PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES VISITOR’S CONFERENCE 2024-25 PRESENTS VISITOR’S AWARDS 2023
YOU HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ACHIEVING THE GOAL OF ESTABLISHING INDIA AS AN IMPORTANT CENTRE OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY: PRESIDENT MURMU TO HEADS OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the two-day Visitor’s Conference 2024-25 at Rashtrapati Bhavantoday (March 3, 2025). The President of India is the Visitor of 184 Central Institutes of Higher Education.
In her inaugural address, the President said that the level of development of any country is reflected in the quality of its education system. She told the heads of the institutions of higher learning that they have a crucial role in achieving the goal of establishing India as an important centre of the knowledge economy. She highlighted the need to pay a lot of attention to research along with education. She said that the Government of India has established the National Research Fund with a very good objective. She expressed confidence that institutions of higher learning would make good use of this important initiative and encourage research.
The President said that the ambition of our higher education community should be that researchers from our institutions get recognition at the world level, patents of our institutions can bring change in the world, and students from developed countries choose India as a preferred destination for higher education.
The President said that students from India enrich the world’s leading educational institutions and developed economies with their talent. She emphasised the need of making efforts to utilize their talent in our country. She stated that our national goal of establishing India as a Global Knowledge Super Power would be achieved only when the world community is eager to adopt the work being done in our laboratories.
The President said that many higher education institutions of our country have global brand value. The students of these institutions get big responsibilities in the best institutions and companies of the world. However, all our institutions should move ahead very fast. The leadership of heads of institutions of higher learning would be recognised by developing and utilising the immense talent of our large youth population.
The President said that along with excellence, social inclusion and sensitivity should also be an essential aspect of our education system. No economic, social, or psychological limitation of any kind should be a hindrance in getting higher education. She said that heads and teachers of institutions of higher learning should take care of young students, remove any insecurity from their minds and provide them moral and spiritual strength. She urged them to make every possible effort to provide counselling and inspiration to students and spread positive energy in the campuses.
The President said that our country has a rich tradition of scientific achievements. The branches and sub-branches of Indian knowledge and science have flourished in every region of the country. It would be very useful to rediscover the invaluable but extinct streams of knowledge and science by doing intense research. She stated that it is the responsibility of the higher education ecosystem to find ways to use such organically grown knowledge systems in today’s context.
The President said that educational institutions shape the future of the nation. Young students learn from the conduct of our policy makers, teachers, heads of institutions, and senior students. She expressed confidence that with their global thinking, the heads of higher learning institutions would prepare a generation of builders of a developed India.
During the inaugural session, the President presented the eighth Visitor’s Awards in the categories of Innovation, Research, and Technology Development.
· The Visitor’s Award for Innovation was given to Prof Saripella Srikrishna, Banaras Hindu University, for developing Novel Indigenous Innovation in Quantum Technology to boost the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
· The Visitor’s Award for Research in the field of Physical Sciences was conferred upon Prof Ashwini Kumar Nangia, University of Hyderabad, for his seminal research in the discovery and development of high bioavailability drugs and pharmaceuticals with enhanced efficacy at affordable cost.
· The Visitor’s Award for Research in Biological Sciences was jointly presented to Prof Rina Chakrabarti, University of Delhi and Prof Raj Kumar, Central University of Punjab. Prof Chakrabarti has been conferred the Award for her research contributions to Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture while Prof Raj Kumar has been presented the Award for his research contributions to exploring various cancer hallmarks and the development of synthetic anticancer lead molecules.
· The Visitor’s Award for Technology Development was presented to Dr Venkateswarlu Chintala, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, for his research contributions to the petrol and diesel production at commercial scale from landfill municipal mixed plastic waste.
Tomorrow, the Conference will deliberate on issues such as – Flexibility in academic courses, Credit Sharing and Credit Transfer with multiple entry and exit options; Internationalisation efforts and collaboration; Translation Research and Innovation related to converting research or innovation into useful products and services; Effective student selection processes and respecting student choices in context of NEP; and Effective assessments and evaluation. The outcome of these deliberations will be presented before the President in the closing session of the Conference.
As part of the ongoing training deployment of the First Training Squadron (1TS) to South East Asia, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Veera arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand on 01 Mar 25. The ships were accorded a warm welcome by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) amidst fanfare of the RTN band. Senior Officer, 1TS, Capt Anshul Kishore along with Commanding Officers of the ships called on Rear Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander, Third Naval Area Command. The discussions were centered on regional security, avenues for joint training exercises and goodwill activities.
A reception was hosted onboard 1TS for senior leadership of RTN, diplomats, and members of the Indian Diaspora. During the port call, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy will engage in a series of dynamic activities aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing operational synergy. The visit includes professional interactions, yoga sessions, cross training visits, friendly sports fixtures, Naval band performance, and PASSEX.
The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy have maintained a close and friendly relationship, which has strengthened over the years. The visit reinforces better understanding and enhanced interoperability between the two Navies.
India and Nepal Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Cooperation in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Sector The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Shri C R Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and Shri Pradeep Yadav, Honorable Minister of Water Supply, Government of Nepal
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:04PM by PIB Delhi
The Government of India and the Government of Nepal today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including waste management. The signing ceremony took place at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Shri C R Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and Shri Pradeep Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Water Supply, Government of Nepal.
The agreement aims to promote collaboration between the two nations and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation in the WASH sector, ensuring better access to clean drinking water and sanitation for their populations. The comprehensive MoU outlines a collaborative framework encompassing several key areas:-
Capacity Building: Training programs for Nepali personnel in water resource management and related fields.
Technology & Knowledge Transfer: Sharing of technological expertise and best practices between India and Nepal in WASH sector.
Groundwater Management: Joint efforts in monitoring, assessment, and management of groundwater resources, including quality improvement, artificial recharge, and rainwater harvesting.
During the event, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil, highlighted India’s significant achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in providing clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to all citizens. Shri Patil emphasized that this MoU reflects the shared commitment of India and Nepal towards public health, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Hon’ble Minister of Water Supply, Government of Nepal Shri Pradeep Yadav, commended India’s success in implementing large-scale clean drinking water and sanitation initiatives. He stated that Nepal looks forward to learn from India’s experience in these sectors and that Nepali officials will visit key sites in India to gain insights and best practices. He further proposed that regular meetings should be held to ensure steady progress and mutual exchange of knowledge.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, including H.E. Mr. Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal, and H.E. Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India, along with Secretaries Ms. Debashree Mukherjee and Mr. Ashok Kumar Meena, and other distinguished delegates.
This MoU marks a new chapter in the India-Nepal partnership, ensuring that both countries work together for the well-being of their people and for a sustainable future.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the “Workshop on Sustainability and Circularity in Dairy Sector” in New Delhi Dairy is an important option to solve the problem of rural migration and to make small farmers prosperous
The Modi Government is realizing the mantra of profit for people along with the three principles of Sahkar Se Shakti, Sahkar Se Sahyog and Sahkar Se Samriddhi
At present, emphasis should be given on setting up the entire chain from farm to factory in the village itself
The Micro ATM model in Gujarat is providing unprecedented benefits to the livestock farmers of the state, NABARD should take this model to every district of the country
To uplift marginal farmers, it is crucial to map a journey from villages to the global stage, fostering confidence through collective efforts and establishing a comprehensive farm-to-factory value chain
Under White Revolution 2.0, the target should be to form a state level union in every state and UT and milk unions in 80% of the districts of the country
The main goal of White Revolution 2.0 is sustainability and circularity
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:57PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the “Workshop on Sustainability and Circularity in Dairy Sector” in New Delhi today. Sustainability, efficiency and circularity of resources in the dairy sector will help realize Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that today when we are moving towards the White Revolution 2.0, the importance of sustainability and circularity takes precedence. He said that apart from what we have achieved so far with the help of first White Revolution, sustainability and circularity in dairy sector are still to be fully accomplished. Shri Shah said that the main goal of White Revolution 2.0 is sustainability and circularity and we need to take care of it from the very beginning of White Revolution 2.0.
Shri Amit Shah said that India’s dairy sector plays a huge role in the country’s as well as rural development and in making landless and small farmers prosperous. He said that it has taken care of our country’s nutrition, contributed in making the country the world’s number one milk producer and also provided additional income to farmers apart from agricultural income.
Union Minister of Cooperation said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set three goals for us, viz. to become a 5 trillion-dollar economy, to be the third largest economy in the world, and become a fully developed country in 2047. He said that to achieve these three goals, we will have to develop a mechanism to explore and utilize all possibilities in every sector to the fullest. He said that the dairy sector has today taken a visionary initiative to spread good practices related to circularity to 250 milk producer associations.
Shri Amit Shah said that India’s agriculture system is based on small farmers and their migration from villages to cities is associated with their prosperity.He said that dairy is an important option to make small farmers prosperous along with overcoming the problem of rural migration.Shri Shah said that this seminar will prove to be very useful to work with a holistic approach to explore all the possibilities of the dairy sector to the fullest.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in the last 10 years, a good beginning has been made to bring prosperity in agriculture in the country. He said that farmers have got the confidence and means also to go from village to global, their faith is also increasing on collective success in groups through cooperatives. Shri Shah said that, at present, the emphasis should be given on setting up the entire chain from farm to factory in the village itself. He added that to uplift marginal farmers, it is crucial to map a journey from villages to the global stage, fostering confidence through collective efforts and establishing a comprehensive farm-to-factory value chain. He said that the Modi Government is realizing the mantra of profit for people along with the three principles of Sahkar Se Shakti, Sahkar Se Sahyog and Sahkar Se Samriddhi.
Shri Amit Shah said that the objective of cooperatives is to earn profit as well as to put “people first”. He said that we can realize the principle of “profit for people” only through cooperatives. He said that today the release of the “Margdarshika” on circularity in the dairy sector, NDDB’s schemes for financial assistance to small, large and compressed biogas projects and the launch of NDDB and Sustain Plus project have also taken place.
Union Minister of Cooperation said that to fully utilize organic manure, the district level milk unions and rural dairies will have to bring those farmers also in the net of cooperation who are not yet connected with the cooperative. He said that many farmers give milk to private dairies, but the cooperative sector should manage their dung, which will solve our minimum viability problem and we will be successful in attracting the farmers who are moving towards the private sector back to the cooperative sector. Shri Shah said that a program should be made to successfully implement the successful experiments done for gas production as a model in 250 district milk producing unions with a target of 2 years.
Shri Amit Shah said that we have also started “Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives” to open all accounts in cooperative banks and today 93 percent of the institutions in Gujarat have accounts in cooperative banks. He said that this has automatically made funds available for cooperatives and banks have also become stronger. He said that the Micro ATM model in Gujarat is providing unprecedented benefits to the livestock farmers of the state, NABARD should take this model to every district of the country. Shri Shah said that our effort should be that all machines, from measuring fat to all dairy products, should be manufactured in India. He said that carbon credit should be made a part of our system and a scientific system should be made on the cooperative model to ensure that it reaches the farmers.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that today there are 23 state level unions in the country but we should envision forming a state level union in every state and union territory under White Revolution 2.0. He said that in White Revolution 2.0, we can aim to form milk unions in 80 percent of the districts of the country and increase the number of marketing dairies from the current 28 to 3 times in number. Shri Shah said that in the cooperative dairy sector, more than 75 per cent of the money coming from the consumer goes directly to the farmers. He said that in the corporate sector, farmers get only 32 per cent of the money. He said that we should aim to reduce this profit gap between farmers and companies for every farmer in the country. Along with this, we should also try to bring 16 crore tonnes of cow dung for the benefit of cooperatives.
Shri Amit Shah said that there has been huge reduction in the emission of Methane and Carbon dioxide and its 100 per cent carbon credit should go to the farmers in their bank accounts and this is the real meaning of circularity. He said that the dairy cooperative sector also works a lot in terms of providing employment to women and today 72 per cent women are working in the cooperative dairy sector. Shri Shah said that this proves that in the cooperative dairy sector, work is taking place for the employment and empowerment of women.
The workshop was organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India in collaboration with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lallan Singh, Union Ministers of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Professor S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurien, Smt. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and many other dignitaries attended the event.
Jan Aushadhi- Bal Mitra Participation: Third day of celebrations for Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025 Bal Mitras participated in various programs in 30 major cities across 30 states to spread awareness about Jan Aushadhi
Free Distribution of Nutraceutical products to children
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi
The third day of 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025 was celebrated with the participation of Bal Mitras in 30 major cities across 30 States. Various activities were conducted across the country spreading the message of Jan Aushadhi to make the upcoming generation aware about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Through these activities children were made aware with the knowledge of quality generic medicines which are being sold through dedicated outlets called Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The children were also distributed nutraceutical products like Poshan. At the end of the program, sky lanterns/balloons were released in the air.
Presently, more than 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country covering all the districts of the country. Under the scheme, the Government has set a target to open 25000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by 31st March, 2027 across the country.
At the initiative of the Prime Minister, the 7th of March is celebrated every year as “Jan Aushadhi Diwas” with a view to enhance awareness about the scheme and promote generic medicines. As in earlier years, week-long events have been planned at various locations across the country from the 1st to the 7th of March 2025.
The Union Government has released Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants during Financial Year 2024–25, for Rural Local Bodies in West Bengal, 2nd installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.694.4446 crores and withheld portion of 1st installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.4.9323 crores. These funds are for the 21 eligible District Panchayats, 326 eligible Block Panchayats and 3220 eligible Gram Panchayats.
The Untied Grants will be utilized by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)/ Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) for location-specific felt needs, under the Twenty-Nine (29) Subjects enshrined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except for salaries and other establishment costs. The Tied Grants can be used for the basic services of (a) sanitation and maintenance of ODF status, and this should include management and treatment of household waste, and human excreta and fecal sludge management in particular and (b) supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling.
Government of India through Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommends release of Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants to States for Rural Local Bodies which are then released by Ministry of Finance. The allocated Grants are recommended and released in 2 installments in a Financial Year. This financial support helps in improving rural local governance, enhancing accountability, and promoting self-reliance in villages in India.
As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Government has initiated five pilot projects for using Hydrogen in buses and trucks. Earlier the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had issued guidelines for implementing Pilot projects in the Transport Sector under this Mission.
Accordingly, the proposals were invited for different types of hydrogen-based vehicles, routes, and hydrogen refueling stations. After detailed scrutiny, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sanctioned five pilot projects consisting total of 37 vehicles (buses and trucks), and 9 hydrogen refueling stations. The vehicles that will be deployed for the trial include 15 hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles and 22 hydrogen internal combustion engine-based vehicles. These vehicles will run on 10 different routes across the country viz., Greater Noida – Delhi – Agra, Bhubaneshwar – Konark – Puri, Ahmedabad – Vadodara – Surat, Sahibabad – Faridabad – Delhi, Pune – Mumbai, Jamshedpur – Kalinga Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram – Kochi, Kochi – Edappally, Jamnagar – Ahmedabad, and NH-16 Visakhapatnam – Bayyavaram. The above projects are awarded to major companies like TATA Motors Ltd, Reliance Industries Limited, NTPC, ANERT, Ashok Leyland, HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL.
The total financial support for selected projects made available will be around Rs. 208 Crore from the Government of India. These pilot projects are likely to be commissioned in the next 18-24 months, paving the way to the scaleup of such technologies in India.
The thrust area for providing support under the scheme is the development of commercially viable technologies for the utilization of hydrogen in the transport sector as fuel in buses and trucks and Supporting infrastructure like Hydrogen refueling stations.
One of the objectives of the Mission is to support the deployment of Green Hydrogen as fuel in buses and trucks, in a phased manner on a pilot basis. These pilot projects can demonstrate safe and secure operations, assess the effectiveness of hydrogen-based vehicles and refueling stations, validate technical feasibility and performance, and evaluate their economic viability, thereby leading to hydrogen-based vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations under real-world operational conditions.
The Scheme Guidelines for the implementation of Pilot projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Transport Sector under the NGHM can be accessedhere.
The National Green Hydrogen Missionwaslaunched on 04th January 2023with an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores up to FY 2029-30. It will contribute to India’s goal to become Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) through clean energy and serve as an inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition. The Mission will lead to significant decarbonization of the economy, reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports, and enable India to assume technology and market leadership in Green Hydrogen.
12th High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific India’s Leadership in Circular Economy
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:22PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific has been inaugurated today in Jaipur, India, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation for sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives. This Forum provides a critical platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to discuss and implement sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency. As economies in the Asia-Pacific region experience rapid urbanization and industrialization, the need for a shift towards a circular economy model has never been more urgent.
The Forum will focus on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R), aiming to create a roadmap for sustainable production and consumption patterns. Through insightful discussions, policy recommendations, and collaborative partnerships, the Forum will help strengthen global and regional commitments with a focus on resource efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.
The last Forum was hosted in 2023 by Cambodia. India has previously hosted the Forum in 2018, when the 8th edition was held in Indore.
Inauguration of the 2025 Forum
The inaugural session of the 2025 Forum was attended by the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Further, international dignitaries of countries like Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Maldives and Japan also joined the session. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared a special written message with the delegates of the Forum emphasising that India follows & strongly advocates the P-3 (Pro Planet People) approach. He has also mentioned that India has always been more than willing to share it experiences and learnings in its journey towards Circular Economy.
Taking forward PM Modi’s vision, the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.
Further, during the event, a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed, marking a significant milestone in urban sustainability initiatives. CITIIS 2.0 is a flagship initiative driving integrated waste management and climate action. The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs announced that agreements worth ₹1,800 crores will be signed under this initiative, benefiting 18 cities across 14 states, and serving as lighthouse projects for other urban areas.
History of the High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific
The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009 to promote sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles across the region. Recognizing the environmental challenges posed by rapid economic growth, resource depletion, and rising waste generation, the Forum has served as a key platform for policy dialogue and capacity building. A major milestone was the adoption of the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which outlined 33 voluntary goals for shifting towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy. Over the years, the Forum has played a crucial role in aligning regional efforts with global sustainability commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
Building on the momentum of past initiatives, the new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) aims to catalyze transformational changes in resource and waste management. The Forum continues to support multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly in tackling plastic pollution through initiatives such as the negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty. With Asia-Pacific accounting for the largest share of global material use, the Forum emphasizes the region’s pivotal role in achieving carbon neutrality, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.
Key Details of the 2025 Forum
Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.
Dates: March 3-5, 2025
Venue: Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India), United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
Supported by: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japan’s Ministry of Environment, and various other international and regional organizations.
The Forum will feature high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions, roundtables and knowledge-sharing opportunities to explore innovative policies, practices, institutional arrangements and technologies. A curtain-raiser event was organized on 24 February 2025 at the National Media Centre, New Delhi as a precursor to the main Forum.
Objectives of the 2025 Forum
The Forum serves as a collaborative platform to:
Promote circular economy principles for sustainable resource use.
Discuss circular economy policies and practicesto accelerate achievement of the SDGs.
Discuss how circular economy strategiescan be integrated into national and regional policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets.
Discuss how to strengthen regional cooperation and foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate the transition from traditional linear economy to more resource efficient and circular societies across Asia-Pacific.
Discuss challenges(policy regulatory gaps, financial barriers, infrastructure gaps, technological limitations) and opportunities in addressing circular economy principles for various sectors and waste streams.
Discuss and agree a new voluntary and legally non-binding 3R and Circular Economy Declaration(2025-2034) for achieving resource efficient, clean, resilient, sound material cycle and low-carbon society in Asia and the Pacific.
Discuss and pave way towards realization of a Circular Economy Alliance Network (CEAN) towards Zero Waste Cities and Societies – a digital multi-faceted collaboration platform involving key stakeholders – government (national and local), private and industry sector, including MSMEs, academic and research institutions, donors and development banks, and NGOs, among others, in support of the effective implementation of the new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration for Asia and the Pacific (2025-2034).
Participants in the 2025 Forum
Participation in the Forum is by invitation only. Approximately 500 delegates will be participating, including 300 international and 200 local participants. These will include:
High level government representativesfrom Asia-Pacific countries and policy makers from relevant Indian Ministries such as Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Local Government, etc.
City Mayors/Local Governmentrepresentatives.
Experts and international resource persons, including representatives of scientific and Research and Development (R&D) institutions in the areas of 3R/resource efficiency/waste management/life cycle assessment and management.
Representatives of the UN and international organizations, including international financial institutions, multi-lateral development banks and donor agencies.
Representatives of the private and business sector and NGOsetc.
Key Theme and Discussion Points
The key points to be discussed include:
1.Policy and Governance
Effective governance is key to achieving a successful circular economy. The Forum will examine the role of governments in fostering an enabling environment for sustainability.
2. Technological Innovations in Waste Management
Advancements in technology can play a transformative role in achieving sustainability goals. This segment will highlight new and emerging technologies in waste management.
3. Financing Circular Economy and 3R Initiatives
A successful circular economy transition requires strong financial backing. The discussion will revolve around investment opportunities and sustainable financing models.
4. Circular Economy for Climate Action
The Forum will explore how circular economy initiatives can contribute to climate resilience and emissions reduction.
Highlights at the 2025 Forum
Delegates will have an opportunity to undertake technical field visits to the solid and liquid waste management facilities and visit key heritage sites in Jaipur.
A dedicated ‘India Pavilion’ will showcase India’s remarkable initiatives and achievements in the 3R and circular economy domain. This Pavilion will feature exhibitions from key line ministries and national missions, reflecting India’s whole-of-government approach to sustainable development. It will also serve as a hub for interactive knowledge-sharing, with sessions such as the ‘Ministers & Ambassadors Roundtable Dialogue,’ ‘Mayors’ Dialogue,’ ‘Policy Dialogue’ and the signing of agreements under the CITIIS 2.0 program.
Multiple launches of knowledge products will take place at the Forum including a compendium of over 100 best practices put together by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
The Forum will host an international ‘3R trade and technology exhibition’, providing a platform for over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups to showcase best practices, ideas and solutions that support circularity and 3R principles while encouraging cross-learning.
‘Waste-to-wealth’ initiatives by NGOs and self-help groups across India will also be showcased at the Forum promoting sustainability-driven entrepreneurship and community engagement.
India’s Leadership in Circular Economy and 3R Policies
India has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable development and circular economy principles. The country has implemented several landmark policies and initiatives aimed at addressing waste management challenges. Some of the key initiatives include:
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U) – Strengthening urban waste management with 3R principles. Under SBM-U, India has achieved 108.62% success in household toilet construction, where the mission target was 58,99,637 and the constructed number stands at 63,74,355 as of 27 February 2025. Further 80.29% of solid waste in India is being processed successfully.
GOBAR-Dhan Scheme – Promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives through biogas and organic waste processing. This scheme currently covers 67.8% of total number of districts in India, with 1008 biogas plants being fully operational as of 27 February 2025.
E-Waste Management Rules (2022) – Strengthening circular economy practices in electronic waste disposal. As of December 2024, for FY 2024-25, the quantity of e-waste collected and recycled stood at 5,82,769 MT and 5,18,240 MT respectively. The quantity of e-waste collected and recycled in the FY 2023-24 were 7,98,493 MT and 7,68,406 MT respectively.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic – Encouraging industries to take accountability for plastic waste. India banned single use plastic on 1st July 2022.
Conclusion
The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur is a landmark Forum that will shape the future of waste management and circular economy strategies in Asia and the Pacific. As economies in the region seek sustainable solutions to address growing environmental challenges, this Forum will provide a critical avenue for knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and policy advocacy.
By fostering cross-sectoral collaborations, discussing innovative policy approaches, and advancing 3R principles, the Forum will contribute significantly to achieving a zero-waste and circular economy-driven future. The discussions and commitments made at this Forum will not only guide policy implementation but also drive investments in sustainable infrastructure and technological innovations.
An innovative hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power solution for telecom towers, developed using a plug-and-play model can support national renewable energy goals while ensuring seamless connectivity for millions and promoting clean energy in the telecom sector.
India has more than a million telecom towers, with tens of thousands in remote areas, where maintaining 24/7 operations is challenging due to limited grid access. Traditionally, diesel generators have been used as backup power sources, but they are expensive and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
A PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell is an efficient and clean energy solution for powering telecom towers, particularly as a backup during grid outages. These fuel cells provide reliable electricity with quick start-up times and operate at relatively low temperatures, making them a viable alternative to diesel generators.
PEM fuel cells (PEMFC) generate electricity with only water vapour as a by-product, offering an environmentally friendly solution with high power density in a compact size. They run on hydrogen fuel, which can be stored and transported for refuelling, and require significantly less maintenance than traditional backup power sources. The working principle involves an electrochemical reaction where hydrogen gas is fed into the anode, oxidized to release protons, which then travel through a polymer membrane to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to produce electricity and water.
In accordance with the global environmental demand, the Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) actively promote greener energy solutions. TRAI’s 2012 directive mandates that at least 50% of rural telecom towers and 33% of urban towers transition to hybrid renewable energy sources. Integrating PEMFC with telecom towers aligns with this vision, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional backup systems.
The Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology has developed an innovative fuel cell-based solution. A key feature of this project is the adoption of a plug-and-play model, ensuring easy handling and transport while eliminating security concerns, making the solution practical and adaptable for widespread deployment.
In a first-of-its-kind demonstration, ARCI showcased a mobile PEMFC-based backup power solution for telecom towers using a plug-and-play model.
Unlike fixed installations, this setup allows the power generation unit to be shared among multiple towers, providing backup power where needed. This would considerably facilitate telecom towers to utilize shared back up power and be transported to locations where diesel generator setups are difficult to reach or maintain.
The demonstration was conducted at a telecom tower of a reputed service provider in the Pune Municipal Corporation limits, with Resicorre Technologies, Nashik, as the industrial partner. Resicorre Technologies Private Limited envisions green solution for the Indian society both in vehicular as well as stationary power backup sectors. The current demonstration is part of the sponsored project under the Advanced Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Call – 2021 by the Department of Science and Technology, India. The aim of the project was to establish a reliable fuel cell-based backup power solution that ensures a steady hydrogen supply and power resilience during outages.
With India’s expanding digital infrastructure and growing focus on sustainability, fuel cell technology offers a promising solution for cleaner and more reliable telecom operations. This breakthrough is a game-changer in the telecom sector.
The successful deployment and demonstration of PEM Fuel Cells for the power supply to telecom tower shall promote the usage of clean energy for India’s telecom sector, ensuring uninterrupted service while significantly reducing carbon footprints.
Figure: (Left) Telecom tower powered by mobile PEM Fuel Cell unit with the inset showing the current rating drawn from Fuel Cell at the Base Transceiver Station. (Right): The Fuel cell system along with the demonstration team.
Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the celebrations of India’s National Science Day at the Indian Embassy at Tokyo in Japan Dr. Singh dedicates year 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchange
Dr. Jitendra Singh traces the remarkable progress made since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indo-Japan cooperation
Celebrating 40 Years of Indo-Japan Science & Technology Cooperation
A Landmark Shift in India-Japan Cooperation Under PM Modi’s Leadership: S&T Minister Dr. Singh
India’s Space Program: A Global Leader in Cost-Effective Innovation
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:27PM by PIB Delhi
In a landmark initiative, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the celebrations of India’s National Science Day at the Indian Embassy at Tokyo in Japan.
Tracing the four decades of successful science and technology (S&T) collaboration between India and Japan, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, dedicated the year 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchange.
Dr. Jitendra Singh traced the remarkable progress made since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indo-Japan cooperation. He highlighted the significant achievements since 2015, such as the selection of around 7,000 Indian science students by the Department of Science and Technology for the Sakura Science Program, which allowed them to visit Japan and gain exposure to cutting-edge scientific research.
This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing S&T partnership between the two nations and sets the stage for further deepening collaboration in critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, and Space.
Gracing the NSD celebrations virtually, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said “The Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and Japan has laid the foundation for numerous initiatives over the years, and this year marks a momentous 40 years of impactful partnership,” emphasizing that the Indo-Japan S&T cooperation has been one of the most robust and enduring aspects of India’s international S&T engagements.
Building on the strong foundation of this bilateral cooperation, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the 11th meeting of the Indo-Japan Joint S&T Committee is expected to be held in June 2025. The meeting will review ongoing collaborations and channel new initiatives to explore the full potential of S&T synergies between the two nations.
Highlighting the long-standing association, Dr. Singh pointed out that the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) has been instrumental in supporting more than 300 joint projects since 1993, with thousands of scientists from both countries engaging in exchange visits. Additionally, the partnership has facilitated numerous seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives in emerging fields like AI and Machine Learning.
“Together with Japan’s Science and Technology Agency (JST), we are pioneering joint programs focused on the future of technology. The collaboration between our two countries in these fields is key to addressing the global challenges of tomorrow,” Dr. Singh remarked.
Dr. Singh revealed that the future of India-Japan cooperation will see an increase in the exchange of students and researchers, with a particular focus on long-term stays, joint supervision, and internships in Japan. Special emphasis will be placed on nurturing talented women scientists. In a bid to further strengthen bilateral ties, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has also invited Japanese science students for exposure visits to India. Last year, ten students and their two supervisors visited India as part of this initiative.
Celebrating India’s remarkable transformation over the past decade, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that India has significantly improved its global position across various innovation benchmarks. India now ranks 3rd globally in research publications, PhDs, and start-ups, and is 9th in the quality of research publications. The nation has also risen to 3rd in terms of unicorns and 39th in the Global Innovation Index, a significant leap from its position of 80th in 2014.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also took pride in India’s space achievements, particularly highlighting the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which marked the first soft landing on the south pole of the Moon. He noted that this achievement is not only a monumental success for India but for the entire world. “India’s space program is now among the strongest, most ambitious, and cost-effective in the world. Our 2017 achievement of launching 104 satellites in a single mission by ISRO is a world record,” he remarked.
Reaffirming the theme “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s unwavering commitment to creating a level playing field for women and young scientists, ensuring their active participation in the nation’s scientific and technological journey. He emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, involving academia, research and development institutions, and entrepreneurs, to foster an inclusive ecosystem where talent from all corners of society can thrive.
In his address, Dr. Singh also touched upon India’s growing role in pioneering innovations in AI, quantum technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and vaccine production. He noted that India’s space sector is now open to private sector investments, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration with global players, including Japan.
In a bold move, Dr. Singh referred to the recent Union Budget announcement, which opened up the nuclear energy sector to non-government entities. He described this as an unprecedented step that will allow the creation of BharatSmall modular reactors (SMRs) in India, marking a new era in the country’s energy landscape.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his vision for a future of deepened scientific and technological engagement between India and Japan. With a focus on mutual benefits and shared growth, the next decade promises to bring even greater achievements in science, technology, and innovation, positioning both nations at the forefront of global progress.
India’s R&D Spending More Than Double in Last Decade, from Rs 60,196 cr in 2013-14 to ₹1.27 Lakh Crore: Dr. Jitendra Singh Homegrown Innovations in AI, Biotechnology, and Quantum Computing to Shape India’s Economic Future: Dr. Jitendra Singh
DISHA Program to Propel India’s Knowledge Economy, Strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat, says the Minister
AI-Driven Healthcare to Revolutionize Accessibility, But Human Expertise Remains Indispensable: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Young Innovators to Lead India’s Tech Transformation Towards Global Leadership by 2047, Affirms the Minister
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi
“India R&D spending (GERD) is double in last one decade during the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from Rs 60,196 cr in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,381 cr and is shaping the future economy of India which will be defined by homegrown innovations in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, underscoring the role of government-backed initiatives in catalyzing scientific advancements.
Speaking at the DISHA event at India Habitat Centre here, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions highlighted the government’s multi-pronged strategy to position India as a global leader in deep-tech innovation and commercialization.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that India is making significant strides in fostering an intellectual property (IP)-driven innovation ecosystem, with academia, industry, and startups playing a pivotal role. He noted that the government’s emphasis on research and development (R&D) funding has led to India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) more than doubling in the last decade, from Rs 60,196 cr in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,381 cr. “The government is not only investing in research but also ensuring that these innovations are seamlessly transitioned from labs to industries, strengthening the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.
The DISHA Program, an initiative aimed at Developing Innovations, Successful Harnessing, and Adoption, is a step towards building a knowledge-based economy where research-driven solutions transform industries. The program is designed to support faculty members and students working on disruptive technologies across disciplines, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that initiatives like DISHA align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which seeks to create a unified research ecosystem bridging science, humanities, and social sciences. This integrated approach will empower Indian researchers to engage in cross-sectoral collaborations, pushing the boundaries of discovery and implementation.
One of the key highlights of Dr. Jitendra Singh’s address was India’s policy shift in allowing private sector participation in strategic fields such as space technology and nuclear research. “What was once solely the domain of government institutions is now open to private enterprises, enabling faster technological advancements, higher efficiency, and global competitiveness,” he stated.
The space sector, in particular, has witnessed a surge in innovation, with startups actively contributing to satellite development, launch services, and space-based applications. The government’s decision to open up the nuclear energy sector to private players is another transformative step aimed at leveraging indigenous expertise to drive energy security and sustainability.
Highlighting the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out the success of AI-driven mobile telemedicine units in providing healthcare access to remote areas. “AI-powered diagnostics and telemedicine solutions are already redefining patient care, making high-quality healthcare services accessible and affordable for all,” he noted.
However, he stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between AI and human expertise. “The role of AI is to complement human intelligence, not replace it. A hybrid approach will ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the role of skilled professionals in healthcare and other critical fields,” he added.
With India set to complete 100 years of independence in 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged young innovators to take the lead in shaping the country’s technological future. “The responsibility of building a technologically advanced India lies with the next generation. What we invest in today will determine our standing in the global economy decades from now,” he said.
As the government continues to invest in deep-tech research, skill development, and industry-academia collaboration, programs like DISHA will play a crucial role in making India an innovation powerhouse. The Minister’s address reinforced the vision of an India that is not just a consumer of technology but a leading creator and exporter of cutting-edge solutions to the world.
The media and entertainment industry is witnessing an unprecedented digital transformation, and at the heart of this evolution is the WAVES Bazaar—a revolutionary online marketplace designed to connect professionals, businesses, and creators across the global entertainment ecosystem. With its mission to foster seamless collaboration, WAVES Bazaar serves as the ultimate business hub for the Media & Entertainment industry, enabling professionals to expand their reach, discover new opportunities and engage in high-value partnerships.
Launch of WAVES Bazaar
WAVES Bazaar was officially launched on January 27, 2025, at the National Media Centre, New Delhi, by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways and Electronics & Information Technology, and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism. The launch event was graced by the presence of Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; renowned Indian filmmaker Shri Shekhar Kapur; and Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati.
What is WAVES Bazaar?
WAVES Bazaar is a one-of-a-kind e-marketplace that brings together stakeholders from across the Media & Entertainment spectrum—including film, television, animation, gaming, advertising, XR, music, sound design, radio, and more. The platform acts as a bridge between buyers and sellers, ensuring that industry professionals can easily showcase their expertise, connect with potential clients, and secure meaningful collaborations.
Whether you’re a filmmaker searching for a production partner, an advertiser seeking the right platform, a game developer looking for investors, or an artist wanting to showcase your work to global audiences, WAVES Bazaar provides a dynamic space for industry professionals to network, collaborate and grow their businesses.
Key Features & Benefits of WAVES Bazaar
Comprehensive Industry Integration– A unified space for film, television, music, gaming, animation, advertising, and emerging tech sectors like XR, AR, and VR.
Global Reach & Visibility– Expand your business beyond borders and connect with international stakeholders in the entertainment industry.
Seamless Networking & Collaboration– Meet, interact, and collaborate with like-minded professionals, service providers, buyers, and investors.
Streamlined Buyer-Seller Transactions– A structured, easy-to-use platform that enables smooth business interactions between service providers and potential clients.
Diverse Listing Opportunities– Sellers can showcase their offerings in categories such as film production services, VFX, advertising, sound design, music production, gaming, animation, and more.
Access to Exclusive Industry Events & Marketplaces– Get access to industry-specific events, investor meet-ups, and exclusive marketplaces under the WAVES platform.
Verticals of WAVES Bazaar
WAVES Bazaar is structured into multiple verticals, each tailored to cater to a specific segment of the media and entertainment industry. These include:
1. WAVES Bazaar: The Global e-Marketplace for Advertising Services
A dedicated space for advertisers, marketers, and media buyers to explore and acquire advertising solutions. From print to digital to out-of-home (OOH) advertising, this vertical connects brands with the right media partners to maximize their campaign reach.
2. WAVES Bazaar: The Ultimate Marketplace for Live Events
Bringing together event organizers, vendors, and service providers in the live entertainment sector. Whether it’s music festivals, conferences, or corporate events, this vertical helps professionals find collaborators for seamless execution.
3. WAVES Bazaar: The Global Marketplace for Animation & VFX Services
A hub for animation studios, visual effects artists, and post-production houses to showcase their expertise. Filmmakers, game developers, and brands can find the right talent for their animation and VFX needs.
4. WAVES Bazaar: The Global Marketplace for XR, VR & AR Services
Designed for extended reality (XR) professionals, this segment connects innovators in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) with businesses looking to enhance their content through immersive experiences.
5. WAVES Bazaar: The Global Marketplace for Films
A one-stop destination for filmmakers, distributors, and investors. This vertical provides opportunities to showcase, acquire, and collaborate on film projects, bridging the gap between creators and financiers.
6. WAVES Bazaar: The Grand Marketplace for Game Makers
For gaming developers, studios, and publishers, this space facilitates connections with investors, voice artists, composers, and marketing experts to help bring interactive entertainment to the next level.
7. WAVES Bazaar: The Global Marketplace for Radio & Podcast
A dedicated space for radio stations, podcasters, and audio content creators to list their services, find sponsors, and collaborate on projects within the ever-growing digital audio landscape.
8. WAVES Bazaar: The Global Marketplace for Comics & E-Books
Authors, illustrators, and publishers can connect with distributors and content platforms to bring their stories to global audiences. This vertical ensures the creative industry thrives in both digital and physical formats.
9. WAVES Bazaar: The Global Marketplace for Web-Series
OTT platforms, independent creators, and digital studios can discover new talent, pitch projects, and collaborate on episodic content for streaming audiences worldwide.
10. WAVES Bazaar: The Global Marketplace for Music & Sound
A dedicated ecosystem for music composers, sound designers, and production houses to engage with filmmakers, advertisers, and gaming companies looking for original compositions and audio solutions.
Who Should Join WAVES Bazaar?
WAVES Bazaar is open to all professionals in the media, entertainment, and creative sectors, including but not limited to:
For Sellers:
Film Producers & Studios – List your film projects and connect with distributors, investors, and sales agents.
Animation & VFX Studios – Showcase your expertise to filmmakers and gaming developers.
Gaming & XR Developers – Find investors, partners, and clients for your game projects.
Music & Sound Professionals – Promote your composition, scoring, and sound design services.
Advertising & Marketing Agencies – Connect with brands and businesses looking for media campaigns.
Radio & Podcast Creators – Gain exposure and monetization opportunities.
Writers & E-Book Publishers – Reach out to production houses, platforms, and content buyers.
For Buyers:
Film production houses and OTT platforms looking for content acquisitions
Media agencies and brands searching for advertising partners
Game developers seeking animation and sound services
Event organizers in need of promotional collaborations
Public sector organizations looking for creative content solutions
How WAVES Bazaar Works
Visit the WAVES Bazaar Website– Navigate towavesbazaar.comand explore the platform.
Sign Up & Create Your Profile– Register as a buyer, seller, or investor to access the full range of opportunities.
List Your Services or Project Needs– Showcase your work or explore available listings tailored to your business interests.
Connect & Collaborate– Network with industry professionals, schedule meetings, and initiate successful collaborations.
Grow Your Business– Expand your market, find new revenue streamsand establish long-term partnerships.
Why WAVES Bazaar is a Game-Changer for the Industry
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, WAVES Bazaar is revolutionizing the way entertainment professionals connect and do business. By eliminating geographical barriers and offering a structured, category-specific marketplace, the platform ensures that industry players find the right partners faster, negotiate better deals, and maximize their business potential.
Join WAVES Bazaar today and unlock endless opportunities in the global entertainment industry!
Follow us on social media for updates and industry insights.
About WAVES 2025
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR).
PM chairs the 7th meeting of National Board for Wildlife on 3rd March in Gir PM releases the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins
PM lays the foundation stone of National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh
PM announces 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be conducted in 2025 and establishment of Centre of Excellence to deal with Human-wildlife conflict at SACON, Coimbatore
PM announces that Cheetah introduction will be expanded to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat
Strengthening wildlife conservation efforts, PM announces a new Project for Gharials and a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan
PM stresses on the usage of remote sensing & geospatial mapping and AI & Machine Learning to combat issues like forest fires and human-animal conflicts
PM underscores importance of ease of travelling and connectivity for wildlife tourism
PM asks the Wildlife Board and Environment Ministry to gather the traditional knowledge and manuscripts of various regions of India with respect to conservation and management of forests and wildlife
Gir is a good success story of Lion and Leopard conservation, we should document this traditional knowledge with the help of AI for use at other National Parks and Sanctuaries: PM
Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat earlier today, where he chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife.
The National Board for Wildlife reviewed various initiatives undertaken by the Government in wildlife conservation, highlighting achievements in the creation of new protected areas and species-specific flagship programs such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Snow Leopard, among others. The Board also discussed conservation efforts for dolphins and Asiatic lions, and the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance.
During the meeting, Prime Minister released the report of the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation conducted in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins. This pioneering effort involved surveying 28 rivers across eight states, with 3150 mandays dedicated to covering over 8,500 kilometers. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Prime Minister emphasised the importance of awareness on dolphin conservation by involvement of local population and villagers in the areas. He also advised organising exposure visits of school children in dolphin habitat areas.
Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, which will function as the hub for coordination and governance of various aspects related to wildlife health and disease management.
Population estimation of Asiatic Lions is carried out once every five years. The last such exercise was carried out in 2020. Prime Minister announced the initiation of the 16th cycle of lion estimation to be conducted in 2025.
Considering that the Asiatic Lions have now made Barda Wildlife Sanctuary their home through natural dispersal, Prime Minister announced that lion conservation in Barda will be supported through prey augmentation and other habitat improvement efforts. Underscoring the importance of eco-tourism as a means for development and conservation of wildlife habitats, he emphasised that there should be ease of travelling and connectivity for wildlife tourism.
For effective management of human-wildlife conflict, Prime Minister made an announcement for establishing a Centre of excellence at Wildlife Institute of India- Campus in SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History), Coimbatore. The centre will also support the states and UTs in equipping Rapid Response Teams with advanced technology, gadgets for tracking, forewarning; prescribe surveillance and Intrusion Detection Systems in human-wildlife conflict hotspots; and build capacity of field practitioners and community to execute conflict mitigation measures.
Prime Minister stressed on the usage of remote sensing & geospatial mapping and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning to combat issues like forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He suggested engagement of the Wildlife Institute of India with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to address the challenge of human-wildlife conflict.
To enhance the monitoring and management of forest fires, particularly in highly sensitive protected areas, focusing on prediction, detection, prevention, and control, the Prime Minister advised for a collaboration between the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N through use of space technology.
Prime Minister also announced that the Cheetah introduction will be expanded to other areas including the Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.
Prime Minister announced a scheme focused on the conservation of tigers outside tiger reserves. The initiative aims to address human-tiger and other co-predator conflicts in areas outside these reserves by ensuring co-existence with local communities.
Recognising the dwindling population of gharials and a view of ensuring the conservation of Gharials, Prime Minister also announced the initiation of a new Project on Gharials for their conservation.
Prime Minister commended the efforts undertaken towards conservation of Great Indian Bustard. Considering the need to upscale the conservation efforts, he announced a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan.
During the review meeting, Prime Minister asked the Board and Environment Ministry to gather traditional knowledge and manuscripts of various regions of India with respect to conservation and management of forests and wildlife for research and development. Prime Minister chalked out a roadmap for wildlife conservation strategy and future actions for the Ministry and also asked to constitute various task forces to work on Indian Sloth Bear, Ghariyaal and Great Indian Bustard conservation and development.
Prime Minister noted that Gir is a good success story of Lion and Leopard conservation. He said that this traditional knowledgeshould be documented with the help of AI for use at other National Parks and Sanctuaries.
Prime Minister also suggested for enhanced cooperation in Co-ordination unit under the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
Prime Minister commended the active participation of local communities in conservation, especially through the establishment of Community Reserves. Over the past decade, India has witnessed more than six fold increase in the number of community reserves. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence in wildlife conservation.
Prime Minister also advised on research and documentation of medicinal plants in forest areas which can play a crucial role in animal health management. He also mentioned the possibilities of promoting use of plant based medicine systems for animal health management on a global scale.
After the meeting, Prime Minister also flagged off motorcycles for enhanced mobility of frontline forest staff. He also interacted with field level functionaries at Gir which included frontline staff, eco guides and trackers.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HyD commences investigation for Northern Metropolis Highway (with photo) HyD commences investigation for Northern Metropolis Highway (with photo) ************************************************************************
The Highways Department (HyD) officially commences the investigation for the Northern Metropolis Highway (NMH) and targets to prioritise the completion of works for the NMH San Tin Section in 25 months and its technical readiness for tendering the main works in 2027. It includes the optimisation of alignment and interchange locations, carrying out the Environmental Impact Assessment and the gazettal procedures, as well as completing site investigations, other impact assessments and the preliminary design of the San Tin Section in parallel, with a view to expediting the implementation of the project. The HyD today (March 3) signed an investigation consultancy agreement with the AECOM Asia Company Limited and AtkinsRealis Asia Limited Joint Venture for the NMH. The professional team formed by the Joint Venture comprises an engineering design consultant from the Mainland, Shanghai Urban Construction Design & Research Institute (Group) Co Ltd, a local land surveyor firm, KELand Surveying, Planning & GIS Co Ltd, a financial consultant, Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited, and professional members from other various disciplines. The Joint Venture will take forward the investigation for the project at full speed. A spokesman for the HyD said, “The proposed NMH will link the development nodes in the Northern Metropolis, including Ngau Tam Mei, San Tin Technopole, Kwu Tung North/Fanling North and New Territories North (NTN) New Town, enhancing accessibility to the New Development Areas. The NMH will also further enhance cross-boundary road connections for passengers and goods, enabling members of the public and visitors to travel conveniently to and from various major land boundary control points in the Northern Metropolis. Upon commissioning of the NMH, it can effectively divert about 40 per cent of the traffic flow between the New Territories East and West during peak hours, thereby alleviating traffic pressure on existing roads. We target to have the San Tin Section of the NMH technically ready for tendering in 2027, so that funding approval can be sought from the Legislative Council as appropriate for carrying out the advance works and detailed design as well as commencing the main construction works of the San Tin Section, with a view to commissioning the San Tin Section in or before 2036.” The preliminary alignment of the proposed NMH is about 23 kilometres long, including at-grade roads or viaducts of about 13km in length and a tunnel of about 10km in length. It connects Tin Shui Wai to the NTN New Town near Ping Che and consists of four road sections – Tin Shui Wai Section, San Tin Section, Kwu Tung Section and NTN New Town Section.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Film Archive’s “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular” to showcase film classics of generations of great comedians (with photos) Film Archive’s “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular” to showcase film classics of generations of great comedians (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
In support of the theme “More Than Joy” of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a thematic screening programme, “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular”, from April 4 to May 11. The programme features 16 classic films spanning the 1940s to 2000s, showcasing the comedic sparks of master comedians from different eras while illustrating the evolution of Hong Kong comedy films. The opening programme, “Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)”, will be held on April 4 (Friday) at 3pm at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), which also marks the grand opening of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. Renowned musician Ng Cheuk-yin will reimagine beloved songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements to be performed live by pop singer Alfred Hui, a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, and beatboxer Heartgrey (Eric So) with a live band. Following the performance, the 4K digitally restored version of “The Banquet” (1991) will be screened, blending entertainment with cultural artistry to showcase the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s pop culture. The screening programme presents classic films alongside more contemporary works, reflecting the changes in Hong Kong’s social and cultural landscapes as well as human relationships. “The Banquet” (1991) is adapted from the film “Feast of a Rich Family” (1959), with a star-studded cast coming together to raise funds for flood relief. The story revolves around a couple, played by Eric Tsang and Dodo Cheng, who host a grand banquet in the name of the husband’s father, played by Richard Ng, to please a wealthy man. The performances of the trio are brilliant, and the numerous star cameos, including those of comedic giants Michael Hui and Stephen Chow, legendary artists Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, Wong Ka-kui, and internationally renowned Gong Li, add to the dazzling spectacle. The 4K digitally restored version of “Feast of a Rich Family” (1959) will be screened at the HKCC Grand Theatre on April 4 at 7.30pm. The film, starring the era’s most popular actors and actresses including Ng Cho-fan, Mui Yee, Cheung Ying, Pak Yin, and Cheung Wood-yau, depicts a series of absurd farces stemming from a nouveau riche ostentatious display of wealth, satirising the ridiculousness of people vying to curry favour with the wealthy. The HKFA has specially conducted a 4K digital restoration of this classic, complete with subtitles. Both the sound and image qualities have been significantly improved, making it highly anticipated. The film “Black Rose” (1965) (2K Digital Version) pioneered the trend of Cantonese cinema featuring female superheroes. The story revolves around two sisters of a wealthy family, played by Nam Hung and Connie Chan Po-chu, who are masked vigilantes that steal from the rich and give to the poor, with a group of unsuspecting wealthy men falling for the heroines, adding to the comedic effects. In “92 The Legendary la Rose Noire” (1992), a series of chaotic and bizarre adventures are triggered by a note undersigned “Black Rose”. Director Jeff Lau blends classic elements of Cantonese films with unexpected humour, and the hilarious performances by Fung Bo-bo, Wong Wan-sze, Teresa Mo, and Tony Leung Ka-fai make this tribute to Cantonese films a classic of Hong Kong comedy films. In “The Judge Goes to Pieces” (1948), lawyer Sung Sai-kit, played by renowned Cantonese opera performer Ma Si-tsang, seeks justice for a wronged widow with his wife, who is played by Hung Sin Nui. The humorous and loving interactions of husband and wife are portrayed with impeccable comedic timing. In “Justice, My Foot!” (1992), Stephen Chow and Anita Mui portray the legendary couple. Under Johnnie To’s masterful direction, both stars show off their comedic prowess while Mui displays her stunning talent in martial arts. “My Intimate Partners” (1960) (2K Digital Version) focuses on friendship, with Patrick Tse Yin and Woo Fung playing characters with contrasting personalities but a deep camaraderie. This humorous and touching story also captures the spirit of Hong Kong’s transitioning society in the 1960s. In “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Father” (1993) (2K Digital Version), Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s character travels through time to meet and befriend his young father, played by Tony Leung Ka-fai, resulting in a heartwarming and laughter-filled tale. In the 1960s, the trend of young couple comedies emerged in Cantonese films. “The Diary of a Husband” (1964) (2K Digital Version) directed by Chor Yuen is one of the masterpieces, portraying the aspiration of a middle-class lifestyle in the 1960s with witty and humorous dialogue. “The Diary of a Big Man” (1988), also directed by Chor Yuen, has a completely different storyline. Movie superstar Chow Yun-fat plays a stockbroker and philanderer, navigating relationships between characters played by Joey Wang and Sally Yeh. A series of amusing incidents, along with attractive characters and scenic backdrops, reflect Hong Kong’s then socio-economic conditions, showcasing the era’s affluence through glamorous lifestyles. Chor Yuen’s diverse works include the romantic comedy “The Pregnant Maiden” (1968) (2K Digital Version), in which Connie Chan Po-chu’s character pretends to be pregnant, leading to a series of hilarious situations as she becomes a sparring partner with Lui Kay’s character. “Dummy Mommy, Without a Baby” (2001) is directed by Joe Ma and Mak Kai-kwong, starring Miriam Yeung. While also centering on the theme of a fake pregnancy, this latter work takes a fresh approach with a contemporary twist as well as featuring Chor Yuen’s last big-screen appearance. “The Private Eyes” (1976), a classic comedy by the Hui brothers, was written and directed by Michael Hui, who also co-starred with his brothers Sam and Ricky. Their series of humorous mishaps and misunderstandings have already become part of the collective memory. “Fantasia” (2004) pays homage to the Hui brothers’ comedy films by recreating many classic scenes, and the performances of Sean Lau and Francis Ng are particularly amazing. “Wheels on Meals” (1984) (2K Restored Version), starring Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, and Yuen Biao, features the trio creating humorous performances with their agile bodies, perfectly blending action and comedy elements. “Rob-B-Hood” (2006) is also an action comedy, where Jackie Chan, Louis Koo, and Michael Hui play thieves who get entangled in a wealthy family’s feud during a mission. Jackie Chan’s signature spectacular fight scenes, combined with the touching moments of redemption for the three leads, make the film both entertaining and heartwarming. All films are in Cantonese while some of them are recently digitised. Post-screening talks will be accompanied for designated screening sessions, hosted by Sunny Chan, Mak Kai-kwong, Thomas Shin, Dr Charles Cheung, Grace Ng, Eric Tsang Siu-wang, Shu Kei, Sam Ho and Joyce Yang. Tickets for the opening programme “Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)” are priced at $100. “Feast of a Rich Family”, “Black Rose” and “92 The Legendary la Rose Noire” will be screened at the HKCC, with tickets priced at $70 and a 20 per cent discount for LCSD Museum Pass holders purchasing regular-priced tickets for the films at URBTIX outlets. Other films will be screened at the HKFA, with tickets priced at $60. A 20 per cent discount is also available for every purchase of regular-priced tickets of two or more screenings of this programme. Tickets will be available from March 7 (Friday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please visit the HKFA website (www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2025/comedy-s/pe-event-2025-comedy-s.html) or call 2739 2139. This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. Humour has been a trend-setter of Hong Kong’s pop culture scene. The Festival features a diverse range of formats including stage performances, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, library and outreach activities. Offering an insight into the multifaceted development of Hong Kong’s pop culture along the line of “happiness”, the Festival brings audiences not only joy and laughter, but also an opportunity to appreciate how pop culture can be transmitted and transformed, and how integration and breakthroughs are possible. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.
For its new mandate, the European Commission has put innovation and its commercial development at the heart of enhancing European Union competitiveness. The priority builds on the Draghi and Letta recommendations emphasising the need to boost the EU’s competitiveness to ensure its long-term sustainability and prosperity. For this purpose, the Commission also aims to revisit the EU’s innovation funding programmes to improve their effectiveness and attract additional private investment in innovation and development, which lags behind global partners such as the US, Japan and South Korea. Private financing of young innovation companies is different to traditional businesses and relies typically on ‘business angels’ (who tend to be wealthy and successful entrepreneurs) and venture capital firms (closed-end funds specialised in high-risk business endeavours). Both types of financier constitute a major component of the ‘ecosystem’ surrounding innovation – a network connecting companies, research organisations, government bodies and individuals. Innovation ecosystems in the EU are perceived as relatively under-developed and segmented. Young innovation companies typically grow their business fast – known as ‘scaling-up’ – thanks to business angels and venture capitalist firms, who in turn need ‘exit options’ – i.e. ways of selling a company to other investors once it is well established. The lack of exit options is an issue, which the EU has been addressing with measures aimed at completing the capital markets union. The EU has also adopted a policy supporting private financing in innovation, either by providing grants to create new knowledge or by co-financing innovation firms through equity. Grants include the funding of state-of-the-art scientific and technological infrastructure to test and develop new technologies, while equity co-financing lowers the risk borne by private financiers (‘de-risking’).
1. The Commission is closely monitoring the current revision of the 2015 fisheries legislation. On several occasions, Thailand has been made aware that any substantive relaxation of the current rules in place to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing would not be acceptable and that the EU is reserving its right to consider adopting measures as foreseen by EU Council Regulation No 1005/2008[1] (IUU Regulation), if necessary. On social conditions, the Forced Labour Regulation[2] will empower the EU to prohibit and remove a product from the single market if it is demonstrated to involve forced labour. The directive on corporate sustainability due diligence[3] will also ensure that businesses address in their value chains, inside and outside Europe, any adverse impacts of their actions as regards human rights, labour rights and environmental considerations.
2. In the negotiating rounds held so far on a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Thailand, the treatment of individual products has not yet been discussed. Discussions will start in the coming months and will include consultations with relevant stakeholders. Economically sensitive sectors are subject to specific modalities for market access which aim at preventing any market disturbances. As the negotiations enter a more advanced stage, a Sustainability Impact Assessment will be carried out in order to provide an in-depth analysis of their potential economic, social, human rights, and environmental impacts.
While women are working and earning more than ever before, they are now empowered with even more information to take into salary negotiations and to decide which companies to work for.
This information is especially valuable in a tight labour market, with the unemployment rate at just 4.1%, as companies fight for top talent.
This is the second year the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has published company gender pay gaps, responding to concerns that progress on gender equality had been stalling.
Pay gap transparency tackles the problem of “asymmetric information” where employers know where each worker sits on the pay scale, but employees don’t.
Data from 7,800 private companies
Women’s typical full-time annual salaries sat at A$72,638 in 2023–24, compared to men’s $84,048.
Though narrowing, that’s still a gap of $11,410 a year, or around $220 a week.
The gap is much larger once bonuses, overtime and superannuation are included: $18,835 or a total remuneration gap of 18.3%.
All private companies in Australia with at least 100 employees must report their data to the federal agency. This covers 5.3 million employees across 7,800 companies, a big expansion from last year’s 5,000 companies as more companies improve their data reporting.
Employees can look at the agency’s website to find the gender pay gap of their private sector employer – or one they are thinking of joining.
This year’s calculations of company gender pay gaps also incorporate the salaries of top executives.
When CEOs and heads of business are factored in, the difference in men’s and women’s average total remuneration swells to $28,435, or 21.8%.
This all adds up to men out-earning women by an average of $547 per week.
A closer look at company-level gender pay gaps
Across all companies, the average gender gap in total remuneration is 13.0%. But the magnitude varies widely across different companies.
Around 2,200 companies (around one-quarter) have a gap exceeding 20%. Of these, around 250 companies have a gap stretching beyond 40%.
At the other end, around one-quarter of companies have a gap that is either zero or negative, meaning in favour of women.
The agency considers a gender pay gap within the range of negative 5% to positive 5% to be a reasonable measure to aim for.
Of the largest organisations (with 5,000 or more employees), airlines are among the worst performers. Virgin has an average gender gap in total remuneration of 41.7% while Qantas reports a gap of 39.2%.
Among the banks, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both report an average gender pay gap of 22.4%. Suncorp’s gap sits at 19.3%, NAB’s is at 19.0%, and ANZ has a gap of 18.8%.
Progress is happening
The purpose of publishing company pay gap data is to propel progress on gender equality in Australian workplaces.
It follows legislated reforms designed to motivate employers to pay closer attention to their gender pay gap and take more action.
Comparisons to last year’s data suggest this is happening. The agency reports that just over half of all employers (56%) reduced their gender pay gap. And 68% conducted an analysis of their gender pay gap, which is an important first step in making progress.
Greater transparency makes employers more accountable for improving working conditions.
It is also a way to recognise the companies that are improving over time and learn from their success.
Correct interpretation is critical
The gender pay gap, measured as the difference between men’s and women’s earnings, is not the same as equal pay for equal or comparable work. For over 50 years, it has been against the law in Australia to pay men and women differently for doing work of equal value.
Employer-level gaps in earnings reflects a combination of factors, including gender patterns in the different types of occupations that men and women tend to be in within a company. But these gender patterns in job types do not explain the whole picture.
Biases and barriers persist, including unconscious favouritism, gender imbalances in care-giving responsibilities and the perpetuation of gender stereotypes.
This is also not a gap that can be explained by women working fewer hours than men. The calculations include part-time employees, whose pay is converted into an annualised full-time equivalent.
Each employer has the chance to provide deeper analysis and explanation of their gender pay gap, and the actions they are taking, in their official employer statements which are also available on the agnecy’s website.
This information will empower not just current employees but also prospective employees, customers, business partners and the wider community in their choices of which companies to work for, do business with, and endorse – and which ones not to.
Leonora Risse receives research funding from the Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia. She has previously undertaken commissioned research for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. She is a member of the Economic Society of Australia and the Women in Economics Network. She serves as an Expert Panel Member on gender pay equity for the Fair Work Commission.
In many countries, buying food at supermarkets, convenience stores and online has become the norm. But what’s the convenience of modern food shopping doing to our health?
Our study, published today with colleagues from UNICEF, looked at how people in 97 countries shopped for groceries over 15 years.
Globally, we found a huge increase in the number of supermarkets and convenience stores (which we’ll shorten to chain grocery stores in this article). We also found people are spending more money in these stores and on their online platforms.
But this has come at a cost to our health. People in countries with the most chain grocery stores per person buy more unhealthy food and are more likely to be obese.
Here’s why we’re so concerned about this public health disaster.
The rise of chain grocery stores
Our study analysed food industry data from a business database to understand how the food retail sector has changed worldwide over time. We looked at the kinds of stores, how much people spend there, and how much unhealthy processed food is sold. We linked these trends with changes in obesity rates using data from a large global initiative.
We found the density of chain grocery stores (number of stores per 10,000 people) has increased globally by 23.6% over 15 years (from 2009 to 2023).
We found far more of these stores per person in high-income countries, as you may expect. However, it’s in low- and middle-income countries where numbers are increasing the fastest.
Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes and customer demand mean large retail companies see these countries as new potential markets.
For example, the density of chain grocery stores increased by about 21% a year in Myanmar, about 18% a year in Vietnam and about 12% a year in Cambodia.
In Vietnam, the number of chain grocery stores increased by about 18% a year. Nature-Andy/Shutterstock
We’re shopping online too
The data in our study also covers the rise of online food shopping. For instance, the worldwide spend on online grocery shopping was 325% more in 2023 compared with 2014.
Out of the 27 countries we looked at for online food shopping, people in the United Arab Emirates and the United States were the top spenders. In 2023, the average person in the United Arab Emirates spent about US$617 that year, 570% more than in 2014. In the US, the average person spent US$387 in 2023. That’s about 125% more than in 2014.
The rise of chain grocery stores, including their online platforms, is also changing what we eat.
Over the 15 years of our study, there has been a 10.9% increase in the sales of unhealthy processed food from those chain grocery stores.
In South Asia, the increase has been particularly rapid. People in Pakistan have been buying 5% more unhealthy processed foods from chain grocery stores every year for the past 15 years. In India, it’s 4% more and in Bangladesh 3% more.
Over 15 years, our study also showed the percentage of people with obesity across all countries rose from 18.2% to 23.7%. It was the countries with the biggest increases in chain grocery stores where we saw the sharpest increases in obesity.
Laos is a good example. The number of chain grocery stores per person in the country has been increasing by 15% each year since 2009, while the percentage of people with obesity has doubled from 2009 to 2023.
In almost all countries, obesity is on the rise. In Australia, overweight and obesity have recently officially overtaken tobacco as the biggest burden on our health.
Over 15 years, there has been a 10.9% increase in the sales of unhealthy processed food globally. Pratiwi Ambarwati/Shutterstock
Why do we think supermarkets are to blame?
Supermarkets and hypermarkets sell healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables. Yet, there are good reasons to think our retail environment might be to blame for the rise in obesity.
Highly processed foods
Chain grocery stores typically sell an enormous array of highly processed packaged foods high in sugar, fat and salt that can harm our health. One study of the food and drinks available in supermarkets from 12 countries showed the majority are classified as unhealthy. Given our findings of rapid increases in chain grocery in low- and middle-income countries, it was alarming in this study that the least healthy products were typically seen in supermarkets from countries like India, China and Chile.
Heavy promotion
Chain grocery stores often aggressively promote unhealthy foods. This includes through price discounting; advertising in circulars, on TV and social media; and by being placed in prominent displays at checkouts and the ends of aisles. Studies have shown this to be true in Belgium, Ireland and another 12 countries.
Online, we see unhealthy foods promoted more often (with discounts and displayed more prominently) than healthy options. For instance, on average at least one-third of products prominently displayed on Australian supermarket websites are unhealthy.
More buying power
Compared to small independent grocers, large chain grocery stores globally have a far larger influence on decisions around product assortment and price. Because of this, they can control supply chains, often in partnership with national and multi-national food manufacturers of ultra processed, unhealthy packaged foods.
What can we do about it?
There are many social, political, cultural and economic factors that contribute to the rise in obesity globally. Many of these relate to the price, availability and promotion of food in retail settings and the way the retail industry is structured.
Because of this, we think it’s time for governments and retailers to step up and start making changes to where and how we shop for food.
Some countries are already beginning to act. In the United Kingdom for example, government legislation now prevents placing unhealthy foods in prominent places such as the checkout counter and at the ends of aisles close to checkouts. From October this year, further restrictions on the price promotion of unhealthy foods (such as “buy one, get one free”) will also come into force in the UK.
There is also plenty that retailers can do. In Norway, for example, one major grocery chain launched a comprehensive healthy eating campaign several years ago, including by increasing the size and prominence of healthy food displays and offering discounts on fruits and vegetables. This led to a 42% increase in vegetable sales and a 25% rise in fruit sales from 2012 until 2020.
Now more than ever, it is time to create healthier retail food environments that support nutritious diets and help reverse the rising rates of obesity.
Tailane Scapin receives funding from UNICEF.
Adrian Cameron receives funding from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and UNICEF. He is affiliated with INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity / Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support) and is the Director of the RE-FRESH: Next Generation NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Item 2 General Debate
UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council for the Item 2 General Debate. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.
Thank you, Mr Vice President.
And thank you for your update, High Commissioner.
First of all, we share your concern at Thailand’s decision to deport forty Uyghurs to China. We urge China to ensure they are treated in accordance with international standards.
Mr Vice President,
Sudan’s people have suffered enough. This Council’s Fact-Finding Mission has reported appalling violence: women raped and sexually abused, people executed because of their ethnicity, children recruited as soldiers, and heavy artillery shelling including in civilian areas. All parties must adhere to their obligations to protect civilians and perpetrators of atrocities must be held accountable.
We commend DRC for its engagement with the Council and urge all parties to act in accordance with international law.
In Venezuela, civil society and independent media are targeted and political opposition face severe restrictions. We call on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release those arbitrarily detained.
And in Guatemala, the continuing persecution of justice officials linked to the fight against corruption is deeply concerning and must stop.
Finally, Mr President,
The situation in Libya remains precarious, with armed groups and security actors operating with impunity. We urge all Libyan actors to comply with international law and engage in the UN-facilitated and Libyan-led political process in good faith.
Police conducting a homicide investigation following the death of a woman at Beach Road Reserve on Thursday can now release her name.
She was Yvonne Ann Chapman, 66, of Parua Bay.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police enquiries into the events leading up to her death are continuing.
“Our team has been working hard to piece together the circumstances leading to the tragic death of Yvonne.
“Our thoughts are with her whānau and those closest to her during this unthinkable time.
“We understand this was a distressing incident for those involved and the wider community, and want to reassure those affected we have a dedicated team working on this case.”
Anyone with information can call Police on 105 and quote file number 250227/1223.
Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111 via Crime Stoppers.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon O’Connor, Professor in U.S. Politics and U.S. Foreign Relations, United States Studies Centre,, University of Sydney
Since returning to the US presidency, Donald Trump has outdone himself, gaining global media headlines and attention with outrageous statements and dramatic decisions.
The most consequential decision so far has been the freezing of many US aid and development programs. The freeze had an immediate impact. Even with some waivers now in place, it is likely that starving people in Ethiopia will not get the famine relief desperately needed; food is rotting in African harbours as constitutional battles over executive power are waged in Washington.
There are numerous examples of other reckless policy decisions. In terms of long term consequences, arguably the worst decision Trump has made is pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement on climate change. He also wound back a slew of Biden administration policies while erasing the term “climate change” from various government websites.
Then there are Trump’s statements on Ukraine, Gaza and Panama. Last weekend, his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House meeting caused widespread dismay around the world, as Trump doubled down on his promotion of Putin’s talking points and Russian government interests.
So what’s Trump’s game plan?
With Trump, it is tempting to claim he is a chaos merchant with no plan or method to his madness. According to this view, when he is challenged or criticised, he will escalate the threats and increase the insults.
Therefore, conventional wisdom has it that the best way to deal with Trump is to flatter and humour him, then wait for his attention to be distracted by another prize. This understanding of Trump has been developed by international relations scholar Daniel Drezner into the “toddler-in-chief” thesis.
Psychological understandings of Trump are useful to a point, but it is worth remembering presidencies are run by vast administrations of people, departments and agencies, and not just one person. Moreover, an institution as large as the US Defense Department – with its two million employees and military bases in at least 80 countries around the world – has a near permanent mindset of its own. This, in turn, tends to make presidents as seemingly different as Obama and Trump custodians of many similar military policies and postures.
The way I have initially examined Trump in my own research is to see him as a hardline conservative nationalist who believes projecting US power with tough talk and reminding other nations of American military might is the best approach to world politics.
Previous Republican presidents, most notably George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, adopted this so-called “cowboy” approach. It’s a posture that rejects the idea that the US is the leader of a liberal international order (a leadership role promoted by their Democratic party opponents).
My starting point for analysis sees continuities between Reagan, Bush and Trump, and highlights their arrogance and ignorance when it comes to dealing with the rest of the world.
Similar, but different
However, there are some things about Trump that are clearly different and distinct. Before his second term, the most unusual aspect of Trump’s foreign policy approach was the volume and range of his scattergun rhetoric towards other leaders and nations. For example, he threatened North Korea with “fire and fury and, frankly, power, the likes of which this world has never seen before”, but later told a rally of supporters that, “We fell in love. No, really. He wrote me beautiful letters.”
As for academic perspectives that might help us better understand what kind of politician Trump is and what his next moves might be, the obvious label is “crudely transactional”. His attitude to most minor and middle powers seems to be “what have you done for me lately?” or “why does America owe your nation anything?”.
When it comes to Russia, and potentially China, there has been speculation Trump is adopting a geopolitical approach with parallels to the “great game” of the 19th century. The “great game” is another way of saying imperialism, and this is a largely underused way of describing American foreign policy in general and the second Trump administration in particular.
Then there is the question of whether the (other) “f-word” is a useful way to understand Trump and Trumpism: are his rhetoric and his domestic and international policies fascist? They are definitely ultra-nationalist and racist, which are two key components of fascism; Trumpism revolves around a charismatic leader that has enough in common with fascist Italy and Nazi Germany to make opponents of Trump justifiably nervous. But does Trumpism have the other key element of fascism: mob or state violence that is at times directed at scapegoated enemies?
There is certainly an embrace of revenge and cruelty by Trump in general, which is being carried out in practice by Musk’s DOGE project. However, whether it is useful to call the second Trump administration fascist, or just fascistic for now, is a complex question within scholarly circles.
Five weeks into the second Trump administration, and many of the most destructive ideas that were laid out last year in the unofficial campaign manifesto Project 2025 are being put into place. It has been a long-term dream of many hardline conservatives to gut America’s foreign aid and development programs, which is now happening at a frightening pace.
What lies ahead that turns rhetoric into reality is hard to entirely predict, but many of Trump’s utterances this year have clearly been imperialistic and fascistic. Trump does not have to ignore the constitution or be a textbook fascist to be a terribly dangerous president. Being an authoritarian, which he has no qualms about embracing, is worrying enough.
Brendon O’Connor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Ghezelbash, Professor and Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney
Misinformation is a significant threat to our society. It undermines public discussion, erodes social cohesion, leads to bad policy and weakens democracy.
Misinformation on refugee and migrant issues is particularly pervasive – especially in the lead up to elections, as bad-faith actors try to promote fear, distrust and simplistic solutions.
And sometimes, misinformation is specifically targeted at migrant communities themselves, sowing division in an effort to influence elections.
So, what’s the best way to counter misinformation about refugees and migrants? And given the risk that publicly addressing lies and rumours can sometimes end up spreading them, when is misinformation best ignored?
Behavioural science explains why and how misinformation works. Understanding some of that science can empower all of us to stop its spread.
Misinformation increases during elections
The recent US presidential race provides a stark example of how misinformation on refugees and migrants soars during elections.
During one presidential debate, Donald Trump falsely claimed migrants in Ohio were “eating the pets”. Though entirely untrue, this baseless claim spread rapidly across social media.
Australia is not immune to such deception. While refugees and migrants make significant positive economic, social and cultural contributions to their host societies, politicians across the spectrum have falsely blamed them for issues ranging from rising house prices to crime.
This is not new. Back in the 2001 election campaign, government ministers made false claims that people seeking asylum had thrown their children overboard from a boat. These are widely regarded as having contributed to turning around the fortunes of the Howard government, which was then trailing in the polls.
Instead of addressing challenges with real solutions, these strategies scapegoat refugees and migrants, and ignore their immense positive contributions.
Misinformation leads to a more divided and polarised society. So, how does it spread?
6. Continued influence effect: Misinformation has a lasting effect on our attitudes and decisions, even after it has been corrected.
Building on these principles and an extensive review of research literature, we developed an evidence-based framework for countering misinformation about refugees and migrants.
It provides a step-by-step guide on what to do when faced with falsehoods, starting with recognising whether the misinformation is anticipated or already circulating.
When you expect a particular false claim, but it’s not yet out there, then prebunk. Alert people to manipulation tactics before they become widespread.
If false claims are already out there, first ask three questions before acting:
is the claim prominent (visible and gaining traction)?
is it persuasive (able to change people’s minds)?
is it proximate (relevant to your audience and cause)?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, then reframe the agenda. Instead of amplifying falsehoods, shift your resources to sharing stories that reinforce accurate information and resonate with your audience’s values.
If misinformation is indeed prominent, persuasive and proximate, debunk it.
Use the fact, myth, fallacy, fact – or “fact sandwich” – method. Make the correction clear, credible and effective by stating the truth, then presenting the myth, explaining its flaws, and reinforcing the correct fact.
Here’s an example that leads with a fact, warns about the myth, explains the fallacy and then ends with a fact:
When Australia’s borders were closed during COVID, migration was at its lowest in a century — yet house prices still went up. The idea that cutting migration will magically solve the housing crisis doesn’t hold up against the evidence.
But some political actors are blaming migrants, as if they’re the main reason housing has become unaffordable.
In fact, this oversimplifies the problem. The housing crisis has been a long time in the making, and it’s now this severe because of past policy choices piling up.
As we approach Australia’s next federal election, addressing misinformation about refugees and migrants is more crucial than ever to protect refugees and migrants from harm, strengthen our democratic processes, and foster a more inclusive society.
Daniel Ghezelbash receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the NSW government and the Robert Bosch Foundation. He is a board member of Refugee Advice and Casework Services, Wallumatta Legal, and the Access to Justice and Technology Network. He is also a Special Counsel at the National Justice Project.
Saul Wodak is affiliated with the Behavioural Insights Team.
The question of how best to eliminate corruption has exercised the minds of philosophers as much as the practical drafters of legislation from Ancient Greek and Roman times.
Within the political sphere, the notion of “corruption” has fluctuated between broad and narrow conceptions.
The broad conception relates to the decay of institutions or of the stature of the individuals who comprise them. On the other hand, the narrow conception focuses on the abuse of public office for private gain.
There is also “grey corruption” – which involves questionable behaviour involving a breach of integrity standards that does not necessarily amount to criminal conduct.
This could include where a person has undue influence over a politician, such as by essentially buying that power through making large donations or hiring expensive lobbyists, particularly where it causes public officials to behave in corrupt ways.
However the notion is defined, it is clear the fight against corruption is one of the basic tasks of a liberal democracy, perhaps even of an effectively functioning civil society.
Corruption control is a pressing issue worldwide: the United Nations estimated the economic cost of corruption at 5% of global domestic product or $3.6 trillion annually.
Australia has had a number of major corruption scandals throughout its history. Corruption was rife in the colonial era, where wealthy landholders sought to influence parliamentarians with monetary bribes.
This has been followed by several major corruption scandals, such as the Fitzgerald inquiry, which revealed widespread police corruption involving illegal gambling and prostitution.
What are anti-corruption commissions?
Anti-corruption commissions are arguably the most significant tool developed in liberal democracies to fight corruption in recent times.
The first anti-corruption commission in Australia, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), was established in New South Wales in 1988 by then premier Nick Greiner.
Infamously, a few years later, Greiner became the first premier to resign due to an ICAC investigation.
Over the next few decades, all states and territories have set up their own anti-corruption or integrity commissions.
In 2023, the Commonwealth followed suit with the introduction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), a promise made by Anthony Albanese in the lead-up to the 2022 election after considerable pressure from the public and from within parliament.
As a result, Australia now has a comprehensive network of broad-based public sector anti-corruption agencies covering all levels of government – a significant development nationally and internationally.
Anti-corruption commissions are tasked with investigating serious and systemic corrupt conduct in government. This includes not just members of the House and Senate, but their staff and public servants.
In performing their functions, these commissions have strong coercive powers, equivalent to the powers of a royal commission. This includes the power to compel documents and witnesses.
Some anti-corruption commissions such as the NACC and NSW’s ICAC have the power to conduct public hearings if they believe it’s in the public interest. This increases transparency in government. But concerns have been expressed about reputational damage for those subject to investigations.
Anti-corruption commissions also have corruption prevention functions. They are tasked with educating the public about the detrimental effects of corruption on public administration.
Reports of anti-corruption commissions are often attended by significant media publicity, leading to public awareness of corruption in government.
Why are anti-corruption commissions needed?
It has become well accepted that effective anti-corruption institutions play an important role as institutions supporting constitutional democracy.
The state anti-corruption bodies have brought to light many indiscretions by politicians that would have otherwise remained hidden.
Without these commissions, corruption in the public sector can take root without us knowing about it. An anti-corruption agency is a powerful deterrent against improper behaviour.
Yet anti-corruption commissions tend to be unpopular within governments because they scrutinise government action. This means the a commission may expose improper conduct or corruption within their ranks.
It is common for governments hostile to anti-corruption commissions to attack them, including by reducing their powers or funding.
This is despite their integral role in our democracy. Alongside other oversight bodies such as the ombudsman (who investigates maladministration within government) and auditor-general (who performs audits of government expenditure), anti-corruption commissions form part of an intricate, interlocking integrity framework that monitors executive action.
Who watches the watchdogs?
A big question is about how we ensure anti-corruption commissions do not overstep their bounds. Given their broad coercive powers, how do we hold them to account?
From their inception, concerns have been expressed about the potential for anti-corruption bodies to infringe on civil liberties, and the possibility they may exceed or abuse their powers.
In Australia, anti-corruption commissions are subject to a strong system of accountability through parliaments and the courts. They report to dedicated parliamentary committees who scrutinise their actions and decisions. Complaints against anti-corruption commissions can be made to a dedicated inspectorate – an independent statutory officer who oversees their actions.
Anti-corruption commissions are also subject to judicial review by the courts to ensure they don’t exceed their legal boundaries. Court scrutiny occurs when a person investigated by an anti-corruption commission takes their grievance to court.
To be effective, anti-corruption commissions require strong powers and institutional independence. But this needs to be balanced with accountability and the protection of individual rights.
What is pork barrelling and what are some recent examples?
Pork barrelling involves governments channelling public funds to seats they hold or seats they would like to win from an opponent, as a way of winning voters’ favour. This means the money is used for political purposes, rather than proper allocation according to merit.
We have been inundated with pork barrelling scandals in recent years. This includes the car park rorts scandal, where 77% of the commuter car park sites selected were in electorates held by the then Coalition government, rather than in areas of real need with congestion issues.
This followed close on the heels of the “sports rorts” scandal. Minister Bridget McKenzie resigned from cabinet following allegations she had intervened in the sport grants program to benefit the Coalition government while in a position of conflict of interest.
My research has shown that pork barrelling is an intractable problem across multiple governments over many decades. It takes different forms based on electoral systems.
Australia has a single member electorate parliamentary system, which makes it more susceptible to pork barrelling than multi-member electorates such as Norway or Spain. The belief is that politicians who “bring home the bacon” for their constituents are electorally rewarded for doing so.
This means there are incentives for the central cabinet to strategically apportion benefits to marginal electorates to increase prospects of electoral success. There is also an incentive to bias the apportionment of funds towards the party in power.
In short, rorts scandals keep happening because governments believe that channelling money to marginal and government electorates will win them elections.
Potentially the NACC could investigate rorts scandals, but only where it amounts to serious or systemic corrupt conduct.
How do we fix the grants system?
At the federal level, we have sophisticated financial management legislation that provides a framework for grant rules. The Commonwealth grant rules provide a detailed set of guidelines that ministers and government officials must follow on grant application and selection processes.
However, there are significant loopholes in the rules. For example, the “car park rorts” scandal is not covered by these rules because it involves money being channelled through the states.
Also, there are no sanctions for breaching the rules. So ministers and government officials can break the rules without any repercussions.
To fix the system, we need to reform the rules about grants allocation and close the loopholes. We also need to impose punishment for breaching the rules.
It is imperative our grants administration system be reformed to ensure that taxpayer funds are protected from governmental abuse. If the ministerial discretion available in grants processes is improperly used, this can give rise to political favouritism and corruption.
How corrupt is Australia compared to other countries?
There is a public perception that a small elite is reaping large benefits in Australian society in terms of political influence and its flow-on dividends.
In Australia, the “game of mates” is flourishing. There’s now a revolving door in politics with many politicians, advisers and senior government officials leaving the public sector to become well-paid lobbyists.
Add to that the appointments of political “mates” to commissions, tribunals and cushy ambassadorships and the blatant misuse of parliamentary entitlements such as helicopter trips on taxpayer funds.
Political parties are also accepting millions of dollars in donations from lobbyists and others interested in influencing policy outcomes.
All of this adds to the perception that the system is rigged – and not in favour of the person on the street.
Australia has fallen steadily in Transparency International’s global corruption index, from 8th place in 2012 to 14th in 2024. But even so, Australia is the 14th-least corrupt country in the world, which is still a respectable ranking.
More alarming is the fact that one in 30 Australian public servants said in a survey last year they had seen a colleague acting in a corrupt manner.
The types of corruption witnessed included cronyism or nepotism (favourable treatment of friends or family members without proper regard to merit). Fraud, forgery, embezzlement and conflicts of interest were also reported.
In the 1980s, there were incidences of large-scale corruption that rocked the country, culminating in the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland and the WA Inc Royal Commission in Western Australia. These scandals led to the resignations and imprisonments of various former ministers and officials.
Although we have not sunk to such depths since then, state anti-corruption commissions, such as the NSW ICAC, have uncovered various instances of corruption in recent years. The NSW ICAC’s inquiries have led to the resignations of several politicians, as well as the conviction of former Labor MP Eric Obeid.
Another classic case of corruption exposed by the ICAC led to the downfall of former Newcastle lord mayor, Jeff McCloy. McCloy famously bragged that politicians treated him like a “walking ATM” and admitted to giving two MPs envelopes of cash amounting to $10,000.
In Victoria, the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission’s (IBAC) revealed that a lobbyist funnelled suitcases of cash totalling more than $100,000 from a property developer to a councillor, under the guise of sham transactions.
These explosive scandals involving corrupt conduct by public officials have eroded public trust in politicians. But the exposure of these scandals by anti-corruption commissions have an important deterrent and educative effect on public officials and the broader public.
Our faith in government has been eroded by a lack of transparency and the perception that those in power are enjoying unfair benefits. The active investigations by robust institutions such as anti-corruption commissions will act as checks and balances on governmental power – and are key to a vibrant democracy.
This is an edited extract from How Australian Democracy Works, a new book from leading authors at The Conversation on all aspects of our political system and its history, out March 4.
Yee-Fui Ng does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Some of the objects captured by ASKAP.Author provided
Radio astronomers see what the naked eye can’t. As we study the sky with telescopes that record radio signals rather than light, we end up seeing a lot of circles.
The newest generation of radio telescopes – including the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and MeerKAT, a telescope in South Africa – is revealing incredibly faint cosmic objects, never before seen.
In astronomy, surface brightness is a measure that tells us how easily visible an object is. The extraordinary sensitivity of MeerKAT and ASKAP is now revealing a new “low surface brightness universe” to radio astronomers. It’s comprised of radio sources so faint they have never been seen before, each with their own unique physical properties.
Many of the ASKAP results presented here were obtained with one of its major observing programs called EMU (Evolutionary Map of the Universe). EMU is mapping the entire southern sky with an unprecedented sensitivity and will deliver the most detailed map of the southern hemisphere sky to date – a spectacular new radio atlas that will be used for decades to come.
EMU’s all-hemisphere coverage paired with ASKAP’s exceptional sensitivity, especially within the Milky Way, is what’s yielded so many recent discoveries.
Here’s what they’re teaching us.
Unstable stars
Kyklos (left) and WR16 (r). Author provided
The ghostly ring Kýklos (from the Greek κύκλος, circle or ring) and the object WR16 both show the environment of rare and unusual celestial objects known as Wolf-Rayet stars.
When big stars are close to running out of fuel, they become unstable as they enter one of the last stages of the stellar life cycle, becoming a Wolf-Rayet star. They begin surging and pulsing, shedding their outer layers which can form bright nebulous structures around the star.
In these objects, a previous outflow of material has cleared the space around the star, allowing the current outburst to expand symmetrically in all directions. This sphere of stellar detritus shows itself as a circle.
Exploded stars
Left to right clocwise: the supernova remnants Stingray 1, Perun, Ancora and Unicycle. Author provided
Stingray 1, Perun, Ancora and Unicycle are supernova remnants. When a big star finally runs out of fuel, it can no longer hold back the crush of gravity. The matter falling inwards causes one final explosion, and the remains of these violent star deaths are known as supernovas.
Their expanding shockwaves sweep up material into an expanding sphere, forming beautiful circular features.
The supernova remnant will be deformed by its environment over time. If one side of the explosion slams into an interstellar cloud, we’ll see a squashed shape. So, a near-perfect circle in a messy universe is a special find.
Teleios – named from the Greek Τελεɩοσ (“perfect”) for its near-perfectly circular shape – is shown below. This unique object has never been seen in any wavelength, including visible light, demonstrating ASKAP’s incredible ability to discover new objects.
The shape indicates Teleios has remained relatively untouched by its environment. This presents us with an opportunity to make inferences about the initial supernova explosion, providing rare insight into one of the most energetic events in the universe.
ASKAP EMU radio image of the Teleios supernova remnant. Author provided
At the other extreme, we can take an object and discover something entirely new about it. The Diprotodon supernova remnant is shown below.
This remnant is one of the largest objects in the sky, appearing approximately six times larger than the Moon. Hence the name: the animal Diprotodon, one of Australia’s most famous megafauna, a giant wombat that lived about 25,000 years ago.
ASKAP’s sensitivity has uncovered the object’s full extent. This discovery led to further analysis, uncovering more of the history and the physics behind this object. The messy internal structure can be seen as different parts of the expanding shell slam into a busy interstellar environment.
ASKAP radio image of Diprotodon, a supernova remnant. Green circle shows the previous measured size, and the yellow circle shows the new ASKAP measured size. Earth’s Moon size is shown in the top right for scale, and Diprotodon’s namesake is shown in the top left. Author provided
A cosmic mirror
Lagotis is another object that can show how new telescope data can reclassify previously discovered objects. The reflection nebula VdB-80 has been seen before, within the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. The light we see was emitted by nearby stars, and then reflected off a nearby cloud of gas and dust.
Lagotis, with its cloud of ionised hydrogen or HII region seen on the right. Author provided
However, with newly available ASKAP EMU data, we were able to discover an associated cloud of ionised hydrogen (known as an HII region, pronounced “aitch two”), where stellar energy has caused the gaseous matter to lose its electrons.
This HII region is seen to coexist with the reflection nebula, sharing the same stellar centre, and is created from the star pushing into a molecular cloud. This movement is akin to burrowing, so the object earned the name Lagotis after Macrotis lagotis, the Australian greater bilby.
Outside the galaxy
ASKAP and MeerKAT are also illuminating objects from outside our Milky Way galaxy – for example, “radio ring” galaxies. When we use visible light to look at the stars in this galaxy, we see a rather plain disk.
But in radio light, we see a ring. Why is there a hole in the middle? Perhaps the combined force of many exploding supernovas has pushed all the radio-emitting clouds out of the centre. We’re not sure – we’re looking for more examples to test our ideas.
Finally, LMC-ORC is an Odd Radio Circle (ORC), a prominent new class of objects with unfamiliar origins. Only being visible in radio light, they are perhaps the most mysterious of all.
A radio ring galaxy (left) and LMC-ORC (r). Author provided
The next generation
MeerKAT and ASKAP are revealing incredible insights into the low surface brightness universe. However, they are precursors for the Square Kilometre Array, an international collaborative endeavour that will increase the abilities of radio astronomers and reveal even more unique features of the universe.
The low-surface brightness universe presents many mysteries. These discoveries push our understanding further. Currently, the EMU survey using ASKAP is only 25% complete.
As more of this survey becomes available, we will discover many more unique and exciting objects, both new to astrophysics and extensions on previously known objects.
Acknowledgements: Aaron Bradley and Zachary Smeaton, Masters Research Students at Western Sydney University, made valuable contributions to this article.
Nicholas Tothill receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Andrew Hopkins, Luke Barnes, and Miroslav Filipovic do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Have you ever been called a Luddite? We have – usually as an insult, rooted in a popular misconception that Luddites are anti-progress fanatics.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The original 19th century Luddites weren’t against technology. Rather, they resisted its oppressive use.
Their rebellion was violently suppressed. But their core critique lives on: technology should benefit all of humanity, not a privileged few.
Today, as Silicon Valley billionaires and United States president Donald Trump turbocharge corporate control of public digital infrastructure, this critique rings truer than ever.
In response, we are a seeing a growing surge of attempts to wrest back control of technology for democratic ends. This is a kind of “digital Luddism” which echoes past struggles against high-tech injustice.
The original Luddites
The Luddites were 19th century English textile workers who destroyed machinery threatening their craft and livelihoods. Historians call their tactics “collective bargaining by riot”. They were fighting against technologies that centralised power and stripped workers of dignity.
Luddite resistance was part of broader struggles for labour rights and socioeconomic justice.
Earlier, England’s Diggers and Levellers resisted the privatisation of communal lands. This foreshadowed today’s battles over corporate control of digital infrastructure.
The Luddites faced severe punishment, including imprisonment and even execution. Despite this, their legacy endures. Today, dismissing critics of Big Tech as “Luddites” repeats the mistake of conflating resistance to exploitation with fear of progress.
In the most extreme scenario, unchecked corporate power allied with monstrous government polices can lead to atrocities. In Nazi Germany, for example, Dehomag, a former subsidiary of computer giant IBM, provided data systems to the Nazis to track victims. Chemical company IG Farben also supplied Zyklon B gas for extermination camps. Many other companies profited from forced labour and funded the regime. This shows how complicity can make oppression more efficient.
Digital Luddism doesn’t reject innovation. It demands technology serve stakeholders, not shareholders.
Removal: dismantling entrenched power
Some systems are beyond reform, requiring direct intervention. Removal involves political action and legal regulation. It also involves public pressure to break monopolies or impose penalties on unethical corporations.
Big Tech has also repeatedly faced huge fines and antitrust lawsuits. However, breaking up or nationalising these corporations remains rhetoric for now.
But digital Luddism isn’t just about using different tools. It’s about systemic change towards sustainable, transparent and user-controlled infrastructure.
Open-source AI projects such as China’s DeepSeek and HuggingFace’s Deep Research now rival corporate models, proving open tech is a force to reckon with.
The original Luddites smashed machines. But the global nature of today’s digital infrastructure makes physical sabotage impractical. That’s why digital Luddism isn’t about smashing screens. Instead, it’s about smashing oppressive systems.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) today introduced the U.S. Research Protection Act to shield American research from malign foreign influence by updating language in the CHIPS and Science Act to include additional restrictions against programs sponsored by countries of concern:
“In a world where competition turns into hostility all too often, we must do everything in our power to safeguard American ingenuity against bad actor nations,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation will place even more restrictions on academic programs involving countries of concern to ensure American scientific research is protected.”
“The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act included important provisions to bolster our research security,” said Sen. Padilla. “This legislation will provide much needed clarity for federal agencies and academic institutions to better safeguard national security, while preserving research collaboration and international partnerships crucial to the strength of America’s innovation economy.”
Background:
Malign Foreign Talent Programs are sponsored by countries of concern like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea to obtain American scientific research and technology by incentivizing or coercing American researchers to act on their behalf. The CHIPS and Science Act included provisions to prohibit the U.S. government and academic institutions from partnering with such programs.
However, the law’s current definition of a Malign Foreign Talent Program only includes programs that “directly provide” incentives and benefits to researchers to participate, leaving out other methods to provide indirect benefits to researchers to induce their cooperation. This legislation would broaden the definition to include “indirect benefits,” ensuring foreign adversarial nations cannot exploit this loophole to evade U.S. research restrictions.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Tamvakis, Professor of Commodity Economics and Finance, City St George’s, University of London
The UK has become a world leader in offshore wind power.iweta0077 / shutterstock
Gas and electricity bills will rise again for millions of UK households on April 1, when the latest energy price cap takes effect. A typical household will pay £111 more per year.
Though prices have fallen somewhat since their peak in 2022, bills are still considerably higher than they have been historically. That’s despite the construction over the past decade of vast wind farms in the North Sea – which, once built, provide electricity for very little extra cost.
So what explains the UK’s pricey gas and electricity?
Since the 1990s, the UK has been dependent on natural gas in more ways than one. In 2023 (the most recent year for which we have full statistics), gas accounted for 33% of the UK’s energy and almost as much of the electricity it generated. That year, wind contributed 29% to generation and solar an additional 5%, which is of some significance.
As nearly all households are connected to mains gas, most energy bills reflect the global price of gas.
The UK has to compete with demand for gas from other markets, especially, but not exclusively, the EU. The higher the demand, the higher the price. Before the Ukrainian crisis, many EU economies, especially Germany, were able to source abundant gas through pipelines from Russia.
The UK, like other big European countries such as Spain, Italy and France, was able to meet some of its gas supply via pipelines (from Norway in the case of the UK), but also in the form of more expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) from as far afield as Qatar, Algeria, West Africa and, more recently, the US.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the flow of pipeline gas has almost entirely stopped. Germany and western EU countries have to compete with everyone else to source their gas from Norway or international LNG markets. A few countries on the eastern side of the EU, such as Austria and Hungary, are still sourcing their gas from Russia but face western criticism for that continued dependence.
This all matters to UK consumers because most of a household’s average energy bill reflects the vagaries of the international gas market. A relatively harsh winter in Europe means they have purchased more gas and paid more for it. In a global market the UK consumer will have to pay this price as well. Even a harsh winter in Japan means that more LNG is directed there, increasing prices for UK and EU consumers.
We can’t suddenly turn on the wind
Even the growth in renewables, especially wind power, does not offer protection against the vagaries of the global gas markets. It is well known that wind energy is intermittent and therefore difficult to forecast and base generation plans on.
Wind energy is what people in the electricity industry call “non-dispatchable”. Because electricity is a universal good, which we expect to have whenever we ask for it, the national grid needs to be able to balance the randomness of wind generation with the immediate response of a reliable, quick-start, “dispatchable” source of generation. Gas fits the bill.
As a result, expensive gas which is called on to make up for the loss of wind or solar generation, ends up setting the electricity price (called the “system price”) most days. Other countries experience something similar. Germany, for instance, generates just 15% of its electricity from gas (albeit with a further 25% from coal) and gets a higher proportion from renewables (28% wind and 12% solar). Yet it still has to use gas frequently to balance the electrical system, with the same effect as in the UK.
Ultimately, the more variable renewable electricity we inject into the system, the more we need to plan for, and invest in, infrastructure that can support it. That means a smarter grid, fewer grid bottlenecks within the UK, more and bigger interconnections to other European countries and battery solutions which can store electricity both for short periods (minutes and hours) and for days and even weeks.
Putting all these elements in place is a Herculean task. Gas fills the gap, but in a way which is more expensive (for now) and continues emitting greenhouse gases, albeit at half the rate that coal did.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Michael Tamvakis does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Headline: Disrupting a global cybercrime network abusing generative AI
In an amended complaint to recent civil litigation, Microsoft is naming the primary developers of malicious tools designed to bypass the guardrails of generative AI services, including Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service. We are pursuing this legal action now against identified defendants to stop their conduct, to continue to dismantle their illicit operation, and to deter others intent on weaponizing our AI technology.
The individuals named are: (1) Arian Yadegarnia aka “Fiz” of Iran, (2) Alan Krysiak aka “Drago” of United Kingdom, (3) Ricky Yuen aka “cg-dot” of Hong Kong, China, and (4) Phát Phùng Tấn aka “Asakuri” of Vietnam. These actors are at the center of a global cybercrime network Microsoft tracks as Storm-2139. Members of Storm-2139 exploited exposed customer credentials scraped from public sources to unlawfully access accounts with certain generative AI services. They then altered the capabilities of these services and resold access to other malicious actors, providing detailed instructions on how to generate harmful and illicit content, including non-consensual intimate images of celebrities and other sexually explicit content.
This activity is prohibited under the terms of use for our generative AI services and required deliberate efforts to bypass our safeguards. We are not naming specific celebrities to keep their identities private and have excluded synthetic imagery and prompts from our filings to prevent the further circulation of harmful content.
Storm-2139: A global network of creators, providers and end users.
In December 2024, Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU)filed a lawsuitin the Eastern District of Virginia alleging various causes of action against 10 unidentified “John Does” participating in activities that violate U.S. law and Microsoft’sAcceptable Use Policy and Code of Conduct. Through this initial filing, we were able to gather more information about the operations of the criminal enterprise.
Storm-2139 is organized into three main categories: creators, providers, and users. Creators developed the illicit tools that enabled the abuse of AI generated services. Providers then modified and supplied these tools to end users often with varying tiers of service and payment. Finally, users then used these tools to generate violating synthetic content, often centered around celebrities and sexual imagery.
Below is a visual representation of Storm-2139, which displays internet aliases uncovered as part of our investigation as well as the countries in which we believe the associated personas are located.
Storm-2139’s organizational structure.Screenshot of “Fiz’s” LinkedIn profile
Through its ongoing investigation, Microsoft has identified several of the above-listed personas, including, but not limited to, the four named defendants. While we have identified two actors located in the United States—specifically, in Illinois and Florida—those identities remain undisclosed to avoid interfering with potential criminal investigations. Microsoft is preparing criminal referrals to United States and foreign law enforcement representatives.
Cybercriminals react to Microsoft’s website seizure and court filing.
As part of our initial filing, the Court issued a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction enabling Microsoft to seize a website instrumental to the criminal operation, effectively disrupting the group’s ability to operationalize their services. The seizure of this website and subsequent unsealing of the legal filings in January generated an immediate reaction from actors, in some cases causing group members to turn on and point fingers at one another. We observed chatter about the lawsuit on the group’s monitored communication channels, speculating on the identities of the “John Does” and potential consequences.
Screenshot of online chatter discussing “Fiz’s” real name.
In these channels, certainmembersalso “doxed” Microsoft’s counsel of record, posting their names, personal information, and in some instances photographs.Doxingcan result in real-world harm, ranging from identity theft to harassment.
Screenshot from post on online channels providing information about the case lawyers.
As a result,Microsoft’s counsel received a variety of emails, including several from suspected members of Storm-2139 attempting to cast blame on other members of the operation.
Screenshots of emails received by counsel of record.
This reaction underscores the impact of Microsoft’s legal actions and demonstrates how these measures can effectively disrupt a cybercriminal network by seizing infrastructure and create a powerful deterrent impact among its members.
Continuing our commitment to combatting the abuse of generative AI.
We take the misuse of AI very seriously, recognizing the serious and lasting impacts of abusive imagery for victims. Microsoft remains committed to protecting users by embedding robust AI guardrails and safeguarding our services from illegal and harmful content. Last year, we committed to continuing to innovate on new ways to keep users safe by outlining acomprehensive approachto combat abusive AI-generated content. We published awhitepaperwith recommendations for U.S. policymakers on modernizing criminal law to equip law enforcement with the tools necessary to bring bad actors to justice. We also provided an update on ourapproach to intimate image abuse, detailing the steps we take to protect our services from such harm, whether synthetic or otherwise.
As we’ve said before, no disruption is complete in one day. Going after malicious actors requires persistence and ongoing vigilance. By unmasking these individuals and shining a light on their malicious activities, Microsoft aims to set a precedent in the fight against AI technology misuse.
Tags: AI, cybercrime, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, Responsible AI
In his latest address to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Monday, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned of the escalating nuclear safety risks in Ukraine as the conflict grinds on.
Reaffirming the UN-backed IAEA’s commitment to monitoring facilities such as the Khmelnitsky, Rivne and South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), he described how facilities were performing under extreme conditions.
“The electrical grid’s ability to provide a reliable off-site power supply to Ukrainian NPPs was reduced by damage sustained following military attacks in November and December 2024,” Mr. Grossi stated, underscoring the ongoing strain on national energy infrastructure, in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion.
A team of IAEA experts visits Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine in June 2024.
Direct attacks on staff
Direct attacks have complicated the agency’s work. The Director General described a drone strike that severely damaged an IAEA vehicle during a routine rotation.
“Staff survived this unacceptable attack unharmed, but the rear of the vehicle was destroyed,” he said, noting the continuous risks faced by staff working in these volatile conditions.
Particularly concerning is the situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), where six reactor units remain in cold shutdown. The facility’s off-site power supply continues to be vulnerable.
Mr. Grossi highlighted a recent incident in which ZNPP relied on a single off-site power line after losing its remaining backup, further underscoring the fragility of the plant.
Meanwhile, an attack on the Chernobyl site nearly three weeks ago, which caused significant damage to the protective structure of the 1986 reactor, was also addressed.
While no radioactive release occurred, Mr. Grossi stressed that the attack “underlines the persistent risk to nuclear safety during this military conflict.”
Fire on the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant site following a drone attack on 14 February 2025.
Support for safety efforts
Despite the challenges, Mr. Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA’s ongoing support for Ukraine.
Since November 2024, the Agency has delivered 31 shipments of nuclear safety, security and medical equipment, totalling over €15.6 million in value.
“We are grateful to all 30 donor states and the European Union for their extrabudgetary contributions,” Mr. Grossi added, urging continued support for the comprehensive assistance programme.
Concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme
Mr. Grossi also reported fresh concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, especially its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 per cent.
Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapon State enriching uranium to this level, raising significant concerns over potential weapons development.
“Iran says it has declared all nuclear material, activities and locations required under its NPT Safeguards Agreement. However, this statement is inconsistent with the Agency’s findings of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at undeclared locations in Iran,” Mr. Grossi explained.
The Director General emphasised the need for greater transparency, stressing that unresolved safeguards issues must be addressed for Iran’s nuclear activities to be deemed peaceful.
He called on Iran to urgently implement the Joint Statement of March 2023 and engage in serious dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues.
Global safety initiatives
Mr. Grossi also outlined the IAEA’s broader initiatives, including his recent visit to Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, where he oversaw the collection of water samples related to the ongoing release of ALPS-treated contaminated water – in the wake of the major 2011 meltdown.
“The IAEA has maintained its independent monitoring and analysis efforts, confirming that tritium concentrations in the discharged batches remain far below operational limits,” he noted.
