Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK statement for the annual High-Level Segment
UK statement at the annual High-Level Segment of the Human Rights Council. Delivered by Lord Collins, FCDO Minister for Africa, UN, Commonwealth & Human Rights.
Mr Vice President,
I stand here not just as a life-long trade unionist but also as a Minister of an internationalist Labour government committed to human rights and the rule of law.
We have gathered today against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile and uncertain world. Conflicts and geopolitical tensions are robbing people across the world of their most basic rights.
That’s why the United Kingdom backs Ukraine’s right to choose its own future. That’s why the ceasefire in Gaza must be fully implemented. We want to see an end to the conflict, with every hostage released and vital aid reaching Gaza, leading to a credible process towards a two-state solution.
That’s why we welcome the Syrian interim authorities’ efforts to build a more inclusive future for all Syrians. It’s why we welcome Bangladesh engaging with the High Commissioner as it addresses past crimes and future aspirations.
It’s why we are heartbroken by the suffering in Sudan and commend the DRC for bringing the appalling situation in the East of their country to this Council just two weeks ago.
That’s why we are urging China to implement the recommendations of the United Nations High Commissioner’s Xinjiang assessment and respect the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong.
Against this worsening global climate, the United Kingdom is determined to champion equal and inalienable rights for all. So I’m proud that the United Kingdom is standing for election to the Council for the 2026 to 2028 term.
Throughout its many terms on the Council, the United Kingdom has always put respect and partnership at the heart of our approach. And we promise to collaborate in the same spirit once again. If elected, we pledge to defend civic space and fundamental freedoms, supporting civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
We pledge to champion equal rights for all, by standing up for the rights of women and girls and LGBT+ people whose hard-won rights and freedoms are being so cruelly undermined, and by promoting women’s economic empowerment. And we will do all we can to uphold the rule of law. Because human rights and the rule of law are the basic building blocks of sustainable economic growth, stable societies, and humane migration policies.
We will prioritise human rights and governance principles, including the use of new technologies and responding to modern slavery.
But the United Kingdom is under no illusion that we can do all this alone. We cannot. That’s why we need your support. And if we have the honour of serving on the Council, we will prioritise practical action to achieve our shared human rights goals and change people’s lives for the better.
Ultimately, it is only by building genuine, respectful partnerships that we can work together to defend the freedoms we all hold so dear.
FST-J 25-71 (Resilient Shield) will provide computer-generated training to commands ashore and ships at sea. This training provides the opportunity for ships, Patriot batteries, and command centers to integrate and hone warfighting skills collectively in a tactically demanding environment. The annual exercise focuses on testing and refining U.S.-Japan forces’ ballistic missile defense (BMD) tactics, techniques and procedures, pre-planned responses, and warfighting concepts.
“With this year’s Resilient Shield 25, our joint and combined U.S.-Japan team continues to advance our collective ballistic missile defense,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7 Fleet. “This exercise presents our teams with dynamic, realistic BMD scenarios meant to sharpen our reflexes and harden our defenses as we provide an all-domain missile defense capability to the Indo-Pacific theater.”
FST-J 71 (Resilient Shield) series is focused on strengthening the integrated operational capabilities of the joint U.S. forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to improve proficiency in warfighting and joint operations for ballistic missile defense.
Participating units include the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Shoup (DDG 86), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Atago-class guided-missile destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG 178) and the Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173). Additional participants include the 613th Air Operations Center, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, E-3 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Battery, 1st Battalion 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The coordination across U.S. joint forces is key to planning and executing missions to fortify a bilateral all-domain missile defense capability that supports regional security and stability.
The successful defense of the U.S. and our allies from ballistic missile threats requires detailed planning, precision ship stationing and quick defensive reactions. In turn, the BMD mission is one of many that the U.S. and its allies and partners practice routinely to maintain maximum proficiency and interoperability.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations
Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries.
The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2024 to underline the importance of resuming trade negotiations at an early date.
Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries. This announcement has been made by Minister for Commerce and Industry of India Shri Piyush Goyal and Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds in Delhi. This announcement is an outcome of the above stated discussions held at the level of Prime Ministers of the two countries.
India and the United Kingdom have a close partnership, built through collaboration on security and defence, new and emerging technologies, climate, health, education, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. At the centre of this relationship is the collective aspiration to deliver economic growth and sustainable development.
Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and a forward-looking deal that delivers mutual growth and builds on the strengths of the two complementary economies. The strengthening of the trading relationship between our two countries has the potential to unlock opportunities for business and consumers across both our nations and build further on our already deep ties.
The two leaders directed the negotiators to work together to resolve the outstanding issues in the agreement to ensure a fair and equitable trade deal for shared success.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Tens of thousands of investors deposited bitcoin expecting an investment strategy – Instead, new investor bitcoin used to pay off other investors in a Ponzi scheme
SEATTLE – A citizen of Brazil appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, after being extradited from Switzerland to face a 13-count indictment for wire fraud and conspiracy regarding his bitcoin investment scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Douver T. Braga, 48, lived in Florida between approximately 2016 and 2021 during the bulk of the alleged fraud. The indictment alleges Braga operated a bitcoin investment scheme that was really a Ponzi scheme, as well as an illegal multilevel marketing scheme.
The grand jury returned the indictment in October 2022. It was unsealed last week following Braga’s arrest in Switzerland. Today Braga pleaded “Not Guilty,” and trial was scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on April 28, 2025.
“Mr. Braga allegedly ran a fraud scheme that harkens back more than a century, but he updated his ‘Ponzi’ scheme with the hot new thing: bitcoin,” said U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The victim investors have waited years to see justice. I commend our federal partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation for their diligent work on this case.”
According to the indictment, Braga conspired with others to create a cryptocurrency trading platform called Trade Coin Club (TCC) with an office in Belize. As early as 2016, Braga worked with others to promote TCC, claiming that investors would make money because the TCC had a sophisticated software program that allowed investors to profit on the fluctuating price of bitcoin. Braga also promised that investors could make money by referring other investors to the platform. In reality, there was no investment platform and no sophisticated software. Those who invested early were paid off by later investors as in a Ponzi scheme.
Braga traveled the world promoting TCC: In Thailand in March 2017, in Nigeria and Macau in May 2017. TCC was promoted on social media and in videos. At various events Braga claimed TCC had as many as 126,000 members in 231 different countries.
Through his false promises of sophisticated investments and high returns, Braga induced tens of thousands of people to entrust over 82,000 bitcoin, valued at over $290 million at the time of investment, and to deposit it with TCC. Braga continued the false representations, creating an “online portal” where investors could track the supposed activity of their investment accounts. The site was a fiction as there was no trading activity.
Braga withdrew and misappropriated investor funds. Between December 2016 and July 2019, at least $50 million in bitcoin was transferred to accounts Braga controlled.
However, by late 2017 and early 2018, investors had trouble accessing their funds. In January 2018, TCC announced to investors that it was ceasing to operate in the United States and was cancelling their accounts. Many investors were located in the Western District of Washington.
Braga allegedly profited handsomely, while failing to report the earnings to the IRS. In 2017, he received bitcoin worth $30.5 million, but only reported income of $152, 298. In 2018, he reported $73,473 in income but got $13.1 million in bitcoin and in 2019, reported $72,870 in income while he received $10 million in bitcoin.
“The type of scheme Mr. Braga is charged with operating is not new, he just used the allure of a flashy new technology to obscure the well-worn scam.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While the victims in this case waited and wondered about the fate of their investments, he siphoned off millions of dollars for his personal use. This case demonstrates the determination of the FBI and our partners in IRS Criminal Investigation to hold fraudsters accountable, no matter where in the world they may be.”
“The charges against Mr. Braga and his co-conspirators reflect a well-designed scheme to solicit investment in a fake cryptocurrency trading platform from victims around the globe,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI), Los Angeles Field Office. “Furthermore, Mr. Braga is alleged to have knowingly ignored and circumvented laws regulating multi-level marketing programs in the U.S.- laws that exist to protect investors from becoming victims in pyramid schemes. Despite the complexity of this scheme, IRS Criminal Investigation and our partners at the FBI successfully uncovered the evidence necessary to bring forth these charges.”
Braga is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud reflecting 12 wires investors sent to TCC for deposits in their “accounts.” Braga is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the IRS-CI and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Phillip Kopczynski. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the extradition.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.
In addition to 100x leverage, BexBack is offering new U-based leverage trading options with 25x, 50x, and 75x leverage, giving traders greater flexibility to manage risk while maximizing potential returns. The platform has also added 45 new popular trading pairs, expanding the range of assets available to trade, creating more opportunities for strategic investment.
What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?
Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:
Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.
One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.
With BexBack’s deposit bonus
BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.
Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.
How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work? The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.
About BexBack?
BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and 50 other major cryptocurrencies for futures contracts.. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.
Why recommend BexBack?
No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.
High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.
Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.
Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.
Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.
Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.
Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.
Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!
If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.
Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!
Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
The answer: Quite a few people – so much so that life extension has long been a cottage industry.
As a physician and scholar in the medical humanities, I’ve found the quest to expand the human lifespan both fascinating and fraught with moral peril.
During the 1970s and 80s, for example, The Merv Griffin Show featured one guest 32 times – life extension expert Durk Pearson, who generated more fan mail than any guest except Elizabeth Taylor. In 1982, he and his partner, Sandy Shaw, published the book “Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach,” which became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller and sold over 2 million copies. One specific recommendation involved taking choline and vitamin B5 in order to reduce cognitive decline, combat high blood pressure and reduce the buildup of toxic metabolic byproducts.
Last year, Pearson died at 82, and Shaw died in 2022 at 79.
The 1982 book by Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw, ‘Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach,’ has sold millions of copies. Amazon
No one can say for sure whether these life extension experts died sooner or later than they would have had they eschewed many of these supplements and instead simply exercised and ate a balanced diet. But I can say that they did not live much longer than many similarly well-off people in their cohort.
Still, their dream of staying forever young is alive and well.
Consider tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson’s “Project Blueprint,” a life-extension effort that inspired the 2025 Netflix documentary “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.” His program has included building a home laboratory, taking more than 100 pills each day and undergoing blood plasma transfusions, at least one of which came from his son.
And Johnson is not alone. Among the big names investing big bucks to prolong their lives are Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google founders Sergei Brin and Larry Page, and Oracle’s Larry Ellison. One approach involves taking senolytics – drugs that target cells that may drive the aging process, though more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy. Another is human growth hormone, which has long been touted as an anti-aging mechanism in ad campaigns that feature remarkably fit older people. (“How does this 69-year-old doctor have the body of a 30-year-old?” reads one web ad).
These billionaires may reason that, because of their wealth, they have more to live for than ordinary folks. They may also share more prosaic motivations, such as a fear of growing old and dying.
But underlying such desires is an equally important ethical – and, for some, spiritual – reality.
Quality versus quantity
Is it a good thing, morally speaking, to wish to live forever? Might there be aspects of aging and even death that are both good for the world and good for individuals?
Cicero’s “On Aging” offers some insights. In fact, the ancient Roman statesman and philosopher noted that writing about it helped him to find peace with the vexations of growing old.
In the text, Cicero outlines and responds to four common complaints about aging: It takes us away from managing our affairs, impairs bodily vigor, deprives us of sensual gratifications and brings us to the verge of death.
To the charge that aging takes us away from managing our affairs, Cicero asks us to imagine a ship. Only the young climb the masts, run to and fro on the gangways, and bail the hold. But it is among the older and more experienced members of the crew that we find the captain who commands the ship. Rome’s supreme council was called the Senate, from the Latin for “elder,” and it is to those rich in years that we look most often for wisdom.
As to whether aging impairs bodily vigor, Cicero claimed that strength and speed are less related to age than discipline. Many older people who take care of themselves are in better shape than the young, and he gives examples of people who maintained their vigor well into their later years. He argued that those who remain physically fit do a great deal to sustain their mental powers, a notion supported by modern science.
Cicero reminds readers that these same pleasures of eating and drinking often lead people astray. Instead, people, as they age, can better appreciate the pleasures of mind and character. A great dinner becomes characterized less by what’s on the plate or the attractiveness of a dining partner than the quality of conversation and fellowship.
While death remains an inevitable consequence of aging, Cicero distinguishes between quality and quantity of life. He writes that it is better to live well than to live long, and for those who are living well, death appears as natural as birth. Those who want to live forever have forgotten their place in the cosmos, which does not revolve around any single person or even species.
Those of a more spiritual bent might find themselves drawn to the Scottish poet George MacDonald, who wrote: “Age is not all decay; it is the ripening, the swelling of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk.”
Embracing the circle of life
What if the dreams of the life extension gurus were realized? Would the world be a better place?
Would the extra good that a longer-lived Einstein could have accomplished be balanced or even exceeded by the harm of a Stalin who remained healthy and vigorous for decades beyond his death?
At some point, preserving indefinitely the lives of those now living would mean less room for those who do not yet exist.
Pearson and Shaw appeared on many other television programs in the 1970s and 1980s. During one such segment on “The Mike Douglas Show,” Pearson declared: “By the time you are 60, your immune function is perhaps one-fifth what it was when you were younger. Yet you can achieve a remarkable restoration simply by taking nutrients that you can get at a pharmacy or health food store.”
For Pearson, life extension was a biomedical challenge, an effort more centered on engineering the self rather than the world.
Despite making a living as life extension gurus, Durk Pearson, right, and Sandy Shaw didn’t live much longer than most Americans.
Yet I would argue that the real challenge in human life is not to live longer, but to help others; adding extra years should be seen not as the goal but a byproduct of the pursuit of goodness.
In the words of Susan B. Anthony: “The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball – the further I am rolled, the more I gain.”
Richard Gunderman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Are there any animals with mental disabilities? – Adria G.
Max was a fun-loving Labrador retriever who enjoyed going for car rides and greeting clients at his owner’s office. But around age 16, Max suddenly started having accidents in the house and stopped sleeping well at night. He became irritable and seemed not to understand the words and commands he had long known.
Max was showing symptoms of a disorder called cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which can affect cats and dogs as they age. In dogs, it looks very similar to Alzheimer’s disease, which causes memory loss and dementia in humans, usually as they grow older.
I study how humans and other animals learn, and my research involves working with many different species, from bees to pigeons and crawfish. Part of my work involves paying attention to conditions that can affect mental health in animals.
Sometimes genetic or developmental changes affect how the brain is built, which can lead to mental disabilities or learning differences. In other cases, animals may be exposed to scary or stressful situations that can cause mental health problems. Here are some examples:
Many dogs become stressed during thunderstorms. Creating a comfortable, enclosed “safe” space without windows inside your house can help.
Understanding animal genes
Down syndrome is a common genetic condition that can slow down learning and thinking in humans. People born with Down syndrome may have a harder time learning new things, remembering information and making complicated decisions.
Down syndrome is caused by changes to a chromosome – the strands in our cells that store our genes. Normally, people have 23 pairs of chromosomes; when someone is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, it produces the effects of Down syndrome.
Most animals can’t have Down syndrome, because their genes are organized into chromosomes differently than human genes. However, our closest relatives, including chimpanzees and orangutans, do have a similar organization of genes. Conditions very much like Down syndrome have been observed in these species.
One example, Kanako, was a female chimpanzee born in a research facility in Japan. She had vision and heart problems caused by an extra chromosome. Scientists don’t know whether Kanako had trouble with learning, because her vision problems made that difficult to test. However, Kanako enjoyed socializing with other chimpanzees and lived a long life in a wildlife sanctuary.
Wild chimpanzees are probably also sometimes born with genetic conditions like Down syndrome, but the effects make it difficult to survive in the wild, just like being born with a heart or a foot that doesn’t develop normally. Kanako was able to live a healthy life thanks to the help of her human caretakers and good veterinary care.
Science historian Laurel Braitman explains how she worked to understand her dog’s mental health disorders, and how studying these problems in animals can offer insights for treating similar problems in humans.
Coping with trauma and stress
Animals that are born healthy can also develop mental health problems in response to conditions around them.
For example, just as soldiers may develop post-traumatic stress disorder after experiencing a life-threatening situation, working military and police dogs can develop a similar condition. Dogs with canine PTSD may cling to their owners, startle at everyday noises, or frequently act panicky or fearful.
Veterinarians can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help these dogs stay calm during scary events, like fireworks or thunderstorms. Owners also can use behavioral treatments to reward the dogs for staying calm and relaxed around things that seem frightening.
Most traumatic events, like earthquakes or car accidents, can’t be predicted in advance. However, in some cases, such as capturing and restraining a wild animal to relocate it, workers use tranquilizers or sedatives to make the animal sleepy, or cover its eyes and ears to reduce fear and prevent long-lasting problems.
Another common cause of mental health problems in animals is daily stress. Animals held in captivity at zoos, farms or research labs may experience stress from sources such as traffic noises, uncomfortable temperatures or not being able to engage in certain natural behaviors.
To keep this from happening, zookeepers and animal caretakers provide environmental enrichment – objects, structures and activities that stimulate the animals’ minds and help keep them from getting bored.
An African penguin at the Maryland Zoo snatches at a knotted fire hose. Giving penguins novel objects to explore is one way to enriching their lives in captivity. Pacific Southwest Forest Service, USDA, CC BY
Supporting your pet
Sometimes it’s easy to see when animals are stressed or anxious. They may pace back and forth, spend their days in hiding or be unusually aggressive. Getting sick frequently or losing weight can also be a sign of poor mental health. Certain hormones, called corticosteroids, can be measured from a poop sample to provide clues about whether an animal is under too much stress.
Even pets in loving homes can experience mental health problems. Some dogs struggle with separation anxiety – extreme fear of being left alone by their owner. Lack of mental or physical activity can also produce anxiety symptoms.
Whether it means taking your dog to the dog park to run and socialize, or building puzzles that hide treats for your parakeet to find, keeping animals busy is good for them. In more serious cases, veterinarians can prescribe medication or behavioral treatments to help your pet feel better.
Humans can use science to understand the many conditions that affect mental health in animals and find treatments to help them. We also can show compassion and care for others – whether human or animal – who experience mental problems.
Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.
And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.
Rachel Blaser does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A few weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders restricting the rights of trans workers in the federal government. The first was a renewal of the ban on transgender people joining the U.S. military – initially signed in 2017 and later repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The second was a more sweeping memo that recognizes only two sexes in federal records and policies.
In the ancient Roman world, which I study, biological sex and gender expression did not always line up as neatly as the president is demanding to see in today’s government.
In antiquity, there were masculine women, feminine men and people who altered their bodies to match their gender expression more closely. In particular, two figures – the cinaedus and the gallus – provide examples of men whose effeminate behavior and modified anatomies were striking yet still integrated into Roman society.
The cinaedus and the commander in chief
In ancient Rome, some men who did not fit neatly within gender categories were called “cinaedi.” They were usually adult males singled out for their extreme effeminacy and nonnormative sexual desires.
The cinaedus was already a recognizable figure in ancient Greece and was first mentioned in the fourth century B.C. by Plato. He says little more than that a cinaedus’ life was terrible, base and miserable. Later Roman authors provide more detail.
Martial, a Roman poet writing in the first century A.D., for instance, describes a cinaedus’ dysfunctional penis as like a “soggy leather strap” in one epigram. In the same century, the Roman novelist Petronius has a cinaedus suggest that both he and his fellows have had their genitals removed.
In a fable by Phaedrus, also written in the first century A.D., a barbarian is threatening the troops of the military leader, Pompey the Great. All are afraid to challenge this fierce opponent until a “cinaedus” volunteers to fight.
The cinaedus is described as a soldier of great size but with a cracked voice and mincing walk. After pleading permission in a stereotypically lisping manner from Pompey the Great, his commander in chief, the cinaedus steps into battle. He quickly severs the barbarian’s head and, with army agog, is summarily rewarded by Pompey.
In Phaedrus’ fable, the cinaedus is untrustworthy. He is described as having stolen valuables from Pompey early on in the tale and then later swears on oath that he hasn’t.
Yet the moral of Phaedrus’ fable of the soldier-cinaedus is that such deceptive appearances and actions might actually be strategically successful in military matters. The cinaedus has an edge over Pompey’s other soldiers precisely due to his disarming effeminacy. In the tale, this doesn’t at all diminish his skills as a lethal fighter. Rather, the cinaedus’ effeminacy combined with his martial valor ultimately lead to the barbarian’s defeat.
Trans priests and the safety of the Roman state
The galli, another group that lived in the heart of the city of Rome, also blurred gender roles. They were males who had castrated their genitalia in dedication to the Great Mother goddess Cybele, who was their protector.
As reported by several ancient sources, including Cicero and Livy, in 204 B.C. the Roman state consulted a set of prophetic scrolls called the Sibylline Oracles on how best to respond to the pressures it faced as a result of the Second Punic War – Rome’s prolonged conflict with Carthage and its fierce military general, Hannibal.
The oracles’ answer – and Rome’s subsequent action – was to import a strange and foreign religious order from Asia Minor into the heart of Rome, where it would remain for the next several hundred years.
The temple of Cybele was located on the Palatine Hill, next to several important shrines, monuments and later even the residence of the Emperor Augustus. As the poet Ovid tells us, each year during Cybele’s festival the galli would proceed through the streets of Rome carrying a statue of the goddess, while ululating wildly in time with the sound of wailing pipes, banging drums and crashing cymbals.
More so than the figure of the cinaedus, ancient literary sources present the galli’s gender difference similarly to modern-day trans women, often using feminine pronouns when describing them.
For instance, the poet Catullus details the origin story of the galli’s founder figure, Attis, who was Cybele’s mythical consort and chief priest. Notably, Catullus switches from using masculine adjectives to feminine ones at the very moment of Attis’ self-castration.
Attis.
Similarly, in his novel, “The Golden Ass,” the second century A.D. writer Apuleius has one gallus address his fellow devotees as “girls.”
While several ancient sources mock these figures for their gender-nonconforming appearance and behaviors, it is nevertheless evident that the galli held a sacred place within the Roman state. They were viewed as being important to Rome’s continued safety and prominence.
For example, Plutarch in his “Life of Marius” relates that a priest of the Great Mother came to Rome in 103 B.C. to convey an oracle that the Romans would be triumphant in war. Though believed by the Senate, this priest, Bataces, was mocked mercilessly in the plebian assembly. However, when the individual who had insulted Bataces swiftly died of a terrible fever, the plebians too gave this oracle and the goddess’s prophetic powers their backing.
Today’s trans issues
Behind Trump’s executive orders are two assertions: first, that transgender identity is a form of ideology: a modern invention created to justify deviance from one’s sex as assigned at birth; second, that transgender identity is both a form of disease and of dishonesty.
The reissued military ban doubles down on the perceived dishonesty of trans folk, contrasting it with the ideals and principles needed for combat. The order states that the “adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individual’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.”
Taking a long view of gender diversity across millennia has shown me that many individuals in antiquity certainly lived lives outside of the clear-cut formula that the Trump administration has stated, namely that “women are biologically female and men are biologically male.”
Gender diversity is not simply a late 20th- or early 21st-century phenomenon. However, the fear that gender-diverse people are diseased and devious likewise arises in several ancient sources. In the classical world, these fears seem limited to the realms of satire and fantasy; in our current time, we are seeing these fears being harnessed for government policy.
LIVERMORE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FormFactor, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORM) is pleased to announce the closing of its acquisition, together with North Asia private equity firm MBK Partners (“MBKP”), of FICT Limited (“FICT”). As stated on February 5th, 2025, this transaction secures FormFactor’s access to FICT’s essential technologies for advanced probe cards, strengthens the long-term partnership between the companies, and positions FICT to continue developing leading-edge technologies for its customers in the semiconductor and high-performance computing markets.
FormFactor invested approximately $60M for a 20% non-controlling stake and was granted a seat on the company’s board of directors. This investment is not expected to have a material impact on FormFactor’s operating results.
“FormFactor and MBKP are committed to the success of FICT and FICT’s customers,” commented Mike Slessor, FormFactor CEO. “This transaction solidifies our important collaboration with FICT to build world-class test and packaging consumables, and strengthens the semiconductor test supply chain serving the rapidly accelerating adoption of advanced packaging.”
About FormFactor:
FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle – from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The Company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.formfactor.com.
Forward-looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including with respect to the Company’s future financial and operating results, and the Company’s plans, strategies and objectives for future operations. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs as of the date of this release, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected impact of the transaction on the Company’s operating results, the expected benefit of the transaction to the Company and the industry, and other statements regarding the Company’s business. Forward-looking statements may contain words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” and “continue,” the negative or plural of these words and similar expressions, and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in demand for the Company’s products; customer-specific demand; market opportunity; anticipated industry trends; the potential impact on the business of FormFactor and FICT due to uncertainties in connection with the acquisition; the retention of employees of FICT following acquisition; the ability of FormFactor to achieve expected benefits from the FICT acquisition; the availability, benefits, and speed of customer acceptance or implementation of new products and technologies; manufacturing, processing, and design capacity, goals, expansion, volumes, and progress; difficulties or delays in research and development; industry seasonality; risks to the Company’s realization of benefits from acquisitions, investments in capacity and investments in new electronic data systems and information technology; reliance on customers or third parties (including suppliers); changes in macro-economic environments; events affecting global and regional economic and market conditions and stability such as military conflicts, political volatility, infectious diseases and pandemics, and similar factors, operating separately or in combination; and other factors, including those set forth in the Company’s most current annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, there are varying barriers to international trade, including restrictive trade and export regulations such as the US-China restrictions, dynamic tariffs, trade disputes between the U.S. and other countries, and national security developments or tensions, that may substantially restrict or condition our sales to or in certain countries, increase the cost of doing business internationally, and disrupt our supply chain. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements within this press release will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. Unless required by law, the Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or revise its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Source: FormFactor, Inc. FORM-F
Investor Contact Stan Finkelstein Investor Relations (925) 290-4273 ir@formfactor.com
As an expert on China-U.S. relations who has monitored Musk’s views on China, I don’t find his long history of espousing pro-Chinese sentiment surprising, given that he has sought throughout to get a business hold in the country.
But those entanglements are worth scrutiny, given Musk’s role in the Trump administration at a time when one of America’s biggest foreign policy challenges is how to manage its relationship with Beijing.
Musk’s journey to the East
For years, Musk has had significant business interests in China, with Tesla’s Shanghai factory, Tesla Giga Shanghai, playing a crucial role in the company’s global operations.
Elon Musk walks with Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong during the groundbreaking ceremony for a Tesla factory in Shanghai on Jan. 7, 2019. STR/AFP via Getty Images
Given that Musk’s wealth is largely tied to Tesla stock, his financial standing is increasingly dependent on the company’s fortunes in China, making any potential disengagement from the country both economically and strategically challenging.
This investment deepens Tesla’s presence in China amid a new wave of U.S.-China trade tensions. On Feb. 1, the Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing’s retaliation with tariffs on American coal, liquefied natural gas, agricultural equipment and crude oil.
A Chinese fan
It remains unclear to what extent Musk’s financial interests in China will translate to real influence over the Trump administration’s policy toward Beijing. But Musk’s long history of pro-China remarks suggests the direction he wants the administration to move.
Musk further suggested that the Taiwan dispute could be resolved by allowing China to establish Taiwan as a special administrative zone, similar to Hong Kong.
His remarks were shared and welcomed by China’s then-ambassador to the U.S., who, in a post on X, emphasized China’s so-called peaceful unification strategy and advocated for the “one country, two systems” model.
Trump’s back-channel envoy?
The big question going forward is how Musk’s financial stakes in, and stated admiration for, China will translate into attempts to influence the U.S. administration’s China policy, particularly given Musk’s unconventional advisory role and the strong faction of anti-China hawks in Trumpworld.
Given Musk’s approach to China, it’s hard to see him not trying to use his influence with the president to push for somewhat warmer relations with Beijing.
If such counsel were heeded, it’s easy to envision Musk leveraging his deep ties to China, particularly his close personal relationship with China’s current second-ranking official, Premier Li Qiang, who was the Shanghai party chief when Tesla’s factory was built. In the scenario, Donald Trump could tap Musk as a back channel for diplomacy to ease U.S.-China tensions and facilitate bilateral cooperation when needed.
To this point, it was, perhaps, telling that it was Musk who met with China President Xi Jinping’s envoy to Trump’s inauguration, Vice President Han Zheng, on the eve of the event.
But it’s far from certain that Trump wants that diplomatic role for Musk, or that other voices won’t win out with regard to Beijing. In his first term, Trump launched an unprecedented trade war and tech blockade against China, fundamentally reshaping U.S.-China relations and pushing the U.S. toward something of a bipartisan consensus to counter Beijing that has existed for several years.
Trump’s tariff moves and second-term picks for top trade and commerce roles, like Peter Navarro and Jamieson Greer — who played key roles in the trade war against China during the president’s first term — suggest that Trump’s commitment to further decoupling from China remains strong.
Furthermore, Musk’s business interests and personal wealth tied to China could leave him vulnerable to Chinese influence. By leaning on Musk’s close ties with Trump, China could use his dependence on the Chinese market as a bargaining chip to pressure Trump into making concessions on issues of major strategic importance to Beijing.
China has a history of coercing foreign companies reliant on its market into making compromises on matters concerning its national interests. For instance, Apple removed virtual private network apps from its app store in China at the government’s request. Similarly, Tesla could face comparable pressure in the future if Beijing wants to use Musk as a cudgel to influence policy in the Trump administration. Notably, as the head of DOGE, with access to sensitive data from multiple agencies, Musk could find himself caught between U.S. security scrutiny and China’s strategic targeting.
So long as Musk retains the influence with Trump that he holds now, it’s conceivable that his pro-China sentiments will translate into attempts to influence government policy. Yet even if this is to be the case, whether those efforts succeed will depend on the president and his other advisers, many of whom are seeking an aggressive front against Beijing and are likely to view Musk as an impediment rather than ally in that fight to come.
Linggong Kong does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Foresight Ventures, a leading global crypto-focused venture capital firm, has announced its commitment of up to $25 million to support live projects on the BNB Chain throughout 2025 as part of the BNB Incubation Alliance (“BIA”). This collaboration underscores Foresight Ventures’ dedication to fostering innovation and empowering early-stage blockchain initiatives.
As an alliance member of BIA, Foresight Ventures will have the opportunity to invest in standout projects, identifying high-potential ventures early in their development. The BNB Incubation Alliance, launched by BNB Chain and YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs), serves as a dynamic accelerator for early-stage Web3 projects. Through an interconnected ecosystem of resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, BIA is poised to redefine how emerging blockchain ventures achieve sustainable growth and impactful deployment.
BIA features a comprehensive support framework that includes access to the Most Valuable Builder (MVB) program, potential YZi Labs funding opportunities, and BNB Chain grants. Selected projects will also benefit from the innovative Launch-as-a-Service (LaaS) package, streamlining their development journey within the BNB ecosystem. By creating this pipeline of tools and resources, BIA is positioned to catalyze the next wave of industry-leading Web3 projects.
Forest Bai, Co-Founder of Foresight Ventures, commented: “Our commitment to supporting projects in the BNB Incubation Alliance reflects our enduring mission to support visionary entrepreneurs and emerging blockchain projects. By backing projects within BIA, we aim to bridge promising ideas with the essential resources and networks they need to thrive. This collaboration reinforces our belief in the transformative power of blockchain technology and our responsibility to foster its adoption globally.”
The BNB Chain Core Development Team expressed: “The BNB Chain ecosystem continuously works to catalyze projects’ success through initiatives like BIA from ideation to maturity and ecosystem incentives, empowering builders to succeed and thrive.”
The BNB Incubation Alliance will conduct a series of global events designed to showcase early-stage projects and connect them with industry leaders, investors, and experts. These events will spotlight ventures in incubation, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The criteria for project selection prioritize innovation, scalability, and a strong alignment with the ecosystem’s objectives.
As a pioneer in bridging East and West within the crypto sector, Foresight Ventures brings unparalleled insights and a robust network to the alliance. Its commitment reflects a desire to catalyze blockchain innovation across borders.
About Foresight Ventures
Foresight Ventures is the first and only crypto VC bridging East and West. With a research-driven approach and offices in the US and Singapore, they are a powerhouse in crypto investment and incubation. Their premier media network includes The Block, Foresight News, BlockTempo, and Coinness. They invest in bold innovations and are committed to reshaping the future of digital finance by supporting visionary founders and groundbreaking projects. For more information, users can visit: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn For media inquiries, users may contact: media@foresightventures.com
We expect 63 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity to be added to the U.S. power grid in 2025 in our latest Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory report. This amount represents an almost 30% increase from 2024 when 48.6 GW of capacity was installed, the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002. Together, solar and battery storage account for 81% of the expected total capacity additions, with solar making up over 50% of the increase.
Solar. In 2024, generators added a record 30 GW of utility-scale solar to the U.S. grid, accounting for 61% of capacity additions last year. We expect this trend will continue in 2025, with 32.5 GW of new utility-scale solar capacity to be added. Texas (11.6 GW) and California (2.9 GW) will account for almost half of the new utility-scale solar capacity addition in 2025. We expect five other states (Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, Florida, and New York) each to account for more than 1 GW of added solar capacity in 2025 and collectively account for 7.8 GW of planned solar capacity additions.
Battery storage. In 2025, capacity growth from battery storage could set a record as we expect 18.2 GW of utility-scale battery storage to be added to the grid. U.S. battery storage already achieved record growth in 2024 when power providers added 10.3 GW of new battery storage capacity. This growth highlights the importance of battery storage when used with renewable energy, helping to balance supply and demand and improve grid stability. Energy storage systems are not primary electricity sources, meaning the technology does not create electricity from a fuel or natural resource. Instead, they store electricity that has already been created from an electricity generator or the electric power grid, which makes energy storage systems secondary sources of electricity.
Wind. In 2025, we expect 7.7 GW of wind capacity to be added to the U.S. grid. Last year, only 5.1 GW was added, the smallest wind capacity addition since 2014. Texas, Wyoming, and Massachusetts will account for almost half of 2025 wind capacity additions. Two large offshore wind plants are expected to come online this year: the 800-megawatt (MW) Vineyard Wind 1 in Massachusetts and the 715-MW Revolution Wind in Rhode Island.
Natural gas. Developers plan to build 4.4 GW of new natural gas-fired capacity in the United States during 2025: 50% from simple-cycle combustion turbines and 36% from combined-cycle power blocks. Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Tennessee account for more than 70% of these planned natural gas additions. The two largest natural gas plants expected to come online in 2025 are the 840-MW Intermountain Power Project in Utah and the 678.7-MW Magnolia Power in Louisiana. The natural gas capacity additions at the Intermountain Power Project will replace 1,800 MW of coal-fired capacity at the plant, which is scheduled to be retired in July.
Principal contributor: Office of Energy Statistics staff
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that history and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development.
He made the remarks when having a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the latter’s request.
Xi said the two leaders had a video meeting before the Chinese Spring Festival during which they made plans for the development of China-Russia relations throughout the year and strengthened coordination on a series of major international and regional issues.
Various departments from both countries are steadily advancing cooperation in all fields in accordance with the consensus reached by the two leaders, including carrying out activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of the victory of World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said.
Xi said China-Russia ties enjoy strong internal driving force and unique strategic value, adding that the relationship does not target any third party nor would it be influenced by any third party. The development strategies and foreign policies of China and Russia are for the long-term, he said.
Despite changes in the international situation, China-Russia relations will proceed with ease, which will help each other’s development and revitalization, and inject stability and positive energy into international relations, he said.
Xi stressed that at the beginning of the overall escalation of the Ukraine crisis, he put forward the “four-should” and other basic proposals for resolving the crisis.
In September last year, China and Brazil, together with some countries of the Global South, set up the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis to create an atmosphere and accumulate conditions for promoting the political settlement of the crisis, Xi noted.
China is happy to see Russia and relevant parties make positive efforts to defuse the Ukraine crisis, he said.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) on The Guntur District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Andhra Pradesh (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 31 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to publish its accounts and balance-sheet for the Financial Year 2022-23 and also to furnish the copies thereof to RBI / NABARD within the prescribed timeline.
This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty thousand only) on The Gulbarga and Yadgir District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in exercise of powers conferred under Section 27(3) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) on ‘Offsite Surveillance System-Revision of Due dates for Submission of OSS/FMS Returns’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by NABARD with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with NABARD directions issued under statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to submit the statutory returns to NABARD within the prescribed timeline.
This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
LONDON, UK – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is making its London Fashion Week debut as part of E.L.V. DENIM’s first ever presentation titled ‘The Journey’.
The British luxury brand, dedicated to crafting timeless fashion pieces from 100% upcycled materials, created ‘The Journey’ to trace its evolution from the first pair of jeans in 2018 to a full ready-to-wear collection, including shirting, tailoring, leather, and evening wear.
Set to a backdrop of Samsung’s Series 6 Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers – which offer a range of features that help reduce energy consumption[1] as well as decreasing the amount of harmful plastic microfibers clothes shed[2] – the show portrays E.L.V.’s commitment to upcycling, local manufacturing, and true sustainability by exploring the six core elements of E.L.V. DENIM’s production: sourcing, washing, grading, pairing, cutting & sewing.
Dan Barfield, Director of Digital Appliances, Samsung UK & Ireland, comments: “We’re proud to be a part of E.L.V. DENIM’s London Fashion Week debut. The presentation showcases both brand’s dedication to innovation, making our products the perfect backdrop to the first fully upcycled show on-schedule.
“This collaboration is a powerful statement towards responsible consumption. While E.L.V. DENIM transforms garments otherwise destined for landfill into high-end fashion, our laundry innovations help extend the life of clothing by delivering a deep clean using less water and energy. We’re committed to building products and providing consumers with options that put responsible practices at the forefront of fashion.”
Anna Foster, Founder & Designer, E.L.V. DENIM, comments “From the very beginning, we believed—and still believe—that we make the best jeans in the world. Our commitment to upcycling, local manufacturing, and true sustainability sets us apart. Some might call that a bold statement, but we have the processes to prove it. That’s why we’ve created a fully transparent presentation that shows exactly how we do it.
“We welcome questions and interaction—our team is here to share everything. Only by being completely open can we prove who we are, and what we’re striving to become. Today, E.L.V. DENIM is the only brand in the world producing high-end garments at scale entirely from 100% upcycled post-consumer waste. We are not just making jeans; we are rewriting the rules of fashion.”
Samsung offers innovative solutions to help consumers reduce water and energy usage. Various Samsung washing machines have AI energy mode[3] that can reduce your energy consumption by up to 70%[4], whilst ecobubble technology can wash effectively at cooler temperatures.
Samsung also offers the Less Microfiber cycle that works to make clothes shed less microplastics, which are discharged into the drain water. By adjusting the motor’s revolution speed and washing intensiveness, the Less Microfiber cycle reduces the amount of microfiber released into the drain by up to 54%[[5]].
Top Tips: How to Make Your Laundry More Eco-Friendly
Embrace energy-saving tech to cut down on water and energy use
While it is a staple to our daily lives, electricity production generates the second largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, making it vital we explore how to cut our energy consumption. Our washing machines with AI energy mode can reduce your energy consumption by using sensors to detect the weight of your laundry before calculating and dispensing the optimal amount of water needed for the load. [3+4]
Less is more when it comes to detergent
Many laundry detergents contain microplastics—harmful plastic microfibres that make it into the ocean[6]. That’s why Samsung developed the new Less Microfiber Filter, an external washing machine filter designed to significantly reduce plastic microfiber emissions during laundry cycles.
Designed with inspiration from apparel maker Patagonia and expertise from the global ocean conservation organisation Ocean Wise, the filter captures 98%[[7]] of microplastics released during laundry from escaping into the ocean, equivalent to eight 500ml plastic bottles per year when used four times a week[8].
To manage the amount of detergent we use to avoid damaging the planet, our clothes and the machine itself over time, Samsung’s Auto Dispense feature automatically adds the right amount of detergent and softener into the washer, taking the guesswork out of every wash.
Don’t be afraid of the cold (wash)
Using hot water during a laundry cycle uses a substantial amount of energy—in fact, 75% of the energy required during a hot wash cycle is used just to heat up the water[9]. With Samsung’s EcoBubble technology, you need not worry that a colder wash will result in a less effective clean.
Even at a cold wash setting of 15°C, EcoBubble technology will still effectively dissolve detergent and mix it with air and water to create bubbles that thoroughly penetrate clothes so as to remove even the toughest stains.
Choose appliances that are built to last
A final tip for making your laundry as eco-friendly as possible is to opt for appliances that are sure to last for a long time, a decision that contributes to the reduction of landfill waste, the conversation of resources, the prevention of environmental contamination by toxic materials, and the reduction of greenhouses gases created in the production of new materials.
Samsung’s washers and dryers have been designed for long-term use, coming with industry-leading warranties for both product and parts so that users can rest assured that their appliance decisions are the best ones for the environment.
About E.L.V. DENIM
E.L.V. DENIM is a pioneering British luxury brand dedicated to handcrafting timeless fashion pieces from 100% upcycled materials. Breathing a second life into garments that could otherwise be destined for landfill, E.L.V. DENIM transforms loss into luxury.
In a world of over-consumption, E.L.V. DENIM challenges convention. It’s fabric-first curated sourcing of pre-loved garments ensures every piece is unique and innovative designs create pieces to last a lifetime. Founder and Creative Director Anna Foster launched E.L.V. DENIM to redefine the perfect fit in denim, ensuring every pair of ‘off the rack’ jeans feels like it is tailor made. In addition, it is the first denim brand to launch a jean that can adapt to the wearer’s life with built-in seam allowances for effortless tailoring.
In 2023 the brand extended beyond denim and into new categories; upcycling corduroy, shirting, tailoring, leather and cotton, helping to protect the environment for future generations and proving that a completely circular fashion model can be a success.
All production takes place in East London, minimising carbon footprint and supporting our local
community of ateliers. The brand has a holistic approach to sustainability and zero-waste, all parts of the jeans are used to make new products, scraps are constructed into sheets of patchwork fabrics and the smaller threads are turned into denim paper.
[1] Our washing machines with AI energy mode* can reduce your energy consumption by up to 70%** * Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ** Based on internal testing on the WW7000D models on a Cotton 40 degrees wash with the AI Energy Mode turned on compared to not using AI Energy Mode.
[2] The Less Microfiber cycle works to make clothes shed less microplastics, which are discharged into the drain water. By adjusting the motor’s revolution speed and washing intensiveness, the Less Microfiber cycle reduces the amount of microfiber released into the drain by up to 54%. Based on testing by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab using a 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing the Synthetics cycle on a Samsung conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber cycle on the WW7000B. Results may vary depending on the actual clothes and usage conditions.
[3] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
[4] Based on internal testing on the WW7000D models on a Cotton 40 degrees wash with the AI Energy Mode turned on compared to not using AI Energy Mode.
[5] Tested with 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing Synthetics cycle on Samsung Conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber Cycleon WW9400B. The results may be different depending on the clothes and environment. Tested at the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab. Newsroom post here.
[6] “Fashion’s tiny hidden secret”, United Nations Environment Programme (unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret).
[7] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. Results may vary depending on clothes and environment.
[8] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. One wash cycle’s reduction amount of 0.627g is based on a 5kg load (0.125g/kg x 5kg). Annual reduction amount (132g) is calculated based on 210 cycles (4 times a week, 52 weeks) and 5kg load on each cycle. 500㎖ bottle weight (15.4g) is based on the Korea Ministry of Environment’s guideline on plastic bottles.
[9] Data source: https://www.euronews.com/living/2019/07/14/eco-washing-your-way-to-a-cleaner-planet
The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today said it is investigating an incident involving cleaning workers who allegedly removed display bills posted in Sham Shui Po, and has instructed the contractor to suspend the staff members concerned from their contractual duties until the investigation is completed.
The department made the statement in response to media enquiries about a video circulating on social media, in which outsourced cleansing workers were suspected of removing display bills they posted in Nam Cheong Street.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the four staff members involved were employed by an outsourced street cleaning service contractor.
The department said it has immediately requested the contractor to submit a report on the incident and reiterated that it attaches great importance to the performance of contractors and the conduct of their employees.
If the investigation confirms the allegation, the department will hold the contractor liable in accordance with the contract, which may include the deduction of service fees and put on record the incident as a considering factor for future service procurement.
Additionally, the department will refer the suspected falsification of records to Police for follow-up.
The FEHD noted that the workers concerned are responsible for removing unauthorised display bills and posters in public places, and must take photos for record purposes. It has not set a minimum target for the number of bills and posters to be removed by the contractors.
The department added that it will closely monitor the contractor’s service performance to ensure compliance with the service contract requirements.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022
Three years on from President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.
107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion.
Milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin.
Strengthening Ukraine’s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.
Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up Russia’s kleptocratic system.
As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent. The UK is working with our Allies to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.
The sanctions will also target Russia’s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.
Targets include:
Producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military.
North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia. Putin is using DPRK forces as cannon fodder; DPRK has suffered over 4,000 casualties.
13 Russian targets, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war.
For the first time, we are also using new powers to target foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine. We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:
Today’s action, the largest in almost three years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.
Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change.
Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.
As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security.
Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Sanctions against Russia’s military machine and the revenues fuelling it will improve the chances of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will benefit security and prosperity in the UK.
The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.
Finally, we are sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy. Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.
After three years of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to defend their country and way of life with ingenuity and courage. They have shown that with the right support they can defend themselves against Russian aggression. Today’s action will strengthen Ukraine’s hand at a critical time in their fight for our shared security.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 19, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) on Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Dist. Vadodara, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline.
This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
The 15th National Games Triathlon Test Event will be held at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour on March 1 and 2, and special traffic and transport arrangements will be in place in Central and Wan Chai from February 26.
The women’s individual and men’s individual races are scheduled for 8am and 10.30am respectively on March 1, while the mixed relay race will take place at 2pm on March 2.
To prepare for and facilitate the test event, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases.
From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2, the section of Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central will be temporarily closed.
From 5am to 8am on February 28, Police will implement intermittent road closures in the vicinity of the Central Harbourfront and Wan Chai North, including Lung Wo Road, Yiu Sing Street, Lung Hop Street, Expo Drive, Expo Drive Central, and Expo Drive East.
These road sections will be closed from 2am to 2pm on March 1 and from 8am to 6pm on March 2.
Regarding public transport, cross-harbour bus route nos. 104 and 961 and Citybus route nos. H1 and H2 will be subject to temporary diversions.
At the same time, the terminal point of cross-harbour bus route no. 961 at Expo Drive East will be temporarily relocated to Harbour Road outside Wan Chai Swimming Pool, and the bus stop of Citybus route no. H1 at Expo Drive East near Golden Bauhinia Square will also be temporarily suspended.
Headline: Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years
February 24, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years
Teams and facilities to expand in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington
Plans include a new factory in Texas, doubling the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, a manufacturing academy, and accelerated investments in AI and silicon engineering
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced its largest-ever spend commitment, with plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. This new pledge builds on Apple’s long history of investing in American innovation and advanced high-skilled manufacturing, and will support a wide range of initiatives that focus on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and skills development for students and workers across the country.
“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”
As part of this package of U.S. investments, Apple and partners will open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston to produce servers that support Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that helps users write, express themselves, and get things done. Apple will also double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, create an academy in Michigan to train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers, and grow its research and development investments in the U.S. to support cutting-edge fields like silicon engineering.
The $500 billion commitment includes Apple’s work with thousands of suppliers across all 50 states, direct employment, Apple Intelligence infrastructure and data centers, corporate facilities, and Apple TV+ productions in 20 states. Apple remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone.
Today, Apple supports more than 2.9 million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturers, and developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy.
Opening a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston
As part of its new U.S. investments, Apple will work with manufacturing partners to begin production of servers in Houston later this year. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility, slated to open in 2026, will create thousands of jobs.
Previously manufactured outside the U.S., the servers that will soon be assembled in Houston play a key role in powering Apple Intelligence, and are the foundation of Private Cloud Compute, which combines powerful AI processing with the most advanced security architecture ever deployed at scale for AI cloud computing. The servers bring together years of R&D by Apple engineers, and deliver the industry-leading security and performance of Apple silicon to the data center.
Teams at Apple designed the servers to be incredibly energy efficient, reducing the energy demands of Apple data centers — which already run on 100 percent renewable energy. As Apple brings Apple Intelligence to customers across the U.S., it also plans to continue expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.
Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund
As part of this new investment, Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which was created in 2017 to support world-class innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs across America. The growing commitment will increase the fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, focused on promoting advanced manufacturing and skills development throughout the country.
The fund’s expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon in TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona. Apple is the largest customer at this state-of-the-art facility, which employs more than 2,000 workers to manufacture the chips in the United States. Mass production of Apple chips began last month.
Silicon used by Apple is designed to bring Apple users incredible features, performance, and power efficiency across their devices. Apple’s suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. The company’s investments in the sector help create thousands of high-paying jobs across the country at U.S. companies like Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo.
To date, Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund has supported projects in 13 states — including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana — that have helped build local businesses, train workers, and create a wide range of innovative manufacturing processes and materials for Apple products.
Growing R&D Investments Across the U.S.
Apple continues to expand its R&D across the U.S. In the past five years, Apple has nearly doubled its U.S.-based advanced R&D spend, and it will continue to accelerate its growth.
Recently, Apple announced the newest addition to its iPhone lineup, iPhone 16e. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1 — the first cellular modem designed by Apple, and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone. Apple C1 adds a new chapter to the story of Apple silicon and is the result of years of R&D investment, bringing together the work of thousands of engineers. Apple C1 is the start of a long-term strategy that will allow Apple to innovate and optimize the modem system for additional Apple products.
In the next four years, Apple plans to hire around 20,000 people, of which the vast majority will be focused on R&D, silicon engineering, software development, and AI and machine learning. The expanded commitment includes significant investment in Apple’s R&D hubs across the country. This includes growing teams across the U.S. focused on areas including custom silicon, hardware engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit
To help companies transition to advanced manufacturing, Apple will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques. The academy will also offer free in-person and online courses, with a skills development curriculum that teaches workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization. The courses will help drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in companies’ supply chains.
Apple has long been committed to investing in education and skills development for American workers and students. That includes ongoing and expanding grant programs for organizations like 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and FIRST, which work closely with Apple in communities across the country to create free programming that helps young people learn vital skills like coding.
Apple’s support for the next generation of innovators also includes efforts like the company’s New Silicon Initiative, which prepares students for careers in hardware engineering and silicon chip design. Last year, this program expanded to students at Georgia Tech, and it now reaches students at eight schools across the country. Apple is continuing to expand the initiative, including a new collaboration with UCLA’s Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD) beginning this year.
About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March.
Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together in advancing women’s rights in Manchester and around the world.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Accelerate Action’, which calls on supporters of gender equality to act against systemic barriers women from all backgrounds face in their personal and professional environments.
In recent years, Manchester City Council has marked IWD with a dedicated ‘Walk for Women’ event. This year, however, the Council has joined forces with a diverse range of women-led community organisations to co-design a different approach.
Funding was made available for community organisations to host IWD events across the city through the annual IWD grants programme. A celebratory community-led programme of workshops, performances and discussions has also been planned for the day itself at Manchester Central Library based around the acronym HER: Heal Encourage, Revive.
The events for IWD 2025 are:
Heal – Performance Space
· Flourish Together; Mindfulness Activity for relaxation and meditation, 11am-1pm
· Equal Education Chances; letter writing and positive affirmations session, 11:20am-12:15pm
Encouraged – Performance Space 2 and 3
· Community Thriving Together; sharing personal stories and overcoming challenges, 11am-11:50am
· Trailblazers; Creating bookmarks and stitching
· Young Identity with Shirley May; poetry performance by Young Identity members, 11:55am-12:15pm
· Flourish Together; a 30-minute fireside chat chaired by Nickala Torkington about women changemakers, 12:20pm-12:50pm.
Revived – Performance Space 2 and 3
· Bollyfit; an exercise class inspired by multicultural dance, 1pm-1:30pm
· Councillor Ermina Bell will give a closing speech about the event, 1:35pm-1:45pm
· DJ set to inspire and uplift
Glass Room/Sensory Space
· Flourish Together; Bookable pop-up spa for treatments for 20 mins including Indian Head Massage in a clothed and seated setting, 11am-2pm
The events on the day will be accompanied by partner stalls of specialist community organisations including Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), Manchester Rape Crisis, Fikawele African and Caribbean Mental Health, Walksafe and Ahmed Iqbal Ullah (AIU) RACE Centre who will be on hand to raise awareness and promote their services.
Councillor Erinma Bell, Lead Member for Women, said: “Manchester has long been a city that has championed and supported women in the fight for gender equality.
“It’s fantastic to see the range of creativity and innovation in the events this year for International Women’s Day with the aim of accelerating further action for women to thrive personally and professionally.
“I would encourage women from all backgrounds and generations to get involved, because there is something for everyone and to advocate for more allies join in on the celebrations and inform our priorities for advancing women’s equality this year.”
Hong Kong, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – On Thursday evening Crypto Fight Night (CFN) took centrestage with an exclusive, sold-out event held in tandem with the highly anticipated Consensus Hong Kong, the premier crypto conference. Hosted at the iconic Grand Hyatt, the event captivated a global audience both in-person and online, drawing 550 of the most influential figures in the crypto space. Attendees included top-tier founders, visionary thought leaders, and major investors, solidifying its position as a premier networking opportunity and providing a unique look into the crypto industry.
Beyond the excitement at the live event, the Hong Kong event attracted a significant online audience, with over 600,000 viewers streaming the fight across multiple platforms. The broadcast reached audiences worldwide, with the highest viewership coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Thailand. Social media engagement was equally impressive, with 1.2 million impressions and 100,000 engagements across platforms.
The night was full of high-stakes clashes, incredible comebacks, and victories. The main showcase fight of the night was between high-profile rivals Korean Jew and Crypto Bitlord. The rivals were close from the start, prompting Korean Jew to set the tone early with a decisive MMA takedown, but Crypto Bitlord regained momentum in the later rounds, landing a clean knockdown that shifted the tide. After a hard-fought contest, Crypto Bitlord secured a unanimous decision victory, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable competitor.
In the YouTube division, MyMateNate dominated his opponents and called out Deji for a potential showdown. Meanwhile, the underdog, The Iron Bit pushed Biel to the distance but ultimately lost as Biel’s striking power proved decisive. Overcome by emotions, Biel dedicated his win to his late grandfather, who passed away the week before.
CFN’s 2025 Roadmap Earlier this month CFN unveiled its 2025 roadmap, sharing plans to expand into major sporting hubs globally. The upcoming event will be held in Paris on April 9th, in official partnership with Paris Blockchain Week. This partnership highlights CFN’s commitment to bridging the gap between sports and blockchain technology. Fighters and sponsors can join the action by signing up through the CFN website.
Rahul Suri, Founder of Crypto Fight Night and Partner at Ghaf Capital, said “The Hong Kong event showcased the powerful connection between the realms of cryptocurrency and combat sports. As we gear up for our 2025 World Tour, beginning with Paris Blockchain Week, we are thrilled to keep bridging the gap between blockchain innovation and the electrifying energy of combat sports.”
Following Paris, CFN will continue its world tour with events scheduled in Dubai and Las Vegas in May, London in October, Tokyo in August, Singapore in October, Bangkok in November, and Miami in December 2025. Additionally, CFN is proud to be an official partner of Paris Blockchain Week and to announce that long-time sponsor BONK will continue its support, bringing along the beloved BONK-girls to enhance the excitement of the CFN 2025 World Tour.
Crypto Fight Night is an avant-garde platform designed to bring together the dynamic energy of combat sports to the futuristic audience of crypto investors, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Founded by Rahul Suri of Ghaf Capital, along with Jai Vora and RookieXBT, the first edition was held in 2021. Organized under the banner of Savy Promotions, CFN has garnered critical acclaim from both the boxing and crypto communities, experiencing continuous growth annually with millions of live streams, through a series of successful championships. CFN’s pioneering collaboration with the World Boxing Council represents a historic milestone in both the professional boxing and the crypto domain, establishing CFN as a distinctive and influential Crossover Boxing IP. Off-chain is CFN’s international event series, uniting regional fans from across the globe.
On 24 February 2022 Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For three years the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their lives and for their liberty. This article explains why supporting Ukraine remains important – to the whole of Europe.
Enlarge imageWall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, in the center of Kyiv.
Why the Netherlands continues to support Ukraine:
For the Ukrainian people
Russia has caused devastation to the daily lives of millions of Ukrainians. Many Ukrainian towns and villages have been completely destroyed. In the areas occupied by Russia, Ukrainians have suffered violence at the hands of Russian soldiers. They have been murdered, tortured and raped. Ukrainian children have also been abducted. With international support, Ukrainians have been defending their country for three years.
Russia started the war. And Russia could end it at any time.
For the security of Europe as a whole
Russia’s aggression is about more than Ukraine. President Putin has spoken publicly about a conflict with ‘the West’. And Russia is stepping up its efforts to undermine European countries. This includes cyberattacks, sabotage, election interference and spreading fake news.
In other words: by defending itself against Russia, Ukraine is fighting for the security of Europe as a whole. That’s another reason why it’s important to support Ukraine. A Russian victory in Ukraine will not bring an end to the danger. And the costs for Europe will end up being much higher. Europe may have to deal with even more Russian cyberattacks or other kinds of attacks. And with more Ukrainian refugees who are unable to return home.
For a world in which aggression is not rewarded
A Russian victory would have consequences for the whole world. It would send a signal to Russia and to China, North Korea and Iran that aggression will be rewarded. And that brute strength is more important than international rules and agreements. That could lead to even more wars.
Peace through strength, not war through weakness.
Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And Russia must be made to pay a high price for its aggression. That is why the government is continuing to provide unwavering support to Ukraine. To help secure a positive outcome to the war, based on the idea of: achieving peace by showing strength, not risking further war by showing weakness.
Dutch support for Ukraine
The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. It is for example providing:
Military support: equipment, such as munitions, F-16 aircraft and anti-aircraft systems. The Netherlands is also providing training to Ukrainian military personnel.
Justice for Ukraine: working to ensure that war crimes do not go unpunished and that people who have suffered damage, loss or injury in the war receive compensation.
Reconstruction: support to repair damage where it is most needed: water mains, roads, hospitals and the electrical grid. This support is crucial so that Ukraine can continue to function.
Humanitarian aid: helping international, Dutch and Ukrainian organisations to provide emergency goods, ensure the availability of drinking water, medicine and food, provide protection, and assist civilian victims.
Protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage:Russia is deliberately attacking cultural targets in Ukraine, in an attempt to erase Ukraine’s culture and identity. The Netherlands is supporting Ukraine in the protection of its cultural heritage.
Other support: the Netherlands is also helping Ukraine by providing support in areas like healthcare, psychosocial care for victims, agriculture and cybersecurity.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to the Gulf region today, focused on building economic growth opportunities and conducting strategic foreign policy discussions.
“The Gulf is an exciting, fast-developing region with much promise for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says.
“We chose to come to the Gulf at this time to help harness the huge attention for New Zealand generated by Kiwi athletes Joseph Parker and James McDonald.
“New Zealand as a trade-dependent country can and should be doing more to attract investment and collaboration with the Gulf, building on the high-quality trade agreements we have in place.
“We have focused on generating investment and collaboration in areas as diverse as our racing and meat sectors and via work in Antarctica and the Pacific,” Mr Peters says
“Our discussions over the past few days have enabled us to explore commercial opportunities for New Zealand businesses and hear on-the-ground perspectives about some of the world’s most pressing and fast-moving foreign policy challenges.”
Minister Peters held formal discussions with the Foreign Ministers of United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, as well as with Adel al Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
“The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are both serious and highly influential actors in the Middle East and globally, whose societies are rapidly transforming.
“Whether it’s on Gaza, Ukraine, US/Russia relations, defence spending or myriad other regional and global issues, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are influential, pragmatic and engaged players – and New Zealand benefits from working with and talking to them closely.”
While in UAE, Mr Peters witnessed the signing of a cooperation arrangement between Antarctica NZ and the Emirates Polar Programme and while in Saudi Arabia announced the reinvigoration of negotiations towards a Double Taxation Agreement.
While in Saudi Arabia, he also paid respects during Founding Day commemorations, witnessed Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker’s knockout victory over Martin Bakole and attended the 2025 Saudi Cup – the world’s richest horse race meeting, at which Kiwi jockey James McDonald was runner-up.
Mr Peters’ visits were the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister to Saudi Arabia since 2017 and to UAE since 2021.
Minister Peters leaves the Middle East today for North Asia, for programmes in China, Mongolia and South Korea.
PM-KISAN completes 19 successful installments Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi releases installment to 9.8 Crore Farmers amounting to more than ₹22,000 crore
Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 19th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 24th February, 2025 in Bhagalpur, Bihar. During the event over 9.8 crore farmers including 2.41 crore female farmers across the country will be benefitted through the 19th instalment release, receiving direct financial assistance exceeding ₹22,000 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) without involvement of any middlemen, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural prosperity.[1] With this installment, the scheme will be supporting farmers nationwide and further reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development and agricultural prosperity.
Previously, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 18th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 5th October 2024 in Washim, Maharashtra. This significant event witnessed over 9.4 crore farmers across the country receiving direct financial benefits, amounting to more than ₹20,000 crore.[2]
The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- per year is transferred in three equal instalments, into the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.[3]
A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without involvement of any middlemen. Maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr. in 18 instalments since inception, as of February 2025.[4]
Objectives
With a view to augment the income of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs), the PM-KISAN scheme aims to:
Supplement the financial needs of the SMFs in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
This would also protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.[5]
Technological Advancements
With an objective to make the scheme more efficient, effective, and transparent, continuous improvements in a farmer-centric digital infrastructure have been made to ensure the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without any middleman involvement.
The PM-KISAN mobile app was launched on 24th February 2020. This has been developed with an emphasis on greater transparency and to reach more farmers. The PM-KISAN mobile app servers a simple and efficient extension to the PM-KISAN web portal.[6] In 2023, the app was launched with an additional “Face Authentication Feature”. This enabled remote farmers to do e-KYC by scanning their face without OTP or fingerprint.[7]
The portal and mobile app offer services like self-registration, benefit status tracking, and facial authentication-based e-KYC. Farmers in remote areas can complete e-KYC via face scans, with provisions to assist neighbours.
Over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been onboarded to facilitate registrations and meet mandatory requirements. Additionally, a robust grievance redressal system was established on the portal, and an AI chatbot, Kisan-eMitra, launched in September 2023, provides instant query resolution in local languages regarding payments, registration, and eligibility. Farmers can also assist 100 other farmers in their neighbourhood to complete e-KYC at their doorstep. In addition, the Government of India has also extended the facility for completing e-KYC of farmers to State Government officials, allowing each official to do e-KYC for 500 farmers.[8]
PM-KISAN AI CHATBOT
In 2023, an AI Chatbot was launched for the PM-KISAN scheme, becoming the first AI chatbot integrated with a major flagship scheme of the Union government. The AI Chatbot provides farmers with prompt, clear, and accurate responses to their queries. It has been developed and improved with the support of EKstep foundation and Bhashini. The introduction of the AI chatbot in the PM-KISAN grievance management system is aimed at empowering farmers with a user-friendly and accessible platform.
The AI Chatbot, accessible through the PM KISAN mobile app, is integrated with Bhashini, which offers multilingual support, catering to the linguistic and regional diversity of the PM KISAN beneficiaries. ‘Digital India BHASHINI’ seeks to enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including voice-based access, and help the creation of content in Indian languages.[9] This integration of advanced technology will not only enhance transparency but will also empower farmers to make informed decisions.[10]
Additionally, the Department of Posts offers the facility of linking/updating mobile number with Aadhaar for farmers benefiting from PM KISAN scheme. This is to complete e-KYC, through India Post Payment Bank.[11]
Mandatory information required to enroll in scheme:
Farmer’s / Spouse’s name
Farmer’s / Spouse’s date of birth
Bank account number
IFSC/ MICR Code
Mobile Number
Aadhaar Number
Other customer information as available in the passbook which is required for mandate registration
Since its inception, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr. in 18 installments.
A significant saturation drive launched in November 2023 under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra added over 1 crore eligible farmers to the scheme.
An additional 25 lakh farmers were included within the first 100 days of the subsequent government in June 2024. As a result, the number of beneficiaries receiving the 18th installment increased to 9.59 crore.
The scheme has a wide reach across various states. For instance, during the 18th installment (August 2024 – November 2024), Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of beneficiaries at 2,25,78,654, followed by Bihar with 75,81,009 beneficiaries. [13]
A promising journey
An independent study conducted by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in 2019, found that PM-KISAN funds boosted rural economic growth, eased farmers’ credit constraints, and increased agricultural input investments. Further, the scheme has enhanced farmers’ risk-taking capacity, leading them to undertake riskier but comparatively productive investments. The funds received by recipients under PM-KISAN are not only helping them with their agricultural needs, but it is also catering to their other expenses such as education, medical, marriage, etc. These are the indicators of the positive impact of the scheme on the farmers of the country. PM KISAN has truly been a game changer for the farming community of our country.[14]
Conclusion
In the last five years, the PM-KISAN Scheme has evolved into a transformative initiative for the farming community, achieving significant milestones in financial inclusion and rural empowerment. Its vision of providing direct and timely assistance to millions of farmers has been implemented with remarkable efficiency. The scheme’s seamless digital infrastructure, which enables direct transfers to beneficiaries’ accounts, has set a benchmark for transparency and effective governance. As PM-KISAN continues to expand its reach, it stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and enhancing the livelihoods of India’s farmers.
Our food security, climate resilience and digital empowerment moves are not –just policies, it’s the way to future: Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani AARDO reaffirms: development is strongest when it rooted in community, driven by local knowledge, technology and south-south cooperation
Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi
The collective vision that derived in last few days from the brainstorming session of the 21st AARDO would definitely strengthen the deep bonds between Asia and Africa-region and it would go a long way in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of this region, this was stated by the Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. Addressing the concluding session of AARDO he said that the collective vision that emerged from the rice field of Asia to the landscapes of Africa, in our folk traditions and close-knit communities, our people seek the same future-dignity, opportunity and progress.
Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani informed that assuming the presidency of AARDO is a privilege and a responsibility also, our activities and discussion on food security, climate resilience and digital empowerment are not just policies, it’s the way to future. He said that this conference has reaffirmed that development is strongest when it rooted in community, driven by local knowledge, technology and south-south cooperation.
Expressing India’s stand in AARDO Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said that our journey is shared and our progress must be collective. Each of us should be committed to learning from each other and ensuring that development reaches even the most remote villages across Asia-Africa. Thanking each of the participants and for their insight, friendship and unity the Dr. Pemmasani said that this forum would provide a renewed commitment and provide vision for stronger in purpose with united mission.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh The Global Investors Summit in Madhya Pradesh is a commendable initiative; it serves as a vital platform to showcase the state’s immense potential in industry, innovation and infrastructure: PM
By attracting global investors, it is paving the way for economic growth and job creation, Happy to see Madhya Pradesh emerge as a key hub for business and entrepreneurship: PM
The future of the world is in India! Come, explore the growth opportunities in our nation: PM
Madhya Pradesh will benefit significantly from the infrastructure efforts of the NDA Government: PM
Our Governments, at the Centre and in MP, are focusing on water security, which is essential for growth: PM
The first 50 days of 2025 have witnessed fast-paced growth: PM
The past decade has been a period of unprecedented growth for India’s energy sector: PM
In this year’s budget, we have energised every catalyst of India’s growth: PM
After national level, reforms are now being encouraged at the state and local levels: PM
Textile, Tourism and Technology will be key drivers of India’s developed future: PM
Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:24PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, he apologised for the delay of his entry to the event as there were board exams for the 10th and 12th standard students and his security measures enroute to the event could have caused inconvenience to the students. Shri Modi said it was his immense pride to welcome the investors and business leaders in the land of Raja Bhoj. He added that today’s event was important as a Viksit MadhyaPradesh or developed Madhya Pradesh is necessary in the journey towards Viksit Bharat. He congratulated the Government of Madhya Pradesh for a wonderful organization of the summit.
“The whole world is optimistic about India”, exclaimed Shri Modi and said that it was for the first time such an opportunity had risen in the history of India. He added that be it common citizens or policy experts or institutions or countries of the world, everyone had a lot of expectations from India. He highlighted that the comments received in the last few weeks about India will raise the enthusiasm of investors. Recalling the recent statement by the World Bank that India will continue to remain the fastest growing economy, the Prime Minister highlighted that a representative from the OECD remarked, “The future of the world is in India.” He added that recently, a UN organization on climate change declared India as a solar power superpower. This organization also mentioned that while many countries only talk, India delivers results. Shri Modi noted that a new report revealed how India is emerging as an excellent supply chain for global aerospace firms. These firms view India as a solution to global supply chain challenges. The Prime Minister quoted various examples showcasing the world’s confidence in India, which is also boosting the confidence of every Indian state. This confidence is evident at the Global Summit in Madhya Pradesh, he said.
Noting that Madhya Pradesh is the fifth largest state in India by population, Shri Modi said, “MP is one of the top states in India for agriculture and minerals”. He emphasized that Madhya Pradesh is blessed with the life-giving Narmada River and stated that MP has the potential to become one of the top five states in India by GDP.
Pointing out the transformative journey of Madhya Pradesh over the past two decades, the Prime Minister remarked that there was a time when the state faced significant challenges with electricity and water, and the law and order situation was even worse. These conditions made industrial development difficult. Shri Modi noted that with the support of the people, their government in Madhya Pradesh has focused on governance over the past two decades. Two decades ago, people were hesitant to invest in MP, while today, MP has become one of the top states in the country for investments, he added. He highlighted that the state, which once struggled with poor roads, is now one of the leading states in India’s EV revolution. He further said that by January 2025, around 2 lakh electric vehicles were registered in MP, reflecting a growth of approximately 90 percent, which demonstrates that MP is becoming an excellent destination for new manufacturing sectors.
“India has witnessed a boom in infrastructure over the past decade”, highlighted the Prime Minister and remarked that Madhya Pradesh has greatly benefited from this development. He emphasized that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which connects two major cities, passes significantly through MP, providing fast connectivity to Mumbai’s ports and North India’s markets. He also highlighted that Madhya Pradesh now has a road network of over five lakh kilometers. He noted that MP’s industrial corridors are connected to modern expressways, ensuring rapid growth in the logistics sector.
Touching upon the air connectivity, Shri Modi highlighted that the terminals at Gwalior and Jabalpur airports have been expanded to improve air connectivity. He remarked that the modernization of Madhya Pradesh’s extensive rail network is also underway. He noted that the rail network in MP has achieved 100 percent electrification. He mentioned that the images of Bhopal’s Rani Kamalapati Railway Station continue to captivate everyone. Following this model, 80 railway stations in MP are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
“The past decade has seen unprecedented growth in India’s energy sector”, hailed Shri Modi and remarked that India has achieved remarkable progress in green energy, which was once unimaginable. Over the past 10 years, more than $70 billion (over ₹5 trillion) has been invested in the renewable energy sector, and this investment has created over 10 lakh jobs in the clean energy space last year alone, he added. The Prime Minister noted that Madhya Pradesh has greatly benefited from this boom in the energy sector. He said that today, MP is power surplus with a power generation capacity of around 31,000 MW, of which 30 percent is clean energy. He highlighted that Rewa Solar Park is one of the largest in the country, and recently, a floating solar plant was inaugurated in Omkareshwar. Shri Modi mentioned that the Government has invested around ₹50,000 crore in the Bina Refinery Petrochemical Complex, which will help make Madhya Pradesh a hub for petrochemicals. He emphasized that the MP government supports this infrastructure with modern policies and special industrial infrastructure. Noting that MP has over 300 industrial zones, and investment zones spanning thousands of acres are being developed in Pithampur, Ratlam, and Dewas, he highlighted the immense potential for better returns for investors in Madhya Pradesh.
Emphasising the critical importance of water security for industrial development, the Prime Minister remarked that, on one hand, efforts are being made towards water conservation, and on the other, a mega mission for river interlinking is being advanced. He highlighted that the agriculture and industry sectors in Madhya Pradesh will greatly benefit from these initiatives. Shri Modi mentioned that the ₹45,000 crore Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project has recently commenced, which will enhance the productivity of approximately 10 lakh hectares of agricultural land and strengthen water management in MP. He stated that these facilities will unlock significant potential in the food processing, agro-industry, and textile sectors.
Remarking that after the formation of their Government in Madhya Pradesh, the pace of development has doubled, Shri Modi highlighted that the Central government was working shoulder to shoulder with the MP government for the development of the state and the country. He recalled his promise during the elections to work three times faster in his third term and said, “this speed is evident in the first 50 days of 2025”. Shri Modi highlighted the recent budget, which has energized every catalyst for India’s growth. He emphasized that the middle class, being the largest taxpayer, creates demand for services and manufacturing. Various steps have been taken to empower the middle class in this budget, including making income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free and restructuring tax slabs. He also mentioned that the RBI has reduced interest rates following the budget.
Pointing out that the budget emphasizes building local supply chains to achieve complete self-reliance in manufacturing, Shri Modi said that there was a time when the potential of MSMEs was limited by previous governments, preventing the development of local supply chains at the desired level. He highlighted that the current priority is to build MSME-led local supply chains. The definition of MSMEs has been improved, and credit-linked incentives are being provided, while access to credit is being made easier, and support for value addition and exports has been increased, he added.
“Over the past decade, significant reforms have been accelerated at the national level, now reforms are being encouraged at the state and local levels as well”, said the Prime Minister discussing the State De-regulation Commission mentioned in the budget. He noted that continuous dialogue is being maintained with the states and over 40,000 compliances have been reduced in recent years in collaboration with the states. Additionally, 1,500 obsolete laws have been eliminated, he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that the objective is to identify regulations that hinder the ease of doing business and the De-regulation Commission will help create an investment-friendly regulatory ecosystem in the states.
Stressing that the budget has simplified the basic customs duty structure and reduced rates on several essential inputs for the industry, Shri Modi said that a time limit is being set for the assessment of customs cases. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to open new sectors for private entrepreneurship and investment. This year, avenues such as nuclear energy, bio-manufacturing, critical minerals processing, and lithium battery manufacturing have been opened for investment, he added and said, “these steps demonstrate the Government’s intent and commitment”.
“Textile, Tourism, and Technology sectors will play a significant role in India’s developed future and create crores of new jobs”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India is the second-largest producer of cotton, silk, polyester, and viscose. He noted that the textile sector provides employment to crores and that India has a rich tradition, skills, and entrepreneurship in textiles. Madhya Pradesh, being the cotton capital of India, contributes to around 25 percent of the country’s organic cotton supply and is the largest producer of mulberry silk while the state’s Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees are highly appreciated and have received the GI Tag, he added. He emphasized that investments in this sector will significantly help Madhya Pradesh’s textiles make a global impact.
Talking about India exploring new avenues in addition to traditional textiles, the Prime Minister highlighted that technical textiles such as agro textiles, medical textiles, and geotextiles are being promoted, and a national mission has been initiated for this purpose, which has been encouraged in the budget. Shri Modi noted that the Government’s PM MITRA scheme is well-known, and seven large textile parks were being developed across the country, including one in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative will elevate the growth of the textile sector to new heights. The Prime Minister urged investors to take advantage of the PLI scheme announced for the textile sector.
Remarking that just as India is adding new dimensions to its textile sector, it is also enhancing the tourism sector, Shri Modi recalled the MP Tourism campaign, “MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai,” highlighting the significant development of tourism infrastructure around the Narmada River and in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister spoke about the numerous national parks in the state and the immense potential for health and wellness tourism. He mentioned that the “Heal in India” mantra is gaining global popularity, and investment opportunities in the health and wellness sector are continuously increasing. The Government is encouraging public-private partnerships in this area. Shri Modi highlighted that India’s traditional treatments and AYUSH are being promoted on a large scale, and special AYUSH visas are being issued. He emphasized that these initiatives will greatly benefit Madhya Pradesh. He encouraged visitors to see the Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain, where they will receive blessings from Mahakal and experience how the country is expanding its tourism and hospitality sector.
Reiterating his statement from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister concluded that now is the right time for investment and increasing investment in Madhya Pradesh.
The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The two-day Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal, serves as an important platform to establish Madhya Pradesh as a global investment hub. The GIS includes departmental summits; specialized sessions on Pharma and Medical Devices, Transport and Logistics, Industry, Skill Development, Tourism and MSMEs among others. It also includes international sessions like the Global South countries conference, Latin America and Caribbean session and special sessions for key partner countries.
Three major industrial exhibitions are being held during the Summit. The Auto Show showcases Madhya Pradesh’s automotive capabilities and future mobility solutions. The Textile and Fashion Expo highlights the state’s expertise in both traditional and modern textile manufacturing. The “One District-One Product” (ODOP) Village showcases the state’s unique craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Representatives from over 60 countries, officials from various international organizations, over 300 prominent Industry leaders from India and policymakers among others are participating in the Summit.
Addressing the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal. With a strong talent pool and thriving industries, Madhya Pradesh is becoming a preferred business destination. https://t.co/EOUVj9ePW7
Water security is crucial for industrial development.
On one hand, we are emphasising water conservation and on the other, we are advancing with the mega mission of river interlinking. pic.twitter.com/hv2QOzmaLw
India’s technological sector is on rise & is expected to reach $300-350 billion in next five years: Raksha Mantri at 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi “Biggest challenge today is to not only adapt to the rapidly changing technology, but also to create new technologies. Don’t just be adapters; become the disruptors who lead innovation”
Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:22PM by PIB Delhi
“India’s technological sector is on the rise and is expected to reach 300-350 US billion dollars in the next five years. With more than 1.25 lakh start-ups and 110 unicorns, our country is emerging as the third-largest start up ecosystem in the world,” highlighted Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the 16th Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Himachal Pradesh on February 24, 2025. He encouraged the students to leverage this period of growth and opportunity, ensuring that they not only contribute to India’s technological advancements but also lead the way globally in key areas of research and development.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised the necessity of innovation and knowledge creation in shaping the future of technology. He underscored the importance of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that would allow India to lead in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and digital technologies. He lauded the institution’s outstanding contributions to shaping India’s technological and scientific advancements. He also highlighted IIT Mandi’s pivotal role in fostering innovation and research, and laid stress on India’s rising prominence as a global leader in technology.
In the context of national security, Shri Rajnath Singh urged IIT Mandi to play a more significant role in defence-related technologies. He commended the existing collaboration with DRDO and called for further contributions in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven warfare, indigenous AI chip development, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.
Raksha Mantri also threw light on India’s progress in defence self-reliance, highlighting that “India has achieved 88% self-sufficiency in ammunition production, and defence exports have reached approximately Rs 23,000 crore in 2023-24. Our goal is to reach Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.” He bolstered the government’s commitment in creating a robust defence industry in India, one that supports both the security of the nation and contributes to the country’s economic growth. He called on IIT Mandi’s students to contribute to this vision by focusing on technological solutions that can enhance India’s defence capabilities and further advance the nation’s self-reliance in this critical sector.
In line with India’s emerging digital economy, Shri Rajnath Singh shared key highlights on the country’s remarkable digital progress. “India’s telecom sector is now the second-largest in the world. With the success of initiatives like UPI, India is setting global standards in digital transactions. We are in the midst of an unparalleled digital revolution,” he said. He encouraged the students to actively contribute to the development of India’s digital ecosystem, reiterating that technological innovation is central to India’s growth story in the coming decades.
Further urging the students to excel in technological innovation in order to make the country developed by 2047, Raksha Mantri advised them to follow the principles of Initiate, Improve, and Transform (IIT). Shri Rajnath Singh also motivated them to be bold in their pursuit of knowledge and to remain persistent in the face of challenges. He also spoke about the need for courage and resilience as the country faced the challenges of the future, and highlighted the importance of working collectively to address national challenges with technology and innovation.
Shri Rajnath Singh also encouraged the students to be disruptors and not just adapters in the fast-paced world of technology. “The biggest challenge today is to adapt to the rapidly changing technology, but also to create new technologies. Don’t just be adapters; become the disruptors who lead innovation,” he added. He spoke about the significant opportunities available to young innovators, stressing the importance of shaping new paradigms rather than simply following existing trends. Raksha Mantri further stated that this is the time of the ‘Indian Dream’—a time where the aspirations and achievements can redefine the global landscape. He motivated the students to set ambitious goals and to aim high in their careers, as their work would have a lasting impact on India’s trajectory in this landscape.
Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated IIT Mandi on its achievements stating that “In the last 15 years, the institution has secured a distinguished place on the educational map, not only of India but the world. It is a perfect blend of ancient heritage and modern technological education.” He mentioned the region’s rich historical significance, emphasising that the existence of IIT Mandi at such a culturally and historically enriched location symbolises the union of antiquity and modernity. He further expressed confidence that the institution, with its strong foundation in academics, research, and innovation, would continue to make significant contributions to both India’s growth & global technological advancement.
Raksha Mantri inaugurated two new buildings, the Guidance & Counselling Centre and the Centre for Continuing Education during the event. Both buildings are designed to enhance the academic ecosystem and contribute to the personal and professional growth of the students and faculty. These additions will provide much-needed infrastructure to support the holistic development of students and ensure their success in the rapidly changing world of technology and innovation. “These new centres will play a crucial role in supporting students, faculty, and researchers, further strengthening IIT Mandi’s contribution to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Management,” he stated.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 24) that due to urgent maintenance works, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool in Central and Western District has been temporarily closed until further notice.
,_III_sec,_dalla_necropoli_di_porta_all%27isola_sacra.JPG){kind=link}
