Source: ASEAN
Co-Chaired by Lao PDR and Malaysia, the 17th Meeting of the HLTF-ACV starts today, 29 October 2024, in Hoi An, Viet Nam, with drafting sessions of the APSC Strategic Plan. The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the Strategic Plans of the three Community Pillars and ASEAN Connectivity are expected to be adopted in 2025.
The post The 17th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision (HLTF-ACV) convenes appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: ASEAN
The 28th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM) was held on 30 October 2024 in Singapore. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower of Singapore, and attended by representatives of ASEAN Member States, Secretary-General of ASEAN and their respective accompanying delegations. The representatives of Timor-Leste attended as observers.As ALMM commemorates its 50th year since the ALMM first met in Jakarta, April 1975, and guided by Singapore’s 28th ALMM Chairmanship theme “Strengthening Resilience and Promoting Innovation,” we exchanged views on fundamental labour issues in the face of the rapidly changing world of work. Technological advancement, digital and green economy, demographic changes, and intensifying labour mobility present challenges and opportunities to the labour markets of ASEAN Member States. We affirmed the remarkable progress of cooperation under the ALMM over the past 50 years and looked forward to sustained regional cooperation to build a resilient and dynamic ASEAN workforce.
Download the full statement here.
The post Joint Communique of the Twenty-Eight ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (28th ALMM) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 4:30PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh delivered the national statement regarding the conservation of biological resources in the High Level Segment of the ongoing 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in Cali, Colombia on 29th October 2024.
Had the privilege of delivering India’s national statement during the plenary session of UNCBD COP16 at Cali, Colombia. India has been at the forefront of taking initiatives, executing programs and fostering collaborations to conserve our rich biodiversity. Mission LiFE,… pic.twitter.com/YNV2Me69nw
— Kirti Vardhan Singh (@KVSinghMPGonda) October 30, 2024
MoS Shri Singh congratulated Ms. Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment of Colombia on taking over the COP Presidency from the longest serving COP President Mr. Huang Runqiu of China.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Singh said that India has a rich culture and tradition of worshipping Mother Earth and of living in harmony with Nature. India is one of the world’s 17 Mega-diverse rich Nations housing four out of the 36 globally recognised biodiversity Hotspots. He said, “To honour Mother Earth as we honour our own Mothers, our Prime Minister this year launched a nation-wide tree plantation campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ or ‘Plant4Mother’ on the occasion of World Environment Day in our collective efforts to restore and protect our biodiversity.”
The Minister highlighted that ‘Peace with Nature’ has been part of India’s rich cultural heritage since ancient the Vedic age. The theme resonates with India’s mission of ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)” an India led Global mass movement for adopting environment friendly lifestyles.
India has taken significant step in global wildlife conservation by establishing the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) aimed at protecting the world’s seven major big cat species, as their presence is indicative of a healthy ecosystems and rich biodiversity, Shri Singh informed.
The Minister said that India’s efforts in rejuvenating our sacred river Ganga through ‘Namami Gange’ Mission was duly recognized by United Nations as one of the top 10 World Restoration Flagships to revive the riverine ecosystem. He informed that India’s Ramsar sites has risen from 26 to 85 since 2014 and this number is shortly going to reach 100.
Shri Singh reiterated that India adopted a ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach while updating the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with its targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). He said that the Ministry would be releasing updated NBSAP on 30.10.2024 at Cali.
The Minister said that it is necessary to provide means of implementation including financial resources, as laid down in target 19 of the KMGBF as well as from DSI, for implementation of the NBSAP. Lot of ground needs to be covered in providing easily accessible means of implementation i.e. financial resources, technology and capacity building needs with the requisite Speed, Scope and Scale.
Shri Singh concluded by re-iterating India’s commitment towards protecting its own as well as global biodiversity for the present and future generations, in the true spirit of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutubakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
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VM/GS
(Release ID: 2069563) Visitor Counter : 33
Source: State Library of NSW
Tonight the State Library celebrated the 50th anniversary of its prestigious research program by unveiling its largest-ever cohort of Fellows, awarding a total of $186,000 across eight categories.
Highlights include the announcement of the inaugural creative writing fellowship, a new Summer Fellows program and two artists-in-residence.
The 2025 Fellows are:
Inaugural IMAGO Fellow – Dr Sheila Ngoc Pham for ‘Fantasia: On Anne Spencer Parry and Australian fantasy and science fiction in the late 20th century’
Australian Religious History Fellow – Dr Zac Roberts for ‘Changing Representations of Indigenous Peoples in the NSW Jewish Press’
CH Currey Memorial Fellow – Dr Dominic Kelly for ‘From Cold War to Culture War: Quadrant and Australian conservatism’
Nancy Keesing AM Fellow – Dr Clara Sitbon for ‘Piecing the Puzzle: Mapping the literary works of Carter Brown’
Dr AM Hertzberg AO Fellow – Dr Luciano Cardellicchio for ‘From Caravans to Schools, from Airplanes to Houses: Plywood innovation in the post-war construction sector of Australia’
Ross Steele AM Fellow – Dr Ruth Pullin for ‘From Sketchbook to Canvas: Eugene von Guérard’s sketchbooks and the making of pictures’
Merewether Fellow – Dr Nicholas Pitt for ‘Benevolent Cattle? A more-than-human history of the Hawkesbury Benevolent Society and the place of benevolence in the colonial project of NSW’
DS Mitchell Memorial Fellow – Dr Shirleene Robinson AM for ‘Mapping the Contribution, Strategies and Networks of Women in Australia’s First LGBTIQ+ Rights Groups, 1969–1974’
The Library also launched its new Summer Fellows Program with support from the Library Foundation. These nine tertiary students and creative practitioners will receive $1,000 each and the opportunity to acquire essential archival research skills for their future careers:
The reinvigorated artist-in-residence program will see Michelle Arnott create a set of images of the Library and its surrounds using synthetic polymer paint, and Sarah Randall will produce a series of still-life paintings based on letters and diaries held within the Library’s collections.
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:54PM by PIB Delhi
On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), the Ministry of Civil Aviation came together to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, honoring his visionary efforts in unifying the nation. Leading the commemoration, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, along with senior officials and ministry staff, gathered at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan to take a pledge to uphold the values of unity and integrity.
Following the pledge ceremony, a ‘Run for Unity’ was organised, with ministry officials and staff participating enthusiastically. The event symbolized the Ministry’s dedication to national integration and collective progress.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains steadfast in its commitment to promote national unity by ensuring that every citizen, regardless of region, culture, or language, has equal access to affordable and efficient air travel across India
PSF/DK
(Release ID: 2069544) Visitor Counter : 57
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:51PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today quoted GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke, who lauded India for being the fastest growing developer population on the planet, calling the country’s rise as a global tech titan “inexorable”.
Shri Modi hailed the youth of India for their accomplishments in innovation and technology.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“When it comes to innovation and technology, Indian youth are among the best!”
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MJPS/RT
(Release ID: 2069539) Visitor Counter : 80
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:38PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Shri Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on the occasion of his Guru Pooja today.
Shri Modi hailed his thoughts and teachings, adding that he always worked to to uplift society.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Paying homage to the widely respected Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Ji on the occasion of his Guru Pooja. Countless people derive strength from his thoughts and teachings. He devoted himself to making our society better, with a focus on poverty alleviation, spirituality and welfare of farmers. We will keep working to realise his vision.”
Paying homage to the widely respected Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Ji on the occasion of his Guru Pooja. Countless people derive strength from his thoughts and teachings. He devoted himself to making our society better, with a focus on poverty alleviation, spirituality and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 30, 2024
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MJPS/RT
(Release ID: 2069528) Visitor Counter : 69
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:06PM by PIB Delhi
Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s National vision to institutionalize Swachhata and enhance workplace efficiency, Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT), along with its Attached/ Sub- ordinate organizations, is actively participating in the main phase of Special Campaign 4.0. This campaign, which commenced on 2nd October and will continue through 31st October 2024, aims to make impactful, focused and significant improvements in Cleanliness and reducing pendency in office matters.
Enthusiastic participation has been witnessed from all the Attached and Subordinate offices functioning under the administrative control of DoPT across the country. Till date, more than 250 cleanliness sites have been covered.
Large scale awareness and Campaign advocacy through Social Media with several Tweets and posts on other platforms like X and Facebook leading to #SpecialCampaign4 has been gaining lot of attraction on Social Media.
During the campaign, focused attention has been accorded for bringing about overall improvement in working environment and improve office experience for the staff.
Records are being reviewed for digitization, preservation and weeding out. Secretary, DOPT visited the Record Room & Store Rooms of the Department and issued instructions for review and weeding out of records/stores in a time bound manner.
Records Management
Since the beginning of the Special Campaign 4.0 on 02nd October, 2024, more than 31,000 physical files and more than 4800 e-files have been reviewed. Approx. 10,000 files have been identified for weeding out, 3500 filed weeded out and 90 files have been sent to National Archives of India. More than 1500 e-files have been closed so far.
Besides the above parameters, overall cleanliness of government offices with special focus on space management and enhancing work place experience of field offices was undertaken. 258 cleanliness campaign were conducted for cleaning of the offices in DoPT along with its Attached and Subordinate offices. The revenue of Rs. 96,516/- was generated by disposal of waste/scrapes. About 1400 Sq ft space has been freed due to scrap disposal and weeding of files.
Disposal of pendency
245 Public Grievances, 12 MP References, 3 IMC References (Cabinet Proposals), 68 State Government References, 2 PMO References, 57 Public Grievance Appeals have been disposed of during this period.
Special Activities / Events during the Special Campaign 4.0
Following activities have also been undertaken by this Department so far during the Special Campaign 4.0 for cleanliness and speedy disposal of the pendency:
The Special Campaign 4.0 is helping to bring about greater degree of awareness to maintain clean office environment and the need for overall environmental protection. Department of Personnel & Training is committed to achieve the targets identified during the preparatory phase.
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NKR/KS/AG
(Release ID: 2069508) Visitor Counter : 60
Source: Government of India (2)
Train carrying another 840 metric tonnes of onion from Nashik to reach Guwahati
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 2:49PM by PIB Delhi
Today another 840 MT of onions procured by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) under the price stabilization fund of Department of Consumer Affairs has arrived at Kishanganj Railway Station of Delhi for disposal in Delhi-NCR. This is the second bulk transportation of onions by train to Delhi-NCR after NCCF brought 1,600 MT of onions to Kishanganj Station on 20th October, 2024 by Kanda express. Most of the onions will be released in Azadpur Mandi to augment overall availability in the market while part of the stock will go for retail sale at Rs 35 per kg.
The impact of bulk disposal of onion at Azadpur Mandi may be seen at graph given below:
Bulk transportation of onions by rail rake has been adopted, for the first time, for a timely, reliable and cost-effective delivery of onions to various regions. NAFED had earlier transported 840 MT of onions by rail rake from Nashik which arrived at Chennai on 26th October, 2024. Another rail rake from Nashik to Guwahati has left Nashik early this morning with 840 MT of onions procured by NCCF. Bulk shipments by rail augments the continuous transportation of onions by trucks across the country.
The government had procured 4.7 lakh tons of rabi onion for the price stabilization buffer this year, and started the release from 5th September, 2024 through retail sale at Rs 35 per kg and also through bulk sales in major mandis across the country. Till date over 1.40 lakh tonnes of onion in the buffer have been dispatched from Nashik and other source centres to consuming centres through trucks by road transport. As on date, NCCF has covered 104 destinations in 22 States and NAFED covered 52 destinations in 16 States in their onion disposal. The agencies have also partnered with retail chains such as SAFAL, Kendriya Bhandar and Reliance Retail for distribution of onions to retail consumers at Rs 35 per kg. In addition, 86,500 MT of onion has been allotted to 9 States Governments/Cooperative Societies for retail distribution.
Since the start of onion disposal till date, the retail prices of onion have substantially stabilized in major States such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. All-India average retail prices remained largely stable during October. The onion shipment by rail to Guwahati will enhance availability in North-eastern States and is expected have dampening impact on prices in the region and also on the all-India average. Mandi prices in Nashik mandi also declined from the peak of Rs.47 per kg on 24th September and is currently at 40 kg on 29th October, 2024.
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AD/AM
(Release ID: 2069506) Visitor Counter : 74
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:24PM by PIB Delhi
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma called on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on X:
“Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri @BhajanlalBjp, met Prime Minister @narendramodi.”
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MJPS/RT
(Release ID: 2069513) Visitor Counter : 63
Source: Government of India
The month long campaign will run across all Indian States and Union Territories until December 23, 2024
The initiative will be led by DAY-NRLM’s Self-Help Group network
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 2:31PM by PIB Delhi
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development convened an inter-ministerial meeting yesterday to outline the strategic roadmap for ‘Nayi Chetna 3.0’ – the third edition of its National Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence.
Chaired by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Rural Development, the meeting brought together representatives from seven line ministries to discuss collaboration and action plans to raise awareness and reinforce response mechanisms against gender-based violence nationwide.
Smt. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, Rural Development, commenced the meeting by presenting key findings from previous editions of the Nayi Chetna Campaign emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts, followed by an overview of the goals and structure for Nayi Chetna-3.0.
The month-long campaign will launch on November 25, 2024 and will run across all Indian States and Union Territories until December 23, 2024. The initiative will be led by DAY-NRLM’s Self-Help Group (SHG) network, embodying the spirit of Jan Andolan (people’s movement)
Led by the Ministry of Rural Development, the meeting saw participation from line ministries including the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Information and Broadcasting, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Youth Affairs, Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Justice. Discussions focused on fostering convergence to strengthen preventive efforts, improve access to support systems, and leverage each ministry’s expertise to drive the campaign’s objectives. A draft joint advisory delineating each ministry’s role was discussed and reviewed. The discussion threw light on the different forms of violence that could be prioritized and steps that could be taken to address these barriers.
In his remarks, Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Development, commended the suggestions made during the meeting and called for formalizing the advisory to drive the campaign in mission mode.
In his closing remarks, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh emphasized the necessity for a united approach across ministries to combat gender-based violence, fostering widespread social change.
The Nayi Chetna Campaign seeks to amplify awareness and drive informed action to address gender-based violence through grassroots initiatives. Since its inception, Nayi Chetna has mobilized millions nationwide, creating a substantial movement for gender equality and women’s empowerment. In its first year, the campaign reached 3.5 crore people, supported by multiple line ministries, while the second edition, Nayi Chetna 2.0, involved 5.5 crore participants across 31 States and Union Territories, with over 9 lakh awareness activities on gender-based violence conducted nationwide.
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SS
(Release ID: 2069503) Visitor Counter : 23
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 2:15PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of World Stroke Day (29th October 2024), National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) organized various programmes, to raise awareness about the severity of stroke, its prevention, and treatment. This year’s objective is to reduce disability and mortality rates caused by stroke.
According to statistics, stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and the third leading cause of disability. Every year, nearly 1.8 million people are affected by stroke. In light of this critical issue, awareness programs were organized nationwide by DEPwD to address the impact of stroke.
The National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD) in Kolkata conducted street plays and awareness sessions aimed at educating the public about stroke. In these sessions, experts discussed the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures associated with stroke.
The Composite Regional Center (CRC) in Nellore held an awareness session where they discussed the importance of World Stroke Day, causes of stroke, and its effects. Experts highlighted that timely response and proper treatment can save many lives. Additionally, the CRC provided information on services available for those affected by stroke.
Other CRCs in Kullu, Bolangir, Rajnandgaon, and other locations also organized awareness programmes, focusing on educating people about recognizing early symptoms of stroke and seeking timely medical help.
Through these initiatives, the DEPwD aims to increase awareness about stroke and emphasize that with the right knowledge and vigilance, the risks associated with stroke can be significantly reduced. Through the World Stroke Day programs, the department reaffirms its commitment to making the public more aware of stroke and its implications.
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VM
(Release ID: 2069499) Visitor Counter : 28
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:53PM by PIB Delhi
The objective of this campaign is to minimize pendency, institutionalize swachhata, and strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms, digitization of physical records and monitoring mechanisms for swachhata. Sanitization and cleanliness is going on priority basis under Swachhata Campaign 4.0.
On 2nd October, 2024 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas a Shramdaan event has been organized in the premises of Shastri Bhawan led by Shri Udaya Kuamara, Additional Secretary, Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Joint Secretary/Nodal Officer, Dr. K.V. Kumar, Joint Secretary and other senior officers and staff including Safai Karmacharis of this Department and attached offices. In addition to that Shri Udaya Kumara, Additiaonal Secretary and Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Joint Secretary/Nodal Officer have also visited all the Sections and corridors/toilets etc. and reviewed the ongoing campaign.
On 3rd October, 2024 Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary Legislative Department along with Shri R.K. Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer, Smt. Rakhi Biswas, Under Secretary, Shri Prashant Bhardwaj, Section Officer, Shri Sushil Kumar, Dealing Head visited Record Room, Digitization Unit and Sectons to review progress of the Campaign. 57,988 files/office records were digitized and 32 files were reviewed and weeded /shredded.
On 12th October, 2024 Admn. II Section has been renovated and open up space and Cleanliness drive has been undertaken by the Department in corridors and sections. During the Campaign, One of the best practices viz beautification of walls (wall art) in the corridors/premises housed by Legislative Department was carried out.
The internal mechanized cleanliness in workplace on 15th October, 2024, were made such as cleaning activities, dusting, sanitizing surfaces, and proper waste disposal to ensure a hygienic workspace, to identification of unwanted records and article in sections for weeding out, preparing a list of obsolete items for auction under the supervision of Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Nodal Officers/JS&LC in the Legislative Department were also made.
During the Campaign, on 20th October, 2024 the Legislative Department organized a shramdaan event at a black spot i.e. Ghazipur, round about, East Delhi which was identified by the Department for cleanliness drive and to spread the message of cleanliness and hygiene. The event of sharmdaan was led by Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary Legislative Department along with other senior officers of the Legislative Department namely Shri Udaya Kumara, Additional Secretary, Shri R.K. Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer, Dr. K.V. Kumar, JS&LC and Shri Dhruv Kumar Singh, CCA along with several officers and staff of the Department including attached offices and the Department of Legal Affairs. On the occasion, Secretary (LD) distributed Swachhata Kit/ T-Shirt/ Cap to the Safai Karamchari and emphasized upon the importance of the Campaign, the overall benefit of the society and the nation.
On 22nd October 2024, Legislative Department has successfully completed e-Auction for old and obsolete items in presence of Auction Committee and earned revenue of Rs. 5,01,000/- and cleanliness drive undertaken by the Department under the supervision of Shri R.K Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer.
On 26th October, 2024 experts hired by the department for weeded/shredded out of unwanted files/records of the Legislative Department in the supervision of Shri R.K. Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer.
On 28th October 2024, circular has been issued to all sections of the Legislative Department including attached offices i.e. Official Language Wing and Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan for providing information reducing pendency of the Department and thereafter all sections have been instructed to dispose of pending matters of Special Campaign 4.0.
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SB/DP/ARJ
(Release ID: 2069494) Visitor Counter : 62
Source: Government of India (2)
NIXI and TCIL sign Strategic Agreement to bolster user trust with SSL Certificates
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:51PM by PIB Delhi
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) today celebrated the grand inauguration of its new office at the World Trade Centre, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi. The event was presided over by Sh. S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Chairman, NIXI along with Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY, Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, MeitY, and Shri Rajesh Singh, Joint Secretary and Financial Adviser, MeitY. This event marked a significant step in NIXI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s internet infrastructure and foster digital growth.
As part of the event, Secretary MeitY also unveiled a few of the initiatives undertaken by NIXI, such as a Festive Offer for .in Accredited Registrars, aimed at accelerating the adoption of the .in domain across the users. He mentioned that NIXI has a very important role to play in the field of Internet, not just at national level but also globally. NIXI is ready to make a difference in this field as its role is being redefined right now, he added.
NIXI’s CSR Impact Report for FY 23-24
The ceremony also featured the launch of NIXI’s CSR Impact Report for FY 23-24, highlighting the organization’s achievements in the realm of corporate social responsibility. The report showcased NIXI’s work in promoting digital literacy, expanding internet accessibility, and contributing to community development. It also outlined future goals, reaffirming NIXI’s commitment to supporting India’s digital economy and social empowerment initiatives.
Strategic Agreement with TCIL
The event was also marked by the signing of a strategic agreement with M/s Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL) for the implementation of NIXI SSL Certificate Authority (SSL CA). This partnership will enhance internet security across India by providing trusted SSL certification services, ensuring safe online transactions and bolstering user trust.
On this occasion, Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO NIXI said that as of now we have booked 41 lakh domains and our next target is to reach 50 lakh which will be a very significant target. We have 77 exchange points across the country which have proven helpful in keeping our data within the country. We are also planning to bring a new scheme to increase these exchange points.
About NIXI
Set up on 19th June 2003, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. It is tasked with increasing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating various infrastructure aspects to enable the internet ecosystem to be managed and used by the masses.
The four services under NIXI include: Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) for building Internet Exchange Points, .IN Registry for building the .in domain digital identity, IRINN for IPv4 and IPv6 addresses adoption, and Data Centre services under NIXI-CSC for data storage services.
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Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha
(Release ID: 2069493) Visitor Counter : 65
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:06PM by PIB Delhi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Consultation Paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorizations for provision of Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023’.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) through a letter dated 25th July 2024, sent a reference to TRAI informing that the Telecommunications Act, 2023 has been published in the Official Gazette of India. Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which is yet to be notified, provides for obtaining an authorization by any entity/ person intending to provide telecommunication services, subject to such terms and conditions, including fees or charges, as may be prescribed.
In respect of the broadcasting services, the reference has apprised that many broadcasting platforms (which employ radio waves and spectrum for offering services) viz. DTH, HITS, IPTV, Uplinking/Downlinking of television channels (including teleports), SNG, DSNG, Community Radio, FM Radio etc. are issued license/ permission/ registration by MIB under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which is replaced by the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The Ministry also shared a background note providing the details of the policy guidelines of various licenses/ permissions/ registrations issued by MIB and the relevant sections of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 that may have a bearing on the terms and conditions of authorizations.
MIB, through the said letter dated 25.07.2024, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, requested TRAI to provide its recommendations on the terms and conditions, including fees or charges; for authorization to provide broadcasting services, with the objective of aligning it to the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and harmonizing the terms and conditions across various service providers, so that the terms and conditions for the authorizations of broadcasting services may be notified as Rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Accordingly, a Consultation Paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorizations for provision of Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023’ has been placed on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in) for seeking comments/ counter comments from the stakeholders. Written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper are invited from stakeholders by 20th November 2024 and counter-comments by 27th November 2024, respectively.
The comments/ counter-comments may be sent, preferably by email to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvisor-bcs@trai.gov.in. For any clarification/ information, Shri Deepak Sharma, Advisor (Broadcasting & Cable Services), TRAI may be contacted at Tel. No. +91-11- 20907774.
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SB/DP/ARJ
(Release ID: 2069479) Visitor Counter : 81
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:02PM by PIB Delhi
On the side lines of the 16th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, led a plantation drive under the framework of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (#Plant4Mother)’ Campaign in University of Valle, Cali, Colombia on 29th October 2024. The plantation drive was graced by His Excellency Mr. Vanlalhuma, Ambassador of India to Colombia; Ms. Mónica García Solarte, Vice Rector, University of Valle; and Mr. Guillermo Murillo Vargas, Rector, University of Valle, along with the participation of faculty members and students. A sapling was also planted in the University on the name of mother of Shri Tanmay Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
During the plantation drive, the Rector; Vice Rector and Director of International Cooperation of the University of Valle, also planted saplings on the name of their mother.
On the occasion, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh interacted with the faculty members and students of the University and encouraged them to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives and emphasized on involvement of youth in environmental conservation. More than 30 students and faculty members enthusiastically participated the plantation drive.
The campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (#Plant4Mother)’ was launched on Word Environment Day this year, by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. It is a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. This campaign was inaugurated with the planting of a Peepal tree by the Prime Minister.
During the launch of this Campaign, Shri Modi emphasized on the involvement of citizens worldwide and importance of collective efforts to improve the environment and spoke of India’s strides in increasing forest cover over the past decade. This campaign aligns with the Nation’s quest for sustainable development.
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VM/GS
(Release ID: 2069475) Visitor Counter : 28
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 12:38PM by PIB Delhi
Scientists tracking a very narrow band of intense electric current in the earth’s ionosphere called Equatorial ElectroJet through ground-based magnetometers in India’s southern tip have developed an empirical model to understand the equatorial electrodynamical processes that can impact satellite orbital dynamics, Global Positioning Systems and other satellite communication links as well as electrical power grids.
Earth’s geomagnetic equator passes very close to the southern tip of India, where a unique and very strong current of the order of 100 kA known as Equatorial ElectroJet (EEJ), flows at around 105-110 km height in the upper atmosphere. Due to this intense current jet, the geomagnetic field near the equator is uniquely enhanced by a few tens to a few hundreds of nano tesla (nT).
Measuring this current intensity through the geomagnetic field enhancement provides an important understanding of the variation of ionospheric electric field. Therefore, understanding and modelling of EEJ variations would have important applications in assessing the satellite orbital dynamics, Global Positioning Systems and other satellite communication links, electrical power grids, etc.
IIG regularly measures this EEJ current using ground-based magnetometers located at an equatorial station Tirunelveli, very close to the southern tip of India.
Understanding the EEJ variations from long-term observations for more than two decades, scientists from Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) Navi Mumbai, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology, have developed an empirical model that can predict the EEJ current very accurately. The research has been published in the journal Space Weather.
This model, named “Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model” is the first empirical model that can accurately predict the Equatorial Electrojet over the Indian sector and has been made publicly available. The model’s web interface facilitates the user to simulate the EEJ for any given date and solar activity conditions; and enables to obtain output in ASCII and/or PNG graphical formats.
The model can be used to understand the unique equatorial ionospheric processes and can have applications in GNSS-based navigation/positioning, transmission lines, and the oil/gas industry that uses long-distance pipelines.
The web-portal for the Indian Equatorial Electrojet Model (IIGM), https://iigm.res.in/system/files/IEEJ_model.html
***
NKR/KS/AG
(Release ID: 2069472) Visitor Counter : 62
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 7:00PM by PIB Delhi
Naval Headquarters conducted Rajbhasha Prize Distribution Ceremony – 2024 on 24 October 2024 at NCS Delhi auditorium, Chanakya Bagh. V Adm Vineet McCarty, Controller Personnel Services graced the occasion as Chief Guest and gave away prizes to the winners. This ceremony marks the culmination of Hindi Fortnight activities which were held from 18 – 30 Sep 24 this year. Over 200 personnel from different directorates attended the event which saw presentation of 60 awards in different categories. Renowned poet Rear Admiral Khurram Shehzad Noor (Retd) participated in the event as Guest of Honour and enthralled the audience with his poems. The coveted Rajbhasha Rolling Trophies were awarded to the Directorate of Naval Design (Submarine Design Group), Directorate of Logistics Support and Directorate of Aircraft Acquisition and for doing maximum work
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 12:37PM by PIB Delhi
A novel ink with enhanced security features developed with luminescent nanomaterials can help stop counterfeiting in currency, certificates, branded goods and medicines.
Counterfeiting is a growing problem worldwide and researchers are trying to find unique ways to prevent it. Luminescent properties of rare earth ions and the characteristic emissions of bismuth have long been known.
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology, have used this property of rare earth materials, to synthesis a first of its kind security ink based on luminescent nanomaterials with rare earth doping, enabling excitation dependent luminescence (Under both UV and NIR light it gives Visible emission).
The ink can overcome the limitations of current covert tags, which are security features usually visible only under UV light and can be easily duplicated.
The new ink offers enhanced security features through its ability to display different colours under various light wavelengths. Specifically, the ink appears vibrant blue under 365 nm light, pink under 395 nm light, and orange-red under 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) light and remains effective under a range of light, temperature, and humidity conditions.
The luminescent nanomaterial was synthesised using a simple co-precipitation method at 120°C. After synthesis, the nanomaterials were dispersed into commercially available PVC ink using sonication (process of dispersing nanoparticles into solvent by applying sound energy).
This mixture was then used to create patterns and letters through a screen-printing technique. These printed patterns, when exposed to different wavelengths of light, clearly showed the desired colour changes, proving the effectiveness of the ink.
By combining rare earth ions with well-known luminescent properties and bismuth with characteristic emissions the team was able to enhance the encryption and decryption capabilities of the ink, improving its security potential.
The luminescent ink made from these nanomaterials has significant potential to combat counterfeiting. It can be applied to fake-proof various items, including currency, certificates, medicines, and branded products. This allows both consumers and manufacturers to easily verify the authenticity of their items, providing a simple yet powerful tool to detect counterfeits.
***
NKR/KS/AG
(Release ID: 2069470) Visitor Counter : 55
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 10:50AM by PIB Delhi
On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, led a gathering of officials and staff from the Union Health Ministry in a pledge to strengthen the unity and integrity of India, here in Nirman Bhawan today. Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare and Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary were also present. The event aimed to honour the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose vision and leadership played a pivotal role in unifying the nation.
During the ceremony, the Union Health Minister emphasized the importance of national unity in fostering a cohesive and progressive society. He stated, “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of unity and integrity that Sardar Patel championed. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our actions and policies reflect the spirit of inclusiveness and diversity that makes India unique.”
The event included a reading of the pledge, where all participants vowed to work towards strengthening the bonds of unity among the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of India.
The Union Health Ministry remains committed to its mission of improving public health and ensuring that the principles of unity and equality are upheld in all its initiatives.
***
MV
HFW/ HFM Unity Pledge /30th October 2024/1
(Release ID: 2069446) Visitor Counter : 60
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ACM Research, Inc. (“ACM”) (NASDAQ: ACMR), a leading supplier of wafer processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced wafer-level packaging applications, today announces expectations for preliminary unaudited revenue and total shipments for the third quarter of 2024. Today’s release coincides with the as-scheduled release of unaudited financial results by ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc., ACM’s principal operating subsidiary (“ACM Shanghai”), to the Shanghai Stock Exchange website [link to China Disclosure].
ACM will discuss its full financial results for the third quarter 2024 and its revenue outlook for the remainder of the year on its earnings call on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (9 p.m. China Time).
ACM announces the following:
Actual unaudited third quarter 2024 results are subject to the completion of ACM’s quarter end closing procedures and review by ACM’s independent registered public accounting firm.
ACM currently owns an 82.0% equity interest in ACM Shanghai, and a substantial majority of ACM’s consolidated revenue and net income is contributed by ACM Shanghai. The stand-alone financial results of ACM Shanghai are reported in RMB as prepared in accordance with Chinese generally accepted accounting principles, and those results will differ, potentially materially, from ACM’s consolidated revenue and net profit for the period, which will reflect additional financial and operational items and will be prepared in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
About ACM Research, Inc.
ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment for single-wafer or batch wet cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing, vertical furnace processes, Track and PECVD, which are critical to advanced semiconductor device manufacturing and wafer-level packaging. ACM is committed to delivering customized, high performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield. For more information, visit www.acmrcsh.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “designed,” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on ACM management’s current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A description of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in filings ACM makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by ACM. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ACM undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events.
© ACM Research, Inc. The ACM Research logo is a trademark of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, this trademark appears in this press release without a ™ symbol, but that practice does not mean that ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to such trademark.
| For investor and media inquiries, please contact: | |
| In the United States: | The Blueshirt Group |
| Steven C. Pelayo, CFA | |
| +1 (360) 808-5154 | |
| steven@blueshirtgroup.co | |
| In China: | The Blueshirt Group Asia |
| Gary Dvorchak, CFA | |
| +86 (138) 1079-1480 | |
| gary@blueshirtgroup.co | |
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banco Santander Chile (NYSE: BSAC; SSE: Bsantander) announced today its results1 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, and third quarter 2024 (3Q24).
ROAE2of 23.1% in 3Q243and 18.2% in 9M244.
In the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), the Bank’s net income attributable to shareholders totaled $243,133 million ($1.29 per share and US$ 0.58 per ADR), reflecting an increase of 11.7% compared to the previous quarter (2Q24), with an ROAE of 23.1%.
As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s net income attributable to shareholders totaled $581.109 billion ($3.08 per share and US$1.37 per ADR), reflecting an increase of 81.9% compared to the same period of the previous year and with an ROAE of 18.2%.
The increase in results in the quarter is explained by an increase in the Bank’s main income lines, with operating income increasing by 6.3% in the quarter, driven by a better interest margin and readjustments.
Strong recovery of NIM5to 3.9% in 3Q24 and 3.4% in 9M24.
Net interest and readjustment income (NII) accumulated as of September 30, 2024 increased by 74.8% compared to the same period in 2023. This increase in NII was due to higher interest income due to improvements in the cost of funds resulting from a lower monetary policy rate, partially offset by lower readjustment income due to lower inflation in the period.
In 3Q24, total net interest and readjustment income increased by 4.2% compared to 2Q24. This is explained by higher net interest income due to lower funding costs and better investment portfolio performance, offset by lower net readjustment income due to lower UF variation in the quarter.
Net fees increase 8.3% in the quarter, reaching recurrence6levels of 63.4%.
Net fees increased 8.3% QoQ due to increased customer numbers and greater use of products such as mutual funds, cards and current accounts. With this, the recurrence ratio (total net fees divided by total core expenses) is 63.4% in 3Q24, demonstrating that more than half of the Bank’s expenses are financed by fees generated by our customers.
In the nine months to September 30, 2024, fees increased by 5.4% compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher fees from current accounts, mutual fund brokerage and Getnet. This was partially offset by the impact of interchange fee regulation.
Getnet’s customer base continues to grow and its expansion continues
As a result of our strategy to strengthen digital products, the Bank’s market share in current accounts remains strong. According to the latest publicly available information, which is as of July 2024, our market share reaches 23.8% in current accounts, which includes products such as Santander Life and PYME Life, while our US$ current account solution is already attracting 41.2% of customers in this market. In total, our digital customers total around 2.2 million and represent 86% of our active customers, with the products with the greatest traction being deposits, credit cards, investment funds and general insurance brokerage.
Getnet’s entry into the Chilean acquiring market continues to surprise with good results, with net commissions of $54 billion in 9M24 (not including operating expenses). Customer reception has been high, with more than 182 thousand affiliated merchants and more than 243 thousand operational POSs, with a strong demand from SME clients and an expansion towards larger clients that require a Host to Host solution, offering an integrated payment system for more sophisticated clients. Thanks to Getnet and other initiatives such as the Cuenta Pyme Life, we are seeing significant growth in current accounts for SMEs and companies, growing 26.7% YoY by July 2024, and with a market share of 39.3% according to the CMF.
For the fifth consecutive year we are Top 1 in NPS among our Chilean peers
As a result of all our efforts, our customers are the most satisfied with us. As of September 2024, our NPS is 59 points, top 1 among our peers. We also rank first in net satisfaction in the evaluation of our account executives and contact center with 66 and 72 points respectively. Regarding digital channels, they also continue to be a strength, with the website standing out with a net satisfaction of 72 and the App with 74 points.
Efficiency ratio of 36.3% in the quarter as income improves and costs remain under control
The Bank’s efficiency ratio reached 40.0% as of September 30, 2024, better than the 48.0% of the same period last year, with a quarterly efficiency ratio of 36.3%, explained by the recovery of revenues in the quarter and solid cost control.
Core support expenses (salaries, administration and amortization) grew 4.4% in 9M24 compared to 9M23 and 0.4% compared to 2Q24, in line with the growth of inflation, as we mentioned in our previous guidance. Total operating expenses (which includes other expenses) increased 13.1% in 9M24 compared to the same period in 2023 driven by higher other operating expenses, related to a provision for the restructuring of our branch network and the transformation to Work/Café and also the progress in Digital Banking.
Cost of credit of 1.28% in 9M24, in line with the evolution of asset quality given the economic scenario.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, asset quality benefited from state aid and pension fund withdrawals, which led to a positive performance in assets during that period, before normalizing in line with the performance of the economy and the drainage of excess liquidity from households. Currently, our clients’ performance is reflecting the state of the economy and the labor market, where delinquency is higher than the levels we saw before the pandemic with the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio increasing to 3.1% and the impaired portfolio to 6.7% at September 2024. Overall the cost of credit remained stable at 1.28% in the quarter.
Solid capital levels with a BIS7ratio of 17.2% and a CET18of 10.7%.
Our total BIS ratio reached 17.2% as of September 30, 2024 and the CET1 ratio remains solid at 10.7%, even considering that we increased the dividend provision for the 2024 income from 30% to 60% in June 2024 and then to 70% in September 2024. Risk-weighted assets (RWA) increased 0.8% since December 31, 2023 and 0.3% QoQ, explained by a growth in market risk-weighted assets offset by a decrease in credit risk-weighted assets. Additionally, in January 2024, the CMF announced the Pillar II charges for six banks in the Chilean system, and we highlight that, on this occasion, they did not assign a charge to the Bank.
Upgrading guidance for 2024 and soft guidance for 2025
Given the strong recovery in our results and our current economic estimates for the fourth quarter, we are improving our ROAE guidance for 2024 to 18%-19%. We have upgraded our medium term guidance for ROAEs to 18%-20% and our soft guidance for 2025 indicates a ROAE within this range.
Banco Santander Chile is one of the companies with the highest risk classifications in Latin America with an A2 rating from Moody’s, A- from Standard and Poor’s, A+ from Japan Credit Rating Agency, AA- from HR Ratings and A from KBRA. All our ratings as of the date of this report have a Stable Outlook.
As of September 30, 2024, the Bank has total assets of $65,890,254 million (US$73,419 million), total gross loans (including loans to banks) at amortized cost of $40,362,740 million (US$44,975 million), total deposits of $29,617,085 million (US$33,001 million) and shareholders’ equity of $4,218,883 million (US$4,701 million). The BIS capital ratio was 17.2%, with a core capital ratio of 10.7%. As of September 30, 2024, Santander Chile employed 8,861 people and has 234 branches throughout Chile.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cristian Vicuña
Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Investor Relations
Banco Santander Chile
Bandera 140, Floor 20
Santiago, Chile
Email: irelations@santander.cl Website: www.santander.cl
1 The information contained in this report is presented in accordance with Chilean Bank GAAP as defined by the Financial Markets Commission (FMC).
2 Annualized net income attributable to shareholders of the Bank divided by the average equity attributable to equity holders
3 The third quarter of 2024
4 The nine months accumulated as of September 30, 2024
5 NIM: Net interest margin. Annualized net interest income and annualized readjustments divided by interest-earning assets
6Recurrence: Net commissions divided by structural operating expenses (excludes other operating expenses).
7 Regulatory capital divided by risk-weighted assets, according to CMF BIS III definitions
8 Core capital divided by risk-weighted assets, according to CMF BIS III definitions.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Foresight Ventures, the leading investment firm specializing in Web3 projects, today announced a strategic partnership with Deep Blue, a newly launched Jersey-based stablecoin issuer and Arta TechFin Corporation Limited (Arta TechFin, HKSE: 0279), a Hong Kong listed company via its subsidiaries operating regulated financial institutions and leading blockchain developments. The alliance aims to drive innovation and growth of the Stablecoin and Real-World Asset (RWA) ecosystem.
Deep Blue is an issuance platform for Stablecoins bringing best-in-class practices and best partners in both digital assets and traditional finance, enabling users to operate across multiple use cases.
Arta TechFin will bring in its capabilities as a regulated blockchain financial services provider, collaborating with Foresight Ventures and Deep Blue on Stablecoin and RWA businesses including but not limited to origination, tokenization, market making, and providing liquidity.
Julien Bahurel, co-founder of Deep Blue, commented on the partnership: “We are excited to join forces with Foresight Ventures to accelerate our efforts in the Stablecoin and RWA sectors. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging blockchain economy; leveraging on key crypto partners, large Asia-based conglomerates and financial institutions.”
Foresight Ventures, known for its commitment to fostering Web3 projects that promote decentralization and mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency, will provide Deep Blue with strategic collaborations that include media and network resources. This partnership is expected to elevate Deep Blue’s initiatives, bringing them to a wider audience and enhancing their impact on the global financial landscape. Both parties look to leverage off each other’s access to the blockchain and traditional finance ecosystems.
Forest Bai, Representative at Foresight Ventures, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Deep Blue and ArtaTechFin, companies that share our vision of a decentralized future where blockchain and traditional finance coexist seamlessly. Our strategic resources and industry expertise will help Deep Blue scale its ecosystem and make a lasting impact in the stablecoin and RWA domains.”
This strategic partnership marks a new chapter for all companies as they work together to pioneer cutting-edge financial solutions that will shape the future of the global economy.
For more information, please visit Deep Blue Limited or ArtaTechFin
About Foresight Ventures
Foresight Ventures is the leading global crypto venture capital firm, managing over $400 million in assets across 100+ investments. With a research-driven approach, Foresight Ventures bridges Eastern and Western markets, focusing on early-stage opportunities in Web3. Its diverse portfolio spans blockchain infrastructure, AI and consumer applications with investments in top companies like Bitget, Aptos Labs, and TON. Through its premier owned media network, including The Block, Coinness and BlockTempo, the firm provides exposure to transformative technologies that shape the future of financial ecosystems.
Foresight Ventures backs the boldest upcoming innovations, encouraging concepts that challenge conventional platforms with real-life use cases built on emerging technologies. Dedicated to accelerating crypto adoption for billions of people worldwide, Foresight Ventures breaks down barriers empowering global financial freedom and inclusion to all.
For general enquiries, please email: fv@foresightventures.com
Contact
Media Team
Foresight Ventures
fv@foresightventures.com
Source: World Trade Organization
Since its establishment in 1995, the WTO has supported the participation of developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs) in the multilateral trading system through the provision of technical assistance, helping beneficiaries develop their capacity to take full advantage of global trade. Over the past 30 years, more than 320,000 government officials have benefited from this assistance.
WTO technical assistance is a pivotal function of the organization and has evolved constantly to meet the emerging needs of the beneficiaries and a changing global environment, with an increasing focus on achieving measurable results.
The WTO has conducted over 10,000 technical assistance activities for its eligible members and observers since 1995. In the initial three years following the organization’s establishment, these activities were carried out globally, without focusing on particular regions. However, starting in 1998, the focus shifted toward addressing the specific needs of individual members, either regionally or at the domestic level.
Africa has consistently received the largest share of technical assistance, averaging around 30 per cent of annual activities and rising as high as 40 per cent between 2005 and 2011 (see Chart 1). The Asia-Pacific region has benefited from roughly 20 per cent of activities. The Middle East, the Caribbean, and Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia have received respectively between 5 per cent and 10 per cent annually. Latin America has also featured prominently in technical assistance programmes, receiving on average approximately 10 per cent of activities.
The launch in 2004 of the WTO technical assistance e-Learning platform, which was upgraded in 2022, was a game-changer in terms of delivering more accessible technical assistance and providing more cost-effective training. The platform gained additional importance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions prevented face-to-face activities.
Since 1995, over 110,000 government officials have been trained via the e-Learning platform, representing more than a third of the total number of beneficiaries (see Chart 2). The number of e‑Learning participants per year has surpassed the number of beneficiaries of face-to-face activities since 2014. More recently, a new approach, combining e‑Learning, face-to-face and virtual activities is gradually being introduced.
WTO technical assistance is primarily aimed at government officials, but its outreach extends to other key groups, including the academic community through the WTO Chairs Programme, as well as members of parliament, journalists, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.
In 2010, a progressive learning strategy was introduced to improve the efficient use of resources in technical assistance delivery by focusing on advancing participants’ skills progressively. This progressive learning strategy structures technical assistance activities around three levels of learning — introductory, intermediate and advanced — and two training paths — for generalists and for specialists — with the aim of building beneficiaries’ capacity in a sustainable and cumulative manner.
The training methods used in the delivery of technical assistance programmes have also evolved over time. While the approach in 1995 was predominantly lecture-based, the proportion of lectures in the total training time has been somewhat reduced since 2013 in favour of face-to-face activities incorporating more hands-on sessions and interactive pedagogical techniques (see Chart 3). Recent years have seen the introduction of mentoring and coaching.
In addition to training programmes, the first internship programme was launched in 1998. Since then, four other similar programmes have been set up. These internship opportunities have collectively benefited more than 800 participants from over 100 WTO members and observers.
WTO technical assistance is governed by biennial plans setting out priorities and strategies to ensure that the needs of beneficiaries are effectively met. In 2013, a results-based management approach was implemented to improve monitoring of all WTO technical assistance activities, from planning to evaluation. The approach aims to produce specific and measurable results to improve beneficiaries’ capacity to participate in the multilateral trading system.
Since its introduction, the proportion of technical assistance targets fully or partially met, such as successful completion of the courses, reached 91 per cent in 2018. This number declined between 2020 and 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on technical assistance delivery but rose again in 2023 (see Chart 4).
Technical assistance has contributed to improving the capacity of developing WTO members and observers, and particularly LDCs, to engage effectively in WTO negotiations and participate in the work of WTO bodies. It has also been essential to economies wishing to join the WTO as they proceed through their WTO accession processes.
For several recent agreements negotiated at the WTO (e.g., the agreements on trade facilitation, fisheries subsidies and investment facilitation for development), provisions related to technical assistance for developing and LDC members have been crucial to concluding the negotiations. Over the past 10 years alone, thousands of government officials have benefited from technical assistance training programmes designed to strengthen their capacity to comply with obligations under WTO agreements and to benefit fully from these WTO agreements (see Chart 5).
The topics covered by technical assistance training programmes have continued to evolve over the years in line with the priorities defined by beneficiaries. This flexibility allows WTO technical assistance to take account of evolving issues on the WTO agenda, such as digital trade, the green economy and inclusive trade.
The impact of these efforts can be measured in different ways. For example, WTO technical assistance has striven through capacity-building to stimulate a sustained increase in the number of proposals or other documents covering a variety of topics under negotiation or discussion submitted to WTO bodies by technical assistance beneficiaries. These contributions have been invaluable in making trade deliberations and decision-making more inclusive.
Strengthening the capacity of technical assistance beneficiaries to fulfil their transparency obligations under various WTO agreements, including by notifying new trade measures, is among the performance targets for WTO technical assistance. As the overall volume of notification obligations has increased each year, technical assistance efforts have enabled beneficiaries not only to keep pace with their new notification obligations, but even to reduce their backlog progressively.
WTO technical assistance is financed both by the regular budget of the WTO Secretariat and by means of voluntary contributions made by WTO members to trust funds. A total of over CHF 500 million has been committed since 1995. Contributions from the regular budget reached their highest levels between 2002 and 2013 and have remained at CHF 4.5 million since then. Meanwhile, members’ voluntary contributions have steadily declined, dropping from CHF 23 million on average between 2007 and 2009 to CHF 6.3 million in 2023 (see Chart 6).
Sustained funding continues to be essential to responding efficiently to the evolving needs of members and securing the technical assistance necessary for an inclusive multilateral trading system.
Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent
Published: Wednesday, 30th October 2024
Noodles, burritos, chimney cakes and souvlaki are just a few of the foods making their way back to Hanley as the Continental Market returns.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has announced that the market will return this November, treating shoppers to a wide array of continental cuisine.
There will also be a fantastic range of gifts and products, brought to you by traders from all over the world across several continents, including Europe, Asia and South America.
The stalls will be located on Parliament Row and Upper Market Square and will join the regular outdoor traders’ who operate in the city centre, from Thursday 7th November to Sunday 10th November between 10am – 6pm (closing at 4pm on Sunday).
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration said: “We are delighted that the Continental Market is making a return in November.
“Each year, the delicious food and amazing crafts that traders bring highlight so many amazing cultures and this is a great thing for a city like Stoke-on-Trent. We have wonderful local businesses and traders and events like the market attract more people to the area and increase footfall in these businesses.
“We would strongly encourage people to go and check out the market, because there are some amazing food and products on show in what promises to be a great event for the city.”
Businesses on the stalls will include Taste of Germany, Little China Noodles Bar and Aunty Sally Fudge.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Department of Health (DH) today (October 30) urged the public not to buy or consume a product, namely Firstwell Tongkat Ali Premix Coffee, as it was found to contain an undeclared controlled drug ingredient.
Acting upon a public complaint, the DH obtained samples of the above product via online platforms for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the samples contained sildenafil, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is not registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong. The DH’s investigation is continuing.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be used under a doctor’s advice and be supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription. Side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed. Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-1806, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
The public may visit the webpage of the DH’s Drug Office’s page for the health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products and virility products found to contain undeclared Western medicines.
Source: US State of Connecticut
As we prepare to fall back once again this year on Sunday, Nov. 3, debates over the costs and benefits of Daylight Saving Time are sure to reemerge.
A bill to permanently end the practice passed in the Senate in 2022 and awaits further movement through the House of Representatives, indicating the argument to overturn the century-old policy is heating up.
Shinsuke Tanaka, assistant professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, has published work that helps inform this policy debate with evidence about the costs of Daylight Saving Time (DST).
When Tanaka, who is originally from Japan, first came to the U.S., Daylight Saving Time felt like a shock, as Japan does not engage in the practice.
An expert in environmental and health economics, Tanaka decided to look into the costs and benefits of DST. He found that many other researchers had been questioning the economic, environmental, and health impacts as well.
DST was first implemented during World War I as an energy saving policy. However, recent studies have found that people actually consume more energy during DST, because with more daylight, people run air conditioners for longer, even if their lights aren’t on for as long.
“The cooling consumes more energy, and the studies have shown that the energy consumption overall increases during Daylight Saving Time,” Tanaka says.
People also go out more often during the extended daylight, usually in cars, which increases carbon emissions.
For his research, Tanaka focuses on Indiana, because until 2006, only some counties in Indiana participated in Daylight Saving Time. This means Tanaka can look at data from before 2006 and after and get a clear picture of any changes that may be related to the start of participating in the policy.
“This creates the change in policy,” Tanaka says. “So, I can see what happened without DST in the previous year, and then I can see what happened to some outcome after they adopted DST.”
Tanaka focuses on heart attacks, one of the most serious health impacts related to DST. Previous studies demonstrated that the number of heart attacks increases after the time change in spring, when clocks move forward one hour.
This may be because people lose an hour of sleep in the spring transition, which has many negative health impacts. Our internal clocks also become misaligned with the external environment.
“There is no clear mechanism in the medical literature,” Tanaka says. “But the evidence shows that sleep is important for cardiovascular diseases, and people do lose one hour of sleep during the spring forward, so then we can infer that this is one of the mechanisms.”
Tanaka found a 27% increase in the number of heart attacks in Indiana for two weeks after springing ahead when the entire state started practicing DST compared to the year before, while no significant impact was observed at the fall transition. This increase at the spring transition was substantially higher than other studies which had found more modest changes, closer to 5%, in other countries.
Tanaka explains this difference may be due to differences in physical environments and lifestyle habits between countries. Tanaka was also better able to control for seasonality because he compared data from before and after the transition to practicing DST.
“Indeed, we found that heart attacks would have declined without DST, and that’s not quite controlled for in the medical literature,” Tanaka says. “In my own study, we can see what happened without practicing DST at this time of year so we can better control for that and then we find much bigger impacts.”
Some have argued that this short-term negative health impact is offset by the opportunity to engage in more outdoor physical activity in the extended daylight. Tanaka, however, has shown that this is not the case. His research presents the first comprehensive evidence examining the overall impacts during Daylight Saving Time, countering the notion that the benefits of increased daylight could compensate for these harms.
“That’s an important piece of evidence when it comes to the policy debate because people don’t just worry about the short-term impacts, but what is the overall impact,” Tanaka says. “So that’s what we need to understand.”
Tanaka found that the increase in the number of heart attacks remained relatively consistent from year-to-year, indicating that it was just a shock from starting the practice for the first time in 2006.
“It’s hard to justify this policy at this point,” Tanaka says. “There’s no such big benefit that can justify the significant costs that we see in many aspects.”
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBT), parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, with offices in Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets, today announced that Ja Hillebrand, Chairman and CEO and T. Clay Stinnett, EVP and CFO will participate in the 2024 Hovde Group Financial Services Conference to be held November 6th through November 8th, and will participate in a series of meetings with institutional investors.
Management’s discussion materials to be used at this conference will be posted to the investor section of the Company’s website, www.syb.com, on or before November 6, 2024.
Louisville, Kentucky-based Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., with $8.4 billion in assets, was incorporated in 1988 as a bank holding company. It is the parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, which was established in 1904. The Company’s common shares trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “SYBT.”
Contact:
T. Clay Stinnett
Executive Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(502) 625-0890
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on October 31, 2024, Thursday, as under:
2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same. Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2024-2025/1403 |
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung made a presentation on a bid to host the 2026 Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in Hong Kong at a meeting in Cascais, Portugal, yesterday.
Also as part of his Portugal itinerary yesterday, Mr Yeung exchanged views with various members of the ANOC Executive Council, together with President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) Timothy Fok in the morning.
Mr Yeung made the presentation on the bid to host the 2026 ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong while attending the ANOC Executive Council meeting alongside a delegation from the SF&OC in the afternoon.
He illustrated that Hong Kong is the ideal place for hosting international events given its strengths and advantages.
Mr Yeung highlighted that the city has a fair and mature legal system thanks to the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, enabling the city to maintain its social stability.
Apart from pointing out that Hong Kong is also an events capital of Asia and the world’s meeting place, he emphasised that as an international city, Hong Kong is widely connected with the rest of the world.
Mr Yeung added that Hong Kong has been actively advancing the development of sports in the community, supporting elite sports, promoting Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing sports professionalism and developing sports as an industry.
In recent years, Hong Kong athletes have achieved impressive results in major international games, Mr Yeung noted. He also shared with those at the meeting the imminent commissioning of the Kai Tak Sports Park in the first quarter of 2025, making it the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history.
Additionally, Mr Yeung attended a reception hosted by the city of Cascais, during which he exchanged views with Sports & International Affairs City Councillor Francisco Kreye and other leading figures in the world of sports.