FM to focus on bringing jobs and investment to Scotland.
Business links, trade, and investment is “at the heart” of Scotland’s long-standing relationship with the USA, First Minister John Swinney said ahead of his first stateside visit.
The First Minister said he will use his platform at Tartan Day to build on the existing links and strengthen relations between Scottish and US businesses, and focus his efforts on bringing jobs and investment to Scotland.
In addition to leading Scotland’s presence at the annual Tartan Day Parade, the First Minister will promote Scotland as a world-class place to do business, champion Scotland’s culture sector at an event at Carnegie Hall featuring some of Scotland’s best artists, and lead a discussion and Q&A on Scotland’s progressive and international outlook at the Council on Foreign Relations.
He will also meet with a number of key current and potential investors to promote the economic opportunities on offer in Scotland.
The First Minister said:
“Scottish culture is celebrated the world over – it brings people together, and it shares Scotland with the world. Tartan Week in New York is a wonderful example of that.
“But these events are more than just a chance to celebrate our culture. They are an opportunity for us to foster new business relationships and strengthen the trade and investment ties between our two countries.
“The US is a priority trade partner for Scotland, and consistently the top country for Scottish exports. In 2023, we exported nearly £4 billion of goods to America, and we imported roughly the same amount.
“America is also the top investor in Scotland, with over 700 companies employing over 115,000 people in key sectors. That is a tremendous and welcome contribution to our economy and our communities.
“I want to attend Tartan Week to maintain, and further grow, these important links – links which have for centuries been at the heart of our relationship with the USA.”
President of the National Tartan Day New York Committee Kyle Dawson said:
“We’re delighted that the First Minister will be joining our NYC Tartan Week festivities. It’s a privilege to provide a platform that facilitates and strengthens international relationships and in the spirit of celebrating Scottish culture and heritage in the United States we look forward to welcoming the First Minister to our events.”
New Location Marks a Milestone in Commitment to Continued Growth
LINDON, Utah, March 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ambia Solar, a leading residential solar company known for its commitment to personalized energy solutions and customer-first service, is proud to announce the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Lindon, Utah. The official move took place on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for Ambia’s operations, providing expanded space for its growing teams in sales, operations, finance, and customer service. This move reflects Ambia’s continued growth and commitment to creating a collaborative, forward-thinking workplace to support its mission of making clean, dependable energy accessible for homeowners across the country.
Conner Ruggio, CEO of Ambia, shared that from the first time he walked through the building—formerly home to the successful HR company BambooHR—he had a gut feeling it was the right fit for Ambia. “I genuinely believe this is going to be a place where we do some incredible things,” Ruggio said. “I hope this is a place you love to work every day. I know that I will.”
Located in the heart of Utah County, the new facility offers greater accessibility, enhanced amenities, and plenty of space for future growth as Ambia continues scaling its efficient energy solutions throughout the U.S. This move underscores the company’s ongoing investment in its employees and communities, creating opportunities for job growth, collaboration, and impact across the solar industry.
About Ambia Solar Ambia is a residential solar company dedicated to helping homeowners achieve greater energy independence through smart, reliable solar solutions. With a focus on transparency, education, and world-class service, Ambia manages each project in-house—from consultation and system design to professional installation and support. Ambia currently operates in nine states with plans for continued expansion.
Contact: Anne Heath Marketing & Communications anne.heath@ambiasolar.com www.ambiasolar.com
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Crackdown on illegal working and rogue employers in ‘gig economy’
In the latest move to restore order to the asylum and immigration system, the government will introduce tough new laws to clamp down on illegal working.
Companies hiring people in the gig economy will now be legally required to carry out checks confirming that anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK, bringing them in line with other employers. These vital checks, which take just minutes to complete, confirm someone’s immigration status and allow them to legally work in the UK.
This means that for the very first time, employment checks will be extended to cover businesses hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery, beauty salons and courier services.
Currently, thousands of companies using these flexible arrangements are not legally required to check the status of these workers. This changes now.
Where businesses fail to carry out these checks, they will face hefty penalties already in place for those hiring illegal workers in traditional roles, including fines of up to £60,000 per worker, business closures, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to 5 years.
Expanding illegal working checks will help level the playing field for the majority of honest companies who do the right thing. For example, Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats already voluntarily carry out checks to ensure their delivery riders are eligible to work.
Clamping down on illegal working forms a critical part of the government’s plan to strengthen the entire immigration system, restoring tough enforcement of the rules and undermine people smugglers using the false promise of jobs for migrants.
The announcement comes a day before the UK holds the first ever Organised Immigration Crime Summit, bringing together over 40 countries to agree unprecedented new international action to take down every aspect of criminal smuggling gangs’ tactics.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
Under our Plan for Change, we are restoring order to the asylum and immigration system by introducing tougher laws and bolstering enforcement action to tackle illegal working and stopping rogue employers in their tracks.
Turning a blind eye to illegal working plays into the hands of callous people smugglers trying to sell spaces on flimsy, overcrowded boats with the promise of work and a life in the UK.
These exploitative practices are often an attempt to undercut competitors who are doing the right thing. But we are clear that the rules need to be respected and enforced.
These new laws build on significant efforts to stop organised immigration crime and protect the integrity of our borders, including increasing raids and arrests for illegal working and getting returns of people who have no right to be here to their highest rate in half a decade.
Claire Pointon, Managing Director, Just Eat UK and Ireland said:
Just Eat is committed to supporting high streets and communities by ensuring a fair and well-regulated rapid delivery sector. Preventing unauthorised work is key to this, which is why we’re strengthening our measures by introducing biometric checks to swiftly remove those without the correct authorisation to work in the UK. We welcome this decision from the Home Office to expand these requirements to other sectors.
A Deliveroo spokesperson said:
Deliveroo has led the industry in taking action to secure our platform against illegal working, developing our approach in close collaboration with the Home Office. We were the first to roll out direct right to work checks, a registration process, daily identity verification and now additional device checks for riders, including substitutes. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously and will continue to strengthen our controls to prevent misuse of our platform. We welcome the government taking action to ensure all businesses and sectors adopt the same standards.
An Uber Eats spokesperson said:
Uber Eats is fully committed to fighting illegal work and the criminal networks who are often behind it, including by introducing state of the art identity and document video verification technology and mandatory substitute registration. We welcome efforts to enable and enforce further controls, and create a level playing field across the sector.
The checks take minutes to complete, and the Home Office provide this free of charge, with businesses able to utilise digital ID verification technology to support the process. There is also support in place for employers with enquiries about the process.
The new laws further build on measures announced in November to equip Immigration Enforcement teams with new technology. From May, body worn cameras will be rolled out to officers on the front line tackling illegal working and organised immigration crime. Backed by £5 milllion, this will help officers collect evidence to support prosecutions and make sure exploitative businesses undermining our immigration system are held to account.
The new measures go alongside a ramp-up of operational action by Immigration Enforcement teams, who since July have carried out 6,784 illegal working visits to premises and made 4,779 arrests – an increase of 40% and 42% compared to the same period 12 months ago. In that time, 1,508 civil penalty notices have been issued.
This also follows wider measures within the legislation announced earlier this month to impose tougher restrictions on foreign criminals whose removal we are pursuing but we are presently unable to deport. This includes the use of electronic tags, night time curfews and exclusion zones. Breaching these conditions would be grounds for arrest and the individual could face imprisonment.
The measures will help ensure the Home Office maintains close contact with individuals and makes it very clear that they should not become established in the UK, as the intention remains to remove them when possible.
Tomorrow (31 March 2025), the Home Secretary will convene key government and law enforcement leads at the UK’s 2 day landmark international Organised Immigration Crime Summit.
This will include Immigration Enforcement, the Department for Business and Trade, the Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority and the National Crime Agency, holding a roundtable to discuss the importance of shutting down illegal working and government’s ongoing surge in operational activity.
The summit will bring together leaders from across the globe, with the aim of securing international commitments to intensify efforts against organised immigration crime gangs.
March 24, 2025No. 082In a cross-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) on March 24, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih decided to form a new smart agriculture advisory team. The team will bring together public and private resources from the government, industry, academia, research institutions, the agricultural industry, and other sectors. In the spirit of integrated diplomacy, the new group will jointly implement a smart agriculture flagship plan under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. Through coordination with diplomatic allies and friendly countries, the plan will enhance AI and digital technology applications in precision agriculture and other areas. Taiwan will work with partner countries to develop new smart agriculture, promote an agricultural Taiwan+n model (where n refers to a growing number of partners), and help the Taiwanese agricultural industry expand globally. Collaboration between Taiwan, partner countries, and friendly nations will also strengthen global food security, improve agricultural sustainability and resilience, and deliver a concerted response to the challenges of climate change.During the meeting at MOA, Minister Lin, Minister Chen, and their staff discussed how to expand agricultural cooperation projects with allies and friendly countries and create reciprocal and mutually beneficial business opportunities. They explored ways to assist countries in upgrading and transforming their farming sectors, increasing productivity and competitiveness, and achieving sustainable development. Potential avenues included technical cooperation, professional training, the establishment of demonstration sites, and business and investment matchmaking. The officials also discussed how to train young farmers and specialists in new smart agriculture both in Taiwan and target countries to give them a competitive edge.Meanwhile, the ministers deliberated on three key projects—expanding agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines under the Executive Yuan’s economic diplomacy task force, further promoting smart aquacultural cooperation with Palau to develop its tourism industry, and exploring the possibility of cooperation to establish a seedling center in the Caribbean. They also exchanged views on organizing an agricultural trade goodwill mission to the United States in September.The agricultural industry is the bedrock of Taiwan’s economy and food security. President Lai Ching-te’s National Project of Hope includes the promotion of agricultural transformation and advancement to achieve sustainable resilience. The Executive Yuan’s Smart Taiwan 2.0 initiative also develops creative applications across various sectors. Under these policies and based on the new agriculture section of the Five Plus Two Industrial Innovation program, Minister Lin has launched a raft of new initiatives. These include promoting the concept of new smart agriculture; expanding applications of AI and smart solutions in agricultural production, management, and marketing; collaborating with MOA’s smart agriculture alliances; transforming agriculture to become smarter and more sustainable; and creating an international fleet focused on Taiwan’s new smart agriculture.Looking ahead, MOFA and MOA will continue working with partners from various sectors to assist diplomatic allies and friendly countries in adopting smart agricultural technology to enhance food security, realize sustainable development, and create shared prosperity and mutual benefits. In line with President Lai’s vision for sustainable resilience, the ministries will further contribute to global agricultural development and food security. MOFA and MOA will jointly support the efforts of Taiwanese agricultural businesses to expand their presence in the international market and ensure that Taiwan remains a thriving global economic powerhouse. (E)
Our heartfelt thanks to our good friends from the NSW Parliament, including one of today’s co-hosts, Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, Hon. Mark Latham MLC, Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, Tim James MP, Jordan Lane MP, Geoff Provest MP, and Richie Williamson MP. We are also grateful to have Australia-Taiwan Business Council Chairman John Toigo, members of the Consular Corps, academia and media representatives, as well as Taiwanese community leaders with us. Thank you for making the launch event at the NSW Parliament a great success! Hon. Jacqui Munro expressed her great honor in co-hosting this event at the Parliament, emphasizing that Taiwan’s deeply rooted and solid democratic system serves as a model for democratic countries. She also highlighted Taiwan as an important trade partner for both Australia and New South Wales, stressing that Taiwan’s participation in the CPTPP would be beneficial for both Taiwan and Australia. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu recalled the opportunity to meet Professor Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist of UTS, and discuss the idea of filming the CPTPP episode in Taiwan. He also expressed special gratitude to the New South Wales Parliament for passing motions condemning China’s distortion of UN Resolution 2758, opposing foreign interference, and supporting Taiwan’s international participation and democracy. He reiterated that Taiwan not only meets the high standards of the CPTPP but also demonstrates a strong determination to integrate into regional economic cooperation. With Taiwan’s participation, the CPTPP will be even stronger. Ambassador Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu of Taiwan in Australia, who is graceful and poised, traveled from Canberra to Sydney to attend the event. He emphasized that Taiwan and Australia’s economic and industrial structures are highly complementary. Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP would establish it as a stable and open economic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, greatly benefiting Australia and regional economic growth. Professor Tim Harcourt presented The Airport Economist program and shared insights into the process of creating this episode in Taiwan. He also analyzed Taiwan’s economic and trade development and its competitive strengths, emphasizing that Taiwan’s inclusion in the CPTPP would significantly enhance regional economic and trade integration. In a conversation with John Toigo, Chairman of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council, they discussed Taiwan-Australia economic and trade cooperation over the past decades and their outlook for future relations. Both affirmed that Taiwan meets the high standards required for CPTPP membership and expressed their intention to continue advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion to the Australian government. Other attending state MPs also expressed their support, noting that despite ongoing legislative sessions in both houses, they were determined to be present. They emphasized that cooperation between countries with shared values is crucial and that, as a major player in technology and the economy, Taiwan should be included in the CPTPP to benefit all member countries. As a major economy and a hub for digital technology innovation, Taiwan can make significant contributions to regional economic integration frameworks such as the CPTPP. We encourage Australia and the international community to recognize Taiwan’s trade commitments and support its inclusion.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Learning Workshop of the Finance Career Trainee Program today (March 28):
Ms Rose Kay (Chief Operating Officer, Hong Kong and Head of Chief Executive Officer Office, Hong Kong and Greater China and North Asia, Standard Chartered Bank), Ms Florence Wong (Head of Human Resources , Hong Kong, Taiwan and Co-head of Human Resources, GBA, Standard Chartered Bank), Ms Brenda Hou (Senior Head, Asia Pacific, Global Partnership & Client Solutions, CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute), Mr Ben Yi (Director and Vice President, GBA Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to join you today at the GBA Learning Workshop of the Finance Career Trainee Program co-organised by Standard Chartered Bank, CFA Institute, and KPMG China. Let me begin by commending the organisers for their unwavering dedication to nurturing our next generation of financial leaders.
It is very exciting to learn that nearly 2 500 students from 400 universities worldwide have applied to this programme since its inception in September 2023, reflecting its global reach and credibility. It has not only created valuable learning opportunities for students but also bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Even more importantly, this finance career trainee programme rightly dedicates its focus to the Greater Bay Area. Indeed, the GBA represents an extraordinary opportunity for ambitious young professionals like those here today. As one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving economic regions, the GBA serves as a hub of innovation, presenting endless possibilities in financial services, technology, and cross-border collaboration.
In recent years, financial co-operation in the GBA has grown significantly. For example, the Cross-Boundary Wealth Management Connect allows eligible residents in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau to invest in wealth management products through a closed-loop capital channel established between banks and brokers. Meanwhile, the Government and the financial industry have actively strengthened financial infrastructure, with cross-border mobile payments becoming increasingly common across the GBA. Another noteworthy development is the successful pilot for cross-boundary credit referencing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, which has helped address the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in obtaining cross-border financing.
These examples underscore how financial collaboration in the GBA is creating exciting new opportunities – not only for the financial industry but also for young professionals. For our youngsters here today, I encourage you to embrace these opportunities, contribute to these collaborative efforts, and play an active role in shaping the future of finance in this dynamic region.
As you prepare to step into the exciting and ever-changing financial industry, I would like to offer three more pieces of advice:
First, think beyond borders: The GBA’s strength lies in its cross-boundary collaboration. By working across different cities, you can develop a global perspective, gain insights into diverse markets, and leverage the collective strengths of the region.
Second, stay curious and adaptable: The financial industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes. Staying curious, adaptable and eager to learn will be key to thriving in this dynamic environment.
Last but not least, be purpose-driven: As the next generation of leaders, please strive to make a meaningful impact. Financial services are not only about driving profitability but also about contributing to society, promoting sustainability, and improving lives.
I am confident that through this programme, you will gain the skills, insights, and networks necessary to excel in the financial industry while contributing to the continued growth of the GBA as a global financial powerhouse.
In closing, I would like to once again express my gratitude to Standard Chartered Bank, CFA Institute, and KPMG China for their remarkable vision and dedication to empowering young talent.
Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and inspiring workshop ahead.
A taxi service based on Cooperative model to start soon Cooperative Taxi Service will allow registration of two wheelers, taxis, rickshaws and four wheelers
Based on principles of Sahakar se Samriddhi, a cooperative taxi service will be formed by willing taxi drivers and the management will rest with the members of such society
The objective is to ensure that maximum profit earned by such cooperative taxi society is distributed equitably among the taxi drivers who will be members of that society
Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 9:30PM by PIB Delhi
While replying to the discussion on Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah on Wednesday said that in near future, a cooperative taxi service will be started, in which registration of two wheelers, taxis, rickshaws and four wheelers will be possible and the profit will go directly to the driver.
Based on principles of “Sahakar se Samriddhi”, a taxi-service cooperative will be formed by willing taxi drivers and the management will rest with the members of such society. The objective of this initiative is to ensure democratic management by active participation of all members and to ensure that maximum profit earned by such cooperative taxi society is distributed equitably among the taxi drivers who will be members of that society. Such an initiative will lead to overall prosperity and improving the income, working conditions, and standard of living for such taxi drivers/members of the cooperative society while providing better services to the consumers.
Sahkar or Cooperation is a concept where a group of people voluntarily come together and form a cooperative society or Sahkari society based on mutual benefit and common economic interest. Sahkari models of economic cooperation have been found to be more fruitful for its members, being more equitable and resulting in inclusive growth for all, like in the case of Amul.
Government has promoted and assisted Startups and other enterprises in the past for equitable & inclusive growth of the nation. India is home to over 8 lakh cooperative societies, serving nearly 30 crore members across 30 different sectors.
These cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting self-reliance, financial inclusion, and rural development, particularly in agriculture, dairy, fisheries, banking, housing, consumer services, labour, sugar etc. These cooperatives compete in the market alongside other players including private enterprises. The cooperatives are registered under the cooperative laws of the respective state/UT and societies which work in multiple states/UTs and are registered under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act.
Government of India is cognizant of the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks in the country. Government has taken several legal, technical, and administrative policy measures for addressing cyber security challenges in the country. The Government has also institutionalised a nationwide integrated and coordinated system to deal with cyber-attacks in the country which, inter alia, includes:
i. National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to ensure coordination amongst different agencies.
Under the provisions of section 70B of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is designated as the national agency for responding to cyber security incidents.
National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) implemented by the CERT-In serves as the control room to scan the cyberspace in the country and detect cyber security threats. NCCC facilitates coordination among different agencies by sharing with them the metadata from cyberspace for taking actions to mitigate cyber security threats.
Cyber Swachhta Kendra (CSK) is a citizen-centric service provided by CERT-In, which extends the vision of Swachh Bharat to the Cyber Space. Cyber Swachhta Kendra is the Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre and helps to detect malicious programs and provides free tools to remove the same. It also provides cyber security tips and best practices for citizens and organisations.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has created Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) to deal with cybercrimes in a coordinated and effective manner.
Under the provisions of section 70A of the IT Act, 2000, the Government has established National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) for protection of critical information infrastructure in the country.
As per the information reported to and tracked by CERT-In, the total number of cyber security incidents in the last three years are given below:
Year
Total number of cyber security incidents
2022
13,91,457
2023
15,92,917
2024
20,41,360
The policies of the Government are aimed at ensuring an Open, Safe and Trusted and Accountable Internet for its users. National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) was published by the Government with the vision of building a secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens, businesses and Government and a mission to protect information and information infrastructure in cyberspace, build capabilities to prevent and respond to cyber threats, reduce vulnerabilities and minimize damage from cyber incidents through a combination of institutional structures, people, processes, technology and cooperation.
Government has taken following steps for protecting critical infrastructure and private data against cyber threats, which, inter-alia, includes:
NCIIPC provides threat intelligence, situational awareness, alerts & advisories and information on vulnerabilities to organisations having Critical Information Infrastructures (CIIs)/ Protected Systems (PSs) for taking preventive measures against cyber-attacks and cyber terrorism. It also provides all cyber security related advice to these organisations, whenever asked for. Further, it follows up with concerned organisations for compliance of the IT (Information Security Practices & Procedures for Protected Systems) Rules, 2018 to improve their cyber security posture. It also organises training/awareness sessions for employees of entities having CIIs/PSs.
The Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information), 2011 (“SPDI Rules”) made under section 43A of the IT Act has prescribed reasonable security practices and procedures to protect sensitive personal data of users.
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”) under the IT Act prescribes that the intermediary shall take all reasonable measures to secure its computer resource and information contained therein following the reasonable security practices and procedures as prescribed in the SPDI Rules.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) provides for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the rights of the individuals to protect their personal data and processing of personal data of individuals for lawful purposes by the Data Fiduciaries.
CERT-In issued Cyber Security Directions in April 2022 under sub-section (6) of section 70B of Information Technology Act, 2000 relating to information security practices, procedure, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents for Safe & Trusted Internet.
CERT-In issued guidelines on information security practices for government entities in June 2023 covering domains such as data security, network security, identity and access management, application security, third-party outsourcing, hardening procedures, security monitoring, incident management and security auditing.
CERT-In has issued an advisory to various Ministries in November 2023 outlining the measures to be taken for strengthening the cyber security by all entities that are processing the digital personal data or information including sensitive personal data or information.
CERT-In operates an automated cyber threat intelligence exchange platform for proactively collecting, analysing and sharing tailored alerts with organisations across sectors for proactive threat mitigation actions by them.
CERT-In provides leadership for the Computer Security Incident Response Team-Finance Sector (CSIRT-Fin) operations under its umbrella for responding to and containing and mitigating cyber security incidents reported from the financial sector.
CERT-In has formulated a Cyber Crisis Management Plan for countering cyber attacks and cyber terrorism for implementation by all Ministries/ Departments of Central Government, State Governments and their organizations and critical sectors.
Cyber security mock drills are conducted regularly to enable assessment of cyber security posture and preparedness of organisations and enhance resilience in Government and critical sectors. 109 such drills have so far been conducted by CERT-In where 1438 organizations from different States and sectors participated.
CERT-In has empanelled 200 security auditing organisations to support and audit implementation of Information Security Best Practices.
CERT-In conducts regular training programmes for network and system administrators and Chief Information Security Officers of government and critical sector organisations regarding securing information technology infrastructure and mitigating cyber-attacks. A total of 12,014 officials have been trained in 23 training programs in 2024.
CERT-In regularly conducts various activities for awareness and citizen sensitization with respect to cyber-attacks and cyber frauds.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology conducts programmes to generate information security awareness. Awareness material in the form of handbooks, short videos, posters, brochures, cartoon stories for children, advisories, etc. on various aspects of cyber hygiene & cyber security including deepfakes are disseminated through portals such as www.staysafeonline.in,www.infosecawareness.in and www.csk.gov.in.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha today.
NIXI successfully concludes Universal Acceptance (UA) Day 2025, focused on connecting the unconnected and building a multilingual internet for Viksit Bharat Universal Acceptance is not just about technical standards, it’s about empowering every citizen, regardless of language or background, to fully participate in the digital economy: Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY
Event explores socio-economic impact and benefits of Universal Acceptance (UA) on MSMEs and industries
Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi
TheNational Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), organised a hybrid event on Universal Acceptance Day on 28th March 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The event, themed“Connecting the Unconnected – Building a Multilingual Internet for Viksit Bharat,”aimed to accelerate the adoption of Universal Acceptance (UA) and create a more inclusive digital ecosystem in India.
To achieve a truly accessible internet, it is essential that all digital tools and platforms support the diverse range of domain names and email addresses currently in use, regardless of linguistic or structural variations. Universal Acceptance plays a crucial role in ensuring an inclusive digital environment. The event witnessed the presence of Mr. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, and Chairman, NIXI, as the Chief Guest; among other Government officials and industry leaders globally.
Importance of internet governance and resilience
Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted that “In an increasingly digital-first world, it is essential that technology does not become a barrier, particularly in a diverse country like India. Universal Acceptance is not just about technical standards, it’s about empowering every citizen, regardless of language or background, to fully participate in the digital economy. We are committed to simplifying a democratising digital access, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach even those who are not digitally aware. Our efforts, including the promotion of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and language translation tools, aim to bridge the digital divide and create a safer, more inclusive online environment.”
He further emphasized the importance of internet governance and resilience, highlighting India’s role in shaping a multi-stakeholder approach globally. “As India’s internet user base approaches a billion, we must ensure that our voice is heard in international forums. We are dedicated to building a robust and resilient digital infrastructure that protects our cultural identity and enables seamless communication within the country, even in challenging scenarios.”
Empowering communities and fostering true digital inclusion
Mr Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia,highlighted the significance of UA Day, also stated, “Universal Acceptance is essential to ensure that everyone, regardless of their language, can fully participate in the digital world. By embracing linguistic diversity online, we are not just preserving languages—we are empowering communities and fostering true digital inclusion. A truly inclusive digital space respects and represents all voices.”
Unlocking the full potential of India’s digital economy
Dr Devesh Tyagi, CEO NIXI,while speaking at the UA day 2025 event, stated, “NIXI is proud to have spearheaded this initiative. UA Day 2025 has provided a key platform for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and commit to action. Our focus remains on creating a truly inclusive internet, where language is no longer a barrier. We believe that a multilingual internet is essential for connecting the unconnected and unlocking the full potential of India’s digital economy.”
Promoting Universal Acceptance and digital inclusivity
The event featured in-depth discussions exploring the comprehensive scope of UA. Sessions delved into the socio-economic impact of UA on MSMEs & industries in general, the benefits of operating a UA-compliant business, and the crucial role of a multilingual internet in shaping effective public policy. Participants also identified gaps in the adoption of native languages and suggested novel initiatives to address these challenges, helping to better understand the barriers faced by internet users. The panel also underscored the importance of UA within the Digital Public Infrastructure, especially through the utilisation of UA, the government can empower citizens by enabling seamless access to essential digital services in their native languages.
The panel highlighted the landmark development by India in UA adoption such as “Bhashini Portal” & the multistakeholder approach pushed at international fora. The need of sealing up capacity building, competencies at the core systems of technology development standards etc to facilitate UA level interoperability was highlighted by various industry leaders and tech enthusiasts.
The event also underscored India’s role in promoting UA, emphasising the importance of creating a digital environment where every Indian can fully utilise the internet in their preferred language.
The event was well supported & attended by UNESCO and ICANN. Mr Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia; and Mr Samiran Gupta, VP, Stakeholder Engagement & MD, Asia Pacific, ICANN, Shri Jaco Du Toit, Chief of Section, Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion, UNESCO HQ, were among the key speakers & participants.
About NIXI:
Established 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, the .IN Registry for establishing the .in domain digital identity, and IRINN for the adoption of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
For more information, please visit: [https://nixi.in/](https://nixi.in/)
The sixth meeting of the National Scheme Sanctioning Committee (NSSC) under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) Phase II for consideration of the Annual Implementation Plans of all the State/UTs for the financial year 2025-26 was held in New Delhi.
The virtual meeting was chaired by Shri Ashok Kumar Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry Jal Shakti. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, DDWS, applauded the National SBM-G team, all the supporting Ministries/Departments of MoPR, MoRD and MoHUA and teams of the State/UTs for having achieved 76% ODF Plus Model villages as of March 2025.
Commenting on the AIPs and the targets therein, the Secretary DDWS applauded the commendable achievements under SBM-G and emphasized the remarkable progress witnessed in 2024-25, attributing it to the collective effort of all States/UTs, Partners, and the National Team.
The Secretary DDWS also underscored the crucial role of local communities, partners, and existing networks of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as pivotal to the program’s success, portraying them not merely as partners but as leaders driving initiatives forward. He highlighted the importance of State Water & Sanitation Mission (SWSM) and District Water & Sanitation Mission (DWSM) who must play a proactive role in overseeing program implementation, convergence, and sustainability efforts at the regional level.
He outlined three fundamental principles that will guide this year’s sanitation initiatives. “First, all waste—solid and liquid—generated in rural areas should be treated as close to the source as possible. Second, an integrated approach to solid waste management, liquid waste management, faecal sludge management (FSM), and plastic waste, along with sustained ODF status, will be the key focus. Third, every village must become an ODF Plus Model village within this year, ensuring that no village is left behind. By March 2025, the mission aims to achieve 100% ODF Plus Model status across the country,” the Secretary DDWS said.
He emphasized that SBM-G must collaborate closely with JJM to strengthen the WASH agenda, ensuring that all relevant authorities, including the health sector, work together for a holistic approach. With over 50% of villages still awaiting verification, he underscored the importance of completing this crucial process, making the most of this final implementation year of SBM-G Phase-II.
Making a presentation, Shri Jitendra Srivastava, Joint Secretary and Mission Director SBM-G, gave an overview of achievements of SBM-G Phase II and the physical and financial targets for the financial year 2025-26.
Meeting concluded with the approval of the Annual Implementation Plan 2025-26 for all the State/UTs and commended the State/UTs for their efforts to achieve an ODF Plus Model rural India by 2025-26 and emphasized on collective efforts to achieve the ambitious target.
The meeting was attended by members of the NSSC – Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor, DDWS; Joint Secretary, representatives from the Ministry of Panchayat Raj and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; JS & MD, SBM-G, DDWS; and ACS/Pr. Secretary/Secretary in-charge of rural sanitation of the States/UTs. Non-official members of the NSSC were also present.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission KVIC organized ‘Mega Distribution’ program at Headquarters Mumbai, distribution of 16377 equipment, machines and toolkits across the country through virtual medium
More than 5 lakh Khadi artisans and beneficiaries benefited under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana and Khadi Vikas Yojana
Disbursement of margin money subsidy of Rs 469 crore to 14456 new units under PMEGP scheme by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar which will create 159016 new jobs
Inauguration of 5000 new PMEGP units and 44 renovated Khadi Bhawans as well as 750 Khadi workshops across the country through online medium. In total 1440 artisans will benefit from this workshop
In this financial year, under Khadi Vikas Yojana, till now, MMDA amount of Rs. 215 crore and ISEC grant amount of Rs. 40 crore has been distributed
Chairman KVIC said, “Mega distribution program inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat Abhiyan’. Welfare of artisans is the key mantra of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.”
Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India organized the largest and most comprehensive ‘Mega Distribution’ program through virtual medium at its Central Office, Mumbai. More than 5 lakh Khadi artisans, entrepreneurs and beneficiaries were benefited under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, Khadi Vikas Yojana and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Chairman KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar on this occasion, addressed lakhs of artisans across the country through virtual medium and appealed to join Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign. North Zone Member KVIC Shri Nagendra Raghuvanshi, Eastern Zone Member Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary (ARI) from MSME Ministry Shri Vipul Goyal, Economic Advisor (MSME) Ms. Simi Chaudhary and senior officials of Central Office, KVIC along with officers and employees from the field offices across the country were present in the program through virtual mode .
In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a historic initiative was taken towards promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship in the Khadi and Village Industries sector, a ‘Mega Distribution’ program was organized at the headquarters located in Vile Parle. In this program, 16377 equipment, machines and toolkits were distributed to the beneficiaries associated with the state and divisional offices of all the 6 zones (East Zone, West Zone, North Zone, South Zone, Central Zone and Northeast Zone) across the country under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana scheme. Along with this, 44 renovated Khadi Bhavans and 750 Khadi workshops were also inaugurated under the Khadi Vikas Yojana Scheme. On this occasion, under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, margin money subsidy of Rs. 469 crore was disbursed on sanctioned loan of Rs. 1399.13 crore to 14456 PMEGP units across the country through video conferencing, which will create 159016 employment opportunities. Along with this, Chairman KVIC also inaugurated 5000 new PMEGP units through online medium. In the financial year 2024-25, a margin of Rs. 2175 crore was disbursed to a total of 58850 beneficiaries, generating 64,73,50 jobs.
Chairman, KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar informed that in order to recognise the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to provide employment to the youth, Khadi and Village Industries Commission has organized the most comprehensive and massive toolkit distribution program in its history under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme. Under this, a total of 16,377 toolkits and equipment were distributed through virtual medium, which includes 3,950 Bee boxes, 7,067 electric pottery wheels, 1,350 leather product repair toolkits, 390 footwear manufacturing equipment, 420 electrician toolkits, 80 AC repair toolkits, 300 plumber toolkits, 60 mobile repairing toolkits, 971 sewing machines, 278 handmade paper making machines, 349 automatic agarbatti making machines, 60 pedal operated agarbatti making machines, 320 turnwood machines, 180 wooden toy making machines, 460 waste wood craft machines and 292 agriculture based food processing machines.
During this program, Shri Manoj Kumar informed that KVIC has so far released a grant amount of Rs. 215 crore under Modified Market Development Assistance (MMDA) to 1,110 Khadi institutions in the financial year 2024-2025, benefiting about 1,46,246 artisans. Apart from this, a grant amount of Rs. 40 crore has also been disbursed to 1153 Khadi institutions through ISEC program. In continuation to this, today, additional MMDA grant amount of Rs. 32.73 crore was released to Khadi institutions benefiting 3817 artisans.
Mentioning about the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, KVIC Chairman said, “We all have to adopt the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’ as well as ‘Make for World’, only then Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Local to Global’ will be recognised.” While making an important announcement for Khadi artisans, he said that the wages of Khadi artisans will be increased by 20 percent from April 1, 2025. In the last 11 years,the Modi government has made a historic increase of 275 percent in the wages of Khadi artisans. Now the spinners will get Rs. 15 for spinning per hank on the charkha.
While talking to the journalists, Shri Manoj Kumar said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave the mantra of ‘Khadi for Fashion‘ for ‘Khadi Renaissance‘ in Bharat Tex-2025, to reach out to the masses and to popularize Khadi as a modern garment, KVIC organized grand Khadi fashion shows in many cities including Nagpur, Pune, Vadodara, Surat, Chennai, Jaipur, Prayagraj. With the inspiration of the Prime Minister, ‘New Khadi of New India‘ has reached especially the young generation and is establishing its identity as a modern garment. Chairman, KVIC informed that the sale of Khadi in Prayagraj Mahakumbh was Rs. 12.02 crore, while in the last financial year, the total production of Khadi and Village Industries reached Rs. 1.08 lakh crore and sales reached Rs. 1.55 lakh crore. In the last 10 years, 1.87 crore jobs were created, including 10.17 lakh new jobs. More than 10 lakh new projects were established under PMEGP, which provided employment to more than 88 lakh people.
Lakhs of Khadi artisans associated with the offices of Khadi and Village Industries Commission, representatives of Khadi Institutions, beneficiaries of Gramodyog Vikas Yojana and PMEGP scheme was connected through online medium across the country in the program. Along with this, KVIC officials and employees were also present at the Central office in Mumbai.
Policy Samvad organized a one-day workshop titled “Funding the Future: Public Policy and Finance for Tribal Welfare and Inclusive Growth in collaboration with the Institute for Public Research and Development Trust (IPPRDT) and the Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya Memorial Trust at Malviya Smriti Bhawan, New Delhi.
The inaugural session was led by Policy Samvad Editor and Public Policy analyst Gaurav Kumar, who welcomed the guests and briefed on the theme of workshop. The Chief Guest, Shri Antar Singh Arya, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, he emphasized the role and importance of Policy Samvad for constructive dialogue in public policy space and collaboration in raising awareness on tribal welfare. He elaborated on the role of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and highlighted various initiatives for tribal welfare in the current Union Budget, noting the Central Government’s efforts toward the inclusive development of tribal communities.
The Guest of Honour, Shri Nirupam Chakma, Member of the NCST, stressed the need for comprehensive and inclusive development in public finance and its efficient management. Smt. Vijaya Bharati Sayani, former Acting Chairperson and Member of the NHRC, also shared her insights on the subject. Shri Harishankar Singh, National President of Mahamana Malviya Mission, discussed the role of public policy and finance in tribal welfare and policy making.
Additionally, Shri Amit Nirmal, Joint Secretary of the NCST, provided his perspective on the significance of public policy and finance in ensuring tribal welfare and inclusive development.
The workshop featured discussions among domain experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, who explored new avenues for public welfare. Scholars and researchers contributed valuable insights into the past, present, and future of tribal development. Key speakers included Dr Prakash Chand Kandpal (Professor JNU), Prof Pavanesh Kumar (IGNOU), Shri Chakshu Roy (PRS Legislative Research), Shri Vinay Kumar Singh (Senior Fellow, Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Foundation), Shri A K Choubey (General Secretary, Bharatiya Adivasi Sevak Sangh), Shri Prakash Uikey (Former Judge), and Dr Abhishek Srivastava (Assistant Professor, JNU).
During the event, the tenth issue of Policy Samvad was released by the Chief Guest and Special Invitees. The journal, curated by an advisory board of distinguished professors and analysts, focuses on governance, socio-economic development, and NITI Aayog’s initiatives, serving as a crucial platform for intellectual discourse on India’s policy landscape.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr Praveen Kumar Jha. The workshop saw participation from scholars, researchers, university students, and public policy professionals, including representatives from PRS Legislative Research.
Centre & Uttar Pradesh Strengthen Skill Development Ties ₹60,000 Cr ITI Upgradation Scheme in Focus Uttar Pradesh has trained over 24.73 lakh candidates under PMKVY
Under the latest PMKVY 4.0 initiative, more than 93,000 individuals have enrolled in futuristic job roles
Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:04PM by PIB Delhi
In a major push to accelerate skill development initiatives, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (I/C) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, met today with Shri Kapil Dev Agrawal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education and Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. The high-level meeting, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Uttar Pradesh government, focused on enhancing Centre-State collaboration for seamless execution of key skilling programs, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), PM Vishwakarma, and the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme.
The Principal Secretary, Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, presented an overview of the state’s achievements in skilling and highlighted areas where additional support from the Centre could drive greater impact. Uttar Pradesh has trained over 24.73 lakh candidates under PMKVY till date. Under the latest PMKVY 4.0 initiative, more than 93,000 individuals have enrolled in futuristic job roles, including Drone Service Technician, AI – Machine Learning Engineer, Electric Vehicle Service Technician, and Solar PV Installer (Electrical), among others.
Furthering the government’s commitment to empowering traditional artisans, 405 training centres under PM Vishwakarma have successfully trained nearly 1.08 lakh craftspeople across Uttar Pradesh. To boost entrepreneurship, the state has also conducted 450+ Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs and 145 Entrepreneurship Development Programs, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential business skills and financial literacy.
A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the National ITI Upgradation Scheme, a transformative initiative that aims to modernize 1,000 ITIs across India under a hub-and-spoke model. The scheme, with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore over five years, will be financed through ₹30,000 crore from the Central Government, ₹20,000 crore from State Governments, and ₹10,000 crore from industry partnerships. This initiative will elevate ITIs into world-class skill development centers, ensuring high employability for youth and a steady pipeline of skilled talent for industries. With 3,258 ITIs spread across 75 districts, Uttar Pradesh is set to play a pivotal role in this ambitious transformation.
Emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration, Shri Jayant Chaudhary stressed on the need for industry-driven curriculum development, hands-on training methodologies, and real-time skilling aligned with market demands. He further highlighted the integration of vocational education with mainstream education as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and called for greater AI-driven course offerings to prepare youth for the evolving digital economy.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Centre-State synergy in skill development, with a shared vision of making Uttar Pradesh a leading hub for skilled workforce development. The discussions concluded on a positive note, with a roadmap for enhanced coordination between the Central and State Governments to drive India’s skilling agenda forward in alignment with national priorities and global industry demands.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses TV9 Summit 2025 Today, the world’s eyes are on India: PM
India’s youth is rapidly becoming skilled and driving innovation forward: PM
“India First” has become the mantra of India’s foreign policy: PM
Today, India is not just participating in the world order but also contributing to shaping and securing the future: PM
India has given Priority to humanity over monopoly: PM
Today, India is not just a Nation of Dreams but also a Nation That Delivers: PM
Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the TV9 Summit 2025 in the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, he extended his best wishes to the entire team of TV9 and its viewers. He said that TV9 had a wide regional audience and added that now there is a global audience also getting ready. He also welcomed and greeted the Indian diaspora who had connected over teleconference to the event.
“Today, the World’s eyes are on India”, remarked the Prime Minister, highlighting that people around the globe are curious about India. He noted that India, which was the 11th largest economy in the world after 70 years of independence, rose to become the 5th largest economy in a span of 7-8 years. Citing a report of the IMF, Shri Modi said that India was the only major economy in the world which had doubled its GDP in the last 10 years. Emphasizing that India had added USD two lakh crore to its economy in the last decade, adding that doubling of the GDP was not just about numbers but had major impacts like moving 25 crore people out of poverty forming a ‘Neo-Middle Class’. He further added that the Neo-middle class was beginning a new life with dreams and aspirations along with contributing to the economy and making it vibrant. “India has the world’s largest youth population”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, noting that the youth were rapidly becoming skilled, thereby accelerating innovation. “India First has become the mantra of India’s foreign policy”, highlighted the Prime Minister. He remarked that while India once followed a policy of maintaining equal distance from all nations, the current approach emphasizes being equally close to all—an “Equi-Closeness” policy. The Prime Minister underscored that the global community now values India’s opinions, innovations, and efforts like never before. He emphasized that the world is keenly observing India today and is eager to understand “What India Thinks Today.”
Prime Minister highlighted that India is not merely participating in the world order but is actively contributing to shaping and securing the future. He remarked about India’s vital role in global security, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Defying doubts, India developed its own vaccines, ensured rapid inoculation, and supplied medicines to over 150 countries, he added. He emphasized that in times of global crisis, India’s values of service and compassion resonated worldwide, showcasing the essence of its culture and traditions.
Reflecting on the global context post-World War II, noting how most international organizations were dominated by a few nations, Shri Modi remarked that India’s approach has always prioritized humanity over monopoly, striving for an inclusive and participatory global order. He added that in line with this vision, India has led the way in establishing global institutions for the 21st century, ensuring collective contribution and cooperation. Shri Modi remarked that addressing the challenge of natural disasters, which cause immense damage to infrastructure worldwide, India took the initiative to establish the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). CDRI represents a global commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience, he added. The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s efforts to promote the construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure, including bridges, roads, buildings, and power grids, ensuring they can withstand natural calamities and safeguard communities across the world.
Emphasising the importance of global collaboration to tackle future challenges, particularly in energy resources, Shri Modi highlighted India’s initiative of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a solution to ensure sustainable energy access for even the smallest nations. He remarked that this effort not only positively impacts the climate but also secures the energy needs of Global South countries. He proudly noted that over 100 countries have joined this initiative. Talking about the global challenges of trade imbalances and logistics issues, Shri Modi highlighted India’s collaborative efforts with the world to launch new initiatives, including the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He remarked that this project will connect Asia, Europe, and the Middle East through commerce and connectivity, boosting economic opportunities and providing alternative trade routes. He underscored that this initiative will strengthen the global supply chain.
Underlining India’s efforts to make global systems more participative and democratic, the Prime Minister remarked on the historic step taken during the G-20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam, where the African Union was made a permanent member of the G-20. He emphasized that this long-standing demand was fulfilled under India’s presidency. Shri Modi underscored India’s role as the voice of Global South countries in global decision-making institutions, highlighting India’s significant contributions in various fields, including International Yoga Day, the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, and the development of a global framework for Artificial Intelligence. He remarked that these efforts have established India’s strong presence in the new world order. “This is just the beginning, as India’s capabilities on global platforms continue to reach new heights”, he added.
Noting that 25 years of the 21st century have passed, out of which 11 years have been dedicated to serving the nation under his government, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of reflecting on past questions and answers to understand “What India Thinks Today.” He highlighted the transformation from dependency to self-reliance, aspirations to achievements, and desperation to development. He recalled that a decade ago, the issue of toilets in villages left women with limited options, but today, the Swachh Bharat Mission has provided a solution. He noted that in 2013, discussions about healthcare revolved around expensive treatments, but today, Ayushman Bharat offers a solution. Similarly, he highlighted that kitchens of the poor, once associated with smoke, now benefit from the Ujjwala Yojana. The Prime Minister pointed out that in 2013, women often remained silent when asked about bank accounts, but today, over 30 crore women have their own accounts due to the Jan Dhan Yojana. He also mentioned that the struggle for drinking water, which once required reliance on wells and ponds, has been addressed through the Har Ghar Nal Se Jal Yojana. He emphasized that it is not just the decade that has changed but also the lives of people. He remarked that the world is recognizing and accepting India’s development model. “India is no longer just a ‘Nation of Dreams’ but a ‘Nation That Delivers’”, he added.
Shri Modi said that when a nation values the convenience and time of its citizens, it transforms the nation’s trajectory. He highlighted that this is precisely what India is experiencing today. He provided an example of the significant changes in the passport application process. He noted that earlier, obtaining a passport was a cumbersome task, involving long waiting times, complex documentation, and limited passport centers, mostly located in state capitals. He emphasized that people from smaller towns often had to arrange for overnight stays to complete the process. The Prime Minister highlighted that these challenges have now been completely transformed. He shared that the number of passport service centers in the country has increased from just 77 to over 550. Additionally, he remarked that the waiting time for obtaining a passport, which used to be as long as 50 days, has now been reduced to just 5-6 days.
Remarking on the transformation witnessed in India’s banking infrastructure, Shri Modi highlighted that while banks were nationalized 50-60 years ago with the promise of accessible banking services, lakhs of villages still lacked such facilities. He emphasized that this situation has now been changed. The Prime Minister noted that online banking has reached every household, and today, there is a banking touchpoint within every 5-kilometer radius in the country. He stated that the government has not only expanded banking infrastructure but also strengthened the banking system. He highlighted that banks’ Non-Performing Assets (NPA) have significantly reduced, and their profits have reached a record high of ₹1.4 lakh crore. He added that those who looted public money are now being held accountable, sharing that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered over ₹22,000 crore, which is being legally returned to the victims from whom it was taken.
Stressing that efficiency leads to effective governance, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of achieving more in less time, utilizing fewer resources, and avoiding unnecessary expenditures. He remarked that prioritizing “red carpet over red tape” reflects respect for a nation’s resources. He noted that for the past 11 years, this has been a major priority of his government.
Mentioning the past practice of accommodating more individuals in ministries, which often led to inefficiencies, Shri Modi highlighted that his government, during its first term, merged several ministries to prioritize the nation’s resources and needs over political compulsions. He provided examples, noting that the Urban Development Ministry and the Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry were merged to form the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. Similarly, the Ministry of Overseas Affairs was integrated with the Ministry of External Affairs. He also mentioned the merger of the Water Resources and River Development Ministry with the Drinking Water Ministry to create the Jal Shakti Ministry. He emphasized that these decisions were driven by the country’s priorities and the efficient use of resources.
Underlining the government’s efforts to simplify and reduce rules and regulations, the Prime Minister mentioned that approximately 1,500 outdated laws, which had lost their relevance over time, were abolished by his government. Additionally, around 40,000 compliances were removed. He emphasized that these measures achieved two significant outcomes: relief from harassment for the public and conservation of energy within the government machinery. The Prime Minister provided another example of reform through the introduction of GST. He noted that over 30 taxes were consolidated into a single tax, resulting in substantial savings in terms of processes and documentation.
Underscoring the inefficiencies and corruption that plagued government procurement in the past, often reported by the media, the Prime Minister said that his government introduced the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform to address these issues. He explained that government departments now list their requirements on this platform, vendors place bids, and orders are finalized transparently. This initiative has significantly reduced corruption and saved the government over ₹1 lakh crore. The Prime Minister also emphasized the global recognition of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. He noted that DBT has prevented over ₹3 lakh crore of taxpayers’ money from falling into the wrong hands. He further highlighted that more than 10 crore fake beneficiaries, including non-existent individuals, who were exploiting government schemes, have been removed from official records.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to the honest utilization of every taxpayer’s contribution and its respect for taxpayers, Shri Modi highlighted that the tax system has been made more taxpayer-friendly. He remarked that the process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is now much simpler and faster compared to earlier times. He noted that previously, filing ITR without the help of a Chartered Accountant was challenging. Today, individuals can file their ITR online within a short time, and refunds are credited to their accounts within days of filing. The Prime Minister also highlighted the introduction of the Faceless Assessment Scheme, which has significantly reduced the hassles faced by taxpayers. He remarked that such efficiency-driven governance reforms have provided the world with a new governance model.
Highlighting the transformation India has undergone in the past 10-11 years across every sector and field, the Prime Minister emphasized the significant shift in mindset that has taken place. He remarked that for decades after independence, a mindset was promoted in India that considered foreign goods superior. He noted that shopkeepers would often begin by saying, “This is imported!” when selling products. He emphasized that this situation has now changed and today, people proactively ask, “Is this Made in India?”
Underscoring India’s remarkable progress in manufacturing excellence, emphasizing the recent achievement of developing the country’s first indigenous MRI machine, Shri Modi said that this milestone will significantly reduce the cost of medical diagnostics in India. He underscored the transformative impact of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, which have infused new energy into the manufacturing sector. He noted that while the world once viewed India as a global market, it now recognizes the nation as a major manufacturing hub. The Prime Minister pointed out the success of India’s mobile phone industry, stating that exports have surged from less than one billion dollars in 2014-15 to over twenty billion dollars within a decade. He highlighted India’s emergence as a power center in the global telecom and networking industry. Discussing the automotive sector, the Prime Minister remarked on India’s growing reputation in exporting components. He noted that while India previously imported motorcycle parts in large quantities, today, parts manufactured in India are reaching countries like the UAE and Germany. Shri Modi also highlighted the achievements in the solar energy sector, stating that imports of solar cells and modules have decreased while exports have increased by 23 times. He further emphasized the growth in defense exports, which have risen 21 times over the past decade. He stated that these accomplishments showcase the strength of India’s manufacturing economy and its ability to create new jobs across various sectors.
The Prime Minister remarked on the significance of the TV9 Summit, emphasizing the detailed discussions and deliberations on various topics that will take place. He highlighted that the ideas and visions shared during the summit will define the nation’s future. He recalled the pivotal moment of the past century when India embarked on a new journey towards independence with renewed energy. He noted India’s achievement in gaining independence in 1947 and stated that, in this decade, the nation is striving towards the goal of a developed India. He emphasized the importance of realizing the dream of a developed India by 2047 and reiterated his statement from the Red Fort that collective efforts are essential to achieve this vision. The Prime Minister commended TV9 for organizing this summit, acknowledging their positive initiative and extended his best wishes for the success of the summit. He lauded the TV9 network for involving over 50 thousand youth in various interactions in mission mode and training the selected youth. He concluded by expressing confidence that the youth will be the biggest beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat in 2047.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (March 28) that the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has reappointed Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam and appointed Mr Tony Tang Xiaodong as Non-Executive Directors of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for a term of two years from April 1, 2025 and April 24, 2025 respectively.
A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “Mr Tang has extensive experience in the financial services sector and in-depth knowledge in the operation and regulation of capital markets on the Mainland and in Hong Kong. We are confident that his expertise will be valuable to facilitating the development of the SFC.
“Mr Wong has made significant contributions to the promotion of good corporate governance of the SFC during his tenure. We look forward to his continued support for the work of the SFC.
“We would also like to thank the outgoing Non-Executive Director, Mr Nicky Lo Kar-chun, for his active contribution to the SFC over the past six years. His stewardship has been conducive to fostering the development and regulation of Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets.”
The SFC is chaired by Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau. Other serving Non-Executive Directors are Mr Vincent Chan Chun-hung, Mr Chew Fook-aun, Mr Victor Dawes, SC, Mr Johnson Kong Chi-how, Mr Keith Pogson and Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Dah Sing Bank, Limited relating to a fraudulent website and social media accounts, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or social media accounts concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Six Day International Workshop on Land Governance Concludes in Gurugram, Haryana “India Aims to Ensure Global Access to Land Governance Technologies; SVAMITVA Can Aid Global Policymaking “: Shri Vivek Bharadwaj
Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 7:28PM by PIB Delhi
The six-day International Workshop on Land Governance, organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, concluded today at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) in Gurugram. The workshop saw enthusiastic participation of senior officials from 22 countries across Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia. During the workshop, participants engaged in detailed discussions and hands-on sessions focused on land governance, with delegates suggesting similar workshops in their own nations under the aegis of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. This International Workshop explored innovative solutions for modernizing land administration and served as a global platform for knowledge exchange, with India showcasing its technological advancements in drone-based land surveys, digital property records, and transparent governance mechanisms under the SVAMITVA Scheme.
Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, delivered the concluding remarks today at HIPA, emphasizing upon India’s commitment to international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in land administration. He highlighted how best practices in land governance, such as the SVAMITVA Scheme, could aid in better policymaking across the globe. He further reaffirmed India’s belief in South-South cooperation and expressed the nation’s readiness to share its technological advancements for the benefit of partner nations. Taking feedback and suggestions from participating countries, Shri Bharadwaj stated that the goal of the workshop was to foster global cooperation and facilitate cross-learning while showcasing the transformative impact of the SVAMITVA Scheme. He said that India aims to ensure that the benefits of technological advancements in land governance reach the widest possible global community. Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, MoPR, and Shri Ramesh Chander Bidhan, Director General, HIPA, were also present at the valedictory session.
Six Day International Workshop on Land Governance: An Overview
The International Workshop on Land Governance focused on modernizing land governance systems, highlighting the critical role of technology in improving property rights and reducing land disputes. Experts shared insights into land laws, administrative frameworks, and best practices, with particular emphasis on India’s pioneering efforts, such as the use of drone-based surveys for mapping rural land parcels. A significant highlight was the on-ground demonstration of drone survey technology in Alipur Gram Panchayat, Sohna Block, Gurugram District, allowing international delegates to witness the precision and community-centric methodology of India’s land surveying approach [Under the SVAMITVA Scheme, recognized as a global model for efficient land administration, till date 2.43 crore Property Cards have been issued and drone surveys completed in 3.2 lakh villages across 67,000 square kilometers, representing an estimated asset base of $1162 billion (as per January 2025 dollar rate), demonstrating the scheme’s scalability and impact].
The workshop also explored technology-driven land administration, including the deployment of Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) Network and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for updating land records. These advancements promise real-time monitoring of land data, offering significant potential for developing countries. Participants shared experiences on geospatial mapping and property rights frameworks, expressing interest in adopting India’s models to enhance their own land governance systems. Hands-on training, including live drone surveys and demonstrations of GIS applications and the SVAMITVA platform, provided practical exposure to the digital land administration process. The workshop concluded with discussions on the future of international cooperation in land governance, emphasizing India’s leadership in digital land administration and its commitment to assisting other nations through policy collaboration, technology transfer, and capacity building. In addition, the foreign delegates also got an opportunity to explore India’s rich cultural heritage during a visit to Taj Mahal in Agra and several institutional landmarks in New Delhi, including the Survey of India Lab, Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya and India Gate.
About SVAMITVA Scheme: The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, provides ‘Record of Rights’ to rural property owners by issuing Property Cards, which clarify land ownership and reduce property disputes. The scheme has already surveyed 3.2 lakh villages across 31 States and Union Territories, resulting in 2.43 crore Property Cards issued across 1.61 lakh villages. With the support of 567 Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) and high-resolution GIS mapping, it ensures precise land demarcation with accuracy up to 5 cm. The generation of high-resolution 1:500 scale maps has further enhanced the effectiveness of land surveys and property demarcation.
SVAMITVA is playing a significant role in unlocking rural economic potential by validating property ownership, enabling landowners to access bank loans and integrate into the formal financial system also benefitting gram panchayats from increased property tax revenue for local infrastructure development. The scheme strengthens Panchayati Raj Institutions by supporting improved Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and facilitating land ownership verification through DigiLocker integration. SVAMITVA also stimulates India’s drone technology ecosystem, creating employment opportunities in related sectors. Additionally, it supports flood risk assessment, infrastructure and emergency planning, and solar potential evaluation for rural households. On the international front, SVAMITVA sets a benchmark in land governance, offering a scalable model for other countries facing similar challenges.
India’s Commitment to Women’s Safety Initiatives leading towards a big change
Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi
Summary:
India has implemented legal reforms, taken financial initiatives (Nirbhaya Fund), and launched Women helpline (181) to enhance women’s security.
Multipronged approach to promote women’s rights, legal actions against sexual offenses, domestic violence, dowry, child marriage, workplace harassment, and human trafficking to ensure safety and security of women.
One Stop Centres (OSCs), Women Helpline 181, Emergency Response Support System (112), SHe-Box, and Women Help Desks provide legal, medical, and psychological assistance to women.
Domestic violence and Gender Based Violence impact mental health; Project Stree Manoraksha by NIMHANS provides trauma-informed care at OSCs.
Introduction
Women are making a place for themselves in the world. Now, they are not confined to the four walls of a home but are at the forefront of every sector of society, proving their strength, talent, and leadership in fields ranging from business and politics to science and sports. However, true empowerment can only be achieved when women feel safe and secure in every aspect of life. The Government of India has taken remarkable strides to ensure the safety and security of women across the nation. Through legislative reforms, dedicated helplines, and financial support, a multi-faceted approach is being implemented to create a safer environment for women.
Nirbhaya Fund
Ministry of Women and Child Development is actively working towards safety and security of women at every place. Looking at the rising cases of crimes against women in past, the Ministry has established a special fund known as Nirbhaya Fund for financing safety projects across country.
Under the fund, a total amount of Rs 7712.85 crore has been allocated up to the financial year 2024-25, with Rs 5846.08 crore utilised which is nearly 76% of the total allocation. This fund supports various projects and schemes such as One Stop Centres (OSCs), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), Women Helpline (WHL-181), Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), Women Help Desks (WHDs), Cyber Forensic cum Training Labs, Safe City Projects, Rail and Road Transport Safety Initiatives, and the Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF) to enhance women’s safety and security.
Government Initiatives for Women Safety
One Stop Centres (OSCs): Established under the Nirbhaya Fund, OSCs provide integrated support to women affected by violence. These centres offer medical assistance, legal aid, psychological counselling, and temporary shelter, all under one roof, facilitating a coordinated response to various forms of violence against women. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development statistics, there are currently 812 operational OSCs across the country. and they have assisted over 10.80 lakh women since inception (01.04.2015) till 31st January 2025.
24×7 Women Helpline (181): Women Helpline 181 provides 24/7 emergency and support services for women facing violence in both public and private spaces. Launched on December 3, 2018, under the Universalization of Women Helpline Scheme, it offers referrals to police, hospitals, legal aid, and One Stop Centres (OSC) while also informing women about government schemes. Funded under the Nirbhaya Fund, it ensures continuous support until a survivor’s issue is resolved. Sakhi Dashboard updates and regular feedback collection help track cases effectively.
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – 112): The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is an integrated emergency service launched by the Government of India with a single emergency number – 112 to handle all types of emergencies. Citizens can seek help through calls, SMS, email, SOS signals, or the ERSS web portal. The ‘112 India’ mobile app enables users to send alert messages with location data and make emergency calls for quick assistance. Each State/UT capital has a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to coordinate rescue efforts with police, fire, and health services. ERSS also provides real-time tracking of emergency vehicles to ensure timely support. This system unifies all existing emergency numbers, including 100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 108 (Ambulance), and 181 (Women & Child Care), under 112 for seamless response.
SHe-Box Portal: Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Sexual Harassment Electronic Box (SHe-Box) is an initiative by the Government of India to provide a single-window platform for women to register workplace sexual harassment complaints. It is accessible to all women, regardless of their work sector (organized/unorganized, public/private).
Once a complaint is filed on, SHe-Box, it is automatically forwarded to the appropriate authority for necessary action. This platform ensures swift redressal and accountability for workplace harassment cases.
Women Help Desks (WHDs) in Police Stations: Supported by the Nirbhaya Fund, WHDs are established in police stations to make law enforcement more accessible and responsive to women’s issues. To ensure that the Police Stations are more women friendly and approachable, as they would be the first and single point of contact for any woman walking into a police station, 14,658 Women Help Desks (WHDs) have been set up, of which 13,743 are headed by women police officers.
Psychosocial Support & Awareness
Violence, especially Domestic Violence (DV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, and suicide risk. In India, women can seek help through government initiatives for physical and sexual violence but mental and psychological help is equally important. There is a need for these services to be sensitive to the psychological needs of women facing violence and to be able to provide culturally informed and effective interventions that are context-specific.
Project Stree Manoraksha, launched by NIMHANS and supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to strengthen trauma-informed mental health care in One Stop Centres (OSCs). It focuses on training counsellors and staff, including caseworkers, administrators, paralegal and paramedical staff, and security personnel. This initiative ensures that women facing gender-based violence receive empathetic, evidence-based mental health care and counselling when they seek help at OSCs.
Legal Provisions to Safeguard Women Security
To address crimes against women, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) regularly compiles data, enabling a data-driven focused approach to tackling safety concerns. Additionally, the government has implemented a number of crucial laws to safeguard women’s physical and mental security.
These laws include:
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023: It introduced stringent penalties for sexual offenses, including the death penalty for the rape of girls below 18 years of age. It also increased minimum sentences for rape and expanded the definition of sexual offenses to ensure more comprehensive protection for women and children. Since October 2019, the Central Government has been running a centrally sponsored scheme to set up Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO Courts. These courts aim to quickly handle pending cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: In India, domestic violence is governed by the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005. Section 3 defines it as any act that harms a woman’s physical or mental health or endangers her safety, including harassment for unlawful demands. The Act applies to women in shared households related by blood, marriage, adoption, or marriage-like relationships.
The NFHS-5 (2019-2021) report shows spousal violence among married women (18-49 years) declined from 31.2% (2015-16) to 29.3%.
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Dowry refers to any valuable items, such as cash, property, or jewellery, given by the bride’s or groom’s family as a condition of marriage. It is illegal under the Dowry Prohibition Act, which penalizes giving, taking, or demanding dowry. Harassment related to dowry is also punishable under laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. If a woman dies under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage due to dowry harassment, it is considered dowry death, with severe legal consequences. Authorities such as Dowry Prohibition Officers, police, and NGOs handle complaints, and awareness programs aim to discourage dowry practices.
Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956: This Act focuses on preventing human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of individuals for commercial purposes. It provides for the rescue and rehabilitation of victims and prescribes penalties for those involved in trafficking offenses, aiming to combat organized exploitation.
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA) was enacted to prevent child marriages and punish those involved. Section 16 empowers State Governments to appoint Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) to enforce the Act. CMPOs work to prevent child marriages, collect evidence for prosecution, counsel communities, raise awareness, and sensitize the public on its harmful effects. These officers’ function under State Governments and UT Administrations, which are responsible for implementing the Act.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 applies to all women, regardless of age, job type, or work sector. It mandates employers to create an Internal Committee (IC) in workplaces with over 10 employees, while the Appropriate Government sets up Local Committees (LCs) for smaller organizations or cases against employers. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) oversees implementation and awareness. To centralize complaint data, MWCD launched SHe-Box, a portal for reporting and tracking cases. The portal went live on October 19, 2024, receiving 9 complaints so far. Inquiries under the Act must be completed within 90 days.
Conclusion
The Government of India has taken significant steps to enhance women’s safety and security through legal measures, financial allocations, and support services. While these efforts provide physical and legal protection, a greater focus on psychological well-being is necessary. Initiatives like Project Stree Manoraksha aim to fill this gap by offering trauma-informed mental health care. A multi-pronged approach integrating law enforcement, helplines, rehabilitation, and mental health support is crucial for creating a safer and more empowering environment for women.
Arbitration and mediation mechanisms crucial for India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal Legal reforms and a robust arbitration framework will boost investor confidence and economic growth: Shri Goyal
Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 1:23PM by PIB Delhi
Arbitration and mediation mechanisms are crucial for India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub, stated Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, while addressing the Special Plenary Session at the United International Avocat Conference in Delhi today. In his speech, he underscored the importance of a strong legal and arbitration framework in supporting India’s rapid economic growth and its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub.
Shri Goyal noted that arbitration and mediation play a pivotal role in reducing judicial delays and ensuring a stable and transparent business environment. He emphasized the need for confidence in arbitration mechanisms and acknowledged concerns regarding the influence of large corporations and international biases. The Minister urged stakeholders to strengthen arbitration practices in India to make them more efficient and impartial, thereby fostering a more investor-friendly climate.
Reflecting on India’s growth trajectory, Shri Goyal highlighted the nation’s robust economic performance, stating that India is the fastest-growing major economy and is on track to becoming the fourth-largest global economy by 2025-26. He attributed this progress to significant policy reforms, including the simplification of business regulations and the decriminalization of over 180 legal provisions through the Jan Vishwas Act. The Minister emphasized that these reforms have built international trust in India as a reliable investment destination.
He explained that the Jan Vishwas was named with the intent of fostering mutual trust between the government and the people. The objective was to assure citizens that the government believes in them and does not seek to penalize minor mistakes with severe legal consequences. Instead, the focus is on simplifying processes and ensuring that errors can be rectified through reasonable measures rather than lengthy judicial scrutiny.
Shri Goyal also said that the government is now working on Jan Vishwas 2.0, aimed at further reducing legal complexities. “Incidentally, we are now moving towards Jan Vishwas 2.0. At least, businesses and individuals should be free of unnecessary tension and difficulties, worrying about every small action in their lives. If anyone has ideas, we welcome them. We are actively engaging with legal experts, but even now, we are open to suggestions on any law that can help make the lives of businesses and citizens easier,” he added.
Discussing India’s advantages as a global manufacturing hub, Shri Goyal pointed out key factors such as a young workforce, technological advancements, and a vast domestic market that enhances manufacturing competitiveness. The Minister also highlighted India’s digital transformation, with extensive 5G connectivity improving ease of business operations across the country.
Addressing ongoing legal reforms, Shri Goyal stressed the need for modernizing India’s judicial and arbitration systems to align with global best practices. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enhance arbitration efficiency through technology integration and internationally benchmarked laws. The Minister quoted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating, “Justice is at the root of independent self-governance, and without justice, even the existence of a nation is not possible.”
Shri Goyal concluded by encouraging the legal fraternity to play a key role in drafting clear, robust, and globally competitive legal frameworks that support India’s aspirations as a global economic powerhouse. He emphasized that a strong legal infrastructure will not only facilitate economic growth but also reinforce India’s reputation as a trusted partner in the global trade ecosystem.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in partnership with The Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts in France, the Museum Summit 2025, an international mega event in the museum sector, successfully concluded today (March 29). The Summit was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for two consecutive days, receiving a record-high total registration of over 7 000. One-third of them were non-Hong Kong registrants, from 39 countries.
The registrants of the Summit were from a wide range of sectors. Apart from local, the Mainland and overseas museum counterparts, representatives from cultural and art institutions and galleries, there were also practitioners from various industries including museum-related service or product suppliers, educational institutions, production houses, public institutions, as well as finance, technology, tourism, cultural communication, vocational training, etc. The Summit proved to be an expanding platform for dialogues, networking and business opportunities.
With the theme of “Going Beyond”, this year’s Summit brought together over 30 cultural leaders and professionals from renowned museums and institutions across 17 countries to exchange and share their professional experiences, research findings and innovative concepts, as well as delegations comprising over 40 museum practitioners from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
Addressing the closing ceremony, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan said, Hong Kong has been achieving progressive developments. For museums, there are M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District. The LCSD manages 15 museums and two art spaces, with the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Heritage Museum as our flagships. There are also many interesting private museums like our partners this year, the Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum, the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, amongst others. They are all telling the Hong Kong stories with a multiplying breadth and depth.
Ms Chan said, like museums, and the society at large, the Museum Summit endeavoured to reinvent itself and go beyond usual parameters in its fourth edition. This Summit included topics like cultural tourism and social wellness in our dialogues, alongside the need to leverage technological advancements and achieve sustainability as its themes. These expanded roles were reflecting the transformative power of museums to connect people with heritage. She said, museum was no longer something about the past; rather it had become an integral element of the city’s cultural life. It was also an indispensable part of the city’s pride of its people and warm welcome to guests from across the globe.
Other than the discussion sessions, this year’s Summit also arranged various extended programmes for speakers, moderators, delegation and attendees, which received an attendance of around 1 000. Highlights included local cultural visits, such as visiting Tai Fu Tai Mansion in San Tin, Yuen Long, and experiencing and intangible cultural heritage items including Cantonese Opera and Nanyin performances. They also visited local museums, and participated in Museum Night at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, enjoyed live music performances and guided tours of the galleries. They will travel to Shenzhen to visit the Shenzhen Museum, the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, the Shenzhen Art Museum (New Venue), and the Sea World Culture and Arts Center.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (March 28) published the March 2025 issue of its Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report.
The Quarterly Bulletin carries a feature article entitled “The Hong Kong Bond Market in 2024”. The Half-Yearly Report provides detailed analyses of the global and local economy, as well as the monetary and financial conditions in Hong Kong. It also examines the recent performance and risks of the local banking sector.
The Quarterly Bulletin and the Half-Yearly Report can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA website.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, March 29 — It will be easier for private businesses to secure financing for equipment upgrades, China’s top economic planner has said, vowing to provide greater policy support.
Building on the existing relending facility for sci-tech innovation and technical transformation, the National Development and Reform Commission said that it will consider rolling out enhanced loan interest subsidies for private businesses to upgrade their equipment.
The commission said that it will accelerate the issuance of this year’s ultra-long special treasury bonds to subsidize investments in equipment upgrades.
Additionally, private businesses will be encouraged to participate in the trade-in of consumer goods, the commission said, pledging efforts to reduce market access barriers, streamline review processes, and accelerate the disbursement of funds.
China’s large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins, launched roughly a year ago, have steadily progressed as the country makes every effort to drive domestic demand.
According to the 2025 government work report, boosting consumption is a top priority for China’s economy in 2025, with domestic demand identified as the “main engine and anchor” of economic growth.
To support consumer goods trade-ins, China has announced the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan (about 41.8 billion U.S. dollars) this year, up from 150 billion yuan in 2024.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUNMING, March 29 — Some 300 diplomats, policymakers and development experts from 34 countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, gathered in southwest China on Saturday to discuss how the poverty reduction expertise of the world’s largest developing country can provide insights for global poverty governance.
The ongoing 2025 International Forum on Poverty Governance and Global Development, co-hosted by the Yunnan provincial government, the China Public Relations Association and the China International Communications Group (CICG), centers on the theme: “Together Promote Rural Revitalization and Common Development.”
The 2025 forum comes approximately four years after China, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, declared that it had eliminated absolute poverty.
Speaking at the forum, Guo Weimin, head of the China Public Relations Association and former vice minister of the State Council Information Office, stressed that poverty governance is “a global challenge and a shared mission for humanity.”
He told the opening ceremony that since its inception in 2021, the annual forum has focused on issues such as poverty governance, ecological conservation and sustainable development, establishing itself as a vital platform for international cooperation on poverty reduction and the sharing of development experience.
Also on Saturday, CICG President Du Zhanyuan emphasized that modernization cannot be achieved without rural revitalization, and that the balanced development of urban and rural areas is a key component of Chinese modernization, which calls for unwavering commitment and sustained efforts.
Rural development should value the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, as well as the empowerment of science and technology, he added.
The site of the two-day forum is located in a large river valley in Yunnan’s Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, which is itself living proof of China’s success in poverty alleviation.
The mountainous province of Yunnan was central to China’s uphill fight against poverty, with Nujiang being one of the toughest fronts. Sheer cliffs and raging rivers once isolated Nujiang, leading its poverty incidence rate to peak at 56 percent — among the highest rates in the nation. By 2020, China’s targeted poverty alleviation strategy had lifted some 270,000 people out of extreme poverty in the prefecture, which is home to a variety of ethnic groups.
Hong Weizhi, secretary of the Nujiang prefectural committee of the Communist Party of China, told the forum that Nujiang has been prioritizing job creation and supporting entrepreneurship to ensure stable livelihoods for all of its 535,000 residents.
Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO, said that with poverty being a major problem that human society has faced and continues to face in many parts of the world, China’s economic and social development experience has brought progress to many areas of a globalized and interconnected world.
Quoting Nelson Mandela when he said that overcoming poverty is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life, Bokova said that China’s story is proof that developing countries can eliminate poverty when endurance, perseverance and a striving spirit are present, underscoring the need to share knowledge to accelerate progress toward the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Chairman of the Belarus-China Friendship Society and former Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Kalinin said that the problem of multidimensional poverty, in which almost one-seventh of the world’s population lives, has become an integral part of the systemic civilizational crisis.
China’s great feat of eliminating extreme poverty is a pronounced example for all humanity, and a great contribution to humanity’s common mission of eradicating multidimensional poverty, he said.
Liu Yongfu, former director of China’s State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, stressed that China is proactively exploring long-term mechanisms to guard against the recurrence of poverty as it advances its comprehensive rural revitalization.
Martin Charles, ambassador of Dominica to China, expressed the belief that governments, which play an important role in the creation of clear, sustainable public policies, should promote alliances between the public and private sectors to achieve common welfare and encourage investment in strategic sectors that guarantee the effective implementation of rural revitalization measures.
Sudheendra Kulkarni, the founder of India’s Forum for a New South Asia, said that one of the compelling features of China’s poverty reduction and rural revitalization work is that it is guided by a holistic vision, integrated planning and effective implementation.
China’s poverty eradication has focused on the modernization of agriculture, making optimal use of advances in science and technology; on the non-farming economy, which includes rural tourism; and on the protection of the exceptional features of rural cultural traditions, he added.
With rural revitalization as a focal point, the ongoing forum has also showcased local case studies from Yunnan, bridging policy insights and grassroots implementation.
Thematic sessions are also being held during the forum to delve into key dimensions of sustainable rural development, including integrated agriculture-culture-tourism development, green transformation, digital empowerment and the global sharing of China’s poverty alleviation experience.
The Crown and Ngāti Hāua are now entering the final stages of their settlement after agreeing on the terms at Ngāpuwaiwaha Marae in Taumarunui today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is an honour to be able to sign a Deed of Settlement and deliver a Crown apology after eight years of negotiations. “This means we can now get legislation underway to put through the house at pace. Treaty Negotiations are a major priority for this Government. “This settlement includes an agreed historical account and redress for historical breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi that caused harm to Ngāti Hāua. “A key component of the Deed is Te Tātairango o Te Karauna – a collective agreement, between Ngāti Hāua and key Crown agencies to support, resource and empower the future wellbeing of the Iwi.” The redress package agreed on today includes:
the return of 64 culturally significant sites including Ngā Huinga (Cherry Grove) where the Whanganui and Taringamotu Rivers meet. a $6-million cultural revitalisation fund $19 million of financial redress statutory pardons for two Ngāti Hāua ancestors who were tried under martial law and treated with exceptional harshness. One was confined for life and the other was sentenced to death.
“While no settlement can fully compensate for the Crown’s injustices towards Ngāti Hāua, I sincerely hope this redress package will support Ngāti Hāua to realise their economic and cultural aspirations for generations to come,” says Mr Goldsmith. Ngāti Hāua is a tribe based in the Central North Island, centred in Taumarunui. They have a population of approximately 2,500 members. A copy of the Deed of Settlement is available online at: Te Tari Whakatau – Ngāti Hāua
Countries should consider lookingbeyond Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, as the key measure of economic growth to achieve the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN policymakers have suggested.
The initiative is in line with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s longstanding assertion that “moving beyond GDP is fundamental to building an economic system that gives value to what counts – human well-being – now and in the future, and for everyone”.
While GDP has become the gold standard by which economic development is judged, it was never intended to encompass the overall wellbeing and progress of any single nation.
Neither does it capture the value of human, social or nature capital, explained Özge Aydogan, Director of UN Geneva’s Beyond Lab, which takes a lead thinking about social innovation and sustainability.
UN Geneva/Emma Schneider
Özge Aydogan, Director of UN Geneva’s Beyond Lab.
“That’s something that GDP measures very poorly – or not at all, in fact,” Ms. Aydogan said, “so, the whole movement around ‘Beyond GDP’ is to look into ways of moving from an extractive economy – which we are on right now – into an economy where capital…is not only created for economic purposes that only benefit a few, but actually for people and planet.”
In a bid to integrate untapped human capital, natural resources and wellbeing into how a country’s wealth might be calculated in future, the Beyond Lab has been brainstorming with government officials, researchers and thought leaders in sustainability.
Regenerative economies
But what policymakers still haven’t worked out is what a post-GDP economy would look like – neither have they agreed on the best path to get there.
For Ms. Aydogan, an ideal scenario for 2050 would be a regenerative economy – one that isn’t only extracting resources to derive revenue, but rather, creating wealth through untapped virtual assets.
In practical terms, countries would factor in other wealth-creating assets, such as a country’s natural resources.
“You replenish nature, for instance,” she explained, adding that more holistic metrics would not necessarily replace GDP. “What we’re really actually looking into is to complement GDP.”
An mother and her baby are among those benefiting from services offered at a UNICEF-supported health centre in Malawi.
Measuring happiness
Alternative economic metrics have been around for some time. In 1972, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of the small, landlocked Asian state of Bhutan coined the Gross National Happiness index.
It captures four areas: sustainable development, conservation of the environment, preservation and promotion of culture – and good governance.
Likewise, the Human Development Index is often cited as another alternative to evaluate the overall development and well-being of a nation, taking into account life expectancy, standards of living, and education.
An increasing amount of research reveals that the GDP model is insufficient, says Nathalie Bernasconi of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) – and change-makers must find ways to translate the scientific evidence into national policies.
They should also create incentives for governments to move away from an outdated, GDP-heavy paradigm that was created in the 1930s, in the aftermath of the Great Depression, by the economist Simon Kuznets to measure economic output and help policymakers respond to the crisis.
“GDP alone cannot guide us towards this future,” said Ms. Bernasconi, who is Vice-President of Global Strategies and Managing Director for Europe at IISD.
Not sustainable
GDP is not necessarily a reliable indicator of sustainability and can even increase after costly accidents such as oil spills, owing to intensive clean-up operations, as was the case with the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in 2010.
Another environmental disaster in Alaska in 1989 – the Exxon Valdez spill – temporarily boosted GDP in the United States, thanks to job creation and a rise in demand for services.
But while the tragedy initially inflated GDP, it also caused pervasive harm to the ecosystem and local communities – long-term losses not captured by the indicator.
“Why do we value dead things? Why value a dead tree, rather than the living tree providing oxygen?” said Bingying Lou of the Beyond Lab, citing an indigenous environmental activist.
The SDGs focus on eliminating poverty and providing people with opportunities to prosper.
Multilateralism can fix debt crisis
Among those supporting calls to think creatively about reforming GDP and to “recommit to multilateralism” to find solutions for heavily indebted countries held back by classic financial models created after the Second World War, is Ambassador Matthew Wilson of the Permanent Mission of Barbados to the UN in Geneva.
“Recent months have shown that when you think you’re beyond – something, or someone, pulls you right back in,” he said.
Mr. Wilson added that while multilateralism has not worked perfectly, the world would be in a worse position without it.
We need to be forward-thinking but also active in solving issues like debt and development assistance, the ambassador stressed.
‘Status quo not viable anymore’
Whether politicians will venture away from campaigns focused on how much they have grown GDP and adopt other measurements, remains to be seen, said Ms. Aydogan.
“We have been taught a certain way to look at the economy,” she said. “But at the same time, the fact that we’re hitting all these planetary boundaries…shows us that the status quo is just simply not viable anymore.”
To take the discussion one step further, policymakers will convene at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain from June 30 to July 3, 2025, and at the World Social Summit in Doha, Qatar in November 2025.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
After Visiting Guantanamo Bay, Senators Blast Trump Admin for Wasting Taxpayer Dollars & Misusing Military Resources
Delegation scrutinizes military role in DHS migrant relocation operations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined a delegation of U.S. Senators in traveling to Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO) to conduct oversight of the ongoing Department of Defense activities to support the Department of Homeland Security in the unlawful relocation of migrants.
The delegation was led by Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and included Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a senior member of SASC.
The Senators conducted a firsthand examination of the missions underway at GTMO. They met with military servicemembers, ICE officers, and DHS officials to fully understand the costs and military readiness impacts of these missions.
After returning from the trip, Senators Padilla, Reed, Shaheen, King, and Peters issued the following statement:
“We salute the outstanding American servicemembers and DHS officials who are working tirelessly at Guantanamo Bay. Our troops in Guantanamo have a uniquely difficult, demanding job that requires great sacrifices by them and their families. We know that border security and immigration enforcement are critical to our national security, and we thank these servicemembers, ICE officers, and defense civilians for their professionalism and candor with us.
“However, after examining the migrant relocation activities at Guantanamo Bay, we are outraged by the scale and wastefulness of the Trump Administration’s misuse of our military. It is obvious that Guantanamo Bay is a likely illegal and certainly illogical location to detain immigrants. Its use is seemingly designed to undermine due process and evade legal scrutiny.
“The staggering financial cost to fly these immigrants out of the United States and detain them at Guantanamo Bay—a mission worth tens of millions of dollars a month—is an insult to American taxpayers. President Trump could implement his immigration policies for a fraction of the cost by using existing ICE facilities in the U.S., but he is obsessed with the image of using Guantanamo, no matter the cost.
“Worse, President Trump is undermining our military readiness at a perilous moment in the world. We met with dozens of servicemembers who were rushed to Guantanamo Bay without notice, leaving their critical day-to-day military missions behind in order to build tents that should never be filled and guard immigrants who should never be held there. Our troops will always answer the call and get the job done, but their invaluable time and resources are being carelessly wasted by the President on this mission.
“We are also angered that we had to fly to Cuba to get answers to the questions we’ve been asking the Trump Administration for months. By steadfastly ignoring Congress, Defense Secretary Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Noem are forcing their servicemembers and officers on the ground to try to make sense of Trump’s contradictory and political orders without any guidance or support.
“We are calling on the Trump Administration to immediately cease this misguided mission. The migrant relocation operation at Guantanamo Bay is unsustainably expensive, operating under questionable legal authority, and harmful to our military readiness.”
Last month, Padilla denounced Trump’s relocation of immigrants from the United States to Guantánamo Bay as unlawful and demanded answers regarding these relocations. In the letter, Padilla and the other Senators emphasized that noncitizens in ICE custody are entitled to legal protections under immigration law and the Constitution, including due process.
Prices for opium in Afghanistan have increased tenfold since the de facto authorities imposed a drug ban in 2022 following their takeover in Kabul, latest UNdatashows.
One kilogramme of opium cost $750 last year, up from $75 just three years ago, compensating sellers for the loss in overall production and poppy fields, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“Heroin and opium seizures are down about 50 per cent in weight since 2021,” the UN agency reported, highlighting that the post-ban decrease in production in Afghanistan has led to a decline in opiate trafficking.
Opium is the naturally occurring primary active ingredient used in the production of heroin, a more potent, synthetic drug. The three main global sources of illegal opium are Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar.
Because of the higher prices, “massive profits are still being made, primarily benefiting high-level traders and exporters in organised crime groups,” UNODC noted.
Dwindling stockpiles
The UN agency estimates that opiate stocks at the end of 2022 totalled 13,200 tonnes, enough to potentially meet demand for Afghan opiates until 2027.
“The surge in opium prices and the substantial stockpiles mean that drug trafficking in Afghanistan remains a highly profitable illicit trade,” said UNODC executive director Ghada Waly.
“The profits are being channeled to transnational organised crime groups, destabilising Afghanistan, the region and beyond. We need a coordinated counter-narcotics strategy that targets trafficking networks while at the same time investing in viable economic livelihoods for farmers to provide long-term stability for Afghanistan and its people.”
Afghanistan’s stockpiles before the drop in opium cultivation are believed to have been worth between $4.6 billion and $5.9 billion, or roughly 23 to 29 per cent of the country’s economy in 2023. This may have helped some ordinary Afghans to withstand the crippling economic problems the country has faced since the return of the de facto authorities, UNODC said.
Farmers’ struggle
Nevertheless, with 60 per cent of stockpiles likely in the hands of large traders and exporters and only 30 per cent of farmers holding “small to modest” reserves in 2022, “most farmers who previously cultivated opium are likely experiencing severe financial hardship,” the UN agency warned.
Sustainable economic alternatives are urgently needed to discourage them from returning to poppy cultivation, particularly given today’s high opium prices.
The UN agency also warned that the continued shortage of opium may motivate buyers and sellers to look to alternative drugs that are potentially even more harmful than heroin, such as fentanyl or other synthetic opioids.
As Canada moves toward stronger AI regulation with the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), its southern neighbour appears to be taking the opposite approach.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump’s is pushing for AI deregulation. In January, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating any perceived regulatory barriers to “American AI innovation.” The executive order replaced former president Joe Biden’s prior executive order on AI.
Notably, the U.S. was also one of two countries — along with the U.K. — that didn’t sign a global declaration in February to ensure AI is “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy.”
Eliminating AI safeguards leaves financial institutions vulnerable. This vulnerability can increase uncertainty and, in a worst-case scenario, increase the risk of systemic collapse.
AI’s potential in financial markets is undeniable. It can improve operational efficiency, perform real-time risk assessments, generate higher income and forecast predictive economic change.
Our artificial neural networks models predicted financial distress among Toronto Stock Exchange-listed companies with a staggering 98 per cent accuracy. This suggests suggests AI’s immense potential in providing early warning signals that could help avert financial downturns before they start.
However, while AI can simplify manual processes and lower financial risks, it can also introduce vulnerabilities that, if left unchecked, could pose significant threats to economic stability.
The risks of deregulation
Trump’s push for deregulation could result in Wall Street and other major financial institutions gaining significant power over AI-driven decision-making tools with little to no oversight.
Furthermore, unregulated AI-driven risk models might overlook economic warning signals, resulting in substantial errors in monetary control and fiscal policy.
My research underscores the importance of integrating machine learning methods within strong regulatory systems to improve financial oversight, fraud detection and prevention.
Durable and reasonable regulatory frameworks are required to turn AI from a potential disruptor into a stabilizing force. By implementing policies that prioritize transparency and accountability, policymakers can maximize the advantages of AI while lowering the risks associated with it.
Financial institutions would be required to open the “black box” of AI-driven alternatives by mandating transparency through explainable AI standards — guidelines that are aimed at making AI systems’ outputs more understandable and transparent to humans.
However, this vision doesn’t end at national borders. Globally, the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Stability Board could establish AI ethical standards to curb cross-border financial misconduct.
Crisis prevention or catalyst?
Will AI still be the key to foresee and stop the next economic crisis, or will the lack of regulatory oversight cause a financial disaster? As financial institutions continue adopt AI-driven models, the absence of strong regulatory guardrails raises pressing concerns.
Without proper safeguards in place, AI is not just a tool for economic prediction — it could become an unpredictable force capable of accelerating the next financial crisis.
The stakes are high. Policymakers must act swiftly to regulate the increasing impact of AI before deregulation opens the path for an economic disaster.
Without decisive action, the rapid adoption of AI in finance could outpace regulatory efforts, leaving economies vulnerable to unforeseen risks and potentially setting the stage for another global financial crisis.
Sana Ramzan 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.
ceduta da Javier Trapero, Direttore comunicazione MSC
by Javier TraperoRumbek (Agenzia Fides) – When we talk about South Sudan, the focus is usually on conflicts and humanitarian crises. But in this country, one also senses the energy and dynamism of young people who want to build a better future for their country.At the Catholic University of South Sudan in Rumbek, “transformation” is promoted. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus pay special attention to the most vulnerable, with a particular focus on the education of women, convinced that education is the key to a more prosperous country. The university represents a concrete opportunity to overcome the crisis South Sudan continues to face.The challenges, however, are enormous. The most serious is currently the civil war in Sudan, which is having devastating consequences: many parishes, schools, and clinics have had to close. In some areas, priests, religious, and lay people continue to work for their communities despite the growing danger. They refuse to abandon the people, even if it means enduring extreme hardship: to reach some parishes, one must travel three days in a small canoe, sleep under a mosquito net on makeshift islands, and then walk for two days. Often, a priest only manages to visit a parish once a year, if not less frequently, making local catechists key figures in the life of the Church. In South Sudan, the Church truly consists of “living stones” who build a spiritual house day by day.Meanwhile, the country’s education system is fragile: primary and secondary schools offer only a very low level of education. The Catholic University of South Sudan is trying to reverse this trend by offering high-quality education thanks to expert teachers and internship programs in Catholic institutions such as Loreto or La Salle.The University’s first graduates have already made a difference in their communities. Among them are many women who are the first in their families to complete higher education and return to their villages as teachers, social workers, nurses, and other skilled workers. These young women not only improve their lives but also transform the social fabric, help overcome prejudices about women’s education, and offer new perspectives for the future.Classes are held in the afternoons, with an intensive study program so that students can support their families or work to support themselves in the mornings. The University offers three programs: Business Administration and Management, Education with a specialization in English and English Literature and Commerce, Religious Education and Citizenship.The annual tuition fee is $120, but the Sacred Heart Missionaries offer financial assistance to students who cannot afford it.The campus is accessible to all: the facilities have been designed to be accessible, including wheelchair-accessible restrooms. The only requirements for studying here is determination and passion.The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart work with dedication to make a tangible difference in people’s lives so that they can build a more solid and dignified future for themselves and their country. (Agenzia Fides, 29/3/2025)
Ceduta da Javier Trapero, Direttore Comunicazione MSC
SINGAPORE, March 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As crypto markets remain volatile, BexBack is empowering traders with 100x leverage, no KYC, and a 100% deposit bonus to maximize returns. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, BexBack offers exceptional opportunities for profitable trading.
Why Trade with 100x Leverage on BexBack?
Amplified Profits: Control larger positions with smaller capital.
Low Capital Requirement: Enter high-value trades with minimal investment.
Trade Both Directions: Profit whether the market goes up or down.
No KYC: Start trading immediately, no identity verification needed.
What is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?
With 100x leverage, a 1 BTC position can control 100 BTC. For example, if Bitcoin rises from $100,000 to $105,000, your profit would be 5 BTC, giving you a 500% return.
100% Deposit Bonus
Double your funds instantly with 100% deposit bonus — available on all deposits greater than 0.001 BTC or 100 USDT. Use the bonus to open larger positions and increase profits.
About BexBack
BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, and other popular cryptos. Headquartered in Singapore, BexBack serves over 500,000 traders globally, providing fast execution, no deposit fees, and 24/7 customer support.
BexBack is a US MSB (Money Services Business) licensed platform, trusted by traders in over 200 countries, including the US, Canada, and Europe.
High-Leverage Trading – Up to 100x leverage on crypto futures.
$50 Welcome Bonus – For new users after completing your first trade.
Demo Account – Practice risk-free with 10 BTC and 100K USDT in virtual funds.
Global Support – 24/7 customer service.
Sign Up Now — Break the KYC and Leverage Barriers.
If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.
Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly
Disclaimer:This press release is provided byBexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.