Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A woman who went missing in Mong Kok has been located.
Leung Yuk-lan, aged 86, went missing after she left her residence on Tai Kok Tsui Road on April 2 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police.
The woman was located on Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui on April 3 evening. She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:54AM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has actively participated in Startup Mahakumbh 2025, being held from April 3-5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Oil and Gas PSUs have established robust frameworks to incubate, mentor, and fund innovative startups. A total of 32 PSU-backed startups are participating in Startup Mahakumbh 2025. ONGC’s startup fund has seen a 450% growth in valuation over five years, with WellRx—its first oilfield startup under the Startup India Policy—expanding its energy solutions to over 120 countries. IndianOil has funded 42 startups under its IndS_UP initiative, generating 86 intellectual properties and 635 jobs. Oil India supports deeptech ventures such as Caliche Private Limited, which specializes in biochemical sand influx control for oil wells, and Carbonation India Private Limited, which develops sustainable waste management solutions for the oil and gas sector.
Expert participation from PSU officials added significant value to Startup Mahakumbh 2025, offering startups access to decades of industry experience and strategic insights. A total of 14 senior executives from leading PSU oil and gas companies shared their expertise on research monetization, EV innovation, manufacturing integration, and mobility solutions. Chairman, ONGC was part of opening pleanary session. Other sessions featured insights on investment strategies for electrification, policy incentives for EV innovation, acceleration of last-mile EV mobility etc.. The event also hosted an incubation roundtable titled “From Lab to Market – Unlocking Research Monetization,” featuring senior executives from BPCL, ONGC, Oil India, and HPCL.
Following the grand success of its inaugural edition, which was graced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is themed ‘Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story.’ The event has expanded significantly, with over 3,000 startups from 11 thematic sectors participating alongside more than 1,000 investors and incubators, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has consistently supported and recognized innovation, as demonstrated during India Energy Week 2025, held from 11thto 14thFebruary at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, Delhi. The ‘Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge’ identified and rewarded startups making advancements in CO₂ capture, ESG solutions, and renewable energy. Additionally, the ‘Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge’ recognized international startups pioneering AI-driven solutions in the upstream oil and gas sector.
Other PSUs are also driving innovation. EIL’s EngSUI initiative has supported 31 startups with ₹35 crore, funding projects in industrial enzymes, compostable polymers, and carbon capture. HPCL’s HP Udgam program has provided ₹35 crore in seed funding to 29 startups, including Maraal Aerospace, which develops solar-powered long-range drones. BPCL’s Ankur program has funded 30 startups with ₹28 crore, helping them raise $132 million and achieve a cumulative valuation of $300 million. GAIL’s Pankh initiative supports startups in energy, logistics, and industrial technology, with ventures showcasing solutions in pipeline repair, biogas generation, and sustainable materials.
Through these sustained efforts, MoPNG and its PSUs are fostering a technology-driven and sustainable energy ecosystem, empowering startups to lead India’s energy transition and innovation landscape.
******
MONIKA
(Release ID: 2119137) Visitor Counter : 102
Source: NASA
Spring is peak dust storm season in China’s Tarim Basin, particularly in the southern part of the dry, barren depression. It’s a time of year when regional wind patterns shift in ways that cause winds and storm systems to sweep in from the northwest. In early spring, when landscapes in this region are especially dry and have minimal vegetation, land surfaces warm rapidly under the Sun’s heat every morning, fueling convection that can help loft dust upward by the afternoon.
The image above shows dust sweeping across large swaths of the basin on March 27, 2025. The image was acquired at 12:23 p.m. local time (04:23 Universal Time) by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite. A more detailed view (below), captured on the same day about an hour later by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8, shows a gap in a dust layer in the southern part of the basin. Visible through it is part of the Tekilik Shan, a subrange of the Kunlun Mountains with several snow-covered peaks that reach elevations of more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
The shapes of the fingerlike dust protrusions appear to reflect the underlying terrain. The protrusions line up with underlying valleys, which help control the flow of airborne dust. Dust may have been “self-lofting” over the course of the day. This can occur as the Sun heats recently mobilized near-surface dust, fueling pockets of convection that help lift dust particles higher into the atmosphere, explained Ralph Kahn, an atmospheric scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and scientist emeritus at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Supporting this interpretation, geostationary observations from Japan’s Himawari-9 satellite show dust creeping upward into the Tekilik Shan in hourly increments throughout the day before eventually obscuring the view of the mountains in the late afternoon. A similar process occurred on other days during the late-March outbreak of dust, including March 28 and 29.
Since the early 2000s, researchers have observed a 1.5 percent decrease in the amount of atmospheric dust detected by MODIS sensors in this region each year. “The trend was likely linked to shifts in the spring—March, April, and May,” not in other seasons, said Hongbin Yu, a research scientist at NASA Goddard. The change is likely related to changes in wind speed or shear, vegetation cover, or soil moisture, he added.
The Takla Makan Desert is one of the driest, most barren expanses on Earth. Flanked by mountain ranges on three sides and parched by the resulting rain shadow, parts of the Tarim Basin receive no more than 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) of rain per year.
Dust storms can lead to public health problems in populated areas downwind by transporting small particles, bacteria, and viruses that infiltrate human respiratory systems. Dust storms can also affect Earth’s climate by scattering and absorbing incoming solar radiation and changing the properties of clouds.
NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview and Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland.
Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: Governor Newsom sent a letter of appeal today to the Department of Agriculture asking for a reversal of the termination of $47 million meant to support California’s farmers who grow produce for food banks and community centers.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom sent an appeal to the United States Department of Agriculture today appealing the abrupt and inexplicable termination of funding for California’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. Since 2022, California has utilized more than $88.5 million in LFPA funding to support local farmers, strengthen the state’s food supply system, and distribute high quality nutritious food to food insecure communities and families. Despite the inevitable harm that will fall upon farmers and communities, California’s $47 million from USDA for LFPA and Local Food for Schools Program that had been awarded for next year have been completely terminated.
“California’s agriculture sector – which produces nearly half the country’s fruits and vegetables – relies on the support of the Department of Agriculture to ensure that they can get fresh, healthy foods onto families’ tables. The irrational and malicious slashing of funds will not only hurt our farmers, but also the families who need food banks and school meals to stay healthy and thrive. I implore the USDA to immediately reverse this decision.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
“Farmers, families, and schoolchildren rely on the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program to nourish our communities and strengthen our local food systems. Through California Farm to School, we’ve seen firsthand how these initiatives provide fresh, nutritious meals to families while supporting local growers. Without this funding, families facing food insecurity will have fewer options, children will miss out on the meals they rely on, and farmers who have built their livelihoods around feeding our communities will face devastating losses. We urge the USDA to reconsider this decision and continue working with us to ensure a stronger, more resilient food system for all.”
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Read the full letter HERE.
California is the nation’s agricultural leader, producing nearly half of the Country’s fruits and vegetables. The local food production sector faces mounting pressures, including climate change, labor shortages, and market fluctuations, all impacting food availability and affordability. In 2024 alone, California’s LFPA Program allocated the California Association of Food Banks, CDSS’s largest LFPA partner, over $22.3 million to provide local healthy food and 18,647,546 meals to food-insecure Californians.
The sole basis for the termination of LFPA25 was that “AMS [USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service] has determined that this agreement no longer effectuates agency priorities, and that termination of the award is appropriate,” even though USDA’s mission includes “promot[ing] agriculture production that better nourishes Americans.” This decision will cause irreparable harm to the farmers and communities that have participated in and benefitted from California’s LFPA Program.
The testimonies below highlight just a few examples of the devastating impact that the interrupted LFPA and LFPA Plus payments, and termination of the LFPA25 Program, has, and will continue to have, on California farms, including family-operated farms.
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO — As President Trump threatens the U.S. economy with reckless tariffs and rising uncertainty, Governor Gavin Newsom announced new efforts yesterday to strengthen and build international partnerships and seek protections for California-made goods from retaliatory tariffs, building on the state’s unmatched economic strength and global leadership.
As Bloomberg recently put it: “California keeps making the U.S. great — again.” California is outpacing every other state in major industries, driving the nation’s GDP, and according to Bloomberg News, is a “Nevada-sized economy” away from becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Matthew A. Winkler, Columnist & Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Read the Full Column Here →
“. . . [California] is only a Nevada-sized economy away from supplanting Germany and Japan as soon as this year as No.3 in the world behind the US and China.
It should go without saying California is critical to US economic dominance globally, accounting for more than 14% of US’s $28 trillion of GDP as measured by the World Bank and more than 50% greater than the next largest state by the size of its economy – Texas. Among the many superlatives that can be assigned to the Golden State, consider that there isn’t a major industry in any of the other 49 states that comes close to overtaking its California counterpart. . .
California, as measured by the balance of payments, sends much more to Trump’s America than it gets back, about $83.1 billion more as the biggest “donor state,” according to the Rockefeller Institute. That’s almost three times more than the No. 2 state, New Jersey, at $28.9 billion. (The top four states are all considered “blue,” sending a combined $156.9 billion to DC. Texas, a champion of Republican ideals, takes $71.1 billion more than it gives.)
Here’s the scorecard, based on data compiled by Bloomberg:
California is “an economic and technological powerhouse” that “is literally subsidizing the rest of the United States, red states in particular, through the federal budget,” Paul Krugman, the 2008 Nobel laureate in economics, wrote in his Jan. 13 Substack post. Without California, “America would be a lot poorer and weaker than it is.” . . .
The California juggernaut shows no sign of slowing, based on the estimated growth of the 2,400 companies in the Bloomberg World Large & Mid Cap Index. The 101 companies based in California that are members of the index are poised to see revenue increasing 27% on average in 2024, while the 42 German companies will see 4.6% growth and the 156 Japanese firms 7%. . .
The stellar performance becomes no mystery once you understand California is the home of more corporate research and development headquarters than any other state, and its 18% share of R&D locations globally is exceeded only by China (22%) and Germany (21%).
Make California Great Again? If anyone in Washington cared to look, they’d find it’s never been greater.”
Read the Full Column Here →
Source: US State of Hawaii
Posted on Apr 4, 2025 in Flag Orders, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
GOVERNOR GREEN LOWERS FLAGS IN HONOR OF FORMER REP. WARD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2025
HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the state of Hawaiʻi, effective immediately on Friday, April 4, to sunset on Monday, April 7, in recognition of the unwavering service of former Representative Gene Ward.
“The passing of Gene Ward is a profound loss for Hawai‘i. Gene dedicated his life to public service with passion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the people he represented,” said Governor Green. “From his service in the Peace Corps and the Vietnam War to his decades in the State House, he brought a global perspective and deep love for Hawaiʻi to everything he did. His leadership in supporting small businesses, strengthening international relations and advocating for local communities has left a lasting impact on our state.”
“Gene was a fighter in every sense—whether championing issues he believed in or overcoming personal challenges with resilience and determination. Jaime and I send our heartfelt aloha to his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. Hawai‘i has lost a dedicated leader, but his legacy will continue to inspire us.”
# # #
Media contacts:
Erika Engle
Press Secretary
Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
Office: 808-586-0120
Email: [email protected]
Makana McClellan
Director of Communications
Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
Cell: 808-265-0083
Email: [email protected]
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 2:33PM by PIB Hyderabad
The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ikigai Law as the implementing partner, will be organizing a stakeholder consultation on the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in India. This event will take place on April 8, 2025, at 1:30 PM, at T-Works in Hyderabad.
A key segment of the event is a fireside chat on the IndiaAI Mission, featuring Mr. Abhishek Singh, CEO, IndiaAI Mission, and Additional Secretary, MeitY. The event will also include a panel discussion on “Shaping Ethics in AI Governance: Government and Multilateral Perspectives”, with participation from senior officials representing the MeitY, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Amrita University, UNESCO, and the Government of Telangana. Participants will also engage in four thematic breakout groups on governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and use cases, facilitating deeper dialogue and input on key dimensions of India’s AI readiness.
About AI RAM initiative
This is the third of five multi-stakeholder consultations under the AI RAM initiative by UNESCO and MeitY, following earlier sessions in New Delhi and Bangalore. Aimed at shaping an India-specific AI policy report, the initiative focuses on mapping strengths and opportunities in the ethical AI ecosystem. Open to policymakers, technologists, academia, and practitioners, this consultation is an opportunity to help shape a responsible, future-ready AI roadmap for the country. Interested participants may register on this link: https://forms.gle/3emuaGpgZuvMghYq9
This initiative comes at a pivotal time as India rolls out its ambitious INDIAai Mission, backed by over ₹10,000 crore in funding. At its core is the Safe and Trusted AI pillar, reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to ethical, accountable, and secure AI development. By advancing indigenous frameworks, governance tools, and self-assessment guidelines, the mission seeks to empower innovators and make the benefits of AI accessible across sectors.
******
Dharmendra Tewari Navin Sreejith
(Release ID: 2119746) Visitor Counter : 87
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will meet the media at around 6.15pm today (April 7) at the lobby of the West Wing, Central Government Offices (CGO), 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar. Media coverage is invited.
Media representatives are advised to proceed to the venue through the Press Entrance on the ground floor of the East Wing of the CGO.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Development of Web3 and Virtual Assets visited the Hong Kong Web3 Festival being held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (April 7) to gain insight into the latest developments in Web3 technology and cryptocurrency.
The Hong Kong Web3 Festival is one of the largest global Web3 events, connecting industry leaders to engage in keynote speeches and discussions, with a view to driving innovation and co-operation. Members received a briefing from representatives of the Hong Kong Web3 Festival on the key features of various stages, which had themes including blockchain infrastructure, crypto finance, as well as Web3 security and compliance, facilitating exchanges among members of the industries.
During the visit, Members also exchanged views with industry representatives on how to further promote the development of Web3 in Hong Kong.
Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Dr Johnny Ng, Subcommittee members Ms Elizabeth Quat, Mr Lam San-keung, Mr Duncan Chiu, and Mr Edmund Wong.
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Austria from 8th to 13th April 2025, today. Smt. Sitharaman is also scheduled to attend Ministerial Level Bilateral meetings in both countries.
During the course of the visit, the Union Finance Minister will participate in the 13th Ministerial round of India – UK Economic & Financial Dialogue and engagements with think tanks, investors, business leaders in United Kingdom and Austria.
The 13th round of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (13th EFD) is scheduled to be held in London, United Kingdom on 9th of April 2025. The 13th EFD dialogue will be co-chaired by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs and the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The 13th EFD is a significant bilateral platform between the two countries that offers opportunities for candid engagement at Minister level, officer-level, working groups and between the respective regulatory bodies in various aspects of financial collaboration, including investment matters, financial services, financial regulations, UPI interlinkages, taxation matters and illicit financial flows.
The key priorities of the 13th EFD dialogue for Indian side include cooperation in IFSC GIFT City, investment, insurance and pension sectors, FinTech and Digital economy, and mobilising affordable and sustainable climate finance.
The Union Finance Minister and the Rt. Hon. Chancellor of the Exchequer are also set to announce and launch various reports and new initiatives for further collaborations.
On the sidelines of India-UK 13th EFD, Smt. Sitharaman will engage in bilateral meetings with key dignitaries, participate in investor roundtables and other meetings with heads of key financial institutions and companies.
During the United Kingdom leg of the official visit, the Union Finance Minister will deliver the keynote address at the India-UK Investor Roundtable in presence of Chief Executive Officers of international organisations, including key management personnel from across the UK financial ecosystem covering pension funds, insurance companies, banks, and financial services institutions among others.
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman along with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds will co-host the Roundtable in partnership with City of London, with top CEOs and senior management of prominent pension funds and asset managers in UK as participants.
During the Austrian leg of the official visit, the Union Finance Minister will hold bilateral meetings with senior Austrian government leaders, including with Mr Markus Marterbauer, Finance Minister, Austria; and H.E. Mr. Christian Stocker, the Federal Chancellor, Austria.
Smt. Sitharaman and Mr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austrian Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, will co-chair a session with key Austrian CEOs to apprise them of existing and upcoming opportunities in India for deeper investment collaboration between the two countries.
****
NB/KMN
(Release ID: 2119693) Visitor Counter : 172
Source: Government of India
Harit Yoga Launched: Yoga unites personal health with planetary health on 75th Countdown to IDY 2025
Odisha Yoga Connect: More than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts practiced CYP at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar
More than 5000 medicinal plants were distributed among the Yoga enthusiasts
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 11:58AM by PIB Delhi
Bhubaneshwar witnessed a grand celebration as more than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts practiced Common Yoga Protocol at Kalinga stadium today. One of the Signature Events, ‘Harit Yoga’ launched as Union State Minister of Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav along with other dignitaries planted medicinal plants to mark the launching of the signature event. Medicinal plants were distributed to all the Yoga enthusiasts.
While addressing the gathering, Hon’ble minister said, “Yoga has gained unprecedented popularity in last 10 years and now it has become a global phenomenon. In his Mann ki Baat address on 30 March, 2025 Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like International Yoga Day. While sharing India’s vision for a healthier world population, the PM mentioned the theme of IDY 2025 as ‘Yoga for one earth One health’. The theme ensures holistic health for whole world.”
Speaking about the ‘Harit Yoga’ initiative, the Hon’ble Minister emphasised: “Our health is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Just as Yoga nourishes our mind and body, tree plantation nourishes the Earth, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.”
With this the Union State Minister of Ayush Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav announced the launching of ‘Harit Yoga’ and said that Harit Yoga is part of the 10 Signature Events of IDY 2025. Union State Minister Shri Jadhav planted medicinal plants along with other dignitaries to mark the launch of Harit Yoga.
Mentioning about sustainability and environmental aspect of Yoga, the Union Minister of State aligned Harit Yoga with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and said, “This initiative encourages individuals to plant trees as a symbolic act of nurturing both personal and planetary health.”
Hon’ble Minister also highlighted the success of the ‘Prakruti Parikshan Abhiyan’ in which Prakruti Parikshan of more than 1.29 crore people was conducted earning a place in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Ms. Pravati Parida thrusting on the power of Yoga said, “Yoga inspires us to adopt healthy lifestyle. Let us integrate Yoga into our daily lives and draw strength from the divine energy of Lord Jagannath. On behalf of Odisha Government, we expressed gratitude to Government of India and Ministry of Ayush for giving Odisha and opportunity to become part of IDY 2025 in organizing 75th day countdown in Bhubaneshwar.”
While acknowledging the success of Yoga as a soft power at global scale, Member of Parliament, Puri Lok Sabha, Sh. Sambit Patra said, “Thanks to the vision of our Hon’ble PM, 177 countries unanimously adopted India’s proposal to declare 21st June as International Day of Yoga in 2014.”
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush praised the enthusiastic turnout and noted that the 11th edition of IDY is poised to witness record-breaking global participation.
The event was also witnessed the auspicious presence of Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ayush; Ms Sulochna Das, Mayor, Bhubaneshwar, Nishant Mehra, OSD to Ayush Minister and several other distinguished guests.
After the addresses, the demonstrators of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the leadership of Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director MDNIY, performed a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol. More than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts performed the Common Yoga Protocol under the ambience of Kalinga Stadium. The programme was streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other Yoga institutions.
Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was given a huge importance in today’s Yoga Mahotsav. CYP is designed with inputs from experts as it comprises day-to-day Yoga practice to reap all the benefits of Yoga. The protocol is intended to popularise Yoga practices like Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Dhyan, etc. Each Yogic activity is key to improving flexibility, strength, balance, and harmony. Yoga Portal by the Government of India is a platform to help people embrace, practice, and enjoy Yoga every day.
To mark the launch of Harit Yoga more than 5000 medicinal plants were distributed amongst the Yoga enthusiasts. This initiative integrates Yoga with environmental consciousness.
The Yoga Mahotsav in Bhubaneswar marked a significant step towards IDY-2025, reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to promoting holistic health and environmental sustainability through Yoga.
10 unique signature events to guide events to International Day of Yoga 2025
This year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:
● Yoga Sangama – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations, aiming for a world record.
● Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
● Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
● Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
● Yoga Prabhava – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
● Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
● Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
● Yoga Unplugged– An event to attract young people to Yoga
● Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
● SamYogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.
Annexure
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:
● IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.
● IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.
● IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.
● IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched BHUVAN-YOGA and Yoga Locator apps.
● IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.
● IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.
● IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Sky tree.
● IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.
● IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.
● IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.
***
MV/SB/AR
(Release ID: 2119672) Visitor Counter : 33
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 2:15PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash participated in a PASSEX with the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Anzac-class frigate Te Kaha on 04 Apr 25 in the Gulf of Aden. This exercise marked the culmination of the New Zealand led CTF 150 Joint Focused Operation ANZAC Tiger (27 Mar – 04 Apr 2025), a Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operation in which INS Tarkash was mission deployed.
The PASSEX involved a range of interoperability drills, including cross-deck landings, cross boarding, Sea Rider exchanges, and tactical manoeuvres, all integrated with communication procedure exercises. This provided a valuable opportunity for the two navies to exchange best practices, further strengthen their bilateral maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability.
Conducted in the strategic Indian Ocean Region, this event underscores the strong and enduring relationship between India and New Zealand, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s role as a key and preferred security partner committed to regional maritime stability.
*****
VM/SKS
(Release ID: 2119659) Visitor Counter : 24
Source: Government of India
INDIA HAS ESTABLISHED PRIMACY OF JUSTICE BY REPLACING ‘INDIAN PENAL CODE’ WITH THE ‘BHARATIYA NYAY SANHITA’: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
LOK SABHA SPEAKER DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT 150th ASSEMBLY OF INTER PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) IN TASHKENT
LOK SABHA SPEAKER WISHES THE GATHERING AT 150TH IPU ON THE OCCASION OF RAM NAVAMI
Posted On: 06 APR 2025 8:20PM by PIB Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today highlighted the inclusive and welfarist nature of Constitution of India, mentioning that “the spirit of the Indian Constitution is to treat all citizens equally, provide them with equal opportunities, and integrate the marginalized and backward sections of society into the ‘mainstream of progress.”
Delivering the Keynote Address on the theme “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice” at the historic 150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at Tashkent, Uzbekistan,Shri Birla observed that “In recent years, the Indian Parliament has passed several legislations that promote social justice and security and encourage the inclusion of all sections of society.”On the occasion, he also extended Ram Navami greetings to the gathering at the 150thassembly of IPU.
Referring to the Parliament’s perennial concern for safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable segments of society, he added that “Bills like the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2016’, the ‘Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019’, and the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam-2023’ safeguard the interests of all sections of society.” in this context, he also referred to new Labor laws and codes passed by Parliament for the welfare and social security of workers in the unorganized sector.
Stressing that Indian Parliament has taken several measures prioritising justice and rule of law, Shri Birla mentioned that “By replacing the ‘Indian Penal Code’ with the ‘BharatiyaNyay Sanhita’, India has established the primacy of justice”. Referring to functioning of Parliamentary Committees in achieving the goals of development and social justice, Shri Birla noted that the various Parliamentary Committees, often referred to as Mini Parliaments, perform a complimentary function to the efforts of Parliament and the government. He highlighted that the Committees on Social Justice and Empowerment; Committee on Women Empowerment; Committee on Labour and Skill Development, and other diverse committees monitor welfare programmes leading to implementation of schemes with effectiveness and accountability.
Shri Birla stressed that Government of India works with a mission to achieve targets set for key human development indicators. In this regard, he specifically mentioned that “Under the world’s largest health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), free health insurance is being provided to the bottom 40% of India’s population”.
Praising the strong and visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Birla said “Under Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership, India has achieved the distinction of being the world’s fastest-growing major economy with a 105% GDP growth over the past decade and is rapidly progressing towards its goal of Viksit Bharat in 2047.” Noting that India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and is on its way toward becoming the third-largest economy, Shri Birla said that India is playing a leading role in the world in fields like Innovation, AI, Startups, Space and Defense Technology, IT, Fintech, Pharma, and others.
He hoped that the discussions at the IPU Assembly would provide all delegations with new perspectives and will allow Parliaments around the world to be able to take concrete steps toward building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
Speaking on the role of IPU in the present world order, Shri Birla mentioned that the IPU continues to add new dimensions to global parliamentary cooperation. He underlined that the theme chosen for the 150th IPU Assembly reflects the expansion of the spirit of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam,’ which is deeply rooted in Indian culture, tradition, and philosophy.
INDIA AND VIETNAM ARE PROGRESSING TOWARD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, DRIVEN BY THEIR RESPECTIVE VISIONS AND SHARED GOALS OF DEVELOPMENT
On the sidelines of the 150th IPU Summit, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met HE. Mr. Tran Thanh Man, President, the National Assembly of Vietnam. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Birla fondly recalled his visit to Vietnam in April 2022, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam. He also emphasized the close cultural and historical ties between the two countries, which have strengthened through high-level discussions in recent years. Shri Birla expressed satisfaction that both countries are progressing toward sustainable development, driven by their respective visions for 2047 (India) and 2045 (Vietnam).
Shri Birla emphasized that cooperation in various sectors such as defense, technology, infrastructure, and nuclear energy has helped shape their future frameworks. Shri Birla noted that both countries’ parliamentary institutions play a key role in meeting people’s expectations and promoting public welfare, with India utilizing emerging technologies to enhance parliamentary processes and citizen participation. He also informed that the “Digital Parliament” initiative in India has improved efficiency, transparency, and productivity in parliamentary operations. He also highlighted the significant number of Vietnamese students benefiting from educational and training scholarships in India.
President of the National Assembly of Vietnam emphasized the cultural ties between the two countries. The President also underlined the need for strengthening the close defence and technology ties between India and Vietnam. He extended an invitation to Shri Birla to visit Vietnam. Formation of friendship group between India and Vietnam were also discussed.
***
AM
(Release ID: 2119611) Visitor Counter : 61
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 9:54AM by PIB Delhi
Resham Talwar had always believed in the power of voice. As a visually challenged artist, she knew that her voice carried more than just words, it carried emotion, expression, and the ability to bring characters to life. She didn’t let her disability define her. Instead, she carved a space for herself in the highly competitive world of voice acting. Winning the Voice Acting category at WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) in Delhi elevated her journey, proving her artistry could break through any barrier. Resham’s expertise in radio jockeying, voice-overs, and audio editing had already proven her capabilities, but WAM!! put her on a bigger stage. Her talent resonated with industry leaders, opening doors that had remained closed for far too long. It’s stories like hers that highlight why WAM!! isn’t just a competition, it’s a movement that’s shaking up the creative industry.
This dynamic initiative, organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), aims to harness India’s growing enthusiasm for anime and manga by providing a platform for creators to showcase their talent. WAM!! encourages artists to develop localised adaptations of popular Japanese styles, catering to both Indian and global audiences, with opportunities for publishing, distribution, and industry exposure that foster artistic expression and nurture emerging talent. The competition will feature state-level contests across 11 cities, culminating in a grand national finale at World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai.
WAM! is a cornerstone of the broader WAVES 2025, an ambitious event set to unfold at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May. WAVES aims to position India as a global powerhouse in media and entertainment, drawing inspiration from iconic gatherings like Davos and Cannes. It’s a first-of-its-kind summit, uniting films, OTT platforms, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, and the burgeoning AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sector under one roof. With India’s media and entertainment industry poised for massive growth, targeting a $50 billion market by 2029, WAVES is set to be the catalyst that propels the nation to the forefront of global storytelling.
At the heart of WAVES lies the Create in India Challenges (CIC), a series of competitions designed to unearth and nurture talent across diverse creative fields. Season 1 of CIC has already sparked a frenzy, attracting over 77,000 entries, including more than 500 participants from 35 countries. From this vast pool, over 725 top creators will converge at the grand finale during WAVES 2025, showcasing their work and vying for global recognition. The challenges celebrate India’s rich tapestry of regional storytelling, reflecting the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity. WAM!!, as one of the standout initiatives under CIC, zeroes in on the anime and manga domains, offering a stage for both amateurs and professionals to shine. It’s a movement that not only discovers hidden gems but also bridges the gap between raw talent and industry opportunity, transforming dreams into tangible careers.
To appreciate why WAM!! matters, it’s helpful to explore what manga and anime are, especially for people in India. Manga is simply a type of comic book or graphic novel that started in Japan. It’s like the comics you might read, but it covers all sorts of stories, think exciting adventures, sweet love tales, spooky horrors, or magical fantasies. What makes manga special is its look: the characters often have big, lively eyes and the drawings can be super simple or packed with detail, depending on the story. Unlike most books, you read manga from right to left, and it usually starts as short pieces in magazines before being put together into books called “tankōbon.” Anime, on the other hand, is like manga brought to life—it’s the cartoon version you watch on a screen, with movement and voices added to the same kinds of stories. There’s something for everyone: ‘shonen’ is for young boys and full of action and friendship, ‘shojo’ is for young girls and focuses on romance, ‘seinen’ is for grown-up men with deeper or darker ideas, and ‘josei’ is for adult women with everyday life or love stories that feel real.
In India, manga and anime have become incredibly popular over the last ten years, thanks to how easy they are to find and the excited fans who love them. There are around 180 million anime fans in the country, making India the second-biggest anime market in the world, just behind China. These fans are expected to play a huge part in making anime even more popular globally, driving 60% of its growth. Shows like “Naruto,” “Dragon Ball,” “One Piece,” “Attack on Titan,” and “My Hero Academia” have become huge hits, winning over massive followings across India and showing just how much people here love these stories.
The anime market in India was worth $1,642.5 million in 2023, and it’s set to grow to $5,036.0 million by 2032. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ Hotstar have made it simple for people to watch anime, adding subtitles so Indian viewers can enjoy them. Manga is also getting easier to find, with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart selling these comic books, and some special shops popping up too. Yet, despite this boom, India faces a critical shortage of skilled talent in the anime and manga industry, a gap that WAM is determined to bridge by fostering homegrown creators.
Resham’s win is just one of many amazing stories coming out of WAM!. Take Angel Yadav, a high school student from Sunbeam Varuna in Varanasi, who stunned judges in the Manga (Student Category) at WAM Varanasi. Her artwork impressed Vaibhavi Studio in Kolkata so much that they offered her a job, showing that even young people can make a big impact in this field. Another success is Randeep Singh, a professional manga artist who entered WAM! Bhubaneswar. The judges loved his work, calling it good enough to be printed, and while he keeps working on his own manga, he’s already getting paid projects from Vaibhavi Studio. These examples show how WAM! changes lives, helping people turn their love for creating into real careers, with big names in the industry supporting them along the way.
The support for WAM! extends far beyond individual triumphs, drawing in some of the biggest names in the business. Srikkanth Konatham, Director of BOB Pictures, has pledged to attend every future WAM! event, eager to scout talent ready to hit the ground running. Navin Miranda of ToonSutra is offering distribution deals in the webtoon space to winners, while Rajeswari Roy from eTV Bal Bharat is providing pitching opportunities in anime. Nilesh Patel, founder of central India’s largest animation studio, has gone further, promising placements for winners and internships for finalists. This industry backing isn’t just lip service, it’s a lifeline, ensuring that WAM! participants don’t just compete but thrive in a competitive global market.
What sets WAM! apart is its ability to democratise creativity. It’s a platform where a visually challenged voice actor like Resham can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a teenage manga artist like Angel or a seasoned professional like Randeep. As part of WAVES 2025, WAM! is more than a contest, it’s a revolution, reshaping how India’s creative talents are discovered, nurtured, and celebrated. With the summit on the horizon, the world will watch as India’s storytellers, rooted in a legacy of folklore and now embracing modern mediums like anime and manga, take centre stage. For Resham and countless others, WAM! isn’t just a win, it’s the beginning of a legacy, one that promises to burn brighter with every passing year.
Source: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
WAM!: India’s Manga & Anime Boom
****
Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia
(Release ID: 2119648) Visitor Counter : 64
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 9:13AM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) launched a revamped Microdata Portal during the recently held Conference of State Government Ministers, marking a significant step in enhancing data accessibility, user experience, and the integration of advanced technologies in the Official Statistical System. The new portal, which serves as a centralized repository for extensive statistical data collected from national surveys and economic census overcomes technological limitations faced by the previous portal. In collaboration with the World Bank Technology Team, MOSPI has adopted a modern, scalable technology stack that not only ensures compliance with the latest security standards but also supports a responsive design and data access mechanism. The portal can be accessed at https://microdata.gov.in/.
On this occasion the web site of National Statistical System Training Academy was also launched. It will facilitate ease of access of information regarding capacity building initiative of the ministry by making them available at one place. The website can be accessed at www.nssta.gov.in.The portal & the website have been developed in-house by Data Informatics & Innovation Division of the ministry.
MoSPI also presented a Proof of Concept (PoC) for an AI/ML-based classification tool designed to ease the use of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) in production of official statistics. The tool leverages natural language processing to allow stakeholders to enter text queries, subsequently suggesting the top five relevant NIC codes. This innovation not only reduces manual effort but also increases the productivity of enumerators, leading to more accurate data collection and ultimately better planning and policy-making. This has been the outcome of the recently concluded Hackathon organized by the ministry.
The launch of these portals and website along with innovative AI-driven tools underscores commitment of the ministry to leverage the latest technological advancements for data management leading to strengthening of the statistical system. These initiatives are set to foster a more data-driven approach to policymaking, ensuring that government interventions are both precise and context-specific, ultimately contributing to goal of Viksit Bharat.
***
Samrat/Allen
(Release ID: 2119641) Visitor Counter : 51
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 9:12AM by PIB Delhi
The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) organizes National Seminars at regular intervals following the release of survey reports based on data collected in the National Sample Surveys. The seminar serves as an academic platform where experts, researchers, academia, and government officials from various institutions present and discuss research papers based on the survey findings. So far, seventeen (17) National Seminars have been organized in reputed institutes and universities across the country.
Continuing this tradition, the 18th National Seminar on survey results of NSS 78th Round: Multiple indicator Survey, 79th Round: Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) and Survey on Ayush, Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), and Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is being organized by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India at Goa University, Panaji, Goa, on the 8th and 9th of April 2025.
The seminar will be inaugurated by Director General (NSS) and the Vice-Chancellor of Goa University will grace the occasion. Distinguished members of various expert Committees under whose guidance the survey instruments were finalised will also honour the event with their presence and participation in the discussions.
The event will host 225 participants, including researchers, academicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The event will also be attended by the experts from international organizations, experts from private survey agencies and professors/scholars from renowned institutions.
For the 18th National Seminar around 40 research papers were received from Assistant Professors, Research scholars & students of various universities/colleges of across India, in-service and retired officers of Indian Statistical Service, other Government officers of different State /Central Govt. departments, researchers, data users etc.. Following a thorough evaluation by the Paper Selection Committee, 14 papers have been shortlisted for presentation. The seminar will comprise five technical sessions, during which these selected papers will be presented. The presentations will be based on survey findings related to the aforementioned key thematic areas of the seminar.
The seminar will present research papers which broadly cover emerging topics of current importance, including ICT skills inequality, financial inclusion, the impact of health insurance, digital competency among youth, and insights into the platform economy, particularly app-based cab services and delivery services, all based on NSS survey data. Topics related to consumption patterns across household types, and AYUSH utilization, productivity in informal economies related to the unincorporated sector and industries will also be covered.
The papers titled “Predicting an NSS Indicator Value: A Machine Learning Approach” , “A neural network approach to identify features associated with multidimensional poverty in rural India”, utilise advanced computational techniques to analyze large datasets, uncover patterns, and make predictions or classifications across various fields.
Apart from the research papers, a session on presentations by the Stakeholder Ministries/Private survey agencies on utility of National Sample Survey data is also included in the proceedings of the seminar. The seminar aims to facilitate informed discussions, policy recommendations, and data-driven insights on these critical topics, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and governance.
Participants are encouraged to join this significant event through open registration. The registration link is provided below:
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on YouTube. Watch it on the official MoSPI YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@GoIStats.
For more information about National Sample Surveys and Reports, please visit the MoSPI website at www.mospi.gov.in.
****
Samrat/ Allen
(Release ID: 2119640) Visitor Counter : 50
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 9:07AM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has reaffirmed commitment to build a healthier world on World Health Day. Shri Modi said that government will keep focusing on healthcare and invest in different aspects of people’s well-being. Good health is the foundation of every thriving society.
The Prime Minister wrote on X;
“On World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier world. Our Government will keep focusing on healthcare and invest in different aspects of people’s well-being. Good health is the foundation of every thriving society!”
On World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier world. Our Government will keep focusing on healthcare and invest in different aspects of people’s well-being. Good health is the foundation of every thriving society! pic.twitter.com/2XEpVmPza9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 7, 2025
***
MJPS/ST
(Release ID: 2119639) Visitor Counter : 89
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Board of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) endorsed on March 31, 2025, the appointment of Mrs Vivian Cheung Kar-fay as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AA for three years with effect from today (April 7). The appointment has been approved by the Chief Executive.
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, extends a warm welcome to Mrs Cheung as she takes up the position of CEO of the AA. She said, “I trust that under Mrs Cheung’s leadership, the AA will continue to strengthen the leading position of Hong Kong International Airport as an international aviation hub and promote the long-term development of the airport, including leveraging the immerse opportunities brought by the Three-Runway System, transforming the airport into a world-leading Airport City, integrating with the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through enhanced intermodal connectivity, and promoting continuous innovation for excellence in aviation. The Government will continue to work closely with the AA to take our aviation industry to new heights.”
​Under the Airport Authority Ordinance, the appointment of the CEO of the AA requires the Chief Executive’s approval.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ: TDTH) (“Trident” or the “Company”), a Singapore-based leader in digital transformation, technology optimization, and Web 3.0 activation, today announced progress in its pioneering public-private partnership (PPP) with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This follows a series of engagements in the country during a recent delegation led by Soon Huat Lim, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Trident, showcasing the transformative potential of the Company’s digital identification technology.
On March 15th, 2025, a significant moment took place in Kinshasa as H.E. Augustin Kibassa Maliba, DRC Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Technology, initiated the validation phase of the collaboration. At the event, Minister Kibassa detailed the government’s commitment to driving the initiative forward, including embedding the technology into public and private services, launching a nationwide awareness and training program, enhancing technological infrastructure with sovereign cloud systems and secure data centers, and promoting local innovation by empowering startups and digital stakeholders to strengthen the digital ecosystem.
Caption: Trident CEO Soon Huat Lim at the project validation work launch in Kinshasa, DRC, on March 15, 2025.
Mr. Lim joined the event and highlighted the transformative power of this secure digital identity solution: “This initiative will transform all sectors of our economy by reducing identity fraud and cybercrime to protect our digital future, revolutionizing public administration through less bureaucracy and greater transparency, accelerating financial inclusion by providing millions of unbanked citizens access to banking services and digital payments, facilitating student identification, online learning, and academic verification in education, and enabling better healthcare access with secure medical records.”
With validation efforts underway, Trident and the DRC government are set to deploy a secure, inclusive digital identity system that promises transformative opportunities for Congolese citizens, delivering significant impact such as the creation of over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs in digital technology, cybersecurity, administration, and services; a 40% increase in financial inclusion, enabling millions to access banking and digital services; a 50% reduction in administrative delays to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of public services; stimulation of economic growth through facilitated cross-border trade and investment; and, improved social protection and public services via secure digital identification for healthcare, education, and social assistance.
Minister Kibassa reinforced this outlook, emphasizing the project’s profound significance. He noted that this stands as a revolutionary step toward enhancing governance, inclusion, and transparency, serving as a vital foundation for economic transformation under the leadership of His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi and Her Excellency Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, according to Minister Kibassa’s remarks.
“Thanks to the cutting-edge technologies such as Web 3.0 blockchain, artificial intelligence, biometrics, and zero-knowledge proofs, Trident will redefine trust in digital interactions. This is more than a tool—it’s a catalyst for transformation across the nation and the continent,” adds Lim.
Throughout his visit in the DRC, Lim also met with government officials, local innovators, and business leaders to foster collaboration and cultivate the digital ecosystem. He reaffirmed Trident’s commitment to empowering Congolese startups and digital enterprises, ensuring the project drives local economic growth while establishing the DRC as a leader in Africa’s digital revolution.
About Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd
Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ: TDTH), headquartered in Singapore, is a global leader in digital optimization, technology services, and Web 3.0 activation. The Company delivers cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance client experiences and promote digital adoption. Its flagship product, Tridentity, is a blockchain-based identity platform offering secure single sign-on authentication for integrated third-party systems across industries. Designed with unparalleled security features, Tridentity protects sensitive data and mitigates threats, heralding a new era of trust in the global digital landscape. Beyond Tridentity, Trident aims to lead Web 3.0 activation worldwide, connecting businesses to reliable, tailored, and optimized technological platforms.
Media Relations
Brad Burgess, SVP
ICR, LLC
Email: Brad.Burgess@icrinc.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f9be26d-abe5-42cf-8cd9-51768931bbe8
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The XXVII Conference of Young Scientists “Navigation and Traffic Control” with international participation was held in Saint Petersburg. At the conference, Polytechnic University was successfully represented by 4th-year students Nikolay Kiz and Georgy Makarov from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU, studying in the field of “Mechatronics and Robotics”.
The conference was held at the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation JSC Concern TsNII Elektropribor and brought together students and postgraduates from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Vietnam and Syria. The program featured more than 120 reports, divided into nine sections.
Students of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics Nikolay Kiz and Georgy Makarov spoke in the sections “Integrated inertial and satellite systems” and “Artificial intelligence technologies in navigation and traffic control problems”. Nikolay presented a report on the topic “Research and development of a calibration algorithm for a four-diode sensor for the orientation of a small spacecraft”, and Georgy – “Detection of road obstacles on a digital terrain model”. Following the conference, their work was recognized as the best in the sections.
For Georgy and me, this conference was the first such experience, so the result surprised us both. It is very nice that the experts appreciated our reports. This experience will certainly help in the upcoming defense of the diploma work, so the presentation at the conference can be considered excellent training, – Nikolay noted.
The conference of young scientists marked the beginning of my scientific career. Nikolay and I really liked the level of organization on the part of the Central Research Institute “Elektropribor”, the involvement of the participants. All the reports were informative and interesting. Winning in the nomination will serve as a good incentive to conduct further research in satellite systems and artificial intelligence, – said Georgy.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: GlobalData
In a significant step toward strengthening the air defense capabilities of the Philippines, the US government has approved the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets valued at approximately $5.6 billion. This acquisition will enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to safeguard its airspace, improve regional security, and boost interoperability with allied forces in the Indo-Pacific, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report, “The Global Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Market 2025-2035,” reveals that the Philippines will be spending about $5.1 billion on procuring various types of aircrafts over the next 10 years. Out of which, 79% will be directed towards the procurement of combat aircrafts.
Udayini Aakunoor, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Amid the growing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, F-16s are expected to serve as a deterrent against potential security threats while reinforcing the country’s territorial defense. The advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities of the combat-proven F-16 aircraft will allow the Philippine Air Force to conduct more effective patrols, intercept potential threats, and respond to any incursions into its airspace.”
This procurement aligns with the Philippines’ strategic goal of deepening defense ties with the US. The two countries have maintained a long-standing military partnership, reinforced through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and frequent joint military exercises. The F-16’s compatibility with US and NATO-standard weaponry, combined with joint military exercises such as Balikatan, ensures that the Philippines can operate seamlessly alongside allied air forces in the event of a regional security crisis.
Aakunoor concludes: “With the F-16 acquisition, the Philippines is poised to make significant strides in modernizing its air force under the long-term Horizon 3 military modernization program, equipping the aircraft fleet with the necessary capabilities such as advanced avionics and precision-guided munitions to address current and future security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This development underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its military readiness and strategic partnerships in an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape in the region.”
Source: GlobalData
Malaysia credit and charge card payments market to grow by 6.8% in 2025, forecasts GlobalData
Posted in Banking
Malaysia’s credit and charge card payments market is expected to register a growth of 6.8% to reach MYR245.7 billion ($53.7 billion) in 2025. This growth will be driven by the rising consumer spending and increasing consumer preference for cashless transactions, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that credit and charge card payment value in Malaysia registered a growth of 7.9% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending. The value is forecast to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% between 2025 and 2029 to reach MYR304.3 billion ($66.5 billion) in 2029.
Kartik Challa, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Credit and charge cards were the most preferred payment cards in Malaysia, accounting for 59.7% of total card payment value in 2024. This was mainly driven by the rewards, discounts, cashback, and interest-free installment facilities offered with these cards, as well as developing payment infrastructure and a growing e-commerce market.”
Malaysians are increasingly using credit and charge cards for payments, with the frequency of payments per card standing at 82.8 times in 2024, much higher compared to 37.7 times for debit cards. This figure is anticipated to further rise to 107.1 by 2029.
Challa adds: “This is driven by banks offering flexible repayment options and value-added benefits such as cashback, reward points, discounts, and installment facilities. CIMB Malaysia offers ‘0% Easy Pay,’ allowing customers to pay for purchases in monthly interest free installment of up to 36 months at more than 1,000 participating merchants.”
Growing POS terminalization has been another key driver for the rise of credit and charge cards in Malaysia. The number of POS terminals per million inhabitants in Malaysia stood at 27,693 in 2024, which is higher compared to its peers such as Thailand (13,507), Indonesia (8,142), India (6,964) and Vietnam (5,988), though there is significant room for further expansion of POS infrastructure.
Rising e-commerce payments are also contributing to the growth in credit and charge card usage. According to GlobalData’s E-Commerce Analytics, credit and charge cards are one of the most preferred payment methods for online payments, with 17.1% share in 2024.
Moreover, banks in Malaysia offer debt consolidation option to credit card holders, which will further help boost usage. For instance, UOB offers the UOB Bank Transfer program, which allows customers to consolidate their outstanding credit card balances from other banks. The program is designed to help credit card holders to manage their debt and avoid default by offering lower interest rate and extended repayment terms.
Challa concludes: “The Malaysian credit and charge card market is poised for sustained growth over the next five years, driven by the economic recovery, growing consumer preference for electronic payments, a rising middle-class and young working population, and growth in e-commerce payments. However, challenges such as global trade war between major countries, and geopolitical uncertainty remain obstacles to the market.”
*GlobalData’s 2024 Financial Services Consumer Survey was carried out in Q2 2024. Approximately 67,292 respondents aged 18+ were surveyed across 41 countries.
Source: GlobalData
Asian equities lead global sell-off after US-China trade dispute escalates, says GlobalData
Posted in Business Fundamentals
Following the announcement of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs across the world coupled with China’s retaliatory measures;
Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:
“Global financial markets were rocked on Monday (07 April 2025) by a widespread sell-off, as escalating recession fears and a sudden tariff standoff between the US and China sent shockwaves across major economies. Asian equities suffered their worst rout in years, plunging to multi-year lows in a day marked by panic and uncertainty.
“The market meltdown was sparked by the US administration’s surprise imposition of sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, swiftly countered by Beijing’s retaliatory levies. The renewed trade war fears have reignited concerns of a global economic slowdown, shattering already fragile investor confidence. Consequently, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond their borders—roiling emerging markets, disrupting global supply chains, and eroding capital markets’ resilience
“Japan’s Nikkei 225 and the broader Topix index both plunged sharply, with all constituents in the red, prompting a brief halt in futures trading as circuit breakers kicked in. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng endured one of its steepest declines in recent years, while China’s CSI300 and Shanghai Composite also witnessed significant losses, driven by sharp selloffs in major tech names like Alibaba and Tencent.
“The downturn rippled across Asia—South Korea’s Kospi, Singapore’s benchmark, and Taiwan’s equity markets all faced steep declines. Markets in Malaysia and the Philippines followed suit, adding to the region-wide sell-off. India was not spared either, with the Sensex and Nifty 50 tumbling and wiping out trillions in investor wealth in a single session. All 30 Sensex stocks closed in the red, with Tata Steel, Tata Motors, and major IT firms among the biggest drags.
“Meanwhile, US futures signalled further pain ahead following Friday’s steep losses, where the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow each shed nearly 6%.
“GlobalData believes the path forward hinges on policy clarity and diplomatic engagement. While China may remain an outlier in near-term negotiations, signs of constructive trade talks with other key economies could help restore investor confidence. Historically, markets have shown a capacity to rebound strongly when geopolitical risks subside or when policy responses appear measured. As such, even modest diplomatic progress or tariff rollbacks could serve as catalysts for a broad-based recovery in global equities.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
The UK is now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.
Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visiting the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) offices in London.
Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.
The increase is the result of an additional £10 million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response.
It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar.
The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5 million.
UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits.
The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.
Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:
Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.
It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.
We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.
The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.
Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:
UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.
Media enquiries
Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7008 3100
Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
A rescue and medical team from Yunnan province arrives at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan province, April 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A 37-member rescue and medical team from southwest China’s Yunnan province returned from Myanmar on Sunday afternoon, after completing their earthquake relief work.
A 7.9-magnitude quake struck Myanmar on March 28. At around 6:30 a.m. Beijing time on March 29, the team from Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, took off from Kunming — Yunnan’s capital city — to the quake-stricken areas in Myanmar boarding a flight, carrying with them life detectors, seismic warning systems, portable satellite telephones and drones.
As the first Chinese rescue team to arrive in Myanmar, they immediately joined forces with local firefighters and rescuers to carry out rescue and medical operations in the severely-affected Naypyidaw, which lasted for over 150 hours.
At 5 a.m. March 30 local time, the team, joined by local forces, rescued an elderly person who had been trapped for nearly 40 hours at a local hospital.
A China Media Group report said on Wednesday that more than 500 Chinese rescue workers were in Myanmar for rescue and relief missions, all together. As of Thursday, Chinese rescue teams had successfully saved nine survivors from the quake-affected areas.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan
As a city where East meets West and tradition intertwines with innovation, we are proud to host you to collectively chart the course of Web3.
As a technology, blockchain is displaying its vast potential, significantly increasing transaction efficiency, lowering costs and enhancing market transparency. Today, we are witnessing a marked increase in the institutional adoption of Web3, with traditional banks, asset managers and brokers increasingly integrating digital assets into their offerings.
As more jurisdictions embrace cryptocurrencies, the market has been energised with optimism, marked by a bullish trend over the past year or so.
But beyond finance and the enthusiasm on cryptocurrency, we all agree that blockchain can bring real benefits to the people. For example, ReFi (regenerative finance) is gaining traction. Tokenised carbon credits enable the transparent tracking of emissions reductions, reinforcing trust in voluntary carbon markets.
Meanwhile, the convergence of Web3 and AI is unlocking new frontiers. In finance, decentralised AI algorithms enhance credit assessments, audit smart contracts with greater precision, and deliver hyper-personalised investment strategies. Beyond finance, this synergy streamlines supply chains, revolutionises healthcare data management, and creates new immersive gaming experiences. Web3 and AI are transforming businesses and public services, driving innovation and efficiency at every turn.
HK: driving Web3 innovation
Allow me to take a few minutes to talk about Web3 in Hong Kong, our attitude and approach towards Web3, and our role in this global transformation.
Hong Kong is pro-Web3. Over two years ago, we published a high-level policy statement on the development of virtual assets, affirming our commitment to a dynamic Web3 ecosystem. Central to this is the principle of the “same activity, same risk, same regulation” approach. Through a balanced and pro-innovation regulatory approach, we seek to maintain a level playing field for market participants and encourage innovative activities in this space.
We have been walking the talk, and have delivered a number of initiatives. We were among the first in the world to have established clear licensing frameworks for virtual asset trading platforms, or VATPs. Indeed, the Securities & Futures Commission has already issued 10 VATP licences. We have also authorised VA (virtual asset) spot ETFs (exchange-traded funds) last year, and Hong Kong now hosts the largest VA ETF market in the Asia Pacific, bridging traditional finance with crypto innovation.
Meanwhile, legislation for stablecoin regulation is set for imminent passage. My colleagues at the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) are working hard to get the relevant licensing regime to go live within this year.
The Government will also conduct consultations on the licensing regimes of over-the-counter trading services and custodian services for VAs. This will solidify Hong Kong’s comprehensive regulatory architecture.
Let me make clear that Hong Kong’s approach to Web3 is not simply about regulation. We aim to strike a balance, ensuring market integrity without stifling innovation. After all, innovation entails risks. The lesson we have learnt is that we need to put it under a balanced regulatory framework so as to enable the sector to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner.
One essential element in our regulatory regime is sandboxes, such as the HKMA’s Project Ensemble. Project Ensemble allows innovators to test various use cases, such as tokenised real-world assets, with early regulatory feedback. This signifies our pro-innovation approach, as we put regulators and innovators in a co-creation process.
Later this year, we will unveil a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets. It will cover how to make use of Web3 to fast-track the development of traditional financial services, empower the real economy and strengthen the application of digital asset technologies.
A few thoughts on Web3
Now, looking ahead, allow me to share a few thoughts we consider important for the future development and success of Web3.
First, it is the very vision of Web3 to enable more equitable use of the Internet, and make transactions more efficient and less costly. Innovation is core to this goal, and regulators should adopt a technology-neutral approach. It would only be counterproductive if jurisdictions or regulatory authorities favour particular types of cryptocurrencies, or rule out technologies or applications at the outset. Markets, not mandates, should decide which innovations prevail.
Second, we all know Web3’s true potential lies well beyond digital assets or cryptocurrencies. Combined with AI, it can be a valuable tool to optimise impact investments, promote inclusive finance, support decarbonisation initiatives, advance sustainable development goals, and more. The global Web3 community should and can strengthen collaboration to support these worthy causes.
Finally, it is essential that new technologies be developed and applied responsibly. AI, for instance, is evolving at speeds that are unexpectedly faster. Decentralised networks bring enormous benefits, but when coupled with AI, challenges such as algorithmic bias, deepfakes and cybersecurity require attention and co-operation at the regional and global levels. Here in Hong Kong, we advocate for suitable guardrails – frameworks that protect investors, consumers and users while encouraging innovation activities. We support a multi-stakeholder approach where governments, regulators and market players across different territories and regions come together to drive forward the sustainable development of Web3.
Concluding remarks
Ladies and gentlemen, to secure a promising and successful future for Web3, we need not just technological innovation, but also a common will to harness creativity and innovation for the benefit of the people. Let me assure you that Hong Kong is committed to this goal. We are here to collaborate with innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and leveraging the transformative power of Web3 for the greater good.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival on April 7.
Source: Toyota
Headline: Lexus presents exhibitions at the 2025 Milan Design Week
Lexus has unveiled its latest design innovations at Milan Design Week 2025, the world’s largest design event. Hosted in the heart of the Tortona District at Superstudio Piu’s Daylight Space, the exhibition features “A-Un”, an immersive installation created in collaboration with Japanese creatives, and “Discover Together”, an interactive exhibition showcasing next-generation designers following the legacy of the Lexus Design Award. The exhibition will be open to the public until April 13, 2025.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Stock markets across the Asia-Pacific traded sharply lower on Monday as financial turmoil sparked by the US “reciprocal tariffs” escalated recession fears worldwide.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 2,445.19 points, or 10.7 percent, to end at 20,404.62 points in Monday’s morning session. The retreat widened from 9.28 percent at opening.
This came on top of losses in Japan, where the benchmark Nikkei stock index shed 2,843.48 points, or 8.42 percent, in the first 15 minutes of trading, the lowest intraday level since October 2023.
“Japanese stocks are unlikely to stop declining unless US stocks cease falling further,” said Yutaka Miura, senior technical analyst at Mizuho Securities Co.
The circuit breaker was triggered for Nikkei stock futures, temporarily halting trading due to the sharp fall.
South Korea’s benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 103.57 points, or 4.2 percent, to 2,361.85 as of 11:20 am.
Due to the sharp decline, the bourse operator placed a sidecar order at 9:12 am, pausing program buying for five minutes, after the KOSPI 200 index fell more than 5 percent for over one minute.
It was the first sidecar order for program buying since August 2024, according to local reports.
The KOSPI plummeted as investors sold off stocks in response to increasing concerns about a recession after the US government revealed “reciprocal tariffs” last week, said analysts here.
Stocks in Singapore dipped over 7 percent at the start of Monday due to concerns about a global trade conflict following several countries mulling to respond to US tariffs.
The Straits Times Index plunged 7.37 percent, or 281.84 points, to 3,544.02 as Asian markets fell sharply.
Meanwhile, Indian shares declined at the beginning of trading on Monday, with the key Nifty index dropping over 3 percent.
The Nifty 50, representing the biggest Indian firms on the national stock exchange, was down 3.55 percent.
The Nifty IT, comprising India’s leading information technology firms, which consider the United States their largest market, was down 5.53 percent.
Local media house The Times of India called Monday’s loss a “bloodbath”.
Australian blue-chip shares dived 6 percent when trading commenced on Monday, due to financial chaos triggered by the US tariffs in global markets.
A benchmark index of the nation’s top 200 publicly traded firms dropped over 6 percent after the market opened, as the repercussions of the US tariffs continued to unsettle investors.
The Australian government was “preparing for further uncertain times”, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday. “You can’t change global events. What you can do is prepare for them,” he told reporters.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump declared a 10 percent baseline tariff on imports from all trading partners and imposed higher rates on specific ones, with the decision provoking sharp criticism from economists, trade experts and foreign governments who view it as a misguided effort to utilize tariffs as a crude tool to tackle intricate trade disparities.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Chief Executive today approved the immediate three-year appointment of Vivian Cheung as the Airport Authority’s (AA) Chief Executive Officer.
Congratulating Mrs Cheung as she takes office, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said: ‘’I trust that under Mrs Cheung’s leadership, the AA will continue to strengthen the leading position of Hong Kong International Airport as an international aviation hub and promote the long-term development of the airport.”
Ms Chan highlighted various aspects of the airport’s development going forward, including the immense opportunities brought by the Three-Runway System, the airport’s transformation into a world-leading Airport City, integration with the Greater Bay Area through enhanced intermodal connectivity, and promoting continuous innovation in the aviation sector overall.
She added that the Government will continue to work closely with the AA to take the city’s aviation industry to new heights.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Press contact:
Mollie Mellows
Tel.: + 44 (0)7342 709384
E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com
Capgemini to establish AI Center of Excellence in Egypt to accelerate AI-driven innovation for global clients
Cairo, April 7, 2025 – Capgemini today announced it will establish an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Egypt focused on accelerating the generative and agentic AI transformation journeys of clients worldwide. Through this new cutting-edge AI hub, Capgemini will invest in research and development, collaborate with local academic institutions, and leverage technology partnerships to help accelerate client adoption of AI at scale. This initiative bolsters Capgemini’s strong ties with Egypt as a strategic innovation hub for global organizations. It also further cements Capgemini’s leadership in AI, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent, leveraging strategic industry partnerships, and accelerating AI-driven innovation to unlock significant value for clients.
Capgemini is committed to driving continued growth and innovation in Egypt. By the end of 2025, it plans to double the number of employees in the country, reaching approximately 1200 highly talented professionals in the fields of digital transformation and innovation.
The new AI hub will house a diverse team of architects, data scientists, product engineers, and project managers, expert in delivering transformative projects from business operations and design to engineering. Clients will benefit from the advantages of time zone alignment, multi-lingual skills, and ease of travel to this conveniently located Global Delivery Center.
“The AI Center of Excellence in this strategic location allows us to support our clients in scaling AI within their own businesses, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation,” said Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini, on the occasion of the France-Egypt Investment Forum. “By investing in the region’s impressive talent and establishing this dedicated AI hub, we are not only fostering significant technological advancements but also creating a robust ecosystem for AI development. Our clients will benefit from enhanced service delivery, industry-specific solutions, and the unique advantages of being supported from Egypt.”
With implementation starting in May 2025, the new AI hub will apply Capgemini’s deep industry-specific expertise to develop intelligent agents that are bespoke to highly regulated industries, such as energy, life sciences and aerospace. It is designed for clients to explore, design and implement cutting-edge technologies that can optimize operations and strategically transform their business, including supply chain and product innovation. By applying advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, Capgemini will help clients across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Asia elevate customer experience to a strategic value driver.
Hossam Seifeldin, CEO of Capgemini in Egypt, said “Egypt is experiencing an impressive growth trajectory, fueled by digitalization and exceptional talent in AI. I am excited to build on the strong foundation we have established in the region. Doubling our workforce and establishing this new AI Center of Excellence will not only drive cutting-edge innovation but also create valuable opportunities for local talent to thrive in a global arena.”
About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com
Attachment