The value of investments in Europe will make up 60 percent of total outward investments in 2023. This is a smaller share than 5 years ago, as Danish companies have invested heavily in the USA and Asia in recent years. The value of Danish investments in the USA was kr. 274 billion in 2023, which is almost twice the amount of 2018. The USA is the largest investment country, followed by Great Britain, Germany and Sweden.
The USA is the largest investor country in Denmark
Foreign direct investments in Denmark often pass through one or more transit countries before they reach Denmark. This is due, among other things, to complicated ownership structures, where investments from the country of origin are made via holding companies, often based in transit countries such as Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Ireland.
The complexity of the global organization of companies can make it difficult to identify where economic activity takes place and which countries ultimately bear the risk and get the return on the investment. Therefore, the investments are also compiled based on the ultimate investor country, where there is look through of ownership structures and the country from which the investments are controlled is identified. Based on this approach the USA is clearly the country that ultimately invests the most in Denmark, but Sweden and Great Britain are also major investor countries. Part of the foreign direct investment in Denmark also comes from Danish companies – known as round tripping. This occurs when Danish companies and foundations invest in Denmark through a foreign subsidiary.
SEOUL, KOREA, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The fashion brand Sincethen, known for its romantic silhouettes that enhance feminine allure, will hold a Brand Day event from October 8 to 14 on its official online store. This event will feature various benefits and activities, and it is expected to serve as an opportunity to strengthen communication with customers.
Since its establishment in 2009, Sincethen has consistently introduced unique collections each season, themed around travel and romance. The brand focuses on making everyday life more special for its customers, striving for high-quality silhouettes through the development of sustainable materials and patterns. Throughout this process, Sincethen naturally incorporates its distinctive romantic philosophy into its products.
The brand’s signature products include its dress line, which stands out for its romantic colors and silhouettes, as well as its collection of dresses that emphasize feminine sensibility. Notably, the tweed two-piece set has become one of Sincethen’s signature items, enjoying continued popularity.
Recently, Sincethen has gained attention in international markets. After the protagonist of the Korean drama wore Sincethen products, the brand grew in popularity across Southeast Asia. Additionally, K-POP artists have worn Sincethen’s outfits during performances, attracting global fans’ attention.
A representative from Sincethen stated, “Through this Brand Day event, we aim to connect with more customers and widely promote Sincethen’s romantic collections and the brand value of sustainable romance.”
Sincethen’s Brand Day will be held from October 8 to 14 on Sincethen’s official online store.
China has removed the last significant trade barrier it imposed on Australia, with a timetable to resume full lobster imports by the end of the year.
Anthony Albanese announced the breakthrough after a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Vientiane, where the prime minister is attending the ASEAN-Australia summit.
Albanese said the end of the barrier would be in time for the Chinese New Year. This would be welcomed by those in the lobster trade in places including Geraldton, Western Australia, and in South Australia and Tasmania, he said.
The lobster decision means the Chinese over the last two years have removed trade barriers of nearly $20 billion slapped on Australia during the time of the former government when relations between the two countries went into a deep freeze. This followed various Australian decisions, including the call for an inquiry into the origins of COVID.
Remaining impediments are now worth less than $500 million, with two red meat establishments still affected.
The lobster trade was worth more than $700 million in 2019.
More than 3000 people are employed in the lobster industry, 2000 of them in WA.
“The reinstatement in normalised trade for all commodities is front and centre of the Government’s engagement strategy with China,” Albanese said.
“It is in the interests of both our countries to continue this path of stabilising our relationship. A resumption in trade for all Australian commodities is an important part of this process.”
Michelle Grattan 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: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for North Lantau Hospital (NLTH) gave the following update today (October 10):
Following a contact tracing investigation, two more patients, males aged 82 and 70 in the emergency medicine ward, were identified as carriers of Candida auris without signs of infection. One patient was discharged earlier, and the other patient was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for further isolation treatment and is in stable condition.
The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned.
The hospital has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Operation Meld is continuing to investigate a break-in at Broadview in July. Two teenagers have now been arrested.
Police were called to a home in Beaven Avenue, Broadview after four males wearing balaclavas forced their way inside the address about 11.30pm on Tuesday 23 July.
The suspects were armed with a firearm and machetes and threatened the four occupants. There were no reported injuries.
Following investigations by Operation Meld detectives, a 15-year-old boy from Kilburn was arrested on 30 August and charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass. He was refused police bail and appeared in the youth court.
Yesterday, Wednesday 9 October, a second suspect, a 17-year-old boy from Adelaide, was arrested. He was charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass and firearms offences and appeared in the Adelaide Youth Court today.
Investigations are continuing to identify and locate the two outstanding suspects.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au
The Transport Department today announced the route of a bus parade, scheduled for October 19, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Starting at around 11am that day, parade buses will depart from Victoria Park in Causeway Bay for Man Kwong Street in Central. They will transit along Gordon Road, King’s Road, Causeway Road, Hennessy Road, Fleming Road and Lung Wo Road.
The route is about six km long and will take about 30 minutes to complete. Members of the public can observe the parade and take photos at viewing locations such as Hennessy Road near Jardine’s Bazaar in Causeway Bay, Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, and Central Pier, where the parade ends.
Police will lead the convoy and may implement traffic and crowd safety measures, depending on conditions.
In case of adverse weather, the bus parade will be cancelled. The public should watch out for the updates on the department’s website.
Government of India has announced the sale (re-issue) of Government Securities, as detailed below, through auctions to be held on October 11, 2024.
As per the extant scheme of underwriting notified on November 14, 2007, the amounts of Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) and the minimum bidding commitment under Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) for the underwriting auction, applicable to each Primary Dealer (PD), are as under:
(₹ crore)
Security
Notified Amount
Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) amount per PD
Minimum bidding commitment per PD under ACU auction
7.04% GS 2029
14,000
334
334
7.34% GS 2064
15,000
358
358
The underwriting auction will be conducted through multiple price-based method on October 11, 2024 (Friday). PDs may submit their bids for ACU auction electronically through Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) System between 09:00 A.M. and 09:30 A.M. on the day of underwriting auction.
The underwriting commission will be credited to the current account of the respective PDs with RBI on the day of issue of securities.
Ajit Prasad Deputy General Manager (Communications)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Multimedia music programme “After the Rain” to be staged at Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs (with photos) Multimedia music programme “After the Rain” to be staged at Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will present participatory music programme “After the Rain” at the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs, which is opening for public performances for the first time. Local music group Toolbox Percussion, media arts collective Dimension Plus and Singaporean composer Lee Jiayi will attempt to broaden public imagination and experience with a bespoke multimedia music journey that unveils the mystery of the hillside cavern. Built in rock caverns, the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs has occasionally been used as a filming location. It will be open for the first time for public performances. In their quest to explore the intricate relationship between humanity, technology and climate change, the artists seamlessly meld live music and interactive multimedia design with the environment. Louis Siu, executive artistic director of Toolbox Percussion, hopes that audiences of “After the Rain” will realise that water resources are indeed hard to come by. During the programme, attendees will each be given a specially designed rainstick and walk through a tunnel about 100 metres long to interact with percussionists. Ink projections on the walls will fuse with people’s silhouettes, together shaping a unique sonic and visual landscape. Both Louis Siu and Lee Jiayi had played in an orchestra before, but they were not entirely satisfied with performing a pre-existing repertoire. Over the years, they have been working with people from diverse backgrounds, such as photographers, choreographers, designers and visual artists, in their challenge to the usual definition of music. Their creative partner Keith Lam from Dimension Plus is also a boundary-pusher who is keen on offering new sonic experiences by, for instance, transforming a theatrical space into a cave-like structure using AI-generated imagery. Multimedia music programme “After the Rain”, in 28 performances altogether, will be held at the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs with details as follows: October 30, November 1, 6 and 8 (Wednesdays and Fridays): 7pm and 8pmNovember 2, 3, 9 and 10 (Saturdays and Sundays): 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 7pm and 8pm Tickets priced at $360 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”. The programme contains strobe lighting effects. Attendees are required to walk in the reservoir area and should assess whether their physical condition allows them to participate and whether they need to be accompanied by a carer. Attendees are advised to arrive at the venue early for admission. There will also be a fee-charging activity titled “Immersive Cavern Walk”, where the reservoir decorated with interactive multimedia design is open for public tours during specific non-performance hours. For access information of the reservoir and other programme details, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/aftertherain. The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and culture of nearly 30 countries from Asia and the Belt and Road regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 15:35
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
WE, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, gathered in Vientiane, Lao PDR on the occasion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, on 9 October 2024;
RECALLING the ASEAN Community Vision 2025: Forging Ahead Together (Kuala Lumpur, 2015), Ha Noi Declaration on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision (Ha Noi, 2020), the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN Connectivity Post-2025 Agenda (Phnom Penh, 2022), and the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Development of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision (Labuan Bajo, 2023);
Download the full declaration here.
The post ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Development of Strategic Plans to Implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
WE, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, gathered in Vientiane on the occasion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits on 9 October 2024;
ACKNOWLEDGING that global and regional challenges are becoming more interconnected and multidimensional, and reaffirming our commitment to promote an enabling environment for peace, stability and prosperity in the region as well as our efforts to address common challenges, and promote closer economic and socioculturalcooperation;
Download the full declaration here.
The post ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for the Future-Ready ASEAN and ASEAN-Centred Regional Architecture appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
We reviewed the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and took note of the recommendation of the 35th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 8 October 2024.REVIEWWe discussed the developments in Myanmar and expressed our deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation there. We denounced the continued acts of violence in Myanmar against civilians and public facilities and called for immediate cessation, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and create conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue.Download the full document here.
The post ASEAN Leaders’ Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
A transferring fund will need to identify member accounts which are eligible for the grandfathering provisions that apply to a member’s notional taxed contributions (NTCs) and advise the successor fund. The successor fund will need to ensure the grandfathering indicator is completed in the Member Account Attribute Service (MAAS) for these accounts.
When the member’s interest in the transferring fund ceases, the amount reported will be calculated pro-rata based on the successor fund transfer (SFT) date. In addition, if an account was open on 30 June, the transferring fund has an obligation to report an annual Member Account Transaction Service (MATS) balance.
Note: for notional taxed and defined benefit contributions, refer to guidance in our Annual obligations and balance amounts protocol.
Division 293 tax deferred debt
If a transferring fund has received a notice from the ATO advising that a deferred debt account has been created, they should provide this notice to the successor fund to assist them in complying with their reporting obligations.
The successor fund should provide us with details of members transferred to them with a deferred debt account. The details should include the:
name of the transferring and successor funds
member name, account number and client identifier in both the transferring and successor funds.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honorable Justin Trudeau, on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR. They discussed, among others, ways to enhance ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Prime Minister of Canada appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for September 2024 Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for September 2024 ******************************************************************************************
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (October 10) the results of the Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for September 2024. The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs increased from 41.3 in August 2024 in the contractionary zone to 41.6 in September 2024, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. October 2024) outlook DI on business receipts was 47.0. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts, despite below the 50-mark, rose by varying degrees in September 2024 as compared with previous month for many surveyed sectors, particularly for the logistics (from 35.9 to 40.3) and restaurants (from 34.7 to 36.5). The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades increased from 43.4 in August 2024 to 44.5 in September 2024, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. October 2024) was 46.1. Commentary A Government spokesman said that overall business sentiment among SMEs stabilised in September, and their expectations on the business situation in one month’s time turned better. The overall employment situation also improved further in September. The spokesman added that while various uncertainties in the external environment may have some negative impacts, US interest rate cut should bode well for business sentiment. The Central Government’s latest policy measures for supporting the Mainland economy as well as its various measures benefitting Hong Kong will also provide support. The Government will monitor the situation closely. Further information The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to establishments with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent establishments in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD. The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own establishments rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month. More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080015&scode=300). Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7246; email: sme-survey@censtatd.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 16:30
This protocol gives superannuation providers guidance about successor fund transfer (SFT) and intra-fund transfer (IFT) obligations, including:
consistent application of the law and practical administration to manage impacts across the operating system
limited-service periods to ensure there is minimal impact to employers and members
digital identity management and Access Manager
our perspective of industry best practice including across complex super processes connected to an SFT and IFT.
We have updated our protocol in response to an increasing number of fund transfers. We have incorporated industry feedback, drawing on their experiences and learnings from recent SFTs.
When acting on our guidance, you should:
consider the individual circumstances of your members
An SFT occurs when member accounts are transferred from one registrable super entity (RSE) to another RSE with a different Australian business number (ABN) without their member’s consent.
When the same entity is the trustee for more than one RSE, an SFT can also occur when their member’s accounts are transferred from one RSE to another within the same group.
Intra-fund transfer
An IFT happens when there is no change in the RSE ABN but there are resulting changes to the Unique superannuation identifier (USI) or account identifiers.
This may also be known as product consolidation or streamlining activity. See more information about IFTs and income streams.
When considering an SFT or an IFT
When you are considering an SFT or an IFT, it is crucial to understand the significant impact on your members and their contributing employers. To minimise the impact, it is important to engage with us early and to ensure the timing of the SFT avoids critical dates such as the quarterly super guarantee due dates and the end of the financial year.
A member’s account can also be transferred to the ATO in accordance with the Superannuation (Unclaimed Money and Lost Members) Act 1999. However, this type of transfer is not covered as part of this protocol.
Regulation 6.29 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR) states that a member’s benefits must not be transferred from a fund unless a member’s consent has been given.
Exceptions apply to successor fund transfers, intra-fund transfers and transfers to MySuper products when member consent is not required but specific criteria are met.
Transfers to MySuper products are outside the scope of this protocol and do not involve an SFT. These transfers should be considered in the context of normal fund reporting, as outlined in the various other protocols found in our fund reporting protocol.
When the trustee of the transferring fund transfers cash and other assets to a successor fund, the transferring fund makes a payment that is a super benefit, of each member’s benefit to the successor fund. The payment of each member’s benefit is a rollover super benefit.
For any unique reporting issues that arise as part of the SFT and or IFT, you can lodge an enquiry through our Super Enquiry Service with any questions or requests for advice.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $12 million (with photos) Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $12 million (with photos) *********************************************************************************
Hong Kong Customs effected two dangerous drug trafficking cases between October 7 and yesterday (October 9), and seized about 24.5 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $12 million. Three persons connected with the cases were arrested. In the first case, through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs on September 27 inspected a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying household goods and personal effects and arriving in Hong Kong from Germany, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized a total of about 15.5kg of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million inside three different boxes of goods, including toys, rice cookers and protein powder. Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation on October 7 and arrested a 31-year-old male consignee, who claimed to be a driver, in Sham Shui Po. The investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation. For the second case, through risk assessment, Customs officers on October 7 inspected an express air parcel, declared as carrying monosodium glutamate and arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands, at the airport. Upon examination, about 9kg of suspected ketamine, disguised by packaging of monosodium glutamate, was found in the parcel. The estimated market value of the drugs was about $4.4 million. After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a male youth and a man, aged 16 and 20, who were suspected to be connected with the case in Chai Wan and Tsz Wan Shan respectively. An investigation is ongoing. Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment. Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 16:15
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP announces two new confirmed melioidosis infection cases CHP announces two new confirmed melioidosis infection cases ***********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 10) said that two new confirmed melioidosis infection cases had been recorded from October 4 to 9. The first case involves an 83-year-old female with underlying illness who lives in Sham Shui Po. She developed a fever and cough on September 20 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on October 1. The second case involves an 82-year-old male with underlying illness who lives in Kwun Tong. He developed a right neck swelling in August, and a fever, cough and shortness of breath on September 20 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the same day. The patients are in stable condition. Their clinical samples were confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing. The CHP is investigating the infection source of the cases. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. So far, 18 melioidosis infection cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2023, 17 melioidosis infection cases were recorded. A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but melioidosis bacteria can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. According to literature, infection cases are more common after typhoons or storms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei of melioidosis in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or storms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or storms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase. The CHP reminded members of the public that melioidosis can be spread by contaminated soil and water during and after typhoons and storms. Where practicable, people should stay indoors during typhoons and storms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water. Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
Avoid contact with contaminated soil; Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask; Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil; Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover any cuts or grazes with waterproof dressings; Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening; Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.
???The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromised conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 17:15
The advent of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022 revolutionized humanoid robotics, allowing for task execution without explicit programming. As developed nations grapple with labor shortages from aging populations and declining birth rates, the demand for automation grows. Humanoid robots are emerging as vital solutions, particularly in eldercare, yet their successful integration hinges on societal acceptance and trust, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Deep Dive into Humanoid Robots,” analyses humanoid robots’ scope and prospects for the coming decade. A new species of AI-enabled humanoid robots are designed to mimic human form and behavior and co-mingle and co-work with humans in human-designed environments. They are being intensively trialed in active work environments by Tesla, Amazon, and BYD ahead of commercial deployment at scale later in the decade.
As humanoid robots advance in terms of reliability, autonomy, and contextual awareness, there will be an increased demand for them to take on hazardous or undesirable jobs, especially in sectors where a labor shortage is expected, such as eldercare.
However, traditional Japanese and European robot companies are not making the running. Instead, Tesla, UBtech Robotics, and a clutch of breakthrough startups, including Fourier Intelligence, Figure AI, 1X Technologies, and Agility Robotics are leading the way.
Michael Orme, Senior Consultant in the Strategic team at GlobalData, comments: “Humanoid robot deployment will likely start in China, South Korea, and Japan. Many countries and global industries are already facing serious prospective skilled labor shortages in these sectors and require higher levels of sustainable productivity across the board.”
Martina Raveni, Analyst in the Strategic team at GlobalData, continues: “Due to low fertility rates and longer life expectancies, populations are shrinking and aging. This is leading to labor shortages across many industries, especially eldercare. It is difficult to see how many demographically stricken societies will avoid eldercare catastrophes and fiscal crises in the future without help from humanoid robots in hospitals and homes.”
Edward Bickerton, Associate Analyst in the Strategic team at GlobalData, says: ”We are very much in the early stages right now, and first-generation humanoid robots, despite highly impressive demos—albeit aided and abetted by special effects—are far from being general purpose, fully autonomous machines.”
Raveni concludes: “The success of evolving humanoid technologies will hinge not only on their technical prowess but also on their seamless integration into society. For these robots to truly thrive, they must go beyond mere functionality; they must build trust and foster collaboration with the communities they are designed to serve.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following press release is issued on behalf of the Independent Commission Against Corruption:
The ICAC will kick start a new round of annual opinion survey next Monday (October 14) to gauge public attitudes towards a probity society and their understanding about corruption.
“The ICAC is committed to combating corruption and together with the community, the Commission strives to safeguard Hong Kong’s status as a clean society. This year marks the golden jubilee of the ICAC and the Commission is taking the opportunity to appeal to members of the public for their continued support. Citizens who are participating in the annual opinion survey are encouraged to express their views which would help the Commission formulate effective and holistic anti-graft strategies,” said an ICAC spokesman.
Commencing on October 14 till December, the survey will be conducted independently by a professional research agency appointed by the ICAC. Around 1 500 Hong Kong residents, aged between 15 and 74, will be selected for interviews by random sampling.
Selected households will receive notification letters issued by the ICAC. During the survey period, uniformed interviewers bearing authorisation letters issued by the ICAC and staff identity cards of the research agency will visit the households between 10am and 9.45pm. Each face-to-face interview will last about 10 to 15 minutes. Selected households are welcome to schedule the interview with the research agency or the ICAC.
All personal information and opinion collected from the survey will not be disclosed to any other government departments or organisations. All data collected will be compiled in aggregate and the completed questionnaires will be destroyed after completion of the survey.
Details of the survey are available on the ICAC corporate website (www.icac.org.hk). For enquiries, members of the public may call the ICAC survey enquiry hotline 2826 3267 between 10am and 10pm during the survey period.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today briefed the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit on the progress of APT Cooperation. The APT countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening and deepening the APT framework, which plays a key role in fostering regional cooperation and addressing emerging issues. The Meeting also welcomed the progress of APT cooperation and discussed enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The Leaders adopted an APT Statement on Strengthening the Connectivity of Regional Supply Chains in support of Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme this year.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN briefs the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Summit on the progress of ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Angry, accusatory partisan exchanges over the Middle East war have dominated federal politics this week. But for most ordinary voters the issue remains “over there”.
Apart from the minorities for whom it has an immediate impact – Jewish people frightened by antisemitism, the Muslim community, those with families in Lebanon and elsewhere – it’s a tragedy without tangible relevance to their day-to-day lives.
On Thursday however, Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned the foreign crisis could feed directly into the domestic cost-of-living crisis, via the price of oil.
Midway through this week, oil was trading 11% lower than it was a year ago, but 7% higher than a week-and-a-half ago, Chalmers told a news conference.
Treasury estimates that if prices were 10% higher for an entire year, this would reduce Australia’s GDP by 0.1% and increase the consumer price index by 0.4 percentage points.
Nothing is certain about the coming months but the potential implications are obvious. Consumers would feel the effects at the petrol pump of the higher oil prices.
The Reserve Bank will also be watching the possible trajectory of oil prices, together with all the other indicators relevant to its decisions on interest rates. This is against the background of the government’s desperation for a rate cut (or two) before the election.
Although an increase in fuel prices (hitting businesses as well as families) would not be the government’s fault, it would be blamed.
According to Labor, at present there’s a disconnect between, on the one hand, the partisan political heat the Middle East war is generating and, on the other, the public’s lack of engagement with the issue.
Voters not concentraing on the Middle East
Labor sources say focus group research this week, done with swinging voters, found most people aren’t closely following Middle East events.
Beyond that, they are generally satisfied with the government’s stand and don’t think the crisis is distracting it from the cost of living (which is separate from how they think the government is handling the cost of living).
This accords with this week’s Essential poll, in which 56% said they were satisfied with the government’s response on the Israel-Gaza war. Another 30% thought the government had been too supportive of Israel; 14% thought it had been too harsh on Israel.
Except among some of those directly invested, the Middle East crisis is not likely to be a vote changer.
In the domestic political battle, Dutton is trying to use the conflict to paint Albanese as weak. That’s a long bow on the issue itself, although more generally the prime minister and his government have come to be seen as having lost their way.
While Dutton is trying to define Albanese negatively, Albanese is attempting to make Dutton a bigger target.
NBN sale a distraction
Thus on Wednesday the prime minister, shortly before he jumped on his plane to attend the ASEAN-Australia summit in Laos, personally introduced legislation that would ensure the NBN remained in public hands.
If the Coalition didn’t vote for the bill, that would show it would sell the NBN, Labor claimed. It was a crude attempt at scare politics, easily seen through. The Coalition is not suggesting it would sell the NBN and if it did, would most people care? Anyway, originally Labor planned for the NBN to be privatised. Dutton ridiculed the tactic.
As we look to election year, the 2025 parliamentary sitting calendar came out this week. It has a fortnight sitting in February and pencils in a budget for March 25, which would set up a May poll. Of course this doesn’t rule out an earlier (March) election although Albanese has said more than once he plans a pre-election budget.
Regardless, we are already in the election campaign. At caucus on Tuesday Albanese was, for the second time recently, talking about the second term agenda.
Announcements like confetti
Announcements are raining down like confetti especially related to cost-of-living issues. Supermarkets are being heavily targeted. Launching his merger reform legislation on Thursday, Chalmers said every supermarket merger would be screened, regardless of whether it fell under the new arrangements.
Present polls are showing the most likely election result, to be delivered by sour voters, is a hung parliament with a minority Labor government.
Albanese told caucus he was focused on winning majority government. Dutton knows that if the Coalition can’t win, the more crossbenchers it can force Labor to need to rely on, the more unstable a second-term Labor government would be.
Both sides have a great deal of bedding-down to do before the actual campaign.
Key items on Labor’s legislative agenda aren’t just not introduced, they are unseen – for instance, on gambling advertising, social media restrictions for young people, electoral funding.
Major bills are stuck in the parliament – notably on housing, where the Greens may eventually do a deal but are stringing out the pain.
On the other side, the Coalition has released minimal policy. On its controversial nuclear power plan, it has put out minimal details, in particular refusing to produce costings. It can’t hold back everything until the last moment.
Will the campaign even matter?
When the formal campaign comes, how much will it matter?
There is the old saying “you can’t fatten the pig on market day”. In other words, the election result may be decided well before the actual campaign.
What do the last three elections (2016, 2019, 2022) tell us about the importance of the formal campaign? In each case, the result was narrow, a matter of a handful of seats.
In 2022, there was probably nothing Morrison could have done in the last weeks to salvage the situation – to use another farm metaphor, his goose was cooked. In the event, he ran a bad campaign.
In 2016 prime minister Malcolm Turnbull just scraped home; Turnbull’s flawed campaigning maximised the number of seats he lost.
In 2019, when it seemed Bill Shorten was almost certain to take Labor to victory, its defeat may have been sealed in the campaign itself, although its heavy policy load always put it in a precarious situation.
In 2022 Albanese was judged a poor campaigner. Aware of this, Labor strategists will be doing everything to make sure he is fully prepared for “gotcha” questions (on which he faltered last time) and the other hazards that can arise spontaneously.
Dutton’s forte is negativity, his natural style is the attack. But in those final weeks, more will be needed.
One challenge in leaving policy releases late is that holes can slip through, inviting slip ups.
Dutton has far from established himself as a rounded alternative prime minister. Indeed his current approach on the Middle East, completely lacking nuance, raises questions about how he would handle the complexities of foreign policy generally. It has not been reassuring.
Michelle Grattan 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.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), Lee Hee-Sup, in a pull-aside meeting on the margins of the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit held in Vientiane. They exchanged views on the collaboration between the ASEAN Secretariat and the TCS to further contribute to APT cooperation.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary-General of Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Evidence from microscopic palynomorphs–, organic remains, combined with geochemical assessments have indicated significant potential for hydrocarbon generation in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. The eastern Sirka coalfield in this region have exhibited higher potential for hydrocarbon generation compared to the Giddi coalfield in the north.
The South Karanpura coalfield, consisting of 28 major coal blocks, is well-established for its substantial deposits of workable coal. However, with the rising demand for energy and the growing interest in hydrocarbon exploration, the focus has increasingly shifted towards the potential for coal bed methane/shale gas (unconventional resource) generation within this region. This pursuit of green energy necessitates an environment conducive to hydrocarbon preservation, which is critical for the nation’s energy strategy.
The potential for hydrocarbon generation within a source rock is largely determined by the concentration of organic matter, which is influenced by specific environmental conditions.
To assess this potential, scientists from Birbal Sahni institution of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (BSIP), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) carried out a comprehensive study involving analysis of microscopic remains like pollen, spores, and certain microscopic organic matter (palynological), coupled with a laboratory procedure called Rock-Eval pyrolysis, for assessing the potential of the rock samples in an open system through the cracking of the organic matter, on sediments from the Sirka and Giddi C areas of the Damodar Basin.
Samples were collected from coal, carbonaceous shale, and sandstone layers of freshly exposed quarry faces of Sirka Colliery and Giddi C Colliery of Argada area, Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, respectively. Parameters such as palynofacies, free hydrocarbons (S1), heavy hydrocarbons (S2) pyrolyzable carbon (PC), residual hydrocarbon (RC), were analysed in the samples.
These collected sediments, belonging to the Permian (Barakar) deposits, point to favourable conditions for high hydrocarbon resource potential in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield.
This research published in Journal of Asian Earth Sciences-X provides essential insights that can guide future exploration efforts, contributing to energy resource development and national energy security. More detailed study is required for the confirmation of the economic exploration.
Susu le susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – Semi Seruvakula
Director & UNESCO Representative to the Pacific States – Dr Shamila, Nair – Bedouelle
Esteemed CEOs and Stakeholders
Ladies and gentlemen,
Talofa lava!
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important workshop to validate our National Science, Technology & Innovation Policy. I acknowledge the distinguished group of stakeholders and policymakers here with us today, who share a passion for advancing science, technology and innovation in our nation, ensuring it serves the public good.
Today marks a crucial moment in our collective journey. As we gather here, we’re not just discussing policy; we’re shaping how the future of science, technology and innovation interacts with our society. In recent years, we’ve witnessed advancements in research in these areas, from groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture and healthcare to innovative technologies addressing food security and climate change, as well as leaps of development in artificial intelligence. Yet, these advancements come with complex challenges that require thoughtful frameworks.
The purpose of this workshop is clear, we are here to validate our National Science, Technology & Innovation policy in its latest draft form, ensuring it is robust, transparent, and most importantly, relevant in shaping the diverse perspectives of the scientific community in Samoa.
Validation is not merely an exercise in approval; it is an opportunity for critical reflection and constructive dialogue. It is about asking the right questions: Is the proposed policy addressing the most pressing scientific challenges? Does it promote collaboration amongst the stakeholders and across our sectors? Does it foster innovation?
As we embark on validating and hopefully launching this important policy, I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration.
Science, technology and innovation thrives on diverse viewpoints. We have here policymakers, and technical experts in technology, education, health, environment, agriculture and other areas where science plays an important role. Each of you brings unique insights and experiences that are vital to finalizing a policy that truly serves our collective interests and most importantly, our people. Therefore, as we engage in discussions this morning, I encourage each of you to share your thoughts. Your expertise is invaluable and your contributions will help ensure that our policy is not only effective, but also reflective of our shared values.
I would like to extend my gratitude to UNESCO for their funding and support, which has been instrumental in the development of this Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) policy
In closing, I want to thank each of you for your commitment to this important document. Your dedication to advancing the policy will have a lasting impact in promoting science, technology and innovation in Samoa.
Fa’afetai!
Soifua and God Bless!
Lauga Autu Afioga i le Minisita o le SROS, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi i le Iloiloga ma le Fa’atalatalanoaga o le Faiga Fa’avae mo le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma Mea Fou a le Fa’alapotopotoga o Su’esu’ega Fa’asaienisi o Samoa
(Nafanua – 2 Oketopa, 2024)
Susu le susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – Semi Seruvakula
Afio le Taitaifono o le UNESCO mo le Pasefika – H.E. Dr Shamila Nair Bedouelle
Afifio Fa’auluuluga o Matagaluega ma Fa’alapotopotoga a le Malo
Afifio le Ma’ave ese’ese ua aofia potopoto nei
Talofa lava!
E fa’apōpō o aso ua a’o aso folau fo’i e le tu’ua e pei ona i ai le asō. Ua fa’amalo le soiufa laulelei ma le lagi e mama i le pa’ia ma le mamalu ua mafai ona afifio ma tala mai a’ao e tusa ai ma le fa’atalau’ula atu, se’i o tatou falē ma umufono talatala i le auga o le tatou fa’amoemoe i le asō.
O outou pa’ia e le popo i se fa’amatalaga, aua e tumau. E mai saua se’i pa’ia fili ma puletu’u na matemate ai malo.
Nona lea o le vi’iga i lo tatou Tapa’au Sili, aua o lona mata’isau ua mafua ai le asō.
O lea ua ma’ea momoli lapalapa o malo, ma sufi le ao o fa’asuaga o manū, auā la tatou taulaga osia o le fa’afetai i le Atua i lenei taeao.
O lo tatou ala lea i malo, ma le fa’apogai o manuia ua tatou sapi ai i le asō. Fa’afetai i lau susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – lau Susuga Semi Seruvakula mo fa’amanuiaga fa’aleagaga e tomatau ai le fa’amoemoe o le asō. Tau ia ina ia alu ma le mana le fe’au o le talalelei ua laugaina e lana auauna.
Ae o le fiafiaga o le agaga e le fa’aitiitia, i le va’ava’ai atu i le afifio ma le tala mai o a’ao i le mamalu o le au vala’aulia ma pa’aga, o e o lo’o fito-i-tonu i ai lenei Faiga Fa’avae. O se Faiga fa’avae e taiala ai fuafuaga, o fa’atatauga ma galuega e patino i le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufauga o Meafou (Science, Technology and Innovation Policy).
E le ititi le taua ma le aoga o le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai e fausia ni Meafou i atina’e o malo uma o le lalolagi, ua loa ona outou silafia ma ua ou iloa. O le mafuaga lea o lo’o tinoū ma finafinau ai pea malo tetele uma ina ia si’itia tulaga o le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufauga o mea fou. Aua lava le manuia o le tamaoa’iga ma le atina’eina o latou malo.
O le auga fo’i lea o le tu’ufa’atasia ai o lenei faiga fa’avae. Ina ia fa’amati’e, fa’alauiloa ma una’ia le Fa’asaienisi, o le Tekinalosi, ma fa’amalosiaina o le Tomai e fausia ai ni mea fou. Ina ia mapo lelei ma aoga e le gata i le atina’eina o Samoa ae o le soifua lelei ma le manuia lautele o nai o tatou tagata.
O lo’u iloa a leai se Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Faufauga o Mea Fou e le iloa pe tua ma ni a le atina’eina o:
• Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaia,
• Soifua Maloloina
• Felauaiga o le vanimonimo, lauelele ma le sami
• Feso’otaiga i ona po nei
• Fausiaina o Maota ma Laoa..ma isi lava matata.
E le’i fausia Roma i se aso e tasi. E fa’apena fo’i se manatu. O le tatou ulua’i faiga fa’avae lea ua fatu-fatu ma ua toetoe a ma’ea. E i ai a suiga mai lea taimi i lea taimi, ae o le tatalo ia avea le ulua’i faiga fa’avae lea, e amata mea i le fa’amapu’epu’eina, fa’alauiloa ma fa’amalosia ai le itu tau Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufuaga o Mea Fou (Science Technology and Innovation).
A’o outou alo atu i le la’asaga mulimuli mo le iloiloina o le faiga fa’avae, a’o le’i tu’uina atu mo le talia aloaia e le Kapeneta, ou te talosaga atu i le tou lagolago. E tofu outou ma manatu lelei ma le tomai fa’apitoa i so’o se vaega o le faiga fa’avae lenei, e aofia i lau auaunaga ma au matafaioi. O le tu’ualalo lava, aua ne’i oti i tua sou lagona, ae fa’ali uma aua le fa’aleleia o le tatou faiga fa’avae. E taua ou manatu, tomai ma ou lagona fa’aali.
A’o maua pea le avanoa, ou te fia fa’aleo le agaga fa’afetai i le UNESCO mo le lagolagoina o lenei fa’amoemoe. O le latou lagolago mai, fa’atasi ma si a tatou fo’i tu’utu’u la’au fa’a-manu iti atu, ua tu’ufa’atasia ai lenei faiga fa’avae.
A fa’aiuina lenei fa’amoemoe, tu’uama le fua, ia fa’amanuia tele le Atua i faiva ma tiute o lo’o outou fita-i-tuga ai. Manuia ou faiva alofi lima i so’o se vala’auina ua tofia ai aua le tautuaina o si o tatou malo.
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a boy after falling into an open drain in Alipur area of North West Delhi Observes reports of many such incidents in the recent past as a serious issue indicating negligence of the concerned authorities
Issues notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary, Police Commissioner, DDA Vice-Chairman, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi calling for detailed reports within four weeks
The reports to include the status of the FIRs registered in such incidents, action taken against the responsible officials, and compensation to the victims’ families
Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 11:47AM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a five-year-old boy died after falling into an open drain in the Alipur area of North West Delhi on 7th October 2024. Reportedly, the contractor, who worked there, had left the drain opened at various places without placing any warning signs. This is the fifth such incident in the national capital in the recent past.
The Commission has observed the contents of the news report about the instant case and similar incidents in the recent past, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victims due to apparent negligence of the civic authorities. It is indeed very concerning that such incidents indicating negligence by the public authorities continue to happen in the national capital. Many human lives were reported lost due to drowning and electrocution in Delhi of which it had taken suo motu cognizance and asked the authorities to be vigilant.
Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, the Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi calling for a detailed report within four weeks.
The report is expected to include the status of the FIRs in all such cases, action taken against the responsible officials, and compensation if any, paid to the next of kin of the deceased persons. The Commission would also like to know about the steps taken/ proposed by the authorities to stop the recurrence of such incidents.
According to the media report, carried on 8th October 2024, earlier this month, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl lost her life after falling into an open drain in northeast Delhi’s Khajuri Khas. In September, a 32-year-old man died after falling into an open drain in northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura. In August, the body of a seven-year-old boy was found in an open drain in northwest Delhi’s Ashok Vihar. Again in August, a man died after falling into a drain in the Paschim Vihar area. In July, the death of a woman and her son in a drain in east Delhi’s Ghazipur created a big storm. Another person died after his car fell into a drain in north Delhi’s Burari in the same month.
Union Government releases tax devolution of ₹1,78,173 crore to State Governments, including one advance instalment of ₹89,086.50 crore in addition to regular instalment due in October, 2024 Advance instalment released in view of upcoming festive season and to enable States to accelerate capital spending and finance their development/ welfare related expenditure
Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 1:25PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Government has released tax devolution of ₹ 1,78,173 crore to State Governments on 10th October, 2024, as against the normal monthly devolution of ₹89,086.50 crore. It includes one advance instalment, in addition to the regular instalment due in October, 2024.
This release is in view of the upcoming festive season and to enable States to accelerate capital spending, and also finance their development/ welfare related expenditure.
State-wise breakup of amounts released is given below in the table:
State-wise distribution of Net Proceeds of Union Taxes and Duties for October, 2024
Scientists have identified a promising new target for cancer treatment by activating a DNA repair enzyme called TDP1, suggesting a combination therapy which could be a potential precision medicine especially for those resistant to current cancer remedies.
Existing anticancer drugs like Camptothecin, Topotecan, and Irinotecan target an enzyme crucial for DNA replication and transcription called Topoisomerase 1 (Top1). Cancer cells often develop resistance to such single-agent treatments and hence require alternate therapy methods.
In order to explore such alternative routes to treatment, scientists at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)probed how cancer cells repair DNA during cell division and respond to chemotherapy that targets the enzyme Top1, often leading to drug resistance.
The research published in The EMBO Journal 2024 highlights two key proteins –Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1). The researchers led by Prof. Benu Brata Das found that cancer cells can counteract the effect of existing drugs by activating TDP1, a DNA repair enzyme, allowing them to survive.
While investigating how cancer cells repair DNA during cell division and respond to DNA damage induced by enzyme Topoisomerase 1 (Top1), the scientists discovered the critical roles of the proteins CDK1 and TDP1 that regulate the DNA repair process and repairs drug-induced trapped Top1 respectively.
The TDP1, was known to be a dedicated enzyme that repairs drug-induced trapped Top1 during the S phase when the DNA replicates, but its role and regulation during the mitotic phase were previously unknown. CDK1, on the other hand, the key regulatory kinase in the mitotic phase, was found to regulate the DNA repair process by phosphorylating TDP1, which enhances its ability to resolve Top1-DNA adducts.
The scientists stressed that the phosphorylation event was crucial for efficient DNA repair during cell division, allowing cancer cells to survive Top1-targeted chemotherapy.
“Our work demonstrates that CDK1 directly regulates TDP1, aiding cancer cells in repairing DNA breaks caused by Top1 inhibitors,” explains Prof. Benu Brata Das, the study’s corresponding author. “By targeting both CDK1 and TDP1, we can potentially overcome resistance and improve treatment effectiveness,” he added.
The study suggests that using CDK1 inhibitors—such as avotaciclib, alvocidib, roniciclib, riviciclib, and dinaciclib—alongside Top1 inhibitors could enhance cancer cell killing. This combination disrupts DNA repair mechanisms and halts the cell cycle, making it more difficult for cancer cells to survive.
“We discovered that phosphorylation of TDP1 by CDK1 is essential for cancer cells to manage DNA damage during cell division. By inhibiting CDK1, we can induce chromosome instability, effectively targeting cancer cells,” said Prof Das.
“Cancer cells often develop resistance to single-agent treatments. By using both CDK1 and Top1 inhibitors, we can more effectively target and eliminate cancer cells,” said Prof. Das emphasizing the potential of this combination therapy.
By identifying CDK1 as a key regulator and TDP1 as a repair enzyme, this research highlights both as potential targets for developing cancer therapies that inhibit DNA repair in cancer cells
This breakthrough points to a promising avenue for precision medicine in treating cancers, especially those resistant to current therapies. Further studies using animal models are ongoing to validate this approach.
Industrialists, entrepreneurs, business aspirants and enthusiasts from various sectors discussed the challenges and prospects of hydrogen energy commercialization at a workshop on fostering start-up ecosystems for commercialization of hydrogen technologies.
Dr. R Vijay, Director of ARCI, stressed on the importance of reducing the cost of hydrogen production to make it more market-attractive while speaking as Guest of Honour at the workshop organised by ARCI an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on the occasion of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on 8th October2024.
He also showcased ARCI’s role in transferring hydrogen technologies both at the component level and through integrated systems and said that ARCI is supporting many start-ups in the energy sector.
The 7th consecutive annual hydrogen workshop was organised at the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology of International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), at IITM Research Park, Chennai.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Mohammad RihanDirector General of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), highlighted the mission-mode approach of integrating solar power with electrolyzer for green hydrogen generation for energy storageand conversion to electricity through fuel cells. He underscored the synergy between solar energy and hydrogen technologies, offering a sustainable pathway toward green energy. He also mentioned that ARCI and NISE have already signed a MoU to jointly work for the realisation of the above approach.
Dr. R. Gopalan,Former Regional Director of ARCI, Chennai, emphasized the need for a circular economy in hydrogen production to further reduce costs and highlighted India’s emerging leadership in green ammonia synthesis alongside other developed nations.
Eminent speakers such as Dr. G.A. Pathanjali, Managing Director of High Energy Batteries, Tiruchirappalli, Shri. Krishnan Sadagopan, Senior Vice President at Ashok Leyland, and Dr.RamadasArumugamSakunthalai, Director at the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), discussed the critical role of hydrogen in the Indian automotive market. They delved into hydrogen’s application in transportation and the challenges and potential for growth in this sector.
Several start-up founders and representatives shared their experiences with hydrogen production and utilization, discussing their capabilities as well as the hurdles they face in scaling their technologies. Key challenges such as cost, infrastructure development, and regulatory barriers were highlighted. Participants explored strategies to reduce production and distribution costs to make hydrogen more economically viable.
The workshop underscored the need for collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions, with ARCI playing a pivotal role in fostering these partnerships. This collaboration is seen as essential for achieving hydrogen economy in India.
This year’s workshop not only celebrated National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day but also marked a significant step in India’s journey towards a green energy future. The discussions and insights shared during the event will contribute to the development of hydrogen technologies that can reshape the global energy landscape.