NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • Indian stocks extend rally; Sensex gains nearly 300 points

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock indices continued their upward momentum from the previous week, opening the new trading week on a positive note.

    The Sensex closed at 80,796.84, rising 294.85 points or 0.37 per cent, while the Nifty ended the day at 24,461.15, up 114.45 points or 0.47 per cent. Most sectoral indices were in the green, with Nifty Auto and Oil & Gas leading the gains on Monday.

    As the week progresses, market participants are expected to closely track the flow of foreign portfolio investments (FPIs)—which have recently turned net positive—along with developments surrounding the India-US trade deal and Q4 earnings reports from major listed companies for further cues.

    On the global front, investors are also awaiting the outcome of the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy meeting, which could influence market sentiment.

    Last week, the Sensex and Nifty posted their longest weekly winning streak of 2025. The Sensex surged over 1,100 points—or about 1.5 per cent—during the holiday-truncated week, with markets closed on May 1 for Maharashtra Day.

    Adding to the positive sentiment, FPIs turned net buyers after three months, although the pace of inflows is still building.

    “The market has sustained its positive momentum, though optimism has moderated. Continued foreign inflows and record GST collections in April reflect resilience in economic activity and support mild optimism,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

    “A weak dollar and falling oil prices have further boosted FII sentiment. However, the momentum is shifting from broad-based rallies to stock- and sector-specific moves driven by earnings. Over the past month, the broader market has recovered over 50 per cent of the losses incurred during the consolidation phase from September 2024 to March 2025,” he added.

    Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity, noted that gains were limited as investor sentiment turned cautious amid escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. This led to a more defensive market stance despite support from select sectors.

    Markets had also found support after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India. The initial announcement of the tariffs had triggered a global equity sell-off, with India also being affected.

    Geopolitical tensions, particularly the India-Pakistan standoff following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, have weighed on investor sentiment recently. Market participants are expected to closely monitor further developments in this regard.

    -ANI

  • IMD forecasts unseasonal rainfall across Gujarat till May 9

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast unseasonal rainfall and thunderstorms across Gujarat till May 9, attributing the weather change to a cyclonic circulation over southeast Rajasthan and a north-south trough extending to southern Tamil Nadu.

    Several districts in the state are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall, with intensity expected to increase gradually over the coming days.

    Gujarat has been witnessing high temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. The forecasted rainfall is expected to bring some respite from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions.

    According to the IMD, the rainfall is likely to extend to most parts of the state, including Central and South Gujarat, by May 6. A fall of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures is also expected over the next five days.

    The IMD has warned of hailstorms in some areas on May 5 and 6. Heavy rainfall is likely over North Gujarat, South Gujarat, and coastal Saurashtra on May 7 and 8. The department has advised caution, as these conditions could impact normal life and damage standing crops.

    Districts likely to be affected include Mehsana, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, Valsad, and Navsari. Light to moderate rain, lightning, and gusty winds of up to 50 kmph are also expected in Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, as well as parts of Saurashtra and Kutch.

    On May 5, weather conditions are expected to intensify, with moderate thunderstorms, lightning, rain, and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph (gusting up to 50 kmph) likely to affect several districts, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, Kheda, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, and the Dangs.

    Saurashtra districts such as Surendranagar, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Dwarka, and Botad are also expected to be impacted, along with the Union Territory of Diu.

    In light of the volatile weather system, the IMD has issued advisories urging citizens and local administrations to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential disruptions caused by unseasonal rain, hailstorms, and strong winds.

  • Delhi airport resumes normal operations after heavy rains lash national capital

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport have returned to normal after being disrupted earlier in the day due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, according to an official advisory issued Friday.

    “Following the advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department this morning, we confirm that the airport is operating normally,” the airport said in a statement. “While some flights have been impacted by the adverse weather, our on-ground teams are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”

    Although a few flight delays and diversions continue to affect schedules, the airport confirmed that normal operations have largely resumed. Passengers are advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

    Earlier in the day, three Delhi-bound flights were diverted—one to Ahmedabad and two to Jaipur—due to inclement weather. Several other flights faced delays, airport sources said.

    Heavy rainfall early Friday led to waterlogging and traffic snarls across parts of Delhi. In a previous update, airport authorities acknowledged the impact of the weather and reiterated their efforts to support affected travelers.

    “Due to thunderstorms and adverse weather in Delhi, some flights have been affected. Our on-ground teams are actively coordinating with all relevant parties to ensure passenger convenience,” the earlier statement read.

    The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert for the Delhi-NCR region, advising residents to exercise caution and prioritize safety.

    (With ANI inputs)

  • Increasing urban vegetation can save over 1.1 mn lives from heat-related deaths: Study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As climate change intensifies, leading to a rise in global temperatures and heat-related deaths, a new study highlights the life-saving potential of increasing urban green cover. According to researchers from Monash University, expanding vegetation in cities by 30 per cent could prevent up to 1.16 million deaths globally that are currently attributed to extreme heat.

    Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study is based on a 20-year modelling analysis covering more than 11,000 urban areas worldwide, from 2000 to 2019. The researchers found that increasing vegetation by 10, 20, and 30 per cent could lower the global population-weighted mean temperature during the warm season by 0.08°C, 0.14°C, and 0.19°C, respectively.

    This temperature reduction translates into an estimated prevention of 0.86 million, 1.02 million, and 1.16 million deaths, depending on the level of green coverage implemented.

    “This is the first modelling study to assess both the cooling and modifying effects of urban greenness, offering a more holistic view of how green infrastructure can reduce heat-related mortality,” said Professor Yuming Guo, the lead author of the study.

    The research found that urban areas in Southern Asia, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Asia would see the greatest reduction in heat-related deaths with increased vegetation.

    Heat exposure remains a growing public health threat, especially as climate change worsens. Between 2000 and 2019, it was linked to around 500,000 deaths annually — approximately 0.91 per cent of all global deaths. Under the most severe global warming scenarios, future projections estimate heat-related mortality could rise to between 2.5 per cent in Northern Europe and 16.7 per cent in Southeast Asia by the end of the century.

    Urban vegetation helps reduce heat by providing shade, reflecting solar radiation, and facilitating evapotranspiration — a process that releases moisture from the ground and plants, which cools the surrounding air. Beyond lowering temperatures, green spaces may also benefit mental health, social interaction, physical activity, and air quality.

    The study underscores the urgent need for urban planning strategies that prioritize greenery, not just for environmental benefits but for saving lives.

    -IANS

  • Education Ministry approves IIFT to establish off-campus centre at GIFT Cit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, has received approval from the Ministry of Education to establish an off-campus centre at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The new centre will operate in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday.

    The approval, granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, comes after IIFT successfully met the conditions outlined in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January. These conditions included submission of a comprehensive development roadmap to build a multidisciplinary institution with over 1,000 students, appointment of qualified faculty, introduction of detailed academic programmes, plans for a permanent campus, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art library.

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, congratulated IIFT on the approval, stating:

    “Heartiest congratulations to @IIFT_Official on getting approval to open its new off-campus centre in @GIFTCity_, India’s global financial hub. This paves the way for training talent in the institute’s flagship programme, MBA (International Business), besides short-term training programmes and research in the area of International Trade.”

    The upcoming centre will be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower 2 and will offer IIFT’s flagship MBA (International Business) programme, along with specialised short-term courses and research opportunities in international trade and related domains.

    Established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, IIFT was declared a deemed-to-be University in 2002. The institute holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is accredited by AACSB, placing it among a select group of globally recognised business schools.

  • Education Ministry approves IIFT to establish off-campus centre at GIFT City

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, has received approval from the Ministry of Education to establish an off-campus centre at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The new centre will operate in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday.

    The approval, granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, comes after IIFT successfully met the conditions outlined in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January. These conditions included submission of a comprehensive development roadmap to build a multidisciplinary institution with over 1,000 students, appointment of qualified faculty, introduction of detailed academic programmes, plans for a permanent campus, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art library.

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, congratulated IIFT on the approval, stating:

    “Heartiest congratulations to @IIFT_Official on getting approval to open its new off-campus centre in @GIFTCity_, India’s global financial hub. This paves the way for training talent in the institute’s flagship programme, MBA (International Business), besides short-term training programmes and research in the area of International Trade.”

    The upcoming centre will be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower 2 and will offer IIFT’s flagship MBA (International Business) programme, along with specialised short-term courses and research opportunities in international trade and related domains.

    Established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, IIFT was declared a deemed-to-be University in 2002. The institute holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is accredited by AACSB, placing it among a select group of globally recognised business schools.

  • UDAI successfully conducts Face Authentication pilot for NEET Exam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), has successfully completed a pilot project exploring the use of Aadhaar-based face authentication for candidate verification during the NEET UG 2025 examination.

    The proof-of-concept (PoC) exercise was carried out at select examination centres in the national capital during this year’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — one of India’s largest entrance exams. The initiative marks a step forward in the adoption of contactless biometric technologies to enhance transparency and prevent impersonation in high-stakes public examinations.

    According to officials, the face authentication was conducted in real-time using Aadhaar’s biometric database, with seamless integration into NIC’s digital infrastructure and NTA’s examination protocols. The system enabled instant verification of candidate identity without physical contact, making the process both secure and efficient.

    The UIDAI said the pilot demonstrated a high degree of accuracy and operational ease, reinforcing the potential of face authentication as a scalable and student-friendly solution for identity verification in large-scale examinations.

    In addition to streamlining the entry process, the initiative is expected to bolster exam integrity by reducing the risk of impersonation and other fraudulent practices. The technology may also find future applications in other public service delivery systems requiring remote or contactless verification.

     

  • Pakistan Army lost 35-40 personnel in Indian strikes, DGMO says in special briefing

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Pakistan Army lost close to 35-40 personnel between May 7 and 10, when India launched retaliatory counterstrikes in response to its aggression, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said during a special press briefing on Sunday.

    He also stated that Operation Sindoor was conceptualised with a clear military aim—to punish the perpetrators and planners of terror and to destroy their infrastructure.

    “Our aim on May 7 was to target terrorists and their infrastructure, not any other infrastructure—especially not Pakistani civilian or military establishments—and we achieved this with precision. However, on the evening of May 7, we were subjected to a wave of Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small drones, which targeted both our civilian and military areas. They were successfully intercepted. While three drones managed to land, they caused minimal damage,” the DGMO said.

    “On the night of May 8-9, they (Pakistan) flew drones and aircraft into our airspace across the borders and made largely unsuccessful attempts to target numerous military installations. Violations along the LoC by Pakistan also resumed, leading to fierce engagements,” he added.

    Air Marshal A.K. Bharti said that India struck Pakistani airbases, command centres, military infrastructure, and air defence systems across the entire Western Front in a coordinated and calibrated manner.

    “The bases we struck include Chaklala, Rafiqui, and Rahim Yar Khan—sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad,” he said.

    He emphasized that the objective was not to count casualties but to neutralise terror targets.

    “Our aim was not to inflict casualties, but if there have been any, it is for them to assess. Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags,” he added.

    IANS

  • Iran, US to resume nuclear talks amid clashing red lines

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators will resume talks on Sunday to address disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme, in a push for progress as Washington hardens its stance ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit.

    Though Tehran and Washington both have said they prefer diplomacy to resolve the decades-long dispute, they remain deeply divided on several red lines that negotiators will have to circumvent to reach a new nuclear deal and avert future military action.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will hold the fourth round of talks in Muscat through Omani mediators, despite Washington taking a tough stance in public that Iranian officials said would not help the negotiations.

    Witkoff told Breitbart News on Thursday that Washington’s red line is: “No enrichment. That means dismantlement, no weaponization,” requiring the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

    If they are not productive on Sunday, then they won’t continue and we’ll have to take a different route,” Witkoff said in the interview.

    Trump, who has threatened military action against Iran if diplomacy fails, will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on May 13-16.

    Reacting to Witkoff’s comments, Araqchi said on Saturday that Iran would not compromise on its nuclear rights.

    “Iran continues negotiations in good faith … if the aim of these talks is to limit Iran’s nuclear rights, I state clearly that Iran will not back down from any of its rights,” Araqchi said.

    Tehran is willing to negotiate some curbs on its nuclear work in return for the lifting of sanctions, according to Iranian officials, but ending its enrichment programme or surrendering its enriched uranium stockpile are among “Iran’s red lines that could not be compromised” in the talks.

    A senior Iranian official close to the negotiating team said that U.S. demands for “zero enrichment and dismantling Iran’s nuclear sites would not help in progressing the negotiations.

    What the U.S. says publicly differs from what is said in negotiations,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

    He said matters would become clearer when talks take place on Sunday, which was initially planned for May 3 in Rome but were postponed due to what Oman described as “logistical reasons”.

    Moreover, Iran has flatly ruled out negotiating its ballistic missile programme and the clerical establishment demands watertight guarantees Trump would not again ditch a nuclear pact.

    Trump, who has restored a “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran since February, exited Tehran’s 2015 nuclear pact with six world powers in 2018 during his first term and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran.

    Iran, which has long said its nuclear programme is peaceful, has breached the 2015 pact’s nuclear curbs since 2019 including “dramatically” accelerating its enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% level that is weapons-grade, according to the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

    (Reuters)

  • Ceasefire agreement reflects India, Pakistan commitment to regional peace: UNGA president

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    United Nations General Assembly President Philemon Yang has said the cease-fire agreement between India and Pakistan reflects their commitment to regional peace.

    Welcoming the ceasefire, he said on Saturday, “It is a meaningful step towards de-escalation reflecting the commitment of both nations to regional peace and stability.”

    Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sees the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a “positive step” towards easing tensions and hopes it will contribute to “lasting peace,” according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

    India and Pakistan reached a cease-fire agreement on Saturday. However, hours after the agreement, Pakistan violated the ceasefire.

    Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the Indian armed forces have been responding adequately to the ceasefire violations.

    Speaking at a press briefing, Misri said the government has taken a serious note of the Pakistani actions. “This is a breach of understanding. The army is monitoring the situation closely,” he said.

    He informed that the agreement to halt the ongoing hostilities over the past few days was reached this evening. However, in the past few hours, there have been serious violations of this agreement from the Pakistani side.

    Notably, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday, targeting “terrorist infrastructures” in retaliation against last month’s killing of 26 people in the Kashmir tourist spot Pahalgam by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    While the tension was mounting last week, Guterres had expressed deep concern over the conflict, saying, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

    He repeatedly asked for de-escalating the conflict, including by holding a meeting with reporters exclusively on the subject.

    While many international leaders, including the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were calling both Indian and Pakistani leaders to de-escalate the conflict, Guterres’ Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said , “We encourage all efforts to de-escalate the situation.”

    Guterres has condemned the Pahalgam terrorist massacre in the strongest terms several times.

    He said, “Targeting civilians is unacceptable — and those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means.”

    (IANS)

  • Guterres calls India, Pakistan ceasefire agreement ‘positive step’ towards lasting peace

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sees the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a “positive step” towards easing tensions and hopes it will contribute to “lasting peace,” according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

    Guterres “welcomes the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions,” Dujarric said on Saturday.

    “He hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, long-standing issues between the two countries,” he added.

    Dujarric said, “The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.”

    India and Pakistan announced on Saturday a ceasefire in the four-day conflict.

    It began on Wednesday when India struck “terrorist infrastructures” in retaliation against the massacre of 26 people in the Pahalgam last month by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

    While the tension was mounting last week, Guterres had expressed deep concern over the conflict, saying, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”  

    He repeatedly asked for de-escalating the conflict, including by holding a meeting with reporters exclusively on the subject.  

    Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month to convey his deep concern over the rising tensions.  

    While many international leaders, including the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were calling both Indian and Pakistani leaders to de-escalate the conflict, Guterres’ Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Thursday, “We encourage all efforts to de-escalate the situation.”   

    Guterres has condemned the terrorist massacre in the strongest terms several times.  

    He said, “Targeting civilians is unacceptable — and those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means.”  

    At the request of Pakistan, the UN Security Council held a closed-door consultation on Monday on the situation with a briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari.  

    But it did not meet formally in an open session about the conflict.  

    Soon after the Pahalgam incident, the Council issued a press statement expressing its unanimous view condemning the attack with Pakistan, an elected member, acceding to it.

    It “condemned in the strongest terms” the Pahalgam terrorist attack and urged all countries to cooperate in bringing all those involved in the massacre to justice.

    (IANS)

  • India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: First round of negotiations concludes in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The first round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully on Friday in the national capital. The talks, held from May 5 to May 9, represent a significant milestone in the growing economic relations between the two nations.

    The initiative builds on the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India in March 2025, where he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed expanding economic cooperation. The FTA was formally launched during a meeting on 16 March 2025, between Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment.

    Groundwork and Key Areas of Negotiation

    Prior to the in-person talks, both countries held a series of virtual discussions to lay the groundwork for the negotiations. The first round of face-to-face talks covered a wide range of crucial areas, including Trade in Goods and Services, Trade Facilitation, and mutually beneficial sectors of economic cooperation. These constructive discussions underline the strategic importance both nations place on creating a balanced, fair, and mutually advantageous trade agreement.

    The two sides focused on creating a framework that will not only boost trade but also address the changing global economic landscape. The FTA negotiations are designed to foster a more robust and predictable trading environment, enhancing economic cooperation and fostering deeper ties between the two nations.

    Bilateral Trade Growth and FTA Expectations

    The bilateral trade relationship between India and New Zealand has witnessed a remarkable growth trajectory in recent years. Merchandise trade between the countries reached an impressive USD 1.3 billion in the financial year 2024–25, marking a strong year-on-year growth of 48.6%. This surge in trade underscores the growing potential of the India-New Zealand economic partnership.

    The FTA is expected to further elevate this partnership by improving supply chain integration, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing business opportunities on both sides. It will provide a solid framework for fostering cross-border investment, creating new avenues for businesses, and aligning trade policies with global aspirations.

    Looking Ahead

    Both countries have reaffirmed their mutual understanding and commitment to working towards a future-ready framework and aim to conclude the FTA by the end of this year. The second round of negotiations will take place in July 2025, with both sides aiming to build on the progress made in the first round.

    India’s growing network of trade agreements, including this one with New Zealand, reflects its steadfast commitment to enhancing economic partnerships in line with its national priorities. As the global trade landscape evolves, this FTA holds the potential to be a transformative agreement, positioning both nations for greater economic success in the years to come.

     

     

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 5 ways Māngere Community Enviro Hub is helping the community grow

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    In a once weed-ridden and forgotten corner of Māngere, something remarkable is flourishing. On the unused land of a former Kāinga Ora housing site, the Māngere Community Enviro Hub is now sprouting with fresh produce to feed the community.

    The hub, on the corner of Elmdon St and Watchfield Close, often echoes with the chatter of school kids gathered around the raised beds learning about growing kai, and on special occasions, the smoke from the hāngī pit signals a community gathering. At the Auckland Council-funded Māngere Community Enviro Hub, the community isn’t just watching things grow – they’re growing together.

    1. Growing kai for the community

    In just one year, the Kāinga Ora land leased to community development organisation I AM Māngere has gone from bare earth to a thriving community garden. The driving force of this transformation is software developer turned horticulturist Rata Taiwhanga, from the Etū Rākau Charitable Trust.

    In the māra kai (food garden), several garden beds are growing seasonal kai. The beds are designed in a tiered pyramid shape to create airflow. There’s also a section dedicated to Pacific and international produce such as taro, pawpaw and bananas.

    Even in cooler weather, the garden is thriving with rainbow silverbeet and winter greens. There’s a garden bed set aside for locals who can use the garden to grow vegetables for their whānau. Other produce is sold at markets for an affordable price.

    The pyramid design of the garden beds at Māngere Community Enviro Hub is designed to create airflow around the whenua (land).

    Auckland Council has supported the Māngere Community Enviro Hub through the Climate Grant, the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund and support through the Recovery Office. Installing a greenhouse is the next big project on the horizon which will allow the garden to extend the growing season on some crops – part of a bigger project around sustainability and climate resilience.

    “It is important for Auckland Council to support Etū Rākau and the Māngere Enviro Hub,” says Frances Hayton, Low Carbon Specialist for the Council.

    “Māngere is one of the three priority communities identified as needing support to be able to lead their own recovery following the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and adapt to the changing environment.

    “The Māngere Enviro Hub sits alongside other Council programmes that aim to build on the understanding within the Māngere community of a changing climate to future hazards such as floods, drought, cyclones and rising sea levels.”

    2. Composting waste and creating a circular economy

    Council funding has helped provide carbon cycle composting bins for the site. Each bin can process 750kg of food waste a week, and the compost produced is used to replenish the garden. The composting system is part of the Enviro Hub’s circular economy and the group charges local businesses, such as cafes, $30 a week to collect their food scraps. The green waste is then used to grow microgreens, which are sold back to the cafe.

    Local student Jackson has learnt how to compost Māngere Community Enviro Hub’s carbon cycle composting bins. The Council-funded bins have the capacity to compost 750kg of food scraps a week.

    Another local business supplies the Enviro Hub with mulch and brown vegetation for the garden. If the compost bins can generate excess compost, Rata hopes to sell bags at local markets.

    “The idea is to create a micro store that’s accessible for the local community as there’s no hardware store or plant store in Māngere,” says Rata. “By charging a small fee for things like plants, food or compost, it covers costs but it also shows there’s a value to what we’re creating.”

    3. Growing great minds

    The Enviro Hub works with several schools – including Māngere College, which helped build the foundations of the garden – and community groups, such as Ngāti Tamaoho, to run workshops and teach tamariki and rangitahi (children and teenagers) sustainable living skills like how to grow their own kai. From these practical skills and new-found knowledge of the environment comes personal growth, says Rata.

    “Some of these kids have a 501 gang background and what we’re trying to do here is to equip them for life,” says Rata. “I see a lot of rangatahi and they’re afraid of being Māori. They think they need to speak the reo (language) to understand the history and know their whakapapa to be Māori.

    “One thing I say to these kids is if you want to understand your culture, understand your first mother, Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). Once you learn how to look after the garden and the planet and all that, everything else will just come naturally.”

    4. Replenishing the whenua (land)

    In his workshops, Rata teaches his students how to rejuvenate the soil in the garden with compost and organic matter which brings microorganisms to the soil. He also talks to his students about carbon sequestration (the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the soil) and mycelium in the soil (the rootlike network of fungus) – the Enviro Hub even has a mushroom hut!

    “The way I explain the soil is like a waka,” Rata explains. “When some people first see a waka they think the ingenuity is in the sail, but it’s actually underneath the boat which creates air bubbles that make the boat go fast – it’s the same with soil and the garden.”

    Rata also leads the community on litter clean-up days and the restoration of Te Ararata Creek. This Matariki, the Enviro Hub plans to plant 500 native trees on the waterway.

    5. Feeding the community

    As well as feeding locals with fresh produce, Rata and the Enviro Hub team have worked together with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to create community hāngī days. Earlier this year, the Māngere Community Enviro Hub and Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain collaborated to feed the community with delicious hāngī.

    The hāngī pit at Māngere Community Enviro Hub is used for special events. The carbon left over from the feast is used to replenish the soil.

    The food was prepped by a kapa haka group from Māngere College and was cooked by Māori chef Kia Kanuta. The meat served was halal to cater to Māngere’s growing Muslim community.

    “For some that attended it was their first experience of hāngī and that part of Māori culture. It was important to us to make it inclusive for everyone,” says Rata. “As humans, food is our first language and it’s a common shared experience for every culture. The good thing about hāngī is it sweetens the soil and we can use the carbon back in the garden – it’s all cyclical.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart Congratulates Secretary Marco Rubio on CHLI Lifetime Leadership Award

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), issued the following statement following CHLI’s “Lifetime Leadership Award” to Secretary Marco Rubio, the highest-ranking Latino government official:

    “Secretary Marco Rubio is a dear and close friend who has made our community extremely proud. President Donald J. Trump made an excellent choice in appointing him to serve as our Secretary of State­–he is an extraordinary, brilliant statesman and one of the most qualified and distinguished individuals to hold that position in decades.

    “From our days together in Florida’s legislature to our collaboration on bicameral efforts, it has been an honor to work alongside him and to know him on a personal level. I have witnessed firsthand the discipline and dedication he brings to everything he does and represents. Secretary Rubio understands the importance of safeguarding our national security and is one of the staunchest defenders of the cause of freedom, especially in the face of anti-American, tyrannical regimes such as those in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Iran, North Korea, and Communist China.

    “Secretary Rubio’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and to building a stronger America. It is also a powerful reminder to our community, and to young people everywhere, that the American Dream is still alive and well, and that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I also want to recognize his wife, Jeanette Rubio, whose support has been crucial every step of the way.

    I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on receiving the CHLI Lifetime Leadership Award.”

    Read Secretary Rubio’s remarks here

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo & Video Chronology — May 11, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 21

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Photo & Video Chronology — May 11, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 21

    Episode 21 of the ongoing eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea began at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2025. Lava fountains reached heights of approximately 500 feet (150 meters) in the early hours of this episode.

    On May 11, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists visited the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater to observe episode 21 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. While there, they captured this photo of lava fountains that were reaching approximately 500 feet (150 meters) in height above the northern eruptive vent and feeding several open lava channels onto the crater floor. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.
    While visiting the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu on May 11, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists watched an ānuenue (rainbow) stretch across the crater during episode 21 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. Lava fountains from the northern eruptive vent (right) were feeding extensive lava flows on the crater floor at the time. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wapiti Herd of Special Interest process begins

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April.

    “The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America,” Mr Meager says.

    “The wapiti HOSI builds on existing community efforts of the hunter-led Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to manage the deer population for hunting and conservation purposes. The Foundation have been successfully managing populations in the Fiordland National Park for years, and this HOSI will give certainty and support to continue their work for years to come. 

    “Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. A successful HOSI will improve herd and trophy health, better manage the impact of valued and other introduced species and continue to improve conservation outcomes such as improved biodiversity and protection for native flora and fauna.”

    The next phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards.

    The Department of Conservation will publicly notify a draft herd management plan after engagement with key parties is complete. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025.

    To support the wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. The bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation.

    “The legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,” Mr Meager says.

    “The National Parks Act’s requirement to ‘exterminate’ introduced animals as far as possible is clearly at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting and conservation outcomes.

    “The GAC Act always intended for HOSI to be allowed in national parks, and by introducing this bill, we aim to provide clarity for all involved. The legislation will retain the requirements for HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand’s wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features.”

    “The public will have the opportunity to submit on the bill at the select committee stage and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Future of Work in Focus as HRD Ministers Meet in Jeju Jeju, Republic of Korea | 12 May 2025 Issued by the 7th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting APEC employment and labor ministers kicked off critical discussions in Jeju on Monday, calling for overhauls in employment systems and skills strategies as economies grapple with the dual disruption of technology and aging.

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    APEC employment and labor ministers kicks off critical discussions in Jeju on Monday, calling for overhauls in employment systems and skills strategies as economies grapple with the dual disruption of technology and aging.

    Chaired by Min-suk Kim, Acting Minister of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea, the 7th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting underscores the urgency of adapting workforce systems to new realities shaped by artificial intelligence, demographic shifts and the growing complexity of employment types.

    “Around the world, we are witnessing profound shifts in the way we work. New forms of employment are becoming more common and accordingly policies to protect workers are evolving. In this context, labor market increasingly face job disparities and polarization,” Acting Minister Kim said in his opening remarks.

    “To turn these challenges into opportunities, our collective action to enhance the adaptability and the resilience of labor market is more important than ever.”

    Held under the theme “Sustainable Labour Markets and Jobs for the Future,” the meeting marked the first gathering of APEC labor ministers in more than a decade with the last ministerial meeting held in Ha Noi, Viet Nam in 2014.

    Acting Minister Kim urged member economies to retool institutional frameworks to meet the demands of a modern workforce. He called for flexible wage and work-hour systems, tailored to performance and job roles, highlighting that a more flexible system “will enable us to respond more effectively to changing conditions and support smoother transitions for workers across sectors.”

    He also urged his counterparts to strengthen and expand more high-quality employment opportunities in labor markets, including investing in education and training so young people can acquire the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce.

    “At the same time, we must ensure broader participation in the labor force, particularly among women and older workers,” Acting Minister Kim said. “This requires re-skilling and upskilling workers with digital capacities throughout their life cycle, with a focus on digital competencies such as AI.“

    The Chair emphasized the importance of enhancing institutional and financial support to safeguard the rights of workers in diverse forms of employment, including platform workers, stressing that “no one should fall through the cracks.”

    “Of course, these are not challenges that any single economy can solve alone. They require deeper cooperation and shared responsibility,” Acting Minister Kim added.

    “Closer collaboration is required to make sure that all workers can benefit equally from future transformations,” he continued. “Despite our different economic and social contexts, all 21 APEC member economies are united by a common goal: building sustainable labor markets and jobs.”

    Acting Minister Kim proposed the regular convening of a Sustainable Jobs Forum to bring together government and business stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific to translate policy dialogue into action.

    The full-day ministerial program continued with plenary sessions focused on labor flexibility and active workforce strategies, featuring presentations from member economies and international institutions such as the International Labour Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers a public lecture at the University of Auckland

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a public lecture on “ASEAN-New Zealand Partnership: Five Decades of Relations, Cooperation and Partnership,” at the University of Auckland,  on 12 May 2025. SG Dr. Kao underscored the enduring partnership between ASEAN and New Zealand over five decades across the three ASEAN Community Pillars and the ASEAN Connectivity. He also emphasised the important role of New Zealand as one of ASEAN’s enduring partners in contributing to ASEAN’s efforts in its community-building process. SG Dr. Kao also shared that this year marks an important history for ASEAN as it would soon be adopting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which is a 20-year vision, and its four Strategic Plans. This year ASEAN and New Zealand also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their Dialogue Relations.
     
    Download SG Dr. Kao full keynote remarks here.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers a public lecture at the University of Auckland appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: S. Shakthidharan’s ambitious play The Wrong Gods is a profound critique of progress and modernity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niro Kandasamy, Lecturer in History, University of Sydney

    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    S. Shakthidharan is one of Australian theatre’s most prominent writers and directors. His Counting and Cracking (2019) and The Jungle and the Sea (2022) received critical acclaim and toured internationally.

    These plays focused on armed conflict and displacement in Tamil Eelam, Sri Lanka. Shakthidharan’s new play shifts settings across the Palk Strait to the contemporary struggles of a remote Indian village fending off the ravages of modernity.

    The Wrong Gods, directed by Shakthidharan with Hannah Goodwin, is an ambitious play with an all-female and brown cast. It traces the triumphs and tribulations of single mother Nirmala (Nadie Kammallaweera), fighting to protect her family and valley from the “new” world built on the promise of progress.

    In an era of multiple crises, the play draws attention to global Indigenous connections to the natural world – in striking contrast to the extractive and capitalist logics of most modern development.

    The ‘old’ and the ‘new’

    Nirmala is worried as her daughter, Isha (Radhika Mudaliyar), is loosing interest and confidence in Indigenous practices. Nirmala is determined to ensure Isha not only remembers what to do in the valley but understands why.

    Isha is a curious girl with a soaring imagination. Her dreams appear wild: she wants to finish school and become a scientist. A few school lessons in the city open Isha to a new world, to “new gods”, unlike the gods she’s used to of the river and her natural surroundings.

    Nirmala insists her daughter remain in the valley; Isha seeks to venture out and discover a different world.
    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    When Lakshmi (Vaishnavi Suryaprakash) arrives uninvited, Nirmala and Isha are cautious and weary. But Lakshmi has big plans for the valley. She introduces Nirmala to new farming methods and crop varieties. To sweeten the deal, Lakshmi offers to pay for Isha’s university education.

    Nirmala and Isha are both initially doubtful about Lakshmi’s intentions. To mark their differences, Isha points out to Lakshmi she is an upper caste woman from the city whose entire world view is different to hers.

    This is the only reference to caste in the play, and its introduction here feels tokenistic. The reference points to longstanding social inequalities in which lower caste groups have been denied greater access to employment, education and cultural capital, but Shakthidharan passes over it too quickly. This aspect of the plot warranted further attention.

    Nirmala accepts Lakshmi’s offer. Isha is overwhelmed with joy at the thought of pursuing an education. Armed with enthusiasm and a thirst for “new” knowledge, she immediately departs for the city.

    Personal and political battles

    The Wrong Gods speaks to the harms of “saviours” whose actions are masked under the guise of progress and empowerment.

    Nirmala and her village are viewed by Lakshmi as backward, vulnerable and in need of protection. Lakshmi is cast in a paternalist role: she sees her intervention not only as justified economically, but as the morally correct thing to do.

    Lakshmi’s words – however promising and life changing they sound – reproduce elite and exclusionary ideas that ignore ways of living that have survived thousands of years.

    The Wrong Gods speaks to the harms of ‘saviours’ whose actions are masked under the guise of progress and empowerment.
    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    After several years, Isha returns to the valley as the scientist for the organisation her mother has been mobilising against. With Lakshmi by her side, Isha tells her mother the dam project will flood the valley and displace the farmers. Nirmala is devastated and furious.

    After a few tense moments that see Nirmala and Isha locked in an aruval (machete variety) battle, they realise Lakshmi had known about this outcome from the beginning. This realisation is far too late.

    Nirmala decides to stay in the valley and fight – even if it means dying. She tells her daughter to return to the city to inform people about their plight and prevent the further depletion of native lands and waterways.

    ‘Development’ for whom?

    The Wrong Gods is a critique of progress and modernity, and Shakthidharan carefully strikes the right balance between the personal, structural and political.

    As Nirmala’s protest actions grow stronger, she must face the reality her daughter is trying to negotiate the needs of two worlds. The interactions between characters and their competing views moves seamlessly across the unfolding scenes, while the audience gets a clearer sense of the entanglements of the challenges playing out in Nirmala and Isha’s lives.

    Costumes by Keerthi Subramanyam, who also designed the set, contribute to the play’s critique of progress. Nirmala wears a saree and carries a small purse for food. While Lakshmi wears a churidar set during her first meeting when she is trying to woo favour, she wears a suit on her second visit. Like Lakshmi, Isha returns to the valley wearing a power suit, evoking a sense of authority and upward economic mobility.

    Costumes by Keerthi Subramanyam contribute to the play’s critique of progress.
    Brett Boardman/Belvoir

    The Wrong Gods grapples with the more-than-human worlds at stake amid multiple crises. Through his play, Shakthidharan suggests we should begin addressing the growing needs of our planet by overcoming structural challenges. Doing so may prevent us from reaching solutions which do not displace people or deplete natural resources. Brilliant acting by the cast makes clear the profound emotions of bearing witness to an environmental destruction that is entirely preventable.

    We must prioritise and embed local knowledges to address some of the biggest challenges facing us today. Failure to do so will only worsen both man-made and natural crises – and there will be no gods, right or wrong, to save us.

    The Wrong Gods is at Belvior Theatre, Sydney, until May 31, then Melbourne Theatre Company from June 6 to July 12.

    Niro Kandasamy 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.

    – ref. S. Shakthidharan’s ambitious play The Wrong Gods is a profound critique of progress and modernity – https://theconversation.com/s-shakthidharans-ambitious-play-the-wrong-gods-is-a-profound-critique-of-progress-and-modernity-255512

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Red-Crowned roofed turtle returns to Ganga after 30 years

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, the endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) has made a triumphant return to the Ganga River after three decades of absence. This remarkable feat, driven by the Namami Gange Mission, signals a new era of hope for the restoration of the Ganga’s ecosystem and its rich biodiversity.

    The Ganga, a lifeline of Indian civilization, has long been a sanctuary for diverse species, including endangered turtles. However, the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle, once native to these waters, had vanished from the river’s main channel due to population decline. Studies conducted as recently as 2020 and 2022 by the Namami Gange-supported TSAFI project team revealed no viable populations of this critically endangered species in the Ganga, with only sporadic sightings reported decades ago.

    On April 26, a historic reintroduction effort unfolded as 20 Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles were released into the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, a key ecological site along the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. The turtles, nurtured at the Garhaita Turtle Conservation Center under the supervision of the National Chambal Sanctuary, were equipped with sonic tags to monitor their movements and ensure their safety.

    The release strategy was carefully designed: one group of turtles was introduced above the barrage of the Haiderpur Wetland, while the other was released downstream in the Ganga’s main channel. This dual approach aims to identify the most effective method for reintroducing the species, marking the first such attempt in the Ganga using a combination of “soft” and “hard” release techniques.

    The Haiderpur Wetland, which connects fully with the Ganga during the monsoon season, provides an ideal environment for the turtles to disperse naturally. Over the next two years, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with the Namami Gange Mission, will closely track and monitor the turtles’ progress. The ultimate goal is to establish a stable, self-sustaining population of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles in the Ganga, revitalizing the river’s ecological balance.

    The return of the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle is not just a victory for one species but a testament to the transformative impact of the Namami Gange Mission. Launched to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga, the mission has evolved into a powerful force for biodiversity conservation. By uniting stakeholders, including conservationists, government bodies, and local communities, the initiative has overcome significant challenges to restore the river’s ecological health.

    “This milestone is a shining example of what collective action can achieve,” said a spokesperson for the Namami Gange Mission. “The return of the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle inspires us to continue our efforts to protect the Ganga and its ecosystem for future generations.”

  • Restaurant fire kills 22 in northeast China’s Liaoning

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The fire broke out at 12:25 p.m. (0425 GMT) in a restaurant in a residential area of Liaoning Province’s Liaoyang City, state broadcaster CCTV said. Three people were injured.

    Footage circulating on social media including X and Chinese platform Douyin, unverified by Reuters, showed bright orange flames engulfing a storefront on street level alongside scores of parked vehicles. Smoke was seen billowing out as paramedics tended to people on stretchers.

    Hao Peng, secretary of Liaoning’s provincial ruling party committee, said 22 fire trucks and 85 firefighters were deployed to the scene. Hao said the on-site rescue work had been completed and people had been evacuated.

    It was the latest in a spate of similar incidents across the country in recent years. In April, 20 people were killed in a fire that broke out in an apartment for the elderly at a nursing home in the northern province of Hebei.

    Gas leaks caused at least two high-profile explosions in residential areas last year, with a blast at a restaurant in Hebei province killing two people and injuring 26 in March, and an explosion in a highrise building in southern Shenzhen province in September killing one person.

    (Reuters)

  • Indians show strong trust in AI, far ahead of global average: report

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 76% of Indians trust and feel confident in using Artificial Intelligence (AI), significantly higher than the global average of 46%, according to a new report by KPMG.

    The report, titled “Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025”, surveyed over 48,000 people across 47 countries, identifying India as a global frontrunner in public trust and adoption of AI technologies.

    According to the findings, 90% of Indian respondents believe AI has enhanced accessibility and effectiveness in various domains, underlining its transformative impact on the country. Furthermore, 97% said they intentionally use AI in their workplace, and 67% admitted they couldn’t complete their tasks without it. In contrast, globally, only 58% of respondents reported actively using AI at work, and just 31% said they use it regularly.

    The study was led by Professor Nicole Gillespie and Dr. Steve Lockey of Melbourne Business School in collaboration with KPMG.

    Akhilesh Tuteja, Partner at KPMG India, stated that the findings highlight India’s readiness to lead the world in ethical and innovative AI usage. However, he stressed the need for robust governance and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible deployment.

    Professor Gillespie echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that trust and transparent governance are vital to achieving widespread acceptance and sustainable use of AI technologies.

    The report also found that 86% of Indian respondents have personally witnessed positive outcomes from AI, including increased productivity, greater innovation, and reduced time on repetitive tasks.

    AI literacy is also higher in India compared to many advanced economies. About 78% of respondents said they feel confident in their AI skills, 64% reported having received formal AI training, and 83% believe they can effectively use AI tools.

    The study positions India as a promising global leader in AI integration, not just in usage but also in public sentiment, education, and workplace applications. 

    (With IANS inputs)

  • OpenAI dials back conversion plan, nonprofit to retain control

    Source: Government of India (4)

    OpenAI has dialed back a significant restructuring plan, with its nonprofit parent retaining control in a move that is likely to limit CEO Sam Altman’s power over the pioneering maker of ChatGPT.
     
    The announcement follows a storm of criticism and legal challenges, including a high-profile lawsuit filed by rival and co-founder Elon Musk, who has accused OpenAI of straying from its founding mission to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
     
    “OpenAI was founded as a non-profit, is today a non-profit that oversees and controls the for-profit, and going forward will remain a non-profit that oversees and controls the for-profit. That will not change,” Altman said in a blog post on Monday.
     
    OpenAI had outlined plans in December to convert its for-profit arm into a public benefit corporation, a structure designed to balance shareholder returns with social goals, unlike nonprofits, which are solely focused on the public good. Under that proposal, the nonprofit parent would have been a big shareholder in the PBC but would cede control over the startup.
     
    On Monday, OpenAI said the nonprofit parent would continue to control the PBC and become a big shareholder in it. The company will push ahead with plans to change the structure of its for-profit arm to allow more capital-raising to keep pace in the AI race.
     
    The move to an outright for-profit was intended to help OpenAI raise more capital and ease restrictions tied to its nonprofit parent. But it sparked concerns over whether the company would fairly allocate assets to the nonprofit and how it would balance profit-making with its mission to develop AI for the public good.
     
    “We made the decision for the nonprofit to stay in control after hearing from civic leaders and having discussions with the offices of the Attorneys General of California and Delaware,” Bret Taylor, chairman of OpenAI’s board, said in a blog post, adding that the new announcement meant the startup would continue to have a structure “extremely close” to the current one.
     
    Altman called the move a compromise “that (works) well enough for investors that they’re happy to continue to fund us to a degree we think we will need.” He said OpenAI would work with major backer Microsoft, regulators and newly appointed nonprofit commissioners to finalize the updated plan, and decide how much equity stake in the for-profit business each party would receive.
     
    “We believe this is well over the bar of what we need to be able to fundraise,” Altman said, adding there were “no changes to any existing investor relationships” and that the company would proceed with the earlier plan to remove caps on the profit that investors can earn.
     
    But questions remain over what exactly was changing, and what level of control the non-profit will have under the newly proposed plan, which lacks details. Currently, OpenAI’s nonprofit fully owns the for-profit entity, and the nonprofit board’s mission is ensuring that “artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity,” instead of providing value for shareholders.
     
    “We’re glad that OpenAI is listening to concerns from civil society leaders … but crucial questions remain,” said Page Hedley, OpenAI’s former policy and ethics adviser, and lead organizer of the group Not For Private Gain.
     
    “Will OpenAI’s commercial goals continue to be legally subordinate to its charitable mission? Who will own the technology that OpenAI develops? The 2019 restructuring announcement made the primacy of the mission very clear, but so far, these statements have not,” he said. He added he was concerned that in the PBC structure, the board would be obligated to maximize shareholder value.
     
    MUSK SUIT TO PROCEED
     
    As the expensive pursuit of artificial general intelligence, or AI that surpasses human intelligence, heats up, OpenAI has been looking to make changes to attract further investment.
     
    It announced in March it would raise up to $40 billion in a new funding round led by SoftBank Group at a $300 billion valuation. The round was contingent on the AI firm transitioning to for-profit status by the end of the year, a structure that drew attention in November 2023 during one of the biggest boardroom dramas in Silicon Valley, where members of the nonprofit board ousted Altman over a breakdown in communication and loss of trust. He was reinstated after five days, following an outpouring of support from employees and investors.
     
    Altman said OpenAI would still be able to receive funding from the Japanese tech investor after Monday’s move.
     
    SoftBank did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Microsoft declined to comment.
     
    The announcement also came amid a bitter legal battle brought by OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk, which sought to block OpenAI’s transition away from nonprofit control, among other claims. A jury trial had been scheduled for March 2026.
     
    Musk’s lawyer said there was no plan to drop the lawsuit against OpenAI.
     
    “The announcement obscures critical details about the supposed ‘non-profit control’ arrangement, and particularly the sharply reduced ownership stake the non-profit will receive in Altman’s for-profit enterprise – where the non-profit currently holds majority equity.”
     
    A consortium led by Musk had also made an unsolicited $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI earlier this year that was swiftly rebuffed by Altman with a “no thank you.”
     
    –Reuters

  • Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates Bharat Telecom 2025, emphasizes India’s global export potential

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated Bharat Telecom 2025 in New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighting India’s rising profile as a global hub for telecom manufacturing, services, and exports.

    Organised by the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the two-day event aims to showcase India’s capabilities in telecom equipment and next-generation digital technologies. The event also features an exclusive International Business Expo, with participation from over 130 foreign delegates representing more than 35 countries.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Scindia described Bharat Telecom as “a declaration of India’s intent to shape the future of global connectivity through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth.”

    He underlined India’s recent achievements in telecom infrastructure, noting that 99% of villages have been connected with 5G and 82% of the population is now on the network. “In just 22 months, we deployed 4.7 lakh telecom towers. This is not evolution—it is a telecom revolution,” he said. He added that the telecom sector now functions as a foundational layer for healthcare, education, governance, and economic empowerment.

    Scindia also credited India’s rapid digital transformation to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “We have moved from being digital followers to becoming global digital leaders.”

    Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, who was also present at the event, echoed similar sentiments. “India is no longer just a participant in global discussions—it is defining them. We have transitioned from being a consumer to a creator of world-class telecom solutions,” he said.

    Dr. Sekhar attributed this shift to the Digital India initiative and supportive government policies, including production-linked incentive schemes, spectrum reforms, and the Telecom Technology Development Fund. He noted that India now plays a growing role in global supply chains, producing about 15% of the world’s iPhones, and outlined future ambitions in 6G, satellite broadband, and quantum communication.

    Arnob Roy, Chairman of TEPC, welcomed delegates and emphasized India’s emergence as a reliable destination for telecom exports. “Bharat Telecom showcases the transformative power of India’s indigenous telecom ecosystem,” he said, inviting international stakeholders to explore innovations on display.

  • Indian scientists develop groundbreaking metal-free catalyst for hydrogen fuel production

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant advancement toward sustainable energy solutions, Indian researchers have developed a novel, cost-effective, metal-free catalyst that can efficiently produce hydrogen (H₂) fuel by harvesting mechanical energy. This innovation represents a major breakthrough in green hydrogen technology and offers a promising path toward cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.

    The research, led by Professor Tapas K. Maji of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, introduces a donor-acceptor based covalent organic framework (COF) that acts as a highly efficient piezocatalyst for water splitting—a method that separates hydrogen from water molecules.

    Unlike traditional catalysts that rely heavily on metal-based ferroelectric materials, the new COF system is entirely organic and metal-free. It is composed of tris(4-aminophenyl)amine (TAPA) as the donor molecule and pyromellitic dianhydride (PDA) as the acceptor. These materials form imide linkages that give rise to a unique structural phenomenon known as ferrielectric (FiE) ordering.

    “This breakthrough challenges the traditional reliance on heavy or transition metal-based catalysts, offering a new direction in the development of scalable, sustainable hydrogen production systems,” said Prof. Maji.

    What sets this material apart is its sponge-like porous architecture that facilitates efficient water diffusion and access to charge carriers. The FiE ordering in the COF creates intense local electric fields at the pore surfaces, enabling high-density charge accumulation and, in turn, high yields of hydrogen fuel.

    Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, a collaborator from JNCASR, contributed theoretical insights showing that the COF’s electronic structure features coupled energy bands and dipolar ordering. This causes lattice instability, enabling dynamic interaction with mechanical pressure. When stimulated mechanically, the material generates electron-hole pairs, catalyzing the water-splitting reaction with exceptional efficiency.

    The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, involved a multidisciplinary team, including researchers Ms. Adrija Ghosh, Ms. Surabhi Menon, Dr. Sandip Biswas, and Dr. Anupam Dey from JNCASR. Additional contributions came from Dr. Supriya Sahoo and Prof. Ramamoorthy Boomishankar from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, and Prof. Jan K. Zaręba from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland.

    This innovative catalyst not only reduces dependency on expensive and environmentally harmful metals but also offers a viable method to harness ambient mechanical energy—such as vibrations or pressure—for clean energy generation. The development aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, aimed at promoting large-scale green hydrogen production and positioning the country as a global leader in this emerging sector.

    With global urgency to transition to renewable energy sources, the success of this metal-free piezocatalyst marks a critical step in enabling efficient, clean, and sustainable hydrogen fuel technology.

  • Tobacco, Cannabis use may raise heart disease deaths by 50% in five years: studies

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tobacco and cannabis consumption could significantly raise heart disease-related deaths in the coming years, with recent studies predicting a 50 per cent surge in mortality over the next five years.

    Presented at the ongoing Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2025 annual scientific sessions in Washington, DC, the twin studies revealed alarming links between substance use and cardiovascular complications.

    One study projected that tobacco use alone could increase coronary heart disease deaths by 40 per cent. In contrast, individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) were found to be 50 per cent more likely to suffer from cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.

    “Despite major public health campaigns to raise awareness about the harms of tobacco and cannabis, usage remains widespread, and we continue to witness its impact on cardiovascular health,” said James B. Hermiller, President of SCAI.

    Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, occurs when reduced blood flow due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries weakens the heart.

    Researchers from Wayne State University in the U.S. analysed data from 1999 to 2020, focusing on tobacco-related ischemic heart disease mortality among individuals aged 25 and older. The analysis projected a 43.7 per cent rise in tobacco-related deaths by 2030. While mortality rates among females showed a decline, deaths among males registered a sharp increase.

    “Tobacco-related ischemic heart disease is not merely a problem of the past; it continues to be a leading cause of death. Targeted interventions are essential, especially as vulnerable groups remain disproportionately affected,” said Roopeessh Vempati, lead researcher from Wayne State University.

    In a separate study, researchers from Sinai Hospital in the U.S. examined data from over 1.3 million patients admitted with heart failure. Findings indicated that patients with both heart failure and CUD were significantly more prone to severe cardiovascular events. The risk of cardiogenic shock was 27 per cent higher, acute myocardial infarction 50 per cent higher, and arrhythmias 48 per cent higher in this group.

    Interestingly, the study noted that patients with CUD had a slightly lower risk of mortality compared to those without the disorder. However, researchers cautioned that the overall cardiovascular risks remained considerably elevated.

    “Even if the chance of death is slightly lower, the risk of developing severe cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks or irregular heartbeat is substantially greater. It is essential for physicians and public health professionals to educate individuals on these risks early, even before heart failure sets in,” said Dr. Syed Ishaq, Internal Medicine resident at Sinai Hospital.

    – IANS

  • CSIR-IIIM Jammu–mentored student makes history with solar mech engine, wins global HonorsGradU scholarship

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japteg Singh Bamrah, a Class 12 student from Dalhousie Public School in Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious HonorsGradU 2025 scholarship for his invention — the Solar Mech Engine.

    Japteg received the coveted “Build a Better Future” award, which includes a $10,000 scholarship for his undergraduate studies in the United States. In addition, he was granted $5,000 to further develop and scale his innovative project.

    According to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Japteg was selected as one of five global winners from thousands of entries submitted worldwide. His project was recognized as the top technology innovation among this year’s finalists. He is also the first and only Indian student to top the list since the scholarship program’s inception in 2012.

    Japteg was mentored by Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative — a national program aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among school students.

    He showcased the Solar Mech Engine at the National Startup Festival held on February 22–23 at CSIR–IIIM, Jammu. The event was attended by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Vice President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who lauded the initiative as a vital part of India’s push for grassroots innovation under the “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India” campaign.

    Winner of the CSIR Jigyasa Hackathon 2024, the Solar Mech Engine is a standalone solar thermal system based on Concentrated Heat and Power (CHP) technology. It utilizes cyclic air expansion and contraction driven by temperature differences to convert thermal energy into mechanical motion. A low-resistance generator harnesses electromagnetic induction to produce electricity directly from this motion. Its reversible heat pump capability further enhances energy efficiency, positioning the device as a novel and sustainable clean-energy solution.

    In recognition of his academic and technological excellence, Japteg has also received admission offers from over ten leading universities in the United States, Australia, and Canada, along with additional scholarships amounting to $16,000 per year for his undergraduate studies.

  • Delhi launches mobile registration campaign for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Delhi government on Saturday launched a ‘Mobile Registration Campaign’ under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, a major healthcare initiative for senior citizens aged 70 and above in the national Capital.

    The scheme, part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), promises free treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per beneficiary.

    Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the campaign from the RK Puram Assembly constituency, where Delhi Cabinet Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa and local MLA Anil Sharma were also present.

    The campaign will deploy 70 mobile vans, one in each of the 70 Assembly constituencies, over a period of 70 days to facilitate the registration process for elderly citizens.

    Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Gupta said, “In Delhi, for all the senior citizens aged 70 and above, a special initiative is being launched under the Vaya Vandana Yojana. To facilitate their registration, 70 vehicles will be deployed across 70 Assembly constituencies for 70 days, marking the completion of 70 days of government service.”

    “These vehicles will be stationed in various parts of the city, including in and around the national Capital and will assist elderly citizens above 70 years in completing their registration and other formalities immediately,” she added.

    The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana is a health insurance scheme offering cashless treatment. The costs of this scheme will be jointly borne by the Central and Delhi governments.

    Each eligible senior citizen will receive Rs 5 lakh coverage under the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme, with an additional Rs 5 lakh coverage provided by the Delhi government, taking the total benefit to Rs 10 lakh.

    This scheme is universal for all residents of Delhi aged 70 and above, regardless of their social or economic background. However, the benefits are restricted to those who are native residents of Delhi and possess a valid Aadhaar card.

    Currently, around 100 hospitals in Delhi are empanelled under the scheme, enabling beneficiaries to access treatment without worrying about the cost or cash payment.

    With the launch of the mobile van initiative, the Delhi government aims to ensure that no senior citizen is left behind due to logistical or technological barriers in availing this comprehensive healthcare support.

    (IANS)

  • Thailand reports first anthrax death, hundreds potentially exposed

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand has reported its first anthrax-related death in decades with two infections nationwide, prompting a public health alert after authorities identified hundreds potentially exposed to the deadly bacteria, officials said on Thursday.

    A 53-year-old man in Mukdahan province, in northeastern Thailand near the border with Laos, died on Wednesday after contracting anthrax, the government said, with a second case confirmed in the same province and three additional suspected cases under investigation.

    Authorities have identified at least 638 people as being potentially exposed after eating raw meat. Among them, 36 had participated in butchering livestock while the rest had consumed raw or undercooked beef, health officials said. All are receiving antibiotics as part of containment measures.

    “All individuals who may have been in contact with infected meat are being monitored,” the health ministry said.

    The Livestock Department is overseeing containment efforts in the affected area, including a 5-km (3.2-mile) quarantine zone around the infection site, the agriculture ministry said.

    There are plans to vaccinate 1,222 cattle, though no animals have shown signs of illness or unexplained death, it added.

    Anthrax is a rare but serious disease caused by bacteria often transmitted through contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated meat. It is not spread person-to-person.

    Thailand last reported human anthrax cases in 2017, when two people were infected without fatalities. In 2000, 15 cases were recorded, also without deaths.

    Wednesday’s death was the first anthrax fatality in Thailand since 1994 when three diedand follows a rise in regional infections. Laos reported 129 anthrax infections last year, including one death, while Vietnam confirmed 13 cases in May 2023.

    Thai authorities are continuing investigations into the source of the infection and said they would maintain heightened surveillance in border areas.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Extra maths help for students who need it

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government is turbocharging student achievement in maths by ensuring extra help is available at every stage of primary and intermediate schooling, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
    “Proficiency in maths is such an important foundation of success in life. Every child deserves the opportunity to be confident and capable in maths so they can reach their potential. Budget 2025 invests nearly $100 million over four years so children needing extra help with maths gets the early intervention and targeted support they need to succeed,” she says. 
    “Four million dollars of that investment is going into the development and implementation of a new Maths Check for lower primary students. 
    “From next year, every child will have their maths ability checked in their first two years of schooling. The check will identify students who would benefit from additional support, early on in their schooling journey. Professional development and specialist support will be available to teachers to ensure the checks are used effectively.
    “The first two years of school are critical for developing foundational maths skills. Support in that time can transform a child’s learning journey. We’ve already successfully introduced this in literacy through the Phonics Check,” Ms Stanford says.
    “$56 million of the investment will fund the equivalent of 143 new full-time maths intervention teachers to provide targeted support to children in years 0-6 who are not achieving at curriculum level. This provides the same kind of additional staffing support as structured literacy approaches. 
    “This investment means more students will get the expert support they need, when they need it,” Ms Stanford says.
    “The remaining $40 million will fund targeted, small-group maths tutoring for up to 34,000 year 7–8 students each year from Term 1 2026. This programme will build on the current pilot to provide tutoring to students who are not yet at curriculum level. 
    “Ensuring students are prepared to enter secondary school with strong foundations in maths will support them to succeed in the co-requisite assessment, NCEA and life beyond school”.
    All of these initiatives will also be introduced in te reo Māori for students who are learning in a bilingual unit or kura Kaupapa so that students learning in te reo Māori have the same access to resources and support. 
    Budget 2025 builds on Teaching the Basics Brilliantly and the Make it Count maths action plan to transform the teaching and learning of maths in New Zealand.

    A clear and detailed, year-by-year and internationally comparable maths curriculum
    Approximately 830,000 maths books and resources distributed to schools
    Around 980 schools and over 15,000 teachers involved in maths professional learning and development
    3,000 students already involved in a Year 7-8 maths trial to accelerate learning

    “We want 80 per cent of Year 8 students achieving at or above curriculum expectations in reading, writing, and maths by 2030. This system-wide boost will ensure Kiwi kids have the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to reach their full potential,” Ms Stanford says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –