Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah interacts with students from rural and tribal communities at Gujarat Bhavan in New Delhi The upliftment and empowerment of the tribal community is a priority of the Modi government
Modi govt is establishing Eklavya Model Residential Schools for quality education in each block having more than 50% ST population and having at least 20,000 tribals
For six decades after independence, the country had only one central tribal university, Modi government opened 2 new tribal universities in a decade
The role of students in nation-building is extremely important, and their success will be instrumental in making India a leading nation
Language has been a barrier for tribal students pursuing medical, engineering, and technical education, thus, Modi government gave the option of taking exams in one’s mother tongue
Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 7:43PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah held an inspiring educational interaction with the students of the rural and tribal community of Santokba Dholakiya Vidya Mandir, Dang District, Gujarat at Gujarat Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi today. This special event was a unique opportunity for these students to be inspired and share their experiences. This initiative is part of the Union Home Minister’s commitment to directly interact with youth and motivate them.
The program not only served as a source of inspiration for all these rural and tribal students, but it also provided them with the opportunity to openly interact with the country’s Home Minister.
On this occasion, Shri Amit Shah shared profound thoughts on education, youth empowerment, and the role of students in national development. The goal of this dialogue was to inspire students and address their queries related to academics and careers. While answering students’ questions, the Home Minister emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and determination.
Union Home Minister said that be it the celebration of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ or the election of Smt Droupadi Murmu as the President of India, these decisions have helped take the pride of the tribal society to newer heights. He emphasized that the upliftment and empowerment of the tribal community is our priority, and it is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who gave the tribal community their rightful recognition after independence.
Shri Amit Shah said that students are the foundation of the country’s progress, and their hard work and dedication will take India to new heights. He encouraged students to pursue careers as doctors, engineers, and civil servants, stating that if they make the development of the country their goal, their personal growth will naturally be assured. Therefore, their primary objective should be to work for the development of the nation.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that the Modi government is providing quality education to tribal students by establishing Eklavya Model Residential Schools in every block having more than 50% ST population having at least 20,000 tribals. He further mentioned that language has been a barrier for tribal students in the fields like medicine, engineering, and technical education. In response to this, the Modi government has provided the option for students to take exams in their mother tongue. Shri Shah said that these decisions have given tribal students a new hope. He further mentioned that in the six decades after independence, there was only one central tribal university in the country, whereas in the past decade, under the Modi government, two new tribal universities have been established.
The students shared their thoughts on education and career with the Home Minister. Shri Amit Shah provided suggestions on how they could contribute to the progress of the country. At the end of the program, the Home Minister encouraged the students to pursue their goals with hard work and integrity, stating that the role of students in nation-building is extremely important, and their success will play a key role in making India a leading nation.
आज नई दिल्ली में गुजरात के डांग जिले में स्थित संतोकबा ढोलकिया विद्या मंदिर से आए ग्रामीण व आदिवासी समाज के छात्रों से संवाद किया। विद्यार्थियों की भूमिका राष्ट्र निर्माण में अत्यंत महत्त्वपूर्ण है, उनकी सफलता ही भारत को हर क्षेत्र में अग्रणी राष्ट्र बनाएगी। pic.twitter.com/OKFfiUrwvO
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan Our language is the carrier of our culture: PM
Marathi is a complete language: PM
Several saints of Maharashtra showed a new direction to society through the Bhakti movement in the Marathi language: PM
There has never been any enmity among Indian languages, instead they have always adopted and enriched each other: PM
Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 7:28PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he welcomed all the Marathis to the grand event of Marathi language being organized in New Delhi. He said that the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was not confined to a language or a region and added that the Sammelan comprised the essence of freedom struggle as well as the cultural heritage of Maharashtra and the nation.
Remarking that Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, from its first edition in 1878 till now, has been a witness to 147 years of India’s journey, Shri Modi said that many luminaries like Shri Mahadev Govind Ranade, Shri Hari Narayan Apte, Shri Madhav Shrihari Ane, Shri Shivram Paranjpe, Shri Veer Savarkar had presided the Sammelan. Expressing his gratitude for being invited by Shri Sharad Pawar to be part of this proud tradition, he extended his congratulations to all Marathi enthusiasts across the country and the world for this event.
Highlighting that today was International Mother language day, the Prime Minister remarked that it was quite natural to be reminded of verses of Sant Dnyaneshwar when he thought of Marathi language. Reciting a verse of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Shri Modi explained that the Marathi language was sweeter than nectar and hence his love and affection towards the Marathi language and culture was immense. Informing that although he was not as proficient as Marathi scholars at the event, the Prime Minister humbly said that he has always been in a constant endeavour to learn Marathi.
Shri Modi highlighted that the Sammelan was taking place at a significant time when the nation was witnessing the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, and the 75th anniversary of our Constitution, created through the efforts of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Expressing pride over the fact that a century ago, a distinguished Marathi individual planted the seed of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the soil of Maharashtra, Shri Modi highlighted that today, it has grown into a vast tree, celebrating its centenary year. He emphasized that for the past 100 years, the RSS has carried forward the great tradition and culture of India, from the Vedas to Vivekananda, to the new generation through its cultural efforts. He noted that it has been his privilege, along with millions of others, to be inspired by the RSS to live for the country. The Prime Minister also acknowledged that it was through the RSS that he had the opportunity to connect with the Marathi language and tradition. He highlighted that a few months ago, Marathi was accorded the status of a classical language, for which over 12 crore Marathi speakers in India and around the world had been waiting for decades for this recognition. He considered it a great fortune of his life to have had the opportunity to accomplish this task.
“Language is not just a medium of communication but a carrier of our culture”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He noted that while languages are born in society, they also play a crucial role in shaping it. He highlighted that Marathi has given expression to the thoughts of many individuals in Maharashtra and the nation, contributing to our cultural development. Citing Samarth Ramdas Ji’s words on the importance of the Marathi language, the Prime Minister remarked, “Marathi is a complete language, embodying valor, beauty, sensitivity, equality, harmony, spirituality, and modernity”. He noted that Marathi includes devotion, strength, and intellect. Shri Modi pointed out that when India needed spiritual energy, Maharashtra’s great saints made the wisdom of the sages accessible in Marathi. He acknowledged the contributions of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Sant Ramdas, Sant Namdev, Sant Tukdoji Maharaj, Gadge Baba, Gora Kumbhar, and Bahinabai, who showed society a new direction through the Bhakti movement in Marathi. In modern times, the Prime Minister highlighted the impact of Shri Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar and Shri Sudhir Phadke’s Geet Ramayan.
Highlighting that during centuries of oppression, the Marathi language became a proclamation of liberation from invaders, the Prime Minister mentioned the valor of Maratha warriors like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Bajirao Peshwa, who fiercely opposed their enemies. He noted that in the freedom struggle, fighters like Vasudev Balwant Phadke, Lokmanya Tilak, and Veer Savarkar disrupted the British. He emphasized the significant role of Marathi language and literature in their contributions. Shri Modi highlighted that newspapers like Kesari and Maratha, the powerful poems of poet Govindagraj, and the plays of Ram Ganesh Gadkari nurtured the spirit of nationalism. He pointed out that Lokmanya Tilak wrote the Geeta Rahasya in Marathi, which infused new energy across the nation.
“Marathi language and literature have opened the doors of social emancipation for the oppressed and deprived sections of society”, highlighted Shri Modi. He mentioned the contributions of great social reformers such as Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Maharshi Karve, and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who nurtured new age thinking in Marathi. He noted that Marathi language has given the country rich Dalit literature. He emphasized that due to its modern thinking, Marathi literature has also produced science fiction. Acknowledging the exceptional contributions of the people of Maharashtra in Ayurveda, science, and logic in the past, Shri Modi highlighted that this culture has always invited new ideas and talents, leading to Maharashtra’s progress. He remarked that Mumbai has emerged as the economic capital not only of Maharashtra but of the entire country. The Prime Minister remarked that when speaking of Mumbai, one cannot complete the discussion of literature without mentioning films. He highlighted that it is Maharashtra and Mumbai that have elevated both Marathi films and Hindi cinema. He noted the current popularity of the movie ‘Chhava,’ which has introduced the valor of Sambhaji Maharaj through Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel.
Quoting poet Keshavsut, Shri Modi emphasized that we cannot remain stagnant in old thoughts and human civilization, thoughts, and language continually evolve. He highlighted that India is one of the world’s oldest living civilizations because it has consistently evolved, embraced new ideas, and welcomed changes. Pointing out that India’s vast linguistic diversity is a testament to this evolution and serves as a fundamental basis for unity, the Prime Minister noted that Marathi exemplifies this diversity, comparing language to a mother who imparts new and vast knowledge to her children without discrimination. He added that language embraces every idea and every development. Shri Modi noted that Marathi originated from Sanskrit and has significant influences from Prakrit. He highlighted the contribution of great thinkers and writers who have broadened human thought. He mentioned Lokmanya Tilak’s Geeta Rahasya, which interpreted the Sanskrit Gita and made it more accessible through Marathi. He also mentioned that the Dnyaneshwari Gita, with its Marathi commentary on Sanskrit, has become a standard for scholars and saints to understand the Gita. The Prime Minister remarked that Marathi has enriched and been enriched by other Indian languages. He cited examples like Bhargavram Vitthal Varekar, who translated works like ‘Anandmath’ into Marathi, and Vinda Karandikar, whose works based on the lives of Panna Dhai, Durgavati, and Rani Padmini have been translated into many languages. “Indian languages have never had mutual enmity; instead, they have always adopted and enriched each other”, he emphasised.
Pointing out that attempts to create divisions in the name of language are countered by the shared heritage of our languages, the Prime Minister emphasized the responsibility of enriching and embracing languages, urging everyone to keep away from such misconceptions. He highlighted that today, all languages in the country are viewed as mainstream languages. He pointed out the efforts to promote education in all major languages, including Marathi. Shri Modi mentioned that now, the youth in Maharashtra can pursue higher education, engineering, and medical studies in Marathi. He emphasized that the mindset of neglecting talents due to the lack of English proficiency has been changed.
“Literature is a mirror as well as a guide for society”, said Shri Modi. He remarked on the crucial role of Sahitya Sammelan and related institutions in the country. He expressed hope that the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal will carry forward the ideals established by great personalities like Govind Ranade, Harinarayan Apte, Acharya Atre, and Veer Savarkar. The Prime Minister highlighted that the tradition of the Sahitya Sammelan will complete 150 years in 2027, which will mark the 100th Sahitya Sammelan. He urged everyone to make this occasion special and to start preparations now. He acknowledged the efforts of many young people who are serving Marathi literature through social media and encouraged providing them with a platform to recognize their talents. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of promoting Marathi learning through online platforms and initiatives like Bhashini. He suggested organizing competitions related to Marathi language and literature among the youth. He expressed confidence that these efforts and inspirations from Marathi literature will energize 140 crore citizens for a Viksit Bharat. He concluded by urging everyone to continue the great tradition of distinguished personalities like Mahadev Govind Ranade, Harinarayan Apte, Madhav Shrihari Ane, and Shivram Paranjape, and thanked everyone.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Sharad Pawar; President of the 98th Sammelan, Dr. Tara Bhawalkar were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is being held from 21st to 23rd February and will host a diverse array of panel discussions, book exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions with eminent literary figures. The Sammelan will celebrate Marathi literature’s timeless relevance and explore its role in contemporary discourse, including themes of language preservation, translation, and the impact of digitalization on literary works.
The Marathi literary gathering being held in the national capital after 71 years also includes a symbolic literary train journey from Pune to Delhi, carrying 1,200 participants, showcasing the unifying spirit of literature. It will feature over 2,600 poetry submissions, 50 book launches, and 100 bookstalls among others. Distinguished scholars, authors, poets, and literature enthusiasts from across the country will participate.
Appreciating the address of Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Tshering Tobgay at SOUL Leadership Conclave in New Delhi, Shri Modi said that we remain committed to deepening the unique and historical partnership between India and Bhutan.
The Prime Minister posted on X;
“Pleasure to once again meet my friend PM Tshering Tobgay. Appreciate his address at the Leadership Conclave @LeadWithSOUL. We remain committed to deepening the unique and historical partnership between India and Bhutan.
In a significant step towards boosting deep-science-based Indian innovations with high societal and commercial impact, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has successfully transferred two novel bioactive non-chemical solutions, AphidControl and XanthoControl, to PI Industries Ltd. The announcement was made during an event held at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, New Delhi, in the presence of Prof. A.K. Sood, PSA to the Govt. of India, Dr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee, Pratiksha Trust.
The transfer of these technologies is a part of the ‘Transforming Deep Science Discoveries into Impactful Innovations for India’ initiative under the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator (DIA) programme at C-CAMP. Supported by the Office of the PSA and Pratiksha Trust, this initiative is designed to translate pioneering research into industry-ready solutions for real-world applications. With pests and diseases contributing significantly to crop loss in India—estimated at 10-35% annually—the introduction of these two bio-based solutions represents a critical advancement in sustainable agriculture. These 100% biological alternatives to synthetic pesticides will undergo large-scale validation and commercialization by PI Industries Ltd., reinforcing their portfolio of crop protection solutions.
AphidControl is a novel botanical insecticide derived from plant extracts that effectively targets aphids, a pervasive pest that causes substantial agricultural losses. Unlike conventional chemical pesticides, this organic solution offers a sustainable approach to crop protection while minimizing environmental impact. AphidControl has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to existing biopesticides, ensuring a stronger, eco-friendly defense mechanism against aphids. XanthoControl, on the other hand, is a breakthrough biocontrol agent developed from microbial metabolites that effectively combats Xanthomonas, a bacterial pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in over 40 crops, including tomatoes and pomegranates. This innovative solution provides a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides, addressing concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance and environmental sustainability.
Prof. A.K. Sood welcomed this initiative and stated “C-CAMP DIA Programme is fostering industry-centric innovations with the potential to reshape India’s agricultural sector. This reinforces the Office of PSA’s commitment to supporting transformative programmes that bridge the gap between research and industry.’
“The technology transfer to industry for the two-novel bio-based solutions developed under the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator program supported by the Office of PSA is testimony to C-CAMP’s efforts in translating research to market ready solutions in critical areas like sustainable agriculture. My best wishes and congratulations to the innovators and the team at C-CAMP for addressing an important area like crop loss through two non-chemical solutions viz AphidControl and XanthoControl” said Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA.
Dr. Kris Gopalakrishnan emphasized the importance of research translation, and highlighted the need to leverage this strength and emerge as a global bio-innovation hub, and appreciated the C-CAMP DIA programme for ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into impactful real-world solutions. Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Adviser, Office of PSA, stated that the transfer of AphidControl and XanthoControl is a significant achievement under the DIA programme, showcasing India’s commitment to transforming scientific breakthroughs into innovative technologies that serve the agricultural sector.
Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO & Director, C-CAMP, highlighted the role of DIA in facilitating this transition, stating that the programme has successfully leveraged knowledge generated by research institutions across the country, advancing their technology-readiness level in line with industry standards. This initiative, he said, is a prime example of closing the academia-industry gap in India and was made possible through the generous support of the Office of the PSA and the Pratiksha Trust.
This was attended by Dr. Alka Sharma, Scientist H, DBT, Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Adviser, Office of PSA, Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO & Director, C-CAMP, Mr. Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, IP Industries, Mr. Prashant Hegde, CEO, AgChem Brands, Mr. Eswara Reddy, CIMAP, Dr. Sarangthem Indira Devi, IBSD, Dr. Sudesh K. Yadav, Director, IHBT, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, NBRI, Dr. Prabhod Kumar Trivedi, Director, CIMAP, Dr. Sangeetha Agarwal, Scientist F, Office of PSA, and Dr. Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist, Office of PSA.
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-CIMAP, IBSD, DBT, and PI Industries Ltd. The participants in the event included representatives from the Office of the PSA, C-CAMP, PI Industries, CSIR institutes, DBT, and Pratiksha Trust. The event marked an important step in advancing research-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and industry collaboration.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Board – in its 196th Board Meeting – took a key decision to carry out feasibility study for developing Urban Water Transport System in various cities. The Board decided to explore Water Metro in full or part in 17 cities across 12 states of India. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) have been appointed to carry out the feasibility study.
This initiative will provide a robust and sustainable urban transport system by utilising existing navigable waterways. The Water Metro model represents a breakthrough in urban water transportation, offering safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional modes of transport. Leveraging India’s rich network of rivers, canals and other water bodies, the project will focus on cities with significant potential for urban water transport system.
The 17 cities chosen by IWAI, in consultation with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for developing water metro include – Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey in Kerala as well as Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands where inter-island ferry services could transform connectivity.
The Urban Water Transport System will connect mainland and adjoining municipalities/panchayat areas/islands through waterways and integrate the system with other modes of transport. Besides, it will promote tourism and regional economic growth. It will employ non-polluting and sustainable measures through energy-efficient electric ferries, modernised terminals and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity.
Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been making several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth. With its concerted efforts, IWAI is expanding its footprint throughout the country – from Arunachal Pradesh in the East to Gujarat in the West and Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South.
In line with Harit Nauka guidelines, the Authority has taken multiple green initiatives which includes procurement of electric catamarans for passenger ferries. Two such catamarans have already been deployed, one each at Varanasi and Ayodhya. Six more shall be deployed soon in Mathura and Guwahati. One hydrogen fuel cell powered vessel has also been procured which recently completed the trials successfully. The move to strengthen urban water transport system by developing water metro projects will be an extension to these proactive initiatives being taken by the Authority.
India’s gaming industry has seen remarkable growth particularly in digital and online gaming, which has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country’s media and entertainment landscape. To support this growth the Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP) has been launched as part of the Create in India Challenge Season 1. Organized by the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) the program aims to identify and showcase India’s gaming talent on the international stage.
The initiative will culminate at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) and the India Pavilion at the Game Developer Conference (GDC) in 2025 providing a global platform for Indian innovators to shine.
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.
The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.
The AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse) pillar in particular aligns with the objectives of the Bharat Tech Triumph Program emphasizing the intersection of gaming, animation, visual effects and immersive technologies like AR, VR and the Metaverse.
Eligibility Criteria
The Bharat Tech Triumph program welcomes a diverse range of participants from the interactive entertainment industry including developers, studios, startups, and tech companies. This initiative is open to individuals and organizations involved in gaming development, esports and business solutions critical to the gaming ecosystem. The program invites entities from various stages of development as long as they have a working prototype.
Registration Process
Tech Triumph Season 3 is poised to elevate India’s gaming ecosystem showcasing the nation’s potential to create a globally recognized ‘Made in India’ tech industry. With 1,078 registrations already, including 12 from international participants the program is gaining momentum.
Please note, the application submission for Tech Triumph Season 3 closed on February 20, 2025.
Stages of the Challenge Process:
Step 1: Game Submission: Start your journey by submitting your game via the contest form available on the official website.
Step 2: Expert Evaluation: The esteemed panel of experts will carefully review all submissions shortlisting the top entries for the pitching round. After the pitches the final results will be announced by the distinguished jury.
Step 3: Gearing Up for Events: Upon the announcement of the winners, the organizers will promptly reach out to guide and assist them in preparing for their prominent showcase at the events.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria for the Bharat Tech Triumph Program focus on assessing key aspects of your product, pitch and team to determine its potential for success. Here’s a breakdown of how each element will be evaluated:
Prize Winners of the Bharat Tech Triumph Program will have an incredible opportunity to showcase their products, intellectual property and technology on a global stage. They’ll be fully sponsored to present their innovations at the prestigious Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco from March 17th to 21st and later at WAVES in India. This is a unique platform to gain international exposure and connect with industry leaders.
Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),Shri Amardeep Bhatia chaired a high-level meeting to review key issues affecting mega infrastructure projects in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Delhi, and Jharkhand. The meeting, attended by senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents, focused on expediting issue resolution through enhanced inter-ministerial and state coordination facilitated by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG).
In the meeting, 21 issues across 17 significant projects were reviewed, including 9 projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with a total cost of all projects exceeding Rs 13,501 crore.The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project, valued at Rs 9,623.72 crore and comprising seven issues across six packages, was also reviewed.
The meeting placed significant emphasis on the project of setting up new NITs in strategic locations through which the government seeks to bridge regional disparities in technical education and meet the increasing demand for skilled engineers and technical professionals. These institutions will not only enhance the academic landscape but also contribute to regional economic growth by fostering innovation, research, and industry collaboration.
The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project, a key project under the Bharat Mala Yojana, will enhance regional connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal,and is expected to significantly boost trade and freight movement, particularly benefiting industries reliant on the Kolkata and Haldia ports for maritime trade– was also reviewed.
The Secretary,DPIIT, reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing the institutional framework for project monitoring and instructed the relevant authorities to take a proactive approach in addressing pending issues.He emphasized the importance of private proponents leveraging this specialized mechanism of Project Monitoring Group (PMG) (https://pmg.dpiit.gov.in/) to expedite project implementation and ensure efficient and timely resolution of their concerns through collaboration among the Central Government, State Authorities, and Private Stakeholders.
Turn Your Vision into the Summit’s Signature Clip!
Introduction
The WAVES Promo Video Challenge, a part of the Create in India Challenges, is a call to creators, visionaries, and storytellers to craft captivating videos that embody the spirit of the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. Centred around the theme “Come, Sail With Us,” this challenge invites participants from all walks of life, whether a visionary director, a creative advertiser, or a pioneering broadcaster, to bring fresh perspectives and showcase their talent. Organised by the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this initiative aims to set the stage for WAVES, which will be held from 1-4 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens, Mumbai.
WAVES, in its first edition, is a unique hub-and-spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global platform that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent. Built on four key pillars, including Broadcasting and Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media and Innovation, and Films, the WAVES Promo Video Challenge is part of the Broadcasting and Infotainment segment, highlighting traditional and emerging forms of content delivery while connecting with global audiences.
The Create in India Challenges, a core initiative of WAVES, has engaged over 73,000 participants globally, fostering a creative ecosystem where fresh ideas thrive and storytelling boundaries are constantly reimagined.
Eligibility Criteria
Target Participants: The competition is open to all creative professionals and aspiring content creators from India and across the globe.
Age: Participants must be 18 years or older.
Geographical Scope: Individuals from India and abroad are welcome to participate.
Attempts: Participants can make multiple entries.
Originality: All submissions must be original works created specifically for this competition. Any form of plagiarism or the use of copyrighted materials without permission will lead to disqualification.
Creative Guidelines
Timeline
Evaluation Criteria
Rewards and Recognition
The top 5 entries will receive cash prizes along with an all-expenses-paid trip to the WAVES 2025 event for their creators.
Conclusion
The WAVES Promo Video Challenge offers a remarkable opportunity for creators to showcase their talent on a global stage through the Create in India Challenges, contributing to the first edition of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. With enticing rewards including cash prizes and an all-expenses-paid trip to the event, this challenge is more than a competition as it is a platform to transform creative visions into impactful narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Aspiring filmmakers, advertisers, and storytellers are encouraged to seize this chance to be a part of India’s creative revolution and leave a lasting mark on the international Media and Entertainment landscape.
First Phase of the ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ concludes with Historic Five Guinness World Records First phase of the Abhiyaan saw an extraordinary response, conducting prakriti parikshan for over 1.29 crore individuals, surpassing the target of 1 crore
Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi
In a historic milestone for India,Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaanachieved an unprecedented five Guinness World Records, highlighting the nation’s dedication to holistic healthcare and the growing global recognition of Ayurveda. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, concluded the closing ceremony marking the completion of the first phase of the‘desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’on 20thFebruary 2025 at Mumbai.
Five Guinness World Records:
1. The most pledges received for a health campaign in one week: with 6,004,912 pledges, surpassing the minimum requirement of 14,571, setting a new global benchmark as there was no previous record holder.
2. The most pledges received for a health campaign in one month: with 13,892,976 pledges, surpassing the previous record of 58,284 pledges held by Cigna & CMB Life Insurance Company Limited (China) in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
3. The most pledges received for a health campaign: overall with 13,892,976 pledges, surpassing the previous record of 569,057 pledges held by Zifi FDC Limited (India).
4. The largest online photo album of people displaying a digital certificate: with 62,525 photos, breaking the previous record of 29,068 photos held by Accenture Solutions Private Limited (India).
5. The largest online video album of people saying the same sentence: with 12,798 videos, surpassing the previous record of 8,992 videos held by Ghe Bharari, Rahul Kulkarni, and Neelam Edlabadkar (India).
The Guinness World Records adjudicator, Mr. Richard Williams Stenning officially announced the successful completion of all five records. He presented the certificates to the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav.
Maharashtra’s Health Minister Shri Prakash Abitkar, Secretary of the Ministry of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Chairman of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Vaidya Jayant Devpujar were also present on the occasion.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the development of all Ayush healthcare systems. He detailed the various steps being taken to expand Ayurveda and Ayush practices, praising the dedication and hard work of every individual in the Ayurveda sector who contributed to the campaign’s success.
Maharashtra’s Health Minister Shri Prakash Abitkar emphasized that this campaign was a significant step toward re-establishing Ayurveda and assured Maharashtra’s active contribution in making Ayurveda a part of mainstream public health services.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Padmashri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, stated that under the guidance of the Ayush Minister, the Ministry has set six world records in just two months, which is an achievement in itself. He expressed confidence that under the Minister’s leadership, the Ministry of Ayush will reach new heights of progress.
The announcement of the launch of this campaign was made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of National Ayurveda Day. A landmark moment during the first phase was when President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, became the first individual to undergo Prakriti assessment, inspiring widespread participation across the country. The first phase of the Abhiyaan saw an extraordinary response, conducting prakriti parikshan for over 1.29 crore individuals, surpassing the target of 1 crore. This remarkable achievement involved 1,81,667 volunteers, including 1,33,758 Ayurveda students, 16,155 teachers, and 31,754 physicians, setting a world record in itself. The participants represented various age groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds, truly reflecting the unity in diversity of the nation.
This extensive participation underscores India’s leadership in personalized healthcare, emphasizing Ayurveda’s vital role in preventive healthcare and lifestyle management. This data-driven approach is expected to provide critical insights for evidence-based research, bridging Ayurveda with modern medicine and propelling India’s healthcare landscape forward.
Shri Amardeep Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),chaired a high-level meeting to review key issues affecting mega infrastructure projects in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Delhi, and Jharkhand. The meeting, attended by senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents, focused on expediting issue resolution through enhanced inter-ministerial and state coordination facilitated by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG).
In the meeting, 21 issues across 17 significant projects were reviewed, including 9 projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with a total cost of all projects exceeding Rs 13,501 crore.The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project, valued at Rs 9,623.72 crore and comprising seven issues across six packages, was also reviewed.
The meeting placed significant emphasis onthe project of setting up new NITs in strategic locations through which the government seeks to bridge regional disparities in technical education and meet the increasing demand for skilled engineers and technical professionals. These institutions will not only enhance the academic landscape but also contribute to regional economic growth by fostering innovation, research, and industry collaboration.
The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project, a key project under the Bharat Mala Yojana, will enhance regional connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal,and is expected to significantly boost trade and freight movement, particularly benefiting industries reliant on the Kolkata and Haldia ports for maritime trade– was also reviewed.
The Secretary,DPIIT, reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing the institutional framework for project monitoring and instructed the relevant authorities to take a proactive approach in addressing pending issues.He emphasized the importance of private proponents leveraging this specialized mechanism of Project Monitoring Group (PMG) (https://pmg.dpiit.gov.in/) to expedite project implementation and ensure efficient and timely resolution of their concerns through collaboration among the Central Government, State Authorities, and Private Stakeholders.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Director-General of Investment Promotion concludes visit to Japan and Korea (with photos) Director-General of Investment Promotion concludes visit to Japan and Korea (with photos) *****************************************************************************************
The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau, today (February 21) concluded her visit to Japan and Korea, which was aimed at promoting Hong Kong’s business advantages and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. During the trip, Ms Lau met with representatives from various corporations, including leading global enterprises, long-established trading companies, influential local businesses and industry associations, as well as entrepreneurs in both countries. The discussions focused on Hong Kong business opportunities in areas such as financial services, trade, innovation and technology, advanced manufacturing, as well as opportunities arising from the Northern Metropolis development. She also took the opportunity to meet with the local media to elaborate on the latest business advantages in Hong Kong. Ms Lau said, “Both Japan and Korea are facing the issue of an aging population. For corporates looking for growth, they have to expand into overseas markets. Hong Kong, as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’, serves not only as a gateway to the Mainland market, but also as the perfect platform for Japanese and Korean companies to expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the entire ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market. “The Hong Kong Government is committed to promoting the development of innovation and technology. With our sophisticated innovation and technology ecosystem, Hong Kong provides huge business opportunities for Japanese and Korean start-ups that want to expand overseas. At the same time, the city is actively promoting the silver economy, and Japan and Korea have solid experience in this area. We can further cooperate with Japan and Korea to address the issue of an aging population,” she added. The President of the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Kiichiro Takanami, said, “Hong Kong is the ideal platform for Japanese businesses to expand internationally. Apart from being the culinary and movie capital of Asia, the city also plays a vital role in the innovation development of the GBA, offering unmatched connectivity, a business-friendly environment and skilled talent. Japanese companies can leverage Hong Kong’s business advantages to scale their operations and tap into Mainland China and new markets across Asia.” The Director General of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency in Hong Kong, Mr Jaesun Uh, said, “Hong Kong is an unparalleled gateway for Korean corporates and start-ups looking to expand globally. With its crucial role as an international financial centre, its investor-friendly policies and strategic access to the GBA, Hong Kong provides an ideal launchpad for innovation-driven businesses seeking international expansion.” He added, “For Korean start-ups aiming to go global, Hong Kong presents an exceptional opportunity. With its vibrant start-up ecosystem, easy access to venture capital, deep connections to international markets, and a business-friendly regulatory environment, it is a strategic choice for scaling innovation.” The visit culminated in a commitment to continue dialogues and explore further avenues for collaboration, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier business destination for corporates and entrepreneurs from Japan and Korea.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported Fashion Hong Kong at London Fashion Week AW25 on February 20 (London time), showcasing the collections of four outstanding designers from Hong Kong.
The event commenced with a runway show and was followed by an after-show celebration that welcomed over 380 distinguished guests from the fashion community.
Delivering his remarks at the event, the Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, congratulated the designers for their awe-inspiring collections. He said, “The unlimited creativity and impressive artisanship of our designers speak volumes about Hong Kong’s unique position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. We welcome our British friends to visit Hong Kong to see for themselves the dynamic energy of our city, which champions creativity, innovation and sustainability.”
Fashion Hong Kong is a series of international promotional events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote Hong Kong fashion designers and labels in the global fashion arena.
Headline: Upgrade to iPhone 16e and save with incredible offers from Verizon
NEW YORK – Verizon will offer iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring breakthrough battery life, the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence1, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value. Customers can pre-order the new iPhone 16e starting Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28. Visit verizon.com for complete pricing and availability details,
Major savings and value on iPhone 16e at Verizon
Starting February 21, Verizon customers can get:
Switch to Verizon or add a new line and can get iPhone 16e for $5 a month for 36 months on myPlan2.
Want to trade in your phone? Get iPhone 16e on us when you trade-in your current iPhone, Samsung or Google phone — in any condition — and sign up for a new line on myPlan3.
Verizon Business customers: For a limited time, get iPhone 16e on us with a new activation on either the Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan with a Verizon Device Payment agreement4. And, eligible Public Sector customers can get a new 128GB iPhone 16e on us on a qualifying two year agreement5.
Verizon myPlan gives you ultimate access to Apple One
Supercharge your iPhone 16e with Verizon myPlan, built to give you more flexibility, more perks and more value. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest iPhone for yourself or keeping your business running smoothly with a Verizon Business Unlimited Plan, you’ll stay connected with Verizon’s ultra-fast 5G network—built for whatever life throws your way.
With myPlan, you’re in control. Pick the perks that matter to you, like Apple One for just $10/month (Individual Plan) or $20/month (Family Plan), plus get deals on entertainment, shopping and more. It’s your phone, your plan, your way — only with Verizon.
Everything you need to know about the iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. It delivers fast, smooth performance and the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. iPhone 16e is also built for Apple Intelligence, the intuitive personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. The 48MP Fusion camera takes gorgeous photos and videos, and with an integrated 2x Telephoto, it is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, iPhone 16e can use Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite.
With custom-designed components and deeply integrated software, iPhone 16e users can stay connected and get help when it matters most6. iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize.
iPhone 16e can be activated with an eSIM, a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card. With eSIM, users can quickly activate their cellular plan, store multiple cellular plans on the same device, and stay connected. Verizon supports eSIM Quick Transfer which allows users to transfer their existing plan to their new iPhone.
Visit verizon.com on February 28 to order your new iPhone 16e.
For more details on Apple products, please visit www.apple.com.
1 Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S. Additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) will be available in April. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.
2 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan req’d. Less $419.99 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Offer may not be combined with other offers. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.
3 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $600 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Trade-in must be from Apple, Google or Samsung; trade-in terms apply. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.
4 Taxes & fees apply. New line w/device payment purchase agmt & Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan req’d. $599.99 credit applied to acct. over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos, 0% APR); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 2-3 bills & will include appropriate credit amounts from order date. Cannot be combined with other device offers. This device supports only 5G Ultra Wideband mid-band (C-band), 5G and 4G LTE. iPhone 16e 128GB monthly fee after credit: $0. Offer ends 3.31.2025.
5 iPhone 16e offer only. Plan Requirements: Fed – $15+ with data feature; State & Local – $19.99+ with data feature; State of TN – flat rate plan with data feature (must meet PP requirement). Available to government-liable subscribers only and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of Verizon Wireless-approved government contracting vehicles. An Offer Recovery Fee (ORF) will be assigned to NASPO MA 152 customer lines that take advantage of select quarterly offers and will be charged on the customer’s bill if the line is disconnected before the end of the line term. 5G and 5G UWB may not be available to all government customers. See terms and conditions of your contract. Pricing excludes taxes and fees and is subject to change without notice. Offer ends 3.31.2025.
6 Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 16e . For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426. Messages via satellite will be available in the U.S. and Canada in iOS 18 or later. SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the U.S. with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, and in the U.K. with Green Flag. Participating roadside assistance providers may charge for services, and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of their roadside assistance services on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite features were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor about the billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse that President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency has uncovered in just a few short weeks. Earlier this month, Senator Blackburn introduced the DOGE Acts to coincide with President Trump’s efforts.
Click here to watch Senator Blackburn’s remarks.
REMARKS AS PREPARED
Blackburn: Americans Know Our Fiscal Path is Unsustainable
Today, after four years of reckless spending and decades-high inflation under the Biden-Harris administration, our national debt sits at $36.4 trillion. In many ways, this number represents one of the biggest threats to our nation, as interest payments on the debt now eclipse our country’s total defense spending. Unfortunately, this problem is only getting worse. During the last few months of the Biden administration—October to December of last year—our country ran a deficit of more than $710 billion, up 39 percent from the same time period in 2023. The American people know our fiscal path is unsustainable.
DOGE Has Already Discovered Billions of Dollars in Wasteful Spending
Among many other reasons, that’s why they returned President Trump to the Oval Office with a mandate to restore government accountability. And since Inauguration Day, the President has been hard at work. In one of his first acts back in office, President Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Led by Elon Musk, the agency has worked to uncover and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government. And to no one’s surprise, DOGE has found a lot of waste, especially with programs that should have never existed. In recent weeks, the agency has cut $33 million in Education Department grants to groups that push far-left ideas like critical race theory; $44.6 million in canceled leases for unused federal office space; $45 million in scholarships for students in Burma; $182 million in Department of Health and Human Services contracts that had nothing to do with health, including a $168,000 museum exhibit for Anthony Fauci; $1 billion in DEI programs; and on and on.
Contrary to Democrats’ Dishonest Narrative, DOGE Is Restoring Government Accountability
In addition, DOGE has worked to reform the mismanaged United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Under the last administration, the agency used its $40 billion budget to support left-wing and anti-American causes around the world, including terror-tied extremist groups in the Middle East. As DOGE uncovers the Left’s abuse of taxpayer dollars, Washington Democrats have tried desperately to paint the agency as unaccountable to the American people. But the exact opposite is true: DOGE, which reports directly to President Trump, is restoring government accountability by helping rein in the federal bureaucracy. That’s why, last week, President Trump issued an executive order to support DOGE, directing federal departments to work with the agency to reduce the size of the federal workforce. A downsize is desperately needed: the government employs more than 2.4 million civilian employees at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
Blackburn Introduced the DOGE Acts to Drain the Swamp
To support these efforts, I recently introduced a package of bills called the DOGE Acts, which would hold the federal government accountable for managing taxpayer dollars. To drain the swamp, the bills would implement a hiring and salary freeze, direct agencies to reduce the size of their workforce by 5 percent within three years, and establish a commission to report to Congress on moving non-national security agencies out of Washington, D.C. In addition, the legislation would create a pilot program to determine federal employees’ compensation based on merit, not seniority. And they would require agencies to reinstate their pre-COVID telework policies—a measure that is especially crucial after just 6 percent of federal employees worked in an office full-time during the Biden administration. Perhaps most importantly, the DOGE Acts would cut non-security discretionary spending by 5 percent by fiscal year 2028 and every following year, saving taxpayers billions of dollars. When it comes to government spending, Tennesseans and Americans across the country demand accountability. With DOGE, Republicans are delivering on it.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
This Week: Secretary Burgum applauds an EPA ruling to allow West Virginia to regulate its own carbon injection procedures; the Secretary welcomes Bret Baier of Fox News’ “Special Report” for a live broadcast from Interior; the Bureau of Indian Affairs launches an initiative to help solve missing and unidentified person cases involving American Indians and Alaska Natives; governors and delegates of American island territories convene at Interior for the annual Interagency Group on Insular Areas; and a colorful scene salutes a master of black-and-white photography in our social media Picture of the Week! Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X!
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today closed its ninetieth session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of Belarus, Belize, Congo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and on the exceptional report of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on conflict-related sexual violence in its eastern provinces.
The concluding observations adopted by the Committee on the countries under review will soon be available on the session’s webpage.
In concluding remarks, Committee Chairperson Nahla Haidar said that during the challenging ninetieth session, in addition to holding dialogues with States parties, the Committee had held informal meetings with non-governmental organizations from most of the State parties reviewed and with four national human rights institutions. It was grateful to these organizations and to United Nations entities for providing it with detailed information.
Ms. Haidar said the highlight of the session was the half-day of general discussion on gender stereotypes on 17 February, which was attended by 46 States parties and 17 non-governmental organizations. The discussions highlighted the fact that gender stereotypes were underlying causes of gender-based violence against women and posed significant barriers to women’s access to political life, education, employment and leadership positions. They marked a crucial step in developing a general recommendation to guide States parties on eliminating stereotypes.
During the session, Ms. Haidar said, the Committee made important progress in rationalising and harmonising its working methods with those of other treaty bodies, including through changes to rationalise working groups, increase the number of lists of issues prior to reporting to be adopted over the coming two years, and to systematically raise male succession to the throne in dialogues and concluding observations, where relevant.
Ms. Haidar welcomed the progress achieved by the Working Group on gender-based violence against women on its draft working paper on online and tech-facilitated gender-based violence against women. She also commended the convening of an illustrious group of experts and private sector representatives to discuss best practices in digital innovation and mitigation of gender gaps during the Committee’s public meeting with the Working Group on business and human rights, and further welcomed the endorsement of the Committee’s contribution to the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
Ms. Haidar said the Committee had adopted five follow-up assessments and prepared four final decisions on individual communications. It also adopted the report of Inquiry 2014/2 concerning large-scale abductions of women and girls by insurgents and other armed groups, which would be published after the expiry of the six-month period for the State party concerned to submit observations.
During the session, Ms. Haidar said, the Committee also held informal meetings with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the World Health Organization.
In closing, Ms. Haidar thanked all those who contributed to the session, including new Committee Experts Hamida Al-Shukairi (Oman), Violet Eudine Barriteau (Barbados), Nada Moustafa Fathi Draz (Egypt), Mu Hong (China), Madina Jarbussynova (Kazakhstan), Jelena Pia-Comella (Andorra), Erika Schläppi (Switzerland), and Patsilí Toledo Vasquez (Chile), as well as other Committee members, the Committee secretariat and United Nations staff. Though not an easy task, she said, the Committee had successfully delivered on its mandate to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality.
At the beginning of the meeting, Committee Rapporteur Brenda Akia presented the draft report of the session, which contained the draft report of the Working Group of the Whole and the provisional agenda for the Committee’s ninety-first session. The Committee then adopted the report ad referendum.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is provisionally scheduled to hold its ninety-first session from 16 June to 4 July 2025, in which it will review the reports of Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Mexico, Monaco, San Marino and Thailand.
In addition, from 7 to 11 April in Suva, Fiji, the Committee will hold a technical cooperation session to review the reports of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu and engage with Pacific States that are not yet parties to the Convention.
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CEDAW.25.053E
Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.
English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
CHICAGO — A man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge for illegally importing the drug Pentobarbital into the United States from Mexico for use in committing suicide.
DANIEL GONZALEZ-MUNGUIA, also known as “Alejandro Vasquez,” 41, of Puebla, Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Chicago to one count of importing a controlled substance into the United States. The charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis set sentencing for Sept. 9, 2025.
Pentobarbital, also known as Nembutal, is a drug sold in Mexico for the purpose of euthanizing animals. In the U.S., Pentobarbital is a controlled substance and has been used in state-sponsored executions. Gonzalez-Munguia admitted in a plea agreement that from 2012 to 2021, he operated an online drug business that sold and distributed bottles of Pentobarbital to hundreds of individuals in the U.S. and throughout the world, including individuals in Illinois. Many of the buyers consumed the product and died, the plea agreement states.
The investigation by Homeland Security Investigations began in 2016 after a parcel of the drug was intercepted in a Chicago suburb. Authorities in the U.S. and several foreign countries conducted well-being checks and recovered Pentobarbital from numerous individuals who admitted to being despondent and ordering the suicide drug online from Gonzalez-Munguia. Law enforcement provided assistance to those individuals.
Gonzalez-Munguia admitted that he initially shipped bottles of the drug directly from Mexico and in the manufacturer’s packaging, but thereafter disguised it as a cosmetic product and used intermediaries to transport it into the U.S. before shipping to customers around the world.
The guilty plea was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Daniel Johnsen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations, and Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Illinois Army National Guard Counterdrug Program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, and law enforcement agencies in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kartik K. Raman is prosecuting the case.
Headline: Apple Intelligence comes to Apple Vision Pro in April
February 21, 2025
UPDATE
Apple Intelligence comes to Apple Vision Pro in April
visionOS 2.4 advances spatial computing with a powerful set of Apple Intelligence features — including Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji — and introduces Spatial Gallery, the Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone, and more
Today, Apple announced Apple Intelligence is coming to Apple Vision Pro in April. With Apple Intelligence for Vision Pro, users will be able to proofread, rewrite, and summarize text using Writing Tools; compose text from scratch using ChatGPT in Writing Tools; explore new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground; create the perfect emoji for any conversation with Genmoji; and much more. Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on visionOS 2.4 with support for U.S. English. More features and support for additional languages will roll out throughout the year.
visionOS 2.4 also introduces new apps and features to help users discover and share the magic of spatial computing. Spatial Gallery — a new app for Vision Pro — features a curated collection of spatial photos, spatial videos, and panoramas from artists, filmmakers, photographers, and more. The Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone offers users a new way to download apps and games from the App Store; discover experiences from Apple TV, Spatial Gallery, and more; easily find helpful tips; and quickly access information for their Vision Pro. Enhancements to Guest User make it easier than ever for users to share apps and experiences with family, friends, and colleagues using a nearby iPhone or iPad.
“Apple Vision Pro is helping users communicate, collaborate, and experience entertainment in entirely new ways — and we’re continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in spatial computing with visionOS 2.4,” said Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Vision Products Group. “With Apple Intelligence, Vision Pro users will be able to take their productivity and creativity to new heights using features like Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji. And we’re excited for users to discover and share incredible new experiences with Spatial Gallery.”
Apple Intelligence on Apple Vision Pro
Apple Intelligence offers new ways for Apple Vision Pro users to express themselves visually, simplify everyday tasks, and get things done effortlessly — all with groundbreaking privacy protections. An initial set of Apple Intelligence features will be available in April with visionOS 2.4 for users with their device and Siri language set to U.S. English. Support for more Apple Intelligence features and additional languages will roll out throughout the year.
With Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, and third-party apps. With Rewrite, users can adjust the tone of their text to make it more friendly, professional, or concise, or specify the change they’d like to make using Describe Your Change. Proofread checks grammar, word choice, and sentence structure with suggested edits. Users can also select text and have it recapped in several formats with Summarize. And with Compose, users can ask ChatGPT to generate content for anything they’re writing about.
Image Playground allows users to easily create fun and unique images from themes, costumes, accessories, and places. Users can add their own text descriptions, and can even create images in the likeness of a family member or friend using photos from their photo library. The experience is integrated directly into apps like Messages and Freeform, and is also available as a dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro.
Users will be able to create Genmoji by simply typing or speaking a description into the emoji keyboard. Genmoji can be added inline to messages, shared as a sticker, or sent as a Tapback.
Smart Reply in Messages and Mail identifies questions and suggests relevant replies, so Apple Vision Pro users can easily respond to texts and emails with just a few taps.
With Create a Memory Movie in Photos, users can simply type a description, and Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc and a soundtrack. As with all Apple Intelligence features, user photos and videos are kept private, and are not shared with Apple or anyone else.
Natural language search in Photos makes it even easier for users to find a specific photo, album, or a moment in a video just by describing it.
visionOS 2.4 also includes support for Priority Messages in Mail, Mail Summaries, Image Wand in Notes, Priority Notifications in Notification Center, and Notification Summaries. Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing to protect users’ privacy whenever possible. For requests that require even larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of Apple products into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill the request. Independent experts can inspect the code that runs on Apple silicon servers to continuously verify this privacy promise, and are already doing so.
Introducing Spatial Gallery
visionOS 2.4 introduces Spatial Gallery, a new app that features a selection of spatial photos, spatial videos, and panoramas curated by Apple for Apple Vision Pro. With Spatial Gallery, users will enjoy breathtaking and intimate moments spanning art, culture, entertainment, lifestyle, nature, sports, and travel, with new content released regularly. At launch, users can discover remarkable perspectives from photographers like Jonpaul Douglass and Samba Diop; new stories and experiences from iconic brands including Cirque du Soleil, Red Bull, and Porsche; behind-the-scenes moments from Apple Originals like Disclaimer, Severance, and Shrinking; and special moments from top artists.
The Apple Vision Pro App for iPhone
Starting in April, Apple Vision Pro users will be able to queue apps and games to download, discover new spatial content and experiences, easily find helpful tips, and quickly access information about their device from their iPhone with the new Apple Vision Pro app. The app will appear for Vision Pro users when they update their iPhone to iOS 18.4, and it can also be downloaded from the App Store.
The Discover page offers curated recommendations for new and noteworthy experiences available on Apple Vision Pro. Users can quickly see popular apps and games on the App Store; nearly 300 3D movies, Apple Immersive titles, and more video content on the Apple TV app; and the latest spatial photos, spatial videos, and panoramas featured in the Spatial Gallery.1 New Apple Immersive titles include “Ice Dive” from the Adventure series; “Sharks” from the Wild Life series; and Man vs. Beast. “Arctic Surfing” — the latest episode of Boundless — debuts worldwide today, while the next episode of Adventure, “Deep Water Solo,” debuts next Friday, February 28.
On the My Vision Pro page, users will find tips for getting the most out of Apple Vision Pro; can easily access information such as their current visionOS version and device serial number; and set up Personalized Spatial Audio. Users with vision correction needs will be able to store and view the App Clip code for their ZEISS Optical Inserts in the Apple Vision Pro app.
Guest User with iPhone and iPad
Apple Vision Pro users around the world have loved sharing the magic of spatial computing with family, friends, and colleagues through Guest User. From Control Center, users can choose which apps their guest can see, and guests can save their eye and hand setup for up to 30 days after their last use.
With new enhancements to Guest User in visionOS 2.4, users can start a Guest User session with their nearby iPhone or iPad. When their device is unlocked, they can choose which apps are accessible to their guest and start View Mirroring with AirPlay, making it easy to guide a guest through their Vision Pro experience.
Availability
Apple Vision Pro is available in Australia, Canada, China mainland, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the U.A.E., the UK, and the U.S.
Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 2.4. The first set of features will be available for Vision Pro users with their device and Siri language set to U.S. English. Feature availability varies by region. More features and support for additional languages will roll out throughout the year.
Spatial Gallery will be available with visionOS 2.4 for users in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the U.A.E., the UK, and the U.S. It can be redownloaded from the App Store for Vision Pro.
The Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone will be available with iOS 18.4. The app will be available to download from the App Store, and will automatically appear on a user’s iPhone once they update to iOS 18.4 and have both devices associated with the same Apple Account.
Customers can book a demo for free online. Demos are hosted at all Apple Store locations where Apple Vision Pro is available.
3D movie availability varies by country or region.
Headline: Apple Intelligence expands to more languages and regions in April
Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence, will soon be available in more languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India.
These new languages will be accessible in nearly all regions around the world with the release of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 in April, and developers can start to test these releases today.
With the upcoming software updates, iPhone and iPad users in the EU will have access to Apple Intelligence features for the first time, and Apple Intelligence will expand to a new platform in U.S. English with Apple Vision Pro — helping users communicate, collaborate, and express themselves in entirely new ways.
Apple Intelligence marks an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI and is designed to protect users’ privacy at every step. It starts with on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power Apple Intelligence run entirely on the device. For requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence.
Apple Intelligence will continue to expand with new features in the coming months, including more capabilities for Siri.
During the exercise, which took place from Feb. 10-21, over 1000 participants from 20 partner nations supported Exercise Cutlass Express 2025 as part of a global network of partners to enhance cooperation and expertise in maritime security operations in the Western Indian Ocean.
In Tanzania, 2 national maritime operation centers (MOCs) participated in the exercise to collaborate on real-time scenarios linked to the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training hosted in Tanga, Tanzania. Exercise Cutlass Express 2025 also contained linkages with the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa-led exercise Justified Accord 2025, also taking place in Tanzania, to improve coordination between land- and sea-based operations.
“We value the TPDF’s role as a regional leader in deploying peacekeeping forces, countering violent extremist organizations, and promoting maritime security,” said Andrew Lentz Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania. “Through exercises like Cutlass Express, we are building the readiness of our militaries and deepening the bilateral and multilateral relationships required to confront today’s most complex security challenges.”
Cutlass Express focuses on enabling East African partners to expand their capacity and capability to support maritime security operations and combat threats such as piracy, trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The coordination of 10 national MOCs across 8 partner nations sought to improve regional coordination, with this year being the first to feature a U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft to establish communication links during a Cutlass Express. VBSS training in both Tanzania and Mauritius, as well as a week-long rule of law course hosted in Seychelles, allowed partners to share and refine their tactics for interdiction operations while ensuring a legal finish to hold malign actors accountable for illicit at-sea activity.
“Ensuring the free flow of commerce within the region, especially over critical sea lines of communication and the vast expanse of this maritime environment, is vital to the economic stability and security of the region,” said Rear Adm. David E. Ludwa, reserve director of logistics, ordnance and engineering for Navy Reserve U.S. 6th Fleet. “We must work together, deepen our partnerships, and continue to improve the quality of exercises like Cutlass Express to enhance our ability to communicate and synchronize maritime operations to collectively counter the manifold threats we face.”
Participants in this year’s iteration of Cutlass Express spanned 5 continents and included Australia, Belgium, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom.
Cutlass Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.
Climate change remains at the forefront of global discourse and policymaking, driving an unprecedented push for impactful climate action. Yet, despite its prominence in the collective consciousness, deep divisions persist over what constitutes effective policy. Now more than ever, understanding the complexities of global policy, financing, and their impact—particularly on agriculture—is crucial.
This book lays the foundation for a holistic understanding of the linkages between climate change and agriculture, exploring the historical drivers of environmental challenges and the evolving interconnections between global economies. It examines how sectoral interdependencies have shifted over time and what this means for designing effective climate policies and shaping the future of climate finance.
As a comprehensive guide to the what, how, and why of climate change and agriculture development, this book brings together key aspects of policy, practice, and finance. It identifies critical gaps in climate action within the context of agricultural growth and offers strategies to bridge them—equipping stakeholders at all levels with the insights needed to drive sustainable and impactful change.
The Broccoli family have controlled the James Bond franchise ever since the films were launched by Albert “Cubby” Broccoli in 1962. Now, his daughter and stepson, long-serving producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, have announced that they have surrendered creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.
Within minutes of the announcement on February 21, critics, analysts and fans of the Bond films rushed to proclaim the end of the beloved franchise. “Quite possibly the worst thing to happen to this franchise”, “the end of an era” and “RIP James Bond” were just a few of the responses.
The fear is that, under Amazon’s leadership, Bond will go down the same route as other beloved media properties, such as Star Wars and Marvel.
Having found themselves under the control of global entertainment conglomerates, these franchises have been treated as intellectual property and content. Films and TV shows expanding the universe of the franchises were used to serve corporate aims and cross-support other business segments of their parent companies.
This is exactly what happened with Disney, after it acquired Lucasfilm and Marvel and assumed creative control of the Star Wars, Indiana Jones and the Marvel films.
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Disney embarked on a well-orchestrated campaign that expanded the narrative universe of its franchises through a host of new films, TV series, documentaries and other content. Such content also supported the launch of its streaming service, Disney+, introduced new lines of merchandise for its stores, and installed new attractions in its theme parks.
While, for a period, this strategy paid off handsomely for the conglomerate, the power of its brands started to become diluted. Complaints about the quality of some of its output and fan fatigue from an infinitely expanding narrative universe seem to have had a strong impact both on Disney’s ability to extract maximum value from its properties. Not to mention the fans’ relationship with their once-favourite stories and characters.
Will Bond meet with a similar fate? A look at the franchise’s history as well as at Amazon’s recent business practices offers a glimpse into what the future may hold for 007.
Bond’s studio history
Eon Productions has controlled the franchise since Bond made his first successful, though not spectacular, appearance in theatres in 1962.
Originally established by Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman as a company through which to produce the James Bond films, Eon was a subsidiary of Danjaq, a holding company through which the two men managed the film series’ business.
The film’s distributor, United Artists, eventually became Danjaq’s co-owner and therefore Eon’s production partner, even though creative decisions remained with Eon.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, MGM took United Artists’ place as Eon’s partner. But after a barrage of corporate takeovers and litigation cases, production of the films in the early 1990s halted. They were only reignited in 1995 when Eon passed on to Broccoli’s children.
A new corporate takeover of MGM by a consortium of companies led by Sony in the 2004 brought yet another partner on board for EON. But it also led to the transformation of Bond from a film series to a full-fledged franchise.
Eon rebooted Bond with the origin film Casino Royale in 2006. Ever since, it has carefully managed the Bond universe through a series of films that proved major box office hits worldwide. And it has also cultivated a list of marketing partners, the majority of whom are luxury retail brands such as Tom Ford and Omega.
The arrangement with Sony was modified in the late 2000s as MGM reemerged as a self-owned production company with an ability to make its own deals. MGM and Eon continued their collaboration with Sony for Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). But for the most recent James Bond outing, No Time to Die (2021), the Bond franchise owners decided on a split distribution deal that was not as successful.
Amazon enters the frame
It was at that time that Amazon took over MGM in a deal worth £6.48 billion (US$8.45 billion), making Amazon Studios Eon’s next production partner. But even with the one of the biggest conglomerates in the picture, Eon continued to have ironclad control of the franchise. This was secured through contracts negotiated following MGM’s successive takeovers.
Amazon’s takeover of MGM was part of a list of acquisitions motivated by the tech company’s efforts to support their streaming service, Prime. It meant it could add the approximately 4,000 films and TV programmes available in MGM’s library to their streaming catalogue, with the hopes of attracting new subscribers.
No Time to Die was Craig’s final outing as Bond.
But Amazon is also in the business of producing original content through what is now known as Amazon MGM Studios. This is the reason for the rampant speculation on how it would manage the franchise, and whether there would be a blitz of new Bond-branded content à la Disney’s treatment of Star Wars.
Amazon has the resources to pour vast amounts of funding into productions that can support its other business segments. This means it has the means required to reboot Bond and spend lavishly on production and top talent. This could redefine the franchise for audiences in the streaming era.
Perhaps more intriguingly, Amazon could use Bond’s proven ability to market upscale and luxury products and services through its e-commerce division. This could drive even more (and even more lucrative) business to its online shopping site.
Indeed, I can see a scenario whereby a new James Bond film will be released on Black Friday, creating an unprecedented level among Amazon’s divisions and redefining “Bondmania” for a new, digital era.
Yannis Tzioumakis does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Sumitomo Corporation Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Shingo Ueno, signed a practical arrangement on future cooperation for sustainable uses of nuclear energy in Tokyo, Japan, 20 February 2025. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
The IAEA Director General has signed a cooperation agreement with one of the largest worldwide integrated trading companies and had a lecture and networking event at Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) this week, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy through partnerships.
Mr Grossi met with Sumitomo Corporation Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer Shingo Ueno and signed a practical arrangement on future cooperation for sustainable uses of nuclear energy. IAEA and Sumitomo Corporation aim to set forth the framework for cooperation in addressing global development challenges, particularly in the area of sustainable uses of nuclear related technologies for multiple areas, including healthcare, shipping, fusion and capacity building efforts.
Sumitomo Corporation is a Japanese integrated trading and business investment company, with 125 offices in 63 countries. Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of around 900 companies and 80,000 employees, covering a wide range of fields, including energy transformation.
Signed partnership with 🇯🇵 Sumitomo Corporation’s Shingo Ueno on future cooperation on the sustainable use of nuclear energy, healthcare, and capacity building—we can work together on @IAEAorg’s activities all over the world. pic.twitter.com/IAJ1uvsthj
The Director General then addressed Keidanren, which has a membership comprised of around 1,500 representative companies of Japan, over 100 nationwide industrial associations and the regional economic organizations for all 47 prefectures.
Mr Grossi met with about 30 high-level Japanese business representatives, from trading companies, private banks, insurance firms, nuclear plant construction companies, a commercial shipping company, energy association and more.
He gave a lecture on the IAEA flagship initiatives and his views on the expanding use of nuclear power in the world, including SMRs to enhance private companies’ understanding and networking.
Addressed 🇯🇵 @keidanren business group on @IAEAorg’s work—from #RaysOfHope tackling the cancer care gap to #Atoms4Food boosting food security—and how we can join forces for greater impact.
Private sector is key to bringing nuclear technology’s benefits to more people. pic.twitter.com/wtwjXIEIab
Important to start my visit to Japan at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP, one of the world’s largest nuclear sites. With @IAEAorg’s involvement, major safety and security improvements have been made. Once restarted, it will be a significant part of 🇯🇵’s electricity supply. pic.twitter.com/PA0sMcmywU
During the Director General’s visit to Kashiwazaki Kariwa, Japan’s largest nuclear power plant, he viewed improvements in safety response and secure access facilities, as well as enhanced seismic and tsunami proofing.
There he met with TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa and Site Vice President Takeyuki Inagaki, a former IAEA safety officer who was working at the Fukushima Daiichi plant when it was struck by the tsunami in 2011.
“Needless to say, it was the most bitter experience in my life with many lessons learned that needed to be reflected,” said Mr Inagaki. “Now as Site Vice President of the Kashiwazaki Kariwa station, I am determined to never let such an accident happen again.”
After viewing the improvements at the station, the Director General spoke to local media, and said he was “very satisfied with the progress” he had seen.
“Nuclear safety and security are an everyday effort. One by one all the recommendations made by IAEA experts have been duly and correctly addressed here.”
During his trip, the Director General also joined an ongoing IAEA effort to monitor marine radioactivity near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. On a boat off the coast in front of the station, Mr Grossi worked with scientists from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland, to collect seawater samples together.
“Through these efforts, third parties can independently verify that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards,” said Director General Grossi.
ALPS-treated water release: watch as @RafaelMGrossi and experts from China, South Korea and Switzerland collect seawater samples near Fukushima Daiichi NPP. Samples will be independently analysed by IAEA, as well as labs in Japan and today’s participating countries. pic.twitter.com/pBPe4H3Y6F
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) February 19, 2025
Additional remediation efforts being managed by Japan in the region are focused on soil removal and recycling, another area where the IAEA is providing safety guidance.
“In this area, the presence of the IAEA is as intense and systematic as in other areas in the decommissioning effort,” said Mr Grossi.
Read more about the IAEA’s safety review of Japan’s plan for the managed recycling and the final disposal of removed soil and radioactive waste around the Fukushima Daiichi site.
During his trip the Director General also met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other key political leaders, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Iwaya, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, and the Minister of Environment Keiichiro Asao.
Honored to meet @JPN_PMO Prime Minister @shigeruishiba and exchange on progress of Fukushima Daiichi ALPS treated water release, 🇯🇵’s plans to use nuclear energy, and its commitment to non-proliferation and the NPT.
Mr Grossi also had an extended meeting and joint press conference with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, where they discussed their strong cooperation, and Japanese support to IAEA work, including non-proliferation worldwide, nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, cancer care through the Rays of Hope initiative, food security and more.
On his final day in the country the Director General strengthened IAEA cooperation with the Japanese private sector, by signing a practical arrangement with the Sumitomo Corporation and addressing the Japanese business federation, Keidanren. Read more about the meetings with industry here.
The Director General also signed practical arrangements on cooperation for IAEA educational and training activities with Sophia University and engaged with students and faculty members on IAEA contributions to global issues.
During his visit to Tokyo, Rafael Mariano Grossi also met with Japan Atomic Energy Agency President Masanori Koguchi and signed practical arrangements on cooperation for both nuclear power and non-power applications.
View images from the Director General’s entire trip.
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – The celebrations of the Holy Year of the Archdiocese of Jakarta coincide with the launch of the “Kabar Baik” (“Good News”) initiative. The newly created Catholic web platform is dedicated to evangelization and the dissemination of faith content in Bahasa language. The “Kabar Baik” platform aims in particular to inspire Catholic journalists to make key messages from the magisterium of Pope Francis accessible and disseminated to a wider audience.The new evangelization initiative was presented during a special jubilee pilgrimage undertaken in recent days by the faithful of Jakarta to the “Prayer Garden of Our Lady of Akita”, located in the Pantai Indah Kapuk settlement in the north of the Indonesian capital.Although it was built very recently, in 2023, the “Prayer Garden of Our Lady of Akita” has quickly become a place of pilgrimage for Catholics throughout Indonesia who seek a place of prayer and reflection. Edisson Djingga, the Director of the shrine, confirms to Fides that “the presence of the faithful from all over the country and also Catholic pilgrims from mainland China come here”.The Jubilee pilgrimage, which was attended by over 700 faithful from various parishes of the diocese, was led by Fr. Yustinus Sulistiadi, initiator of the “Kabar Baik” platform, who also presided over the Eucharist concelebrated by priests from other parishes.The pilgrimage was intended to provide the Catholic community with an opportunity to reflect on their faith and to embrace the renewal and spirit of conversion offered to every believer during the Holy Year. Father Sulistiadi encouraged the faithful to welcome the launch of “Kabar Baik” with a spirit of hope. The initiative marks “the beginning of a deeper journey to understand, implement and disseminate the pastoral messages of Pope Francis”.The platform aims to “take up, follow up and deepen three key messages of Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia in September 2024″, stresses Father Sulistiadi.”One of them is the importance of building strong and fraternal relationships with people of different faiths”; the second is “care for the common home”; the third is “promoting social justice, as the Church plays a crucial role in promoting human dignity, equality and justice in society”. Through initiatives such as Kabar Baik, the priest concluded, the spirit of the Jubilee Year will continue to inspire and guide the Catholic community in Jakarta and throughout Indonesia. (PA/MH) (Agenzia Fides, 21/2/2025)
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Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christopher Featherstone, Associate Lecturer, Department of Politics, University of York
Plans for the UK and other European countries to send troops to Ukraine are in their very early stages. But the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, will already be thinking about how such a move could play out at home. Sending UK troops abroad, even on a “peacekeeping” mission, always has the potential to spark huge public debate.
This is the first time the government has considered deploying military forces in 11 years, when the Cameron government debated intervening in Syria alongside the US Obama administration in 2014. Since then, the UK has not seriously considered deploying troops overseas.
In the intervening years, the Chilcot inquiry found that the UK’s decision to join the invasion of Iraq was made prematurely, before all peaceful options were exhausted.
This, along with the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, may well have decreased UK public support for military interventions.
When polled in 2021, the British public were unconvinced about involvement in Afghanistan, with 53% thinking that two decades of war in Afghanistan didn’t achieve anything. Worse, 62% think that the conflict either didn’t improve the lives of ordinary Afghans, or made their lives worse.
The picture, for now, is a bit different on deploying troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers. Of those polled in mid-January, 58% either strongly or somewhat support deploying UK troops as peacekeepers. Among Labour voters, support is higher at 66%, with Tory voters (67%) and Lib Dem voters (70%) showing similar levels of support.
Reform voters show far less support (44%), potentially building more of a split between Reform and the other mainstream parties. This division may increase polarisation, and could make it even harder for Starmer to slow the rise of Reform’s challenge to Labour’s voter base.
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Starmer will draw comfort from the limited opposition to deploying peacekeepers. Only 15% of Labour voters somewhat or strongly oppose deploying UK troops as peacekeepers, below the national average of 21%.
But looking at history, we can see how changeable public support can be when it comes to war. In 2003, 54% of those polled supported the US and UK invasion of Iraq.
Despite this, there were voluble public protests against the invasion. In February 2003, an estimated 1 million people marched through London.
The 12-week initial campaign went well, so this continued level of support is not surprising. However, when people looked back at the war in 2015, only 37% thought it had been a good idea.
Only eight years later, in 2023, this had fallen further to 23%. Meanwhile one in five thought Tony Blair should be tried as a war criminal for his decision.
Starmer will need to ensure that the public understand what his government sees as the need for UK troops to serve as peacekeepers in Ukraine – and he will need to do so honestly. Much of the criticism Blair received over Iraq stemmed from accusations he wasn’t “straight” and that he “overstated” the case for UK involvement in Iraq.
The Iraq inquiry report also found the military was ill-equipped at the time of the invasion. There are similar concerns now about the readiness of the British army.
Party politics and spending
Starmer will be aware of the importance of parliamentary support for military action. When Cameron sought support for military intervention in Syria, Ed Miliband as leader of the Labour Party was crucial in the vote against this deployment.
In contrast, when Blair won parliamentary support for invading Iraq, opposition from within the Labour party was so strong that Blair only won because of support from Tory MPs. Starmer will watch the responses in parliament from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, the Lib Dems and SNP.
At the time of writing, Badenoch hasn’t commented on the idea of sending troops to Ukraine. She has, however, rejected Donald Trump’s attacks that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is a dictator.
Comments from former prime minister Boris Johnson that Trump accusing Ukraine of starting the war was the same as claiming that “America attacked Japan at Pearl Harbor” may help build cross-party support.
The most important challenge to Starmer’s plans could come from the Treasury rather than the Tories. Proposals reportedly involve 30,000 British and European troops.
The number of troops that the UK would contribute to this joint force is unclear. However, the cost will be the prime focus for the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
Reeves has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP (up from 2.3%), but the timeline for this has not been set out. Starmer is under pressure to increase it even further, but any increase will be financially difficult given the state of Britain’s finances.
This might help Starmer on his trip to Washington next week. Trump will be less likely to criticise Starmer if the PM can show that he is listening to Trump’s demands for Nato countries to increase their military spending.
But crucially, while increased spending to enable this deployment may improve UK-US relations, it could also make things difficult with voters, who could have to endure tax rises or further cuts to public spending.
Badenoch has said that failing to increase defence spending “is not peacemaking, it is weakness”. This suggests that the cost of intervention will be a key point of contention for the Tory leader.
Deploying UK troops to Ukraine may be a defining part of Starmer’s foreign policy. Increasing military spending and showing that the UK will help bear the cost of peacekeeping in Ukraine may also help set the tone of Starmer’s relationship with Trump.
However, politically, the consequences of deploying UK troops to Ukraine could spark numerous domestic challenges. While Labour voters appear to support the proposal now, there is likely to be opposition from at least some Reform voters – something Starmer doesn’t need more of right now. The financial costs will also put even more pressure on Labour’s spending plans, and could build division between PM and chancellor.
Christopher Featherstone does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national was sentenced in a federal court in Austin today to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Moinuddin Mohammed, 34, engaged in a conspiracy to launder proceeds of a scheme to defraud elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold. Mohammed was a courier who picked up the cash and gold from vulnerable elderly people. The international conspiracy originated from India and involved the impersonation of government officials in order to convince the victims to turn over millions of dollars from their retirement and savings accounts.
Multiple victims were contacted by a person claiming to be the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, who told the victims that they were under investigation or at risk of financial loss. The victims were told that they would need to deposit cash, gold or other items of financial value in order to resolve the investigation or prevent the loss. One victim was defrauded of more than $300,000, another was defrauded of approximately $151,500, and a third victim lost a total of approximately $470,000 to the fraud scheme. Nationwide, investigators identified 21 victims who lost a total of nearly $6 million to the scheme.
In addition to his imprisonment, Mohamed will pay full restitution in the approximate amount of $960,000, forfeits $20,000 in cash that was seized by investigators, and forfeits a money judgement in the amount of $16,000.
“The significant sentence of this courier for an international fraud scheme sends a strong message that we will investigate and prosecute those at every level of the organization,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Mohammed illegally used the likeness of government officials to prey on and victimize the vulnerable, elderly people in our community, and fraudsters like him will be held accountable.”
“Mohammed targeted some of our most vulnerable elderly citizens in an effort to line his own pockets and the pockets of foreign fraudsters,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “The FBI continues to see an uptick in financial scams targeting our elderly population and we work every day to bring awareness to our victims and justice to those who perpetuate these devastating schemes. We want to thank our U.S. Attorney’s Office for aggressively pursuing justice for those who fell victim to this scammer. Cases like this are a priority for the FBI and we encourage anyone who has been a victim of a financial scam to contact your local FBI office or go to www.IC3.gov. We also encourage the public to review the FBI’s last report on Elder Fraud to educate yourselves and protect those you love.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.
LONDON, UK, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jeton, global payment services provider, announces a three-year partnership with global football icon Alexis Mac Allister. The 25-year-old Argentine football player is a midfielder for Premier League Club Liverpool and represents Argentina’s national team. The agreement between the global payment services provider and the footballer will appoint Mac Allister to serve as Jeton’s brand ambassador and represent the brand in various marketing campaigns. Jeton will be authorised to use Mac Allister’s professional name, image, likeness, and biography as part of the partnership.
“I’m pleased to be Jeton’s brand ambassador,” stated Alexis Mac Allister. ‘I look forward to representing the brand and sharing its values with my fanbase and football lovers worldwide.”
‘We are very happy and excited to work closely with Mac Allister. We have strategized these partnerships based on what our customers expect from Jeton and how we can exceed their expectations. We hope to build stronger relations among the football community and reach out to football lovers all around the world through partnerships they desire. As exemplified by our recent partnership with Japanese football player Kou Itakura, we believe we are one step closer to achieving our objectives. We can’t wait to embark on this journey alongside Alexis Mac Allister.’ said Executive Director of Jeton.
Jeton is known for its ongoing partnerships, marketing activities and close relations with football clubs and the community. The global payment services brand has a long-lasting relationship with West Ham United FC as their official e-Wallet partner and have previously partnered with other notable football clubs such as Aston Villa FC and Hull City AFC. Jeton has recently expanded its reach into the Asian market by partnering with Japanese football player Kou Itakura.
About Jeton
LA Orange CY Limited, trading as Jeton, is authorised by the Central Bank of Cyprus under the Electronic Money Law of 2012 and 2018 (Law 81(I)/2012) for distributing or redeeming electronic money (e-money), with Licence No: 115.1.3.66. LA Orange CY Limited has been incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus under the provisions of the Companies Law (Cap 113) with registration number HE 424807, with its registered office address at 116 Gladstonos, M. Kyprianou House, 3rd and 4th Floor, 3032, Limassol, Cyprus.
Jeton Bank Limited is licensed and authorised by the Financial Services Unit, Ministry of Finance of the Commonwealth of Dominica, licensed as a banking institution under the international Banking Act, fully authorised to provide services to clients worldwide, under the prudential supervision of the Financial Services Unit. Jeton Bank Limited is registered in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Company Number 2022/C0175, with its registered address at 1st Floor, 43 Great George Street, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, Post Code: 00109-8000. – LEI Code: 894500XGIX3R4HCIOC29.
Comments/feedback by the stakeholders and members of public on the draft circular may be submitted by March 21, 2025 through e-mail. Final circular shall be issued after considering the stakeholder/ public comments.
Onchain security today is fragmented, inefficient, and dangerously reliant on manual workflows. As capital flows into a rapidly expanding web of protocols, the complexity of securing the ecosystem grows—exposing projects to immeasurable risk and inevitable large-scale breaches. Without a fundamental shift in how security is managed, the next trillion dollars won’t move onchain.
Immunefi is solving this problem by launching Magnus, a unified security platform that integrates all essential tools in the onchain security stack in a single command center, unifying threat intelligence and automating SecOps using AI agents across CI/CD pipeline security, vulnerability scanning, audits, bug bounties, onchain monitoring, and firewalls.
Magnus will be powered by Immunefi’s own products and the best providers in each product and service category, a proprietary agentic security workflow automation engine, and threat intelligence built upon the largest onchain vulnerability dataset available today.
Immunefi, the leader in onchain crowdsecurity protecting over $190 billion in assets, launches Magnus, an AI-powered security orchestration platform that unifies and automates security operations across a protocol’s security stack for maximum protection.
Onchain security is fragmented and inefficient, relying on manual workflows that struggle to keep up with the relentless pace of threats the ecosystem faces 24/7. This scenario will only get worse as liquidity spreads across a growing number of protocols and the complexity of securing the ecosystem compounds. This leaves the ecosystem vulnerable to a future where major breaches remain inevitable, hindering the adoption and growth of the onchain economy.
The lack of trust that digital assets are fully secure remains one of the biggest obstacles to TradFi investment in the onchain economy, even as interest continues to grow. While Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has surpassed $124 billion in total value locked (TVL), the industry is still plagued by catastrophic hacks. If security remains fragmented, the next trillion dollars in finance won’t move onchain. The only way to address this and mitigate threats at scale is by unifying security into a single platform that enables protocols to access, automate, and coordinate best-in-class security tools.
Immunefi leverages years of experience securing over $190B in assets across a network of 500+ projects to launch Magnus, an AI-powered security platform that unifies threat intelligence and automates security workflows across the best tools in the onchain security stack. Immunefi has integrated its pioneering bug bounty products and audit competitions into Magnus and is partnering with top-tier security researchers, auditors, service providers, and tooling companies to provide a comprehensive security platform.
Unified Security Toolstack: A seamlessly integrated suite of best-in-class security solutions, including CI/CD pipeline security, vulnerability scanning, audits, bug bounty programs, audit competitions, Safe Harbor, onchain monitoring, and a firewall, ensuring protocols can detect and mitigate threats at every stage.
Security Swarm: An automation engine that orchestrates task-specific AI agents, enabling instant threat response and drastically reducing manual workloads. As more tools are added to Magnus, Security Swarm will become more autonomous in managing security and ensuring the safety of funds.
CODEX: The industry’s largest and most comprehensive onchain vulnerability dataset, proprietary to Immunefi—built from processing over 90% of all industry reports and additional materials related to onchain bug bounties. CODEX powers AI security models, allowing protocols to train and refine AI agents for onchain security applications, advanced threat detection, and defense.
“Security must evolve as fast as the onchain economy itself, or the industry will remain trapped in a cycle of catastrophic breaches,” said Mitchell Amador, Founder and CEO of Immunefi. “Magnus marks the first time security in web3 is being addressed as a cohesive, integrated, and efficient system rather than a patchwork of tools. We’re transforming the way the security industry works altogether and equipping protocol teams with the ability to anticipate, prevent, and respond to threats at unprecedented speed and scale. All from a single platform, with technology that will continue to evolve alongside the industry and its projects.”
Due to its foundational position in the web3 security industry, Immunefi has established partnerships with top-tier security providers such as Nexus Mutual, Halborn, Sigma Prime, and Asymmetric Research, amongst others. Immunefi has already secured interest from a number of top tier security service and tooling providers to integrate with Magnus that will be announced soon.
About Immunefi Immunefi is the leading crowdsourced security platform for Web3. It guards over $190 billion in user funds and is trusted by 370+ projects, including Ethereum Foundation, Lido, Sky, Polymarket, Optimism, LayerZero, Hyperlane, and Stacks. The company has paid out the most significant bug bounties in the software industry, amounting to over $112 million, and has pioneered the scaling Web3 bug bounties standard. For more information, please visit https://immunefi.com
