUs), Transmission Service Providers (TSPs), and other entities.
Commercial Utilization with Safeguards:Leasing of spare fibers for non-grid applications permitted provided it doesn’t compromise future grid requirements. All leasing contracts to include a termination clause, mandating at max of 18-month notice period to reclaim fiber cores for grid applications whenever required.
Due diligence & compliance:It emphasises the need for assessment of future grid communication needs and adherence to applicable CEA/CERC/SERC regulations.
Scalability for future needs:Utilities encouraged to plan and install OPGW with 48/96 fiber cores to provide sufficient capacity for last-mile connectivity, future expansions, and LILO requirements, leveraging the Right of Way (ROW) effectively.
Maintenance of database:A comprehensive database to be maintained to monitor the allocation and utilization of OPGW fibers, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Technological neutrality:The guidelines offer the choice between IEEE C37.94 protocol over shared fiber or separate optical fibers, thereby, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in the implementation of differential protection schemes.
By promoting efficient allocation, sharing, and utilization of optical fibers, the guidelines will contribute to a more reliable, resilient, and future-ready power grid and efficient resource management across the power sector. The document is available on the CEA website for reference by all stakeholders.
India stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. Achieving this ambitious vision demands more than two decades of sustained, accelerated growth—it requires an exponential transformation. We must fundamentally rethink and reimagine every facet of our society and economy.
In any other era, such a transformation might have seemed impossible. But today, in the era of Frontier Technologies, it is within our reach. We now have technologies powerful enough to drive this transformation—and they are advancing at an unprecedented pace. However, to unlock their full potential for India, we must proactively embrace emerging technologies before they become mainstream. Strategic investments in research, innovation, and global partnerships will be key to positioning India at the forefront of technological advancements.
NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub: A Catalyst for Transformation
The NITI Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH) has been established as a Frontier Tech Action Tank to accelerate India’s transition into a Frontier Tech Nation. Its key objectives are:
Enabling India’s Readiness to advance Frontier Tech Innovation and Use for Accelerated Economic and Societal Development towards Viksit Bharat.
Championing India’s Human-Centric Approach worldwide by advancing development and adoption of emerging technologies that benefit humanity and the environment.
As part of its charter, the Hub will engage with experts across Industry, Academia and Government to create a deeper understanding of the tech trends early and their implications on India. It will also come out with action plans and recommendations to drive India’s readiness.
Today, NITI FTH in partnership with Data Security Council of India released a strategic paper on the rapid evolution of Quantum Computing, its implications on National Security and what is needed for India to get ahead of the curve to shape its trajectory.
The paper’s insights will serve as a foundation for India’s strategic preparedness and policy formulation in the evolving quantum landscape.
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is organising the North East Trade and Investment roadshow in Kolkata on 7th March, 2025, starting from 10:30 a.m. onwards at Hotel JW Marriott Kolkata. The event will be graced by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Ministry of Education, Government of India. Shri Dharmvir Jha, Statistical Adviser, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region along with senior representatives from North Eastern States will participate in the event.
The roadshow is being organised in collaboration with the State Governments of North Eastern Region, FICCI (Industry Partner), and Invest India (Investment Facilitation Partner).
Kolkata roadshow is the ninth major roadshow as part of pre-summit activities of North East Investors Summit and will be featuring presentations from representatives of the eight North Eastern states viz.Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. These states will highlight various investment opportunities across key sectors, inter alia, including Infrastructure and Logistics,Agri & Allied industries, IT & ITES, Energy, Textiles, Handloom & Handicrafts, Tourism & Hospitality, Education & Skill, Healthcare, Entertainment and Sports. The roadshow will also feature B2G (Business-to-Government) meetings, which will provide a unique platform to investors to engage directly with State representatives and explore sectoral opportunities in the North Eastern Region.
The North East Investors Summit to be organised by MDoNER, aims to attract investments and stimulate economic development. Previous roadshows in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Chennai received strong participation.
The Kolkata roadshow is the second of its kind in the city and aims to build on the momentum of previous event, offering a platform for investors to engage directly with state officials. Kolkata’s strategic proximity to the North Eastern states makes it an ideal gateway for investment and the success of earlier roadshows has reinforced investor confidence in the region, contributing to the realization of the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’.
The recently held roadshow held in Chennai on 5th February, 2025, was attended by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), was a remarkable success. The keen participation from investors in the B2G meetings marked the growing appeal of the region as an investment destination.
The roadshow in Kolkata is expected to attract many potential investors eager to be part of the growth journey in North East India.
India is home to over 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals—comprising 8.6% of the total population—representing a vast and diverse tribal heritage. The Government of India has demonstrated a strong commitment to the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes by taking several initiatives based on a multi-pronged approach.
The overall budget for the development of Scheduled Tribes has risen from ₹10,237.33 crore in 2024-25 to ₹14,925.81 crore in 2025-26, marking an impressive 45.79% increase. A long-term perspective reveals significant progress: from ₹4,497.96 crore in 2014-15 to ₹7,411 crore in 2021-22, and now a 231.83% increase since 2014-15, demonstrating the government’s sustained focus on tribal welfare.
In line with this commitment, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been actively working to enhance the marketing and economic conditions of tribal communities. TRIFED’s mission is to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities through the marketing development of tribal products.
Van Dhan Yojana: Transforming Tribal Livelihoods
[4]Launched on 14th April 2018, the Van Dhan Yojana is a flagship initiative under the ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) & Development of Value Chain for MFP.’ Implemented by TRIFED as the nodal agency, the scheme aims to generate livelihood opportunities for tribal gatherers by transforming them into entrepreneurs. Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKCs) have been established in tribal-dominated districts, where tribal Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engage in the collection, value addition, and marketing of MFPs. Each VDVK cluster comprises 15 tribal SHGs with about 300 beneficiaries. The initiative, 100% funded by the Central Government, provides ₹15 lakhs per cluster to support tribal entrepreneurship, ensuring a sustainable source of income for forest-dwelling communities.
Since its inception, the Van Dhan Yojana has significantly improved the livelihoods of tribal communities across India. The initiative has benefited over 11.83 lakh tribal individuals, enhancing their income and fostering sustainable development. With substantial funding of ₹587 crores, the scheme has provided economic opportunities and empowered forest-dependent communities to become self-reliant.
The implementation of the Van Dhan Yojana follows a structured approach to empower tribal communities. The process involves the formation of 20-member Self-Help Groups (SHGs), training, provision of value addition equipment, establishment of storage and logistics systems, and branding and marketing support. These steps ensure that the tribal gatherers move up the value chain from mere raw material suppliers to producers of high-value finished goods, significantly enhancing their incomes and economic stability.
TRIBES INDIA-Bridging Tribal Products with Global Markets
TRIFED aims at accelerating economic development of tribal people, the poorest among the poor, through the marketing of their products on sustainable basis and providing wider exposure to their art and craft in domestic as well as international markets. More than 200 tribal communities, residing in remote regions, strive to preserve their traditional arts and crafts. To support their economic welfare, TRIFED launched TRIBES INDIA in 1999, opening its first retail outlet in New Delhi.
Today, TRIBES INDIA has expanded to 117 retail outlets across India. TRIFED operates 15 Regional Offices to source handicrafts, handlooms, and natural food products from tribal artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and affiliated organisations. These products are sold through 35 own showrooms and 8 consignment showrooms, as well as exhibitions. Expanding its reach, TRIFED now markets tribal products globally via www.tribesindia.com, ensuring fair pricing and wider exposure for artisans.
Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives: Empowering Tribes Through Collaboration
To further its mission, TRIFED has entered into several strategic partnerships aimed at facilitating tribal entrepreneurship and enhancing market access for tribal products.
Partnership
Date
Objective
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) & Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd (HPMC)
24th February 2025
Facilitating product curation and design development of handloom and handicraft products by tribal artisans (NIFT). Augmenting technology and tertiary processing of horticulture and minor forest products (HPMC).
Rooftop
24th February 2025
Providing art workshops and skill enhancement opportunities for tribal artisans.
Meesho, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI)
18th February 2025
Enabling onboarding of tribal products on Meesho’s platform, long-term collaborations with culinary professionals (IFCA), and capacity-building for artisans (MGIRI).
Tea Trunk
17th February 2025
Boosting the tribal economy through market presence, sustainable development, and skill-building for tribal producers.
Aadi Mahotsav– Celebrating Tribal Excellence and Entrepreneurship
Aadi Mahotsav, the flagship initiative of TRIFED, is an annual event that celebrates India’s rich tribal heritage, culture, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce. The 2025 edition, held from 16th to 24th February at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, brought together over 600 tribal artisans from 30+ States and Union Territories, 500 performing artists showcasing various tribal dance forms, and 25 tribal food stalls presenting indigenous cuisines from different regions. The event also featured live painting sessions by tribal artisans, collaborations with 20 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and 35 training institutes, and the signing of 25+ MoUs with design institutes and corporate houses. The theme of the festival, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce,” represents the basic ethos of tribal life.
Building a Self-Reliant Tribal Economy
TRIFED’s initiatives, including Van Dhan Yojana, TRIBES INDIA, and Aadi Mahotsav, are driving tribal empowerment by fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing market access, and preserving traditional crafts. With strategic partnerships, retail expansion, and cultural events, these programs create sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance for tribal communities, ensuring their integration into the mainstream economy while celebrating their rich heritage.
Sets March 14, 2025, as Record Date for Shareholders to Act by Written Consent in Connection with Sherwood’s Latest Self-Serving Campaign to Take Control of Barnwell
Sherwood’s Consent Solicitation is Yet Another Attempt to Steal the Company from Shareholders Without Paying a Premium for Control
HONOLULU, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE American: BRN) (“Barnwell” or the “Company”) today announced that the Executive Committee of the Barnwell Board of Directors has disqualified the controlling slate of director nominees submitted by one of its shareholders, Ned Sherwood, in connection with 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
As previously disclosed on February 25, 2025, the Executive Committee informed Sherwood that it rejected his nomination notice because it was defective and insufficient as it failed to include material information required by both the Company’s bylaws and federal securities regulations.
Barnwell Sets Record Date for Sherwood’s Consent Solicitation
Sherwood Continues to Seek Control of Barnwell with NO PLAN Other than to Take Control of the Company
Sherwood is now aggressively pursuing shareholder approval to replace the entire Barnwell Board of Directors. This is yet another attempt by Sherwood to seize control of Barnwell at the expense of its public shareholders, without offering any premium for control. Moreover, despite repeated requests from the Company over several months, Sherwood has failed to present any alternative strategy for the Company, and after many months, his so-called plan is still forthcoming.
Furthermore, Sherwood is now attempting to oust his own nominee, Doug Woodrum, a current Barnwell Board member, who was part of Sherwood’s slate for the upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting. Notably absent from Sherwood’s Consent Solicitation is another previously chosen nominee, Sherwood’s Chief Investment Officer, Ben Pierson, who was secretly buying Barnwell shares throughout 2024 while Sherwood was party to a Cooperation Agreement with the Company.
Sherwood’s latest attempt to replace the entire Barnwell Board with his slate of hand-picked nominees continues his long history of disrupting the Company’s governance processes and interfering with the Company’s operations, while creating significant expense to the Company. Indeed, the Executive Committee has sought several times to avoid the cost and distraction of Sherwood’s actions, including a recent settlement offer whereby five of seven directors would be individuals expressly approved by Sherwood who would then become Chairman of the Board. However, Sherwood’s sole interest appears to be to have 100% control of the Board.
Barnwell shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 14, 2025, are eligible to execute, withhold and revoke written consents. Barnwell expects to file preliminary consent revocation materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in response to the preliminary consent solicitation statement filed by Sherwood on March 4, 2025.
The Barnwell Executive Committee Comprises Majority Independent and Highly Experienced Directors Acting on Behalf of All Shareholders
As Barnwell has disclosed, the current Board was expressly approved by Sherwood under a 2023 settlement whereby the Company and Sherwood each designated two directors. At that time, a fifth director, Joshua Horowitz, was selected as a compromise board member and was vetted by Sherwood and expressly endorsed by both parties to the settlement agreement.
The Company also separately announced today that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell its water well subsidiary, as part of its ongoing plan to refocus on its core oil and gas exploration business and reduce general and administrative expenses, all of which actions have been previously endorsed by Sherwood.
The Barnwell Executive Committee will continue to take actions that it believes represent the best interest of ALL Barnwell shareholders.
The Company also announced that it expects to hold its uncontested 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in its fiscal third quarter (second calendar quarter) of 2025. The record date and meeting date for the 2025 Annual Meeting have not yet been set.
Forward-Looking Statements
The information contained in this press release contains “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A forward-looking statement is one which is based on current expectations of future events or conditions and does not relate to historical or current facts. These statements include various estimates, forecasts, projections of Barnwell’s future performance, statements of Barnwell’s plans and objectives, and other similar statements. Forward-looking statements include phrases such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “will be,” “should,” or similar expressions. Although Barnwell believes that its current expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure that the expectations contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such statements. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause actual results to differ materially from Barnwell’s expectations are set forth in the “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and other sections of Barnwell’s annual report on Form 10-K for the last fiscal year and Barnwell’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, as they speak only as of the date of this press release, and Barnwell expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein.
Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
Barnwell Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) plans to file proxy materials with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) and plans to file a consent revocation statement in connection with the Sherwood Group’s consent statement which, among other things, seeks to remove and replace the current members of the Board of Directors of the Company. Prior to the 2025 Annual Meeting, the Company will file a definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) together with a WHITE proxy card. The Company will also file a definitive revocation statement (the “Revocation Statement”) together with a WHITE revocation card. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE REVOCATION STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY WILL FILE WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the Proxy Statement, the Revocation Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto and any other documents (including the WHITE proxy card and WHITE revocation card) when filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) or at the Company’s website at https://ir.brninc.com/ or by contacting Alexander Kinzler, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, by phone at (808) 531-8400, by email at akinzler@brninc.com or by mail at Barnwell Industries, Inc., 1100 Alakea Street, Suite 500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
Certain Information Regarding Participants
The Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be “participants” (as defined in Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the 2025 Annual Meeting. Additional information regarding the identity of these potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information relating to the foregoing can also be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on April 2, 2024. To the extent holdings of such participants in the Company’s securities have changed since the amounts described in the Proxy Statement, such changes have been reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 3 and Form 4 filed with the SEC: Form 3, filed by Craig Hopkins, with the filings of the Company on May 16, 2024; Form 4, filed by Craig Hopkins, with the filings of the Company on May 20, 2024, August 29, 2024, January 13, 2025 and January 17, 2025; Form 4, filed by Joshua Horowitz, with the filings of the Company on August 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024; Form 4, filed by Kenneth Grossman, with the filings of the Company on October 28, 2024; and Form 4, filed by Douglas Woodrum, with the filings of the Company on October 28, 2024. These filings can be found at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. More detailed and updated information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests (by security holdings or otherwise), will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community Satvinder Singh receives the visit from the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission earlier today at the ASEAN Secretariat/ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta. Both sides discussed the latest development in US-ASEAN economic relations, including on regional supply chain and investment trends.
The post Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Economic Community receives the visit from the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Question for written answer E-000880/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Hilde Vautmans (Renew)
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is evaluating lecanemab and donanemab, two treatments for early Alzheimer’s disease.
On 14 November 2024, following re-examination, the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive opinion on lecanemab. However, after its Standing Committee meeting of 24 January 2025, the Commission requested that the CHMP review new safety data and clarify the wording of risk minimisation measures in Annex II. A response is expected after the CHMP’s February plenary meeting.
Given the limited treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease and the fact that lecanemab and donanemab are already approved in several countries (China, Japan, the UK and the US), delays in Europe risk leaving patients without timely access to new therapies.
In the light of the above, can the Commission clarify:
1.What new safety data on lecanemab prompted the request for a review of the CHMP opinion?
2.If the CHMP addresses the Standing Committee’s concerns, will the Commission grant marketing authorisation without further delay?
3.What is the Commission doing to ensure that Alzheimer’s treatments available in other countries are also accessible to EU patients in a timely manner?
Presenting Advanced Power Management Solutions for Automotive, AI, Mobile, and Data Center Applications
MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, March 5, 2025– Tower Semiconductor (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), a leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, today announced its participation in the upcoming 2025 Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC), taking place March 17–19 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Company will highlight its cutting-edge power management technology platform with its high-efficiency power conversion capabilities including the latest 300mm 65nm 3.3V-based BCD solution, designed to meet the growing demands of Automotive, AI, Mobile PMIC, and Data Center power delivery.
Tower’s industry-leading 0.18μm (200mm) and 65nm (300mm) Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) platforms drive innovation across a broad range of applications, including driver ICs, battery management, portable power solutions, PC power control, and high-voltage gate drivers. With its recently announced 3.3V gate oxide technology offering 3.3V and 5V-based solutions as well as a comprehensive suite of design enablement tools, Tower continues to set new benchmarks in power efficiency, enabling next-generation solutions for a variety of high-demand sectors.
Presentation schedule: Tower Semiconductor’s BCD Technology Foundry Offerings: From Automotive to Datacenter Power By Dr. Mete Erturk, Sr. Director, Power Management Marketing Date: March 19, 2025 Time: 12:45 PM – 1:15 PM Location: A312
To meet with Tower’s engineering team at APEC 2025, visit booth #1148.
For more information on Tower’s Power Management solutions, visit here.
About Tower Semiconductor
Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for its customers in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, mobile, infrastructure, medical and aerospace and defense. Tower Semiconductor focuses on creating a positive and sustainable impact on the world through long-term partnerships and its advanced and innovative analog technology offering, comprised of a broad range of customizable process platforms such as SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal/CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, non-imaging sensors, displays, integrated power management (BCD and 700V), photonics, and MEMS. Tower Semiconductor also provides world-class design enablement for a quick and accurate design cycle as well as process transfer services including development, transfer, and optimization, to IDMs and fabless companies. To provide multi-fab sourcing and extended capacity for its customers, Tower Semiconductor owns one operating facility in Israel (200mm), two in the U.S. (200mm), two in Japan (200mm and 300mm) which it owns through its 51% holdings in TPSCo, shares a 300mm facility in Agrate, Italy with STMicroelectronics as well as has access to a 300mm capacity corridor in Intel’s New Mexico factory. For more information, please visit: www.towersemi.com.
Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements included in this press release or which may otherwise affect Tower’s business is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Tower’s most recent filings on Forms 20-F, F-3, F-4 and 6-K, as were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Israel Securities Authority. Tower does not intend to update, and expressly disclaim any obligation to update, the information contained in this release.
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Tower Semiconductor Company Contact: Orit Shahar | +972-74-7377440 | oritsha@towersemi.com
HONOLULU, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE American: BRN) (“Barnwell” or the “Company”) today announced that it had entered into a non-binding letter of intent for the sale of Water Resources International, Inc., its water well drilling subsidiary. The Company anticipates that the transaction, for an expected aggregate value of $1,050,000, would close in late March 2025. A portion of the consideration would be paid at the closing and the remainder would be paid in installments, with the last installment payable on September 15, 2025, before the end of the Company’s current fiscal year.
Mr. Craig D. Hopkins, CEO of Barnwell, commented “We are pleased to be working on a transaction that would allow us to refocus the Company on our core oil and gas exploration business. The Company has owned WRI since 1980 and the timing is right for us to end our tenure of water well drilling in Hawaii.”
Forward-Looking Statements
The information contained in this press release contains “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A forward-looking statement is one which is based on current expectations of future events or conditions and does not relate to historical or current facts. These statements include various estimates, forecasts, projections of Barnwell’s future performance, statements of Barnwell’s plans and objectives, and other similar statements. Forward-looking statements include phrases such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “will be,” “should,” or similar expressions. Although Barnwell believes that its current expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure that the expectations contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such statements. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause actual results to differ materially from Barnwell’s expectations are set forth in the “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and other sections of Barnwell’s annual report on Form 10-K for the last fiscal year and Barnwell’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, as they speak only as of the date of this press release, and Barnwell expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein.
SHANGHAI, China, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced that it will report its fourth quarter and full year 2024 unaudited financial results after the close of the Hong Kong market and before the open of the U.S. market on March 19, 2025.
The Company’s management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (8:00 PM Hong Kong Time on the same day).
Participants should complete online registration using the link provided below at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Upon registration, participants will receive the conference call access information, including dial-in numbers, a personal PIN and an e-mail with detailed instructions to join the conference call.
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.gds-services.com.
About GDS Holdings Limited
GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.
LONDON, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ThinkMarkets, a global leader in online CFD trading, has announced its new status as a Platinum partner on TradingView. Following its launch on TradingView earlier this year, ThinkMarkets has seen significant interest from both existing and new clients eager to trade on the platform.
To continue this growth and provide even better service to its clients worldwide, ThinkMarkets has upgraded to TradingView’s Platinum partnership level. This move enhances ThinkMarkets’ presence on TradingView by expanding its reach to a broader range of targeted countries and brings valuable benefits to clients, including an ad-free trading experience and exclusive trade ideas from ThinkMarkets’ expert analysts.
Commenting on the news, Nauman Anees, CEO of ThinkMarkets, said: “We’re delighted to now have a Platinum plan on TradingView. At ThinkMarkets, our clients are the cornerstone of our success. This move allows us to further expand our reach in the active trader community on TradingView and demonstrates our commitment to providing a unique product tailored for traders and empowering them with the best trading services.”
Clients trading on TradingView with ThinkMarkets can expect exceptional trading conditions, access to thousands of products, and ultra-fast execution speeds, all the while having access to TradingView’s advanced charting tools and features.
To learn more about trading with ThinkMarkets on TradingView, users can click here.
About ThinkMarkets ThinkMarkets is a global, multi-regulated online brokerage established in 2010 offering clients quick and easy access to 4,000+ CFD instruments across FX, indices, commodities, equities, and more. ThinkMarkets has offices in London, Melbourne, and Tokyo and hubs in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and South Africa. It also operates with several financial licences around the globe and delivers some of the industry’s most recognised trading platforms, including its award-winning platform, ThinkTrader.
For more information, users can visit ThinkMarkets website here.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Dr. Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as Executive Director (ED) with effect from March 03, 2025.
Prior to being promoted as ED, Dr. Joshi was serving as Principal Adviser in Department of Statistics and Information Management.
Dr. Joshi has experience of over three decades in the areas of statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management. He also served as member of faculty at the Institute of Development and Research in Banking Technology, Hyderabad. He has also served as member of several committees and working groups relating to compilation of macroeconomic statistics and policy issues.
As Executive Director, Dr. Joshi will look after Department of Statistics and Information Management and Financial Stability Department.
Dr. Joshi has a master’s degree in statistics from Nagpur University, Ph.D. in monetary economics from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Diploma in Development Policy and Planning from the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi and is a certified associate of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (CAIIB).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Religion or Belief
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Religion or Belief. Delivered by MP and the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith.
Thank you, Madame Vice-President.
The UK reiterates its commitment to protecting and promoting FoRB for all – including through my role as the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.
The Special Rapporteur’s recent report on the intersection of FoRB and torture highlighted deeply concerning cases of violations and torture in detention centres. The report notes that in Myanmar, detainees were denied the right to observe their faith through psychological torture and attempts by the State to change their religious identity. And in Sudan, non-Muslims were reportedly coerced to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid and education.
The UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture. Preventing torture and tackling impunity for those who torture is vital to safeguarding our security and rule of law.
We must collectively do more to address and prevent torture and ensure the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief is protected.
Special Rapporteur,
What steps would you advise to ensure more States investigate cases of torture, and safeguard the right to freedom of religion or belief, in detention centres?
BEIJING, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 before the U.S. market opens on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on Tuesday, March 18, 2025).
For participants who wish to join the conference using dial-in numbers, please complete online registration using the link provided below at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Dial-in numbers, passcode and unique access PIN would be provided upon registering.
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.ke.com.
About KE Holdings Inc.
KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.
In the late 1980s, as the Iron Curtain fell, the US Army War College threw away its old Cold War playbook. In its place, trainee strategists were taught to see the world as Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous: or ‘VUCA’ for short. The implications were far-reaching. Out went the old certainties. And in came a new approach that stressed the importance of approaching problems from different angles, drawing on multiple perspectives and scenarios, learning from mistakes, making robust decisions, and communicating openly about the uncertainties.
Where the military began, the business world followed: VUCA begat a million Harvard Business Review articles. Inevitably perhaps, it lost some of its shine in the decades that followed. But today it’s back – with a vengeance. The rules of global trade have been turned on their head. New geopolitical realities are dawning. Artificial intelligence, the energy transition, demographic change and the long shadow ofCOVID-19are fundamentally changing our concepts of economic activity and work. And Australia, like elsewhere, is seeking new sources of productivity growth. With the world in flux, companies, households and governments must change how they think, act and plan – just like those army cadets of the 1980s.
Monetary policy cannot affect these profound changes. But it does have one key job – and that is to ensure that, of all the things peopledohave to worry about, inflation is not one. High inflation hurts everyone. It hits living standards, particularly for those on low and fixed incomes. And it disrupts households and companies’ plans. The past few years have been a vivid reminder of that. Around the world, core inflation reached multi-decade highs (Graph 1).
The Marshall Islands marked 71 years since the most powerful nuclear weapons tests ever conducted were unleashed over the weekend.
The Micronesian nation experienced 67 known atmospheric nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958, resulting in an ongoing legacy of death, illness, and contamination.
The country’s President Hilda Heine says her people continue to face the impacts of US nuclear weapons testing seven decades after the last bomb was detonated.
The Pacific Islands have a complex history of nuclear weapons testing, but the impacts are very much a present-day challenge, Heine said at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Tonga last year.
She said that the consequences of nuclear weapons testing “in our own home” are “expensive” and “cross-cutting”.
“When I was just a young girl, our islands were turned into a big laboratory to test the capabilities of weapons of mass destruction, biological warfare agents, and unexploded ordinance,” she said.
“The impacts are not just historical facts, but contemporary challenges,” she added, noting that “the health consequences for the Marshallese people are severe and persistent through generations.”
“We are now working to reshape the narrative from that of being victims to one of active agencies in helping to shape our own future and that of the world around us,” she told Pacific leaders, where the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was a special guest.
President Hilda Heine and UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, in August 2024 Image: RNZ Pacific/Lydia Lewis
She said the displacement of communities from ancestral lands has resulted in grave cultural impacts, hindering traditional knowledge from being passed down to younger generations.
“As well as certain traditional practices, customs, ceremonies and even a navigational school once defining our very identity and become a distant memory, memorialised through chance and storytelling,” President Heine said.
“The environmental legacy is contamination and destruction: craters, radiation, toxic remnants, and a dome containing radioactive waste with a half-life of 24,000 years have rendered significant areas uninhabitable.
“Key ecosystems, once full of life and providing sustenance to our people, are now compromised.”
Heine said cancer and thyroid diseases were among a list of presumed radiation-induced medical conditions that were particularly prevalent in the Marshallese community.
Displacement, loss of land, and psychological trauma were also contributing factors to high rates of non-communicable diseases, she said.
Runit Dome, also known as “The Tomb”, in the Marshall Islands . . , controversial nuclear waste storage. Image: RNZ Pacific
“Despite these immense challenges, the Marshallese people have shown remarkable resilience and strength. Our journey has been one of survival, advocacy, and an unyielding pursuit of justice.
“We have fought tirelessly to have our voices heard on the international stage, seeking recognition.”
In 2017, the Marshall Islands government created the National Nuclear Commission to coordinate efforts to address testing impacts.
“We are a unique and important moral compass in the global movement for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,” Heine said.
Kurt Campbell at the Pacific Islands Forum . . . “I think we understand that that history carries a heavy burden.” Image: RNZ Pacific/Lydia Lewis
The US Deputy Secretary of State in the Biden-Harris administration Kurt Cambell said that Washington, over decades, had committed billions of dollars to the damage and the rebuilding of the Marshall Islands.
“I think we understand that that history carries a heavy burden, and we are doing what we can to support the people in the [Compact of Free Association] states, including the Marshall Islands,” he said.
“This is not a legacy that we seek to avoid. We have attempted to address it constructively with massive resources and a sustained commitment,” he told reporters in Nuku’alofa.
A shared nuclear legacy The National Nuclear Commission chairperson Ariana Tibon-Kilma, a direct descendant of survivors of the nuclear weapons testing programme Project 4.1 — which was the top-secret medical lab study on the effects of radiation on human bodies — told RNZ Pacific that what occured in Marshall Islands should not happen to any country.
“This programme was conducted without consent from any of the Marshallese people,” she said.
“For a number of years, they were studied and monitored, and sometimes even flown out to the US and displayed as a showcase.
“The history and trauma associated with what happened to my family, as well as many other families in the Marshall Islands, was barely spoken of.
“What happened to the Marshallese people is something that we would not wish upon any other Pacific island country or any other person in humanity.”
She said the nuclear legacy was a shared one.
“We all share one Pacific Ocean and what happened to the Marshall Islands, I am, sure resonates throughout the Pacific,” Tibon-Kilma said.
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Pacific head Heike Alefsen at the Pacific Islands Forum . . . “I think compensation for survivors is key.” Image: RNZ Pacific/Lydia Lewis
Billions in compensation The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Pacific head, Heike Alefsen, told RNZ Pacific in Nuku’alofa that “we understand that there are communities that have been displaced for a long time to other islands”.
“I think compensation for survivors is key,” she said.
“It is part of a transitional justice approach. I can’t really speak to the breadth and the depth of the compensation that would need to be provided, but it is certainly an ongoing issue for discussion.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community Satvinder Singh meets Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Ciyong Zou earlier today at the ASEAN Secretariat/ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta. Both sides exchanged views on the regional industrial cooperation and closer engagement between ASEAN and UNIDO.
The post Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Economic Community meets Deputy Director-General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
International kung fu star Donnie Yen, currently in Beijing with another identity — a national political advisor — said he is inspired by the animated juggernaut “Ne Zha 2” and hopes Chinese filmmakers can deliver more great Chinese content to the world.
Donnie Yen, international kung fu star and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), speaks to reporters before the opening of the CPPCC session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 4, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Rui/China.org.cn]
“As a Chinese filmmaker, I’m proud of the achievements made by ‘Ne Zha 2,’” Yen told China.org.cn before the opening of the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People on March 4.
“Ne Zha 2” has shattered box office records since premiering during the Spring Festival, emerging as a cultural phenomenon both in China and internationally. It has grossed over 14.5 billion yuan ($2 billion) worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the seventh highest-grossing film in global history and the highest-grossing Chinese film ever.
“I think it’s truly remarkable and inspiring,” said Yen, adding that he recently brought his entire family to see the film and was captivated by its world-class production quality, which resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. “Over the last few decades, Chinese movies have not only influenced how films are made but have also gained a larger market share, competing with some of the biggest Hollywood studios.”
He described the film’s success as deeply motivating for his own work, expressing his commitment to using his platform to continue creating films that spread positivity and cultural understanding. He stated, “In films, you can bring in so many great elements, letting audiences see our beautiful country and our beautiful culture.”
The filmmaker stressed that China has many fascinating aspects to share with the world and hopes more films of different genres will showcase them. However, he noted that the key to Chinese culture going global lies in connecting and resonating with people. “Most importantly, it’s about whether the stories can be down-to-earth and touch people’s hearts,” he said.
Yen hopes Hong Kong filmmakers can exchange more with and learn from mainland filmmakers. He also urged filmmakers to reassess their approaches to storytelling, content development and marketing strategies, while studying the factors behind the unprecedented success of “Ne Zha 2.” He said he has absolute confidence in Hong Kong’s film industry, particularly with the backing of the expansive mainland cinema market.
Yen holds a positive attitude toward artificial intelligence, hoping to leverage its power and other cutting-edge technologies to assist in film creation. He emphasized that, from the perspective of historical development, technology inevitably undergoes gradual evolution. “While AI brings challenges to the film industry, it also serves as an encouragement, as challenges drive progress,” he said. “We must learn from AI and not fear it.”
Renowned for his “Ip Man” kung fu movie franchise, Yen reflected on how such productions have significantly increased global interest in Chinese martial arts. “I do hope Chinese martial arts can successfully apply for UNESCO heritage status. That’s part of my job to push for it.”
Rome, Italy, 5 March 2025: Global leaders, policymakers and evaluation experts have come together in Rome for the first day of the 2025 IDEAS-NDB Conference, on the topic of “Multi-Dimensional Evaluation for Influence & Transformation”. Jointly organised by International Development Evaluation Association (IDEAS) and the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the New Development Bank (NDB), the conference will examine how evaluation can drive real-world transformational change in today’s complex global landscape. Lasting for two days, the event is being held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
With the world facing rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change and widening social inequities, the role of evaluation in shaping evidence-based decision-making has never been more crucial.
The FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu highlighted the important role of evaluation as the cornerstone of learning and innovation to ensure effective sustainable development policies, stating: “We cannot solve food security challenges without understanding efficiency, effectiveness and the impacts of investment. Evaluation must move beyond metrics – it must shape the policies and innovations that will help us ensure sufficient and healthy foods for future generations. I believe that this conference can be a stepping-stone towards driving meaningful progress.”
The event welcomed around 400 global delegates, with Professor Michael Kremer, winner of the 2019 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, delivering the keynote speech on the conference theme of multi-dimensional evaluation for influence and transformation. He was joined by senior government officials, policy and decision-makers, high-level officials and heads of evaluation offices from major multilateral development institutions, and representatives of academic and research institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and others.
Over the two days, the conference will feature high-level discussions, expert panels, and strategy sessions examining a range of interconnected themes crucial to evaluation’s role in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. These include how evaluation supports progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and understanding the complex relationships between the goals; addressing the nexus of climate change, crises, and development through robust evaluation; recognising the importance of context and culture in shaping evaluation practices; mainstreaming gender equality, human rights, and equity within evaluation frameworks; building evaluation capacity at all levels; and exploring evaluation for sustainable development in the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and other emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs), which are priority areas for NDB.
With participation from government agencies, multilateral institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and evaluation professionals, the event serves as a global call to action—pushing for more impact-driven, inclusive, and forward-looking evaluation frameworks.
Ashwani K. Muthoo, Director General of IEO at NDB underscored the urgency for evaluators to change and innovate: “Evaluation must evolve to reflect the complexity of today’s world. We must go beyond traditional metrics to capture lived experiences, measure systemic change, and ensure that development efforts truly reach those who need them most.”
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New Development Bank (NDB)
NDB is a multilateral bank established in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) with the aim of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs). In alignment with its members’ development objectives and commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, NDB prioritises high-impact operations that are climate-smart, disaster-resilient, technology-integrated, and socially inclusive. NDB’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) is responsible for independently evaluating the Bank’s policies, strategies, processes, initiatives and operations. IEO also contributes and provides oversight to improve the effectiveness of the Bank’s quality assurance and self-evaluation activities.
Regarding a message circulating online that claims “the Government has announced that the Clerical Assistant grade will be fully integrated into the Assistant Clerical Officer grade by 2027”, the Civil Service Bureau has clarified that no such announcement has been made.
The bureau said the matter has been reported to Police.
It added that the civil service will remain committed to its posts and will make more flexible use of resources to serve the public proactively.
Chief Executive John Lee attended the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing today, in his capacity as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The third session of the 14th NPC commenced this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report, reviewing the work for 2024 and outlining the overall requirements for economic and social development and major tasks of the government for 2025.
He said the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy in the Hong Kong SAR should continue to be fully, faithfully and resolutely implemented, while maintaining the constitutional order in the Hong Kong SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”.
The Premier expressed support for Hong Kong in strengthening economic development and improving people’s livelihood, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, with a view to better integrating into the overall national development and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.
He also highlighted the need to enhance the innovation capabilities and influence of economically advantageous areas, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The Chief Executive said he was most encouraged, adding that this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the beginning of the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
It is also a crucial year for deepening comprehensive reforms, which are of significant importance for the implementation of “one country, two systems”, he added.
Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.
He also noted that it will unite all sectors of society to deepen comprehensive reforms, actively understand, respond to and embrace changes, and better leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong’s unique and advantages of internationalisation to open up new development opportunities.
The Hong Kong SAR Government will spare no effort in pursuing economic development, improving people’s livelihood and exploring new growth areas, the Chief Executive stressed.
Coupled with market forces, the Hong Kong SAR Government will adopt an innovative mindset to take forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, accelerating the development of the international innovation and technology centre, Mr Lee said.
Additionally, it aims to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, building the city as an international hub for high-calibre talent, concurrently promoting the bay area’s high-quality development and actively integrating into national development.
It will also enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and strengthen its role to link the Mainland with global markets, so as to achieve better development in Hong Kong and make further contributions to building the great country and advancing national rejuvenation.
Mr Lee extended his best wishes for the success of the third session of the 14th NPC and the third session of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee.
Every year 04 March is observed as World Obesity Day to challenge stigma and misconceptions surrounding obesity. The day aims to raise public awareness about the condition, which affects over 200 million people in the seven major markets (7MM*). Despite advancements in treatment, many face challenges such as limited access to care, making awareness and better support essential for addressing this growing health issue, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report “Obesity: Seven-Market Drug Forecast and Market Analysis- Update,” reveals that the unmet needs in this space remain, and the arrival of effective weight loss medications onto the market is just one step towards the solution.
Costanza Alciati, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many new drugs are expected to reach the obesity market in the next decade: by 2031, GlobalData expects 23 candidates to be approved in the major markets. This will offer a wider range of options for patients, hoping that treatment access will have improved by then.”
GlobalData forecasts that the number of individuals living with obesity across the 7MM to increase at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 0.7% through 2031.
Alciati continues: “Some of the biggest issues for patients is access to specialists and affordable treatment. An increased awareness of what this condition entails and what other diseases it can lead to is crucial for people to understand that it is not just some extra weight”.
The key opinion leaders interviewed by GlobalData are hopeful for the future of obesity treatment, after seeing the improvements over the last five years.
Alciati concludes: “However, most improvements have come from the pharmaceutical sector, with a lot of investments going into this therapeutic area. Alas, many more changes are still needed in our society and in the food industry to ensure better metabolic health of citizens.”
*7MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.
The burden of five-year diagnosed prevalent cases of prostate cancer is expected to increase at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 3.10% from around 3.23 million in 2023 to 4.24 million in 2033 across the eight major markets (8MM*), forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Prostate Cancer: Epidemiology Forecast to 2033,” reveals that the increase is partly attributed to the increased survival rate of prostate cancer patients due to modern medicine, combined with underlying demographic changes in the respective markets.
The prevalence of prostate cancer is known to vary depending on the market region. According to GlobalData epidemiologists, the US had the highest number of five-year diagnosed prevalent cases of prostate cancer in 2023 with 1.11 million cases, whereas Spain had the lowest number of prevalent cases at 128,000.
Bishal Bhandari, PhD, Associate Director of Epidemiology at GlobalData, comments: “The growth of the five-year diagnosed prevalent cases of prostate cancer in the 8MM is the result of longer life expectancy and an increase in the incidence of the disease. The patient survivals are also steadily rising, due to improved prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. In 2023, only 25% of the diagnosed prevalent cases of prostate cancer in the 8MM were in advanced stages.”
GlobalData epidemiologists also observed an age difference in prostate cancer. The biggest risk factor for prostate cancer is advancing age. This forecast reflects the burden in older men; in 2023, more than 85% of cases occurred in men ages 60 years and older. Only 1% of cases occurred in men younger than age 50 years.
Bhandari concludes: “A major factor that will impact the epidemiology of prostate cancer cases in the coming years will be the role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer screening. PSA screening can detect prostate cancer early, but it can also result in the detection of non-life-threatening tumors, causing unnecessary anxieties. Therefore, PSA screening guidelines vary between countries and have changed over time. Future changes in PSA screening guidelines would likely have a major impact on the diagnosis of prostate cancer cases.”
*8MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and China