Health facilities in Yemen are becoming increasingly overwhelmed with the number of children with malnutrition.
Suspensions and reductions in food assistance, gaps in healthcare infrastructure, and gaps in vaccination coverage are exacerbating the crisis.
MSF calls for an urgent response and urges stakeholders to expand community-based vaccination efforts.
Amman – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is raising the alarm about malnutrition in Yemen as people’s needs are far outstripping the existing treatment capacity, underscoring a deep humanitarian crisis. Between January 2022 and December 2024, MSF-supported facilities treated 35,442 malnourished children under the age of five across five governorates: Amran, Saada, Hajjah, Taiz, and Hodeidah. These figures reflect the ongoing struggle for families to buy food and access healthcare after years of conflict and instability, compounded by the country’s deteriorating economy.
A new MSF report, Yemen’s rising tide of malnutrition: seasonal trends 2022-2024, outlines the alarming figures seen in our facilities.
“This is not the time for half-measures,” says Himedan Mohammed, head of operations for MSF Middle East.
“Children are arriving in increasingly critical condition. People can no longer wait for help that simply isn’t coming fast enough” says Mohammed. “If we don’t act now by boosting nutrition programmes, ensuring affordable transport to health facilities, and bringing care closer to people in need, then we risk an even greater surge of malnutrition in the months ahead.”
Ali Amin, a six-month-old boy, receives treatment for moderate acute malnutrition at the MSF-supported inpatient therapeutic feeding centre in Abs General Hospital. Yemen, March 2025.Majdi Al Adani/MSF
While MSF has scaled up treatment capacity, we are unable to meet all the needs. Each annual malnutrition season is leaving our facilities overwhelmed with children in need of care, with many also suffering from measles, cholera and acute watery diarrhoea. Last September, during the annual peak malnutrition season, bed occupancy rates in most MSF-supported facilities reached extremely high levels. In Al-Salam hospital in Amran governorate, bed occupancy rate soared to 254 per cent that month. Healthcare staff are often forced to provide care for patients in crowded hallways and makeshift spaces.
Aisha brought her five-month-old daughter Zahra’a to Al-Salam hospital for lifesaving care.
“We travelled over two hours and spent 15,000 Yemeni riyals [about US$61] to get here,” she says. “With only one breadwinner in our family of 12, we can barely meet our daily needs, and the nearest health centres don’t have specialised departments to treat malnutrition.”
“I am afraid to lose her, she is the only girl in the family,” says Aisha. “I hope she recovers soon and I hope more organisations will come here to support people, especially those who do not have enough food or income.”
Suspensions and reductions in food assistance programmes have intensified hardship for people across Yemen. In 2023 and 2024, over 10,000 children received treatment at the MSF-supported facility in Ad-Dahi hospital, Hodeidah governorate. The Abs hospital in Hajjah governorate recorded a staggering 200 per cent bed occupancy rate in September 2024, followed by 176 per cent in October – the highest levels in the last six years.
Malnutrition is aggravated by gaps in healthcare infrastructure and gaps in vaccination coverage, among other factors. According to the World Health Organization, as of April 2024, nearly 46 per cent of health facilities in Yemen were partially functional or completely out of service.
An MSF nurse checks on a malnourished baby girl at the MSF-supported Abs General hospital. Yemen, March 2025.Majdi Al Adani/MSF
In view of the sudden and drastic reductions in humanitarian funding to Yemen, sustained donor engagement and flexible funding from major donors is crucial to address Yemen’s escalating humanitarian crisis. Adequate and consistent funding, along with stronger partnerships between the Ministry of Health, donors, and implementing partners, will help revive healthcare centres and ensure they effectively serve local communities and the most affected locations. MSF urges these stakeholders to expand community-based vaccination efforts in order to curb preventable diseases like measles, cholera and acute watery diarrhoea.
There is a need for urgent improvements in targeted food distribution programmes in Yemen. Efforts like these will ensure pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under five, receive the nutrition they need before their health is threatened. Without swift collective action, Yemen’s most vulnerable people will suffer further under an overburdened health system and rising malnutrition rates.
Time: 09:30 – 16:00 Ajman, UAE Date: 6-7 MAY 2025 Workshop Language: English
Workshop Objective
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Council on City Data (WCCD), together with the host city of Ajman, UAE, are holding a two-day Data-Driven Resilient Cities Workshop designed to equip city leaders and stakeholders with tools to leverage ISO-certified data for enhancing governance and planning for risk reduction and informing capital investment for more resilient futures. Participants will explore the UN Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) Initiative, the two ISO international Standards – ISO 37123 – Indicators for Resilient Cities and ISO 37125 – Indicators for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in Cities and the certification work being led by the WCCD, and the critical role of city-level data in disaster risk reduction, planning and recovery.
One of the most pressing challenges facing cities is mobilizing sufficient financial resources for disaster resilience. This workshop will bring together local governments and the sustainable finance sector, to explore innovative financing models, address the critical need for risk assessment and comprehensive disaster loss databases to support evidence-based policymaking, to enhance data governance and early warning systems to mitigate disaster risks, and to examine the role of high calibre data in advancing sustainable financing for disaster risk reduction.
Expected Outcomes:
Apply ISO data to urban resilience strategies
Integrate data-driven approaches into risk assessment, planning and investment
Leverage ESG indicators for sustainable financing and capital investment in more resilient city infrastructure
Connect with global experts and peer cities for learning, collaboration and partnership
Target Audience:
Local government officials and partner organizations working with cities on disaster risk reduction and resilience strategies, data-driven/evidence-based decision making, and are interested in ISO37123 Resilient Cities certification.
The workshop is by invitation only. Anyone interested in participating can express their interest throughthis formby Friday, 28 March 2025.
As seats are limited, only a selected number of applicants may be invited to participate in the training. Confirmation will be communicated via email by Friday, 4 April 2025.
** Note: Participants are responsible for self-arranging transportation and covering all relevant expenses associated with attending the workshop. No financial support will be provided by the co-organizers.
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement , covering trade in goods and services, came into force on 29 December 2022. Australia will eliminate customs duties on 98.3% of its tariff lines by the end of the implementation period in 2026, while India will do so for 69.8% by 2031. For trade in services, both parties have enhanced sectoral commitments beyond those under the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), including the movement of natural persons.
Australia said the landmark Agreement represents a significant development in the economic relationship between Australia and India and supports both countries’ deeper integration into the global economy. Australia added that the Agreement includes provisions on strengthening investment certainty, promoting regulatory cooperation and enhancing mobility for skilled professionals.
India said the Agreement has driven mutual growth and showcases the complementarity of both economies. The Agreement has significantly advanced trade ties and created new opportunities for business and employment. India added that both countries are committed to building on the momentum to deepen economic integration.
The Free Trade Agreement between China and Nicaragua, goods and services, entered into force on 1 January 2024. At the end of the transition period in 2038, 95.2% of tariff lines of China and 94.8% of tariff lines of Nicaragua will be duty-free under the Agreement. Each party will retain tariffs on approximately 5% of tariff lines after full implementation. On trade in services, the Agreement follows a negative list approach and adds new or improved commitments compared to the parties’commitments under the GATS in a number of areas including business services and health services. Moreover, the Agreement includes, among other things, provisions on the environment, competition, dispute settlement, small and medium enterprises, and e-commerce.
China said the Agreement establishes a high level of openness between both economies in terms of trade in goods and services and for investment. China noted that both economies are highly complementary and that there is a great potential for trade and investment cooperation.
Nicaragua said the Agreement, which builds upon the July 2022 Early Harvest Agreement, will produce mutual benefits for both countries. Nicaragua added that the Agreement provides an opportunity to transform the country’s structure of production, trading and investment.
The Free Trade Agreement between China and Cambodia, covering trade in goods and services, came into force on 1 January 2022. Under the Agreement, China has committed to eliminating customs duties on 97.3% of its tariffs by 2041, while Cambodia has committed to eliminating 90% of its tariffs during the same period. Much of the tariff elimination has been “front loaded” by both parties, with most tariff reductions already applied since 2022. For trade in services, Cambodia’s sectoral commitments remain the same as in its GATS commitments, except for a limited number of sectors, while China’s existing GATS commitments are further enhanced for a number of sectors under the Agreement. The Agreement also contains provisions on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China said the Agreement is its first bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) signed with a least-developed country (LDC), noting that this sets a good example of cooperation with LDCs. China said it is also the first FTA that sets an independent chapter on cooperation under the BRI and that it will enhance value chains between the two countries.
Cambodia said the Agreement is consistent with WTO commitments as it eliminates duties on a substantial amount of trade between the two countries. Cambodia noted the Agreement provides benefits beyond the economic aspect as it also contributes to Cambodia’s broader development strategies.
Implementation of the RTA Transparency Mechanism
The Committee also took note of one new notification of an RTA, as well as five notifications of changes since its last session in November 2024. The signature of one Agreement was also the subject of an early announcement.
The outgoing chair, Ambassador Salomon Eheth (Cameroon), noted that there are 30 RTAs involving only WTO members and 38 involving non-members for which a factual presentation has to be prepared, counting goods and services separately. In addition, there are at least 58 RTAs currently in force that have not been notified to the WTO, with an updated list of these circulated prior to the Committee meeting and available on the RTA database. A number of delegations encouraged members to notify these agreements as soon as possible, while noting that delays may be due to constrained capacities of small delegations.
The Committee took note of the updated schedule for the submissions of implementation reports on RTAs. It noted that as of 1 March 2025, such reports were due for 223 RTAs with an additional 15 becoming due in 2025.
Election of new Chair
Members elected Ambassador José Valencia of Ecuador as the new Committee Chair. He replaces Ambassador Eheth.
Next meeting
The next Committee meetings for 2025 are scheduled for 17 June and 10 November.
The pace of globalization has slowed since the global financial crisis, and recent events have sparked fears of a more widespread deglobalization and market fragmentation. This paper aims to better understand the effects of deglobalization events in a globalized world, and the role that financial and economic integration play in this regard. We explore how an event implying a turn towards deglobalization affects a highly integrated economy as well as other economies, which are economically and financially connected.
Contribution
We use the unexpected outcome of the Brexit referendum in June 2016, a major deglobalization shock of the last decade, and investigate its impact on bank credit supply, international spillovers, and real economic outcomes. Leveraging a unique dataset that combines a credit register with foreign direct investment (FDI) data, we are able to observe both domestic and cross-border credit exposures of German banks as well as internal capital market dynamics within multinational corporations (MNCs) – a feature rarely available in other countries’ data. Our analysis consists of three parts. First, we investigate the effect of the deglobalization shock on cross-border bank lending. In the second part of our analysis, we investigate whether the credit supply shock amplifies the deglobalization shock’s immediate adverse effects to the real economy and the role of firms’ internal capital markets. In the last part of our analysis, we investigate whether banks shift their lending to borrowers outside the UK after the shock.
Results
German banks reduced lending to United Kingdom (UK) firms following the shock due to increased uncertainty about future losses. More prudent banks reduced their credit more extensively, and less profitable subsidiaries experienced greater reductions. However, UK subsidiaries of large MNCs, with access to internal capital markets, offset this credit supply shock through internal funding, shielding them from negative real effects. We find that non-UK subsidiaries play a crucial role in internal capital markets by securing external financing and reallocating funds to support UK affiliates. Well capitalized banks reallocated lending to firms outside the UK, particularly those of German MNCs. Our findings underscore that while international financial frictions following deglobalization shocks can imply negative real effects, firms integrated into global networks mitigate these impacts through internal capital markets.
This letter includes information confirming future ways of working after the current functions of the Education and Skills Funding Agency transfer into the Department for Education on 1 April 2025.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Bedfordshire director banned after failing to provide company accounts to liquidator
The company entered liquidation with liabilities estimated at more than £300,000
Jenna Lennon was the director of Hope & Pride Limited when it went into liquidation in September 2023
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) estimated the company owed more than £300,000 in unpaid corporation tax at the time of liquidation
Lennon failed in her duties as a company director to preserve or maintain adequate accounting records and deliver them to the liquidator
A Bedfordshire company director has been disqualified after failing to provide accounting records when her company went into liquidation owing an estimated £319,000 in corporation tax.
Jenna Lennon was the sole director of Hope & Pride Limited, which was incorporated in March 2019 and described its business on Companies House as “other information service activities not elsewhere classified”.
Hope & Pride entered liquidation in September 2023 but Lennon had failed in her duties as a company director to preserve or maintain adequate accounting records.
Indeed, no accounts for Hope & Pride were ever filed at Companies House.
The 39-year-old also failed to deliver accounting records to the liquidator as she was required to do.
Lennon, whose listed correspondence address for Hope & Pride was Bramingham Business & Conference Centre on Enterprise Way in Luton, has been disqualified as a company director for seven years.
An Insolvency Service spokesperson said:
Directors are legally required to maintain adequate books and records which show and explain their company’s transactions. This is first and foremost to protect consumers and other businesses who have dealings with the company.
Jenna Lennon did not preserve or maintain adequate accounting records for Hope & Pride. This has meant the liquidator has been unable to properly investigate the company’s accounts and accurately establish how much was owed to HMRC and other creditors.
This disqualification should serve as a reminder to company directors that they are required by law to keep proper accounts. The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take action against directors who do not comply with these crucial legal requirements.
Lennon’s failure to maintain adequate accounting records meant the liquidator was unable to verify the nature of the company’s income and expenditure.
This included payments into Hope & Pride’s account of £1,178,364.
Additional payments of £151,000, listed on bank accounts as “J Lennon dividends” between July 2019 and March 2022, were similarly not verified.
Payments of £1,133,964 out of Hope & Pride’s account were also not explained and the liquidator was unable to establish if this money was used for legitimate trading purposes.
The company entered liquidation with total liabilities, which Lennon has not disputed, of £327,923.
Due to her failure to provide accounting records, the liquidator could not however establish the company’s true liabilities in relation to unpaid corporation tax – which HMRC estimates at £319,423 – and debts to other creditors.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Lennon, and her ban started on Wednesday 19 March.
The undertaking prevents her from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The capital has opened recruitment for the third stream of the program “The Path to IPO”. It will last for a month in a face-to-face and online format. Participants will have theoretical and practical training modules. Immediately after registration, online lectures will be available in your personal account on the platform I. Moskov.
The number of places for the first stage is not limited. Here, students will learn the main stages, requirements, and rules for placing securities. Next, everyone will have to complete tasks that will help consolidate the material and gain access to the practical block. To move on to it, the company must be a member of the Moscow Innovation Cluster, have revenue for 2024, and complete the tasks of the theoretical module. The practical part is designed for 40 students who meet all the requirements and are the first to successfully complete the theoretical course. Tech entrepreneurs will attend additional thematic events and work on cases during individual consultations with market experts.
In addition, representatives of companies that have placed securities on the stock and over-the-counter markets will share their experience. In the final, participants will have the opportunity to present their investment presentations on entering pre-IPO (preliminary public offering), IPO (initial public offering) and bond issuance. You can apply for training until April 10 on the platform I. Moskov. Training will begin in April.
Scaling the business and attracting investments
Thus, the largest chain of Moscow coffee shops became a graduate of the first and second streams of the program. Thanks to new knowledge and support from experts, the organization began to attract funding through a specialized platform and a well-known broker.
In addition, the company received funding to open new coffee shops and strengthen its position in the specialty coffee market. For representatives of this chain, participation in the “Path to IPO” program was an important step towards scaling the business and attracting investment. The training helped to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of financial markets, structure corporate management, and prepare for interaction with investors.
Moscow Innovation Cluster of the capital Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development began training entrepreneurs to enter the IPO market in June 2024. During this time, two streams took place, with over 270 applications submitted for participation. The companies took a course of lectures from leading experts in the field of issuing securities and examined in detail the legal, financial and corporate issues related to entering the stock and over-the-counter markets. As a result of the training, two companies entered the pre-IPO, five are planning to enter the pre-IPO in the near future and four are entering the IPO.
The Moscow Innovation Cluster helps to create conditions for the implementation of priority areas of scientific and technical development in the development and implementation of innovative technologies, ensuring scientific, technical and industrial cooperation, and effective interaction of all participants in the capital’s innovation ecosystem. It includes more than 40 thousand organizations from Moscow and 86 other regions of Russia.
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Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The Professions of the Future Center invites city residents to the Quarry Workshop, an industrial employment festival, on March 25. There, you can interview potential employers and take the most sought-after positions.
“Industry is a strategically important sector that creates the basis for sustainable economic development. An area where engineering ideas and scientific achievements are embodied in real products and services, improving the quality of life. As Sergei Sobyanin noted
in the strategy for the development of the social protection system of Moscow until 2030, the city offers residents to develop their human resources potential and successfully integrate into the largest labor market in the country. The festival “Career Workshop” is a unique opportunity for job seekers to become part of a dynamically developing industrial sector. At the event, participants will get acquainted with current offers and receive valuable advice from career experts. For those who are just starting their professional path in this direction, short educational programs lasting up to 3.5 months are available,” said Andrey Tarasov, Director of the Moscow Employment Service, Head of the Professions of the Future Center.
The enterprises of the holding company “Roselectronics”, which is part of the state corporation “Rostec”, will present their vacancies: the Scientific Research Institute of Automatic Equipment named after Academician V.S. Semenikhin, the concern “Avtomatika”, the Scientific Research Center for Electronic Computer Engineering, the Central Scientific Research Institute “Cyclone”, the scientific and production association “Angstrem” and others.
Applicants will be offered employment in the positions of process engineer, designer, assembler of electronic equipment and devices, fitter, turner, milling machine operator, operator of CNC machines, roofer and other blue-collar jobs.
The event will take place on March 25 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the address: Shchepkina Street, Building 38, Building 1. Participation is free, but advance registration is required. registration.
The Moscow City Employment Service is the largest state personnel operator that helps residents of the capital find work. Its structure includes employment offices, many of which are located in the My Documents government service centers. The flagship centers are open at the following addresses: Kuusinen Street, Building 2, Building 1, and Shabolovka Street, Building 48. The specialized My Career employment center is located on Sergiya Radonezhskogo Street (Building 1, Building 1).
In the center “Professions of the Future” on Shchepkina Street (38 Building 1) you can master one of 75 in-demand specialties in various sectors of the economy in a maximum of 3.5 months. Career mentors will help you find a job after completing your studies. The center’s partners include more than three thousand employers. In addition, it implements a comprehensive career guidance program for ninth-grade students.
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Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The pharmaceutical plant located in Zelenograd, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Russia, has confirmed its status as an industrial complex. The company will continue to receive tax benefits, which will allow it to further significantly reduce its financial burden. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.
“Sergey Sobyanin defined the development of the pharmaceutical complex as one of the city’s key priorities. A number of projects are being implemented in the capital to strengthen the country’s medicinal sovereignty and there is a pool of comprehensive tools to support enterprises. Among them is the assignment of the status of an industrial complex, which provides for a special tax regime for companies. Thus, one of the capital’s pharmaceutical plants has confirmed the right to a special status, which will allow it to continue to receive tax benefits. Today, the enterprise produces a wide range of drugs and vaccines in accordance with international quality standards. Since the beginning of the year, the plant has produced more than 890 thousand packages of drugs, including drugs for the treatment of renal failure, hemostatic agents for local use, immunomodulators, bronchodilators and local anesthetics for the Russian and foreign markets,” said Maxim Liksutov.
For the company “Binnofarm Group” the property tax has been halved, and the rental rate has been reduced fivefold – to 0.3 percent of the cadastral value of the site. The plant uses the saved funds for its own development.
“Today, the site is undergoing final preparations for the launch of production of drugs based on monoclonal antibodies against rheumatoid arthritis and for the treatment of osteoporosis. The first batches of drugs will enter civilian circulation by the end of 2025 – beginning of 2026,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy
Previously, assistance from the Moscow Fund for the Support of Industry and Entrepreneurship was attracted to implement this project in the form of compensation for part of the interest on an investment loan in the amount of 1.5 billion rubles.
According to the plant’s corporate director for production activities, Anatoly Yaglenko, production will be launched in about a month. This global project required large-scale investments and the construction of new capacities at the plant from scratch. The support that the enterprise receives from the city helps reduce the tax burden.
Medicines based on monoclonal antibodies are modern medicines and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients, and their production makes a significant contribution to the fight against complex diseases.
Previously The Mayor of Moscow said on increasing the volume of drug production in January by 12.3 percent with the support of the city.
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Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Moscow companies that have completed the pilot part of the federal project “Labor Productivity” have begun to implement digital technologies to improve the efficiency of business processes. Comprehensive support in this regard is provided to enterprises by the regional Moscow Competence Center and the federal ANO “Digital Technologies of Productivity”, created in 2021 as part of the implementation of the national project “Labor Productivity”. This was reported by Maria Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, head of the capital’s Department of Economic Policy and Development.
“Companies that participated in pilot projects have already achieved significant results due to lean technologies. The next step is the implementation of digital solutions to improve efficiency. We offer participants in the federal project comprehensive support – from diagnosing bottlenecks to selecting and implementing advanced automation and digitalization solutions. This allows businesses not only to optimize the use of manual labor, but also to abandon it where there are digital services that significantly increase productivity and competitiveness,” emphasized Maria Bagreeva.
The project offers Moscow companies various services and programs for digitalization and automation. This allows for the optimization of operations and the improvement of business process efficiency. Over 600 digital solutions covering key areas of activity are available to enterprises. For example, they are helped to debug supply chains, improve customer service, implement a video analytics system with artificial intelligence and technological process monitoring programs. In addition, the services facilitate the automation of warehouse logistics and the introduction of biometric identification of employees using a facial recognition algorithm.
Three participants in the federal project have already begun implementing digital technologies to improve productivity. All enterprises that have completed the first phase of the federal project are expected to join the project.
For example, the company “GS Cosmetics” is going to increase the efficiency of the brewing shop by introducing digital technologies into the processes of accounting, control and planning. For this purpose, additional functions will be introduced into the 1C system and a special mobile application for operators will be developed. Thanks to the innovations, the speed of operations will increase, the volume of production will increase, the number of defects will be minimized and production losses will be reduced.
Logistics company LogLab intends to implement neural network video analytics to improve the efficiency of warehouse employees. Artificial intelligence will analyze video from cameras in the warehouse, which will speed up the processing of goods, reduce the time for acceptance and shipment, and reduce the likelihood of errors in counting and identifying products. All this can significantly increase the throughput of the warehouse and improve safety and management efficiency.
The SV Teips company plans to use the WMS warehouse business process automation system to improve the efficiency of logistics operations and reduce costs. The service will help improve inventory accuracy, reduce product processing time, reduce the likelihood of errors and prevent the risks of shortages and surpluses. In addition, warehouse analytics will improve, personnel and storage costs will decrease, and the quality of customer service will increase.
The national project “Labor Productivity” was implemented in Moscow in 2022-2024 at the expense of the city budget. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin reported, that all 419 capital participants of the national project have completed the pilot stage and are now independently implementing a culture of continuous improvement.
As part of the federal project “Labor Productivity”, which is part of the national project “Efficient and competitive economy”, Moscow companies continue to increase labor productivity at enterprises. Applications for participation are accepted on the website of the regional Moscow Competence Center.
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UK energy supply chain at risk as 90% eye overseas markets
19 March 2025
Offshore Energies UK’s 2025Supply Chain reportsays building on the UK’s unique industrial strengths in energy production is key to unlocking the Government’s ambition to grow the nation’s economy and build the future of the North Sea.
Drawing on over 50 years of successful North Sea oil and gas operations, the offshore energy industry’s supply chain has the potential to power the UK’s drive to produce secure, sustainable and ever cleaner energy. But without a pipeline of projects enabled by pragmatic policy to anchor them here in the UK, OEUK’s sentiment survey reveals nine companies out of every 10 see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas due to uncertainty and a less positive business environment at home.
The report sets out the barriers the industry faces including low revenues from renewables and declining investor confidence while outlining the actions both industry and government can take to ensure a homegrown energy future. It sets out key steps industry and government can take to anchor world class offshore energy companies in the UK. These include industry initiatives aimed at fostering better collaboration across the supply chain plus moves to ensure that government champions the UK energy supply chain capability in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Forming an extensive and vital network across the country from Shetland to Southampton and from Morecambe Bay to the Eastern Seaboard of England, the UK’s offshore energy supply chain comprises hundreds of businesses supporting the industry throughout its lifecycle from installing wind turbines, producing oil and gas and decommissioning offshore installations.
As an integrated ecosystem, this supply chain delivers products and services to energy producers and includes FTSE 100 companies as well as small to medium enterprises developing new technologies and providing specialist capabilities. It encompassescompanies involved in designing mooring systems, manufacturing specialist valves, installing high voltage subsea cables, maintaining pipelines transporting energy and carbon and removing offshore structures from the seabed with many developing global leadership infloating offshore wind and decommissioning.
Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s supply chain and people director, says:
“The UK is competing internationally for energy investment so it’s concerning that many offshore energy supply chain firms see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas. We’ve set out key steps industry and government can take to position the UK as first choice for the offshore energy supply chain companies.
“To grow the whole UK’s economy, we need energy policy that supports continued investment in homegrown oil and gas alongside an acceleration of renewable energy. This must be addressed, and we are working with our members to bring positive solutions to the table.
“It’s good to export our expertise but that should never come at a cost to work we need to get done in the UK. Around60% of companies surveyed for the report are diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage but business revenues from renewables and CCS still represent a relatively low proportion as they make up between zero and a fifth of their turnover.
“OEUK is currently engaging with critical government consultations on the future of our North Sea from industrial strategy to oil and gas licensing, environmental impact and a new fiscal regime. It’s vital we get this right to create a positive business environment in the UK for our supply chain.
“The offshore energies industry supports the sectors Britain needs to build its future. Steel, cement, ship building, glass, car making and many more rely on the energy and technologies we produce, including carbon capture which can offset and futureproof their energy-intensive operations. With between 60-80% of the capabilities required to lead the energy transition to net zero emissions, our companies and highly skilled people are committed partners in delivering secure, and affordable homegrown energy.
“The UK government is rightly ambitious to develop the clean power capabilities to support its industrial strategy, but this goal must be delivered in a way that builds our supply chain capability. The prize is a homegrown energy future, not one that is imported.”
Current challenges highlighted by the OEUK’s report include harnessing oil and gas revenues from the UK’s still significant reserves so supply chain companies can survive and thrive.
The report outlines how through initiatives including alliance contracting, shared inventory systems and a drive to promote good procurement practice, are supporting efforts to create an attractive commercial environment. These are helping operators, developers, major contractors and suppliers of all sizes work better together.
OEUK’s report comes as decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the North Sea’s future but also its ability to unlock investment in low carbon technologies while continuing to deliver the energy security the UK needs. It highlights there must be collective recognition that a sustainable future is one that enables the supply chain to remain anchored in the UK while adapting and growing as new energy opportunities arise.
Preventable diseases are sweeping the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Cholera cases increased by 326, Mpox by 269, and measles by 95 people in North Kivu alone, during the last week of February, according to Oxfam’s partners on the ground.
In January, new cases of cholera infections in the country more than doubled to over 3,850, and 67 people died, which is three times more deaths than the previous month, Oxfam calculates based on WHO data.
Ongoing violence and USAID funding suspension is accelerating the collapse of DRC’s fragile health system, leaving millions defenseless against preventable diseases like cholera.
Since the start of the conflict this year, DRC has faced major setbacks in controlling cholera and Mpox. The country lacks testing centers and functional hospitals. The destruction of displacement camps during the violence, including vital water and sanitation infrastructure, is making the situation worse.
“This is turning into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe. People are drinking water straight from contaminated rivers and springs because water tanks and sanitation facilities have been destroyed. When you combine this with a collapsed health system, cholera is spreading like wildfire,” said Oxfam DRC Country Director, Dr Manenji Mangundu.
“Imagine a hospital without supplies, people drinking untreated water, and patients without much money still being asked to pay for their care. It’s a disaster.” he added.
The suspension of USAID-funded programs in the DRC is already having devastating consequences for vulnerable communities. These abrupt cuts are an immediate threat to the lives of 7.8 million internally displaced people (IDPs) who are already struggling for food, water and shelter. The worst-affected areas include Kirotshe and the city of Goma, where displaced families in overcrowded conditions have little to no access to clean water. More than 70 health facilities and testing centers in North Kivu have been completely destroyed. Those that are running are unable to cope with the multiple outbreaks of preventable diseases.
“Our hospital was 100 percent dependent on humanitarian support,” said Kamara Wabomundu, staff member of the CCLK/Bulimba Health Zone Central Office, one of Oxfam partners. “When our funding was cut, everything collapsed—we had no backup plan. Neither the hospitals nor the communities were prepared. We are asking people to pay for care when they can’t even afford their next meal,” added Kamara.
“USAID was the leading donor in DRC and most aid agencies here relied on its funding to provide life-saving assistance. The international community needs to understand that the systems are rapidly collapsing in DRC. Every moment of inaction means more lives are being lost that could be saved,” added Dr Mangundu
The closure of banks and microfinance institutions has made the situation even worse, paralyzing the distribution of emergency aid through cash transfers. The shutdown of Goma and Kavumu airports has also driven up food prices, making them too expensive for millions of people.
/ENDS
According to theWorld Health Organization (WHO)from January 1 to 26, 2025, 3,853 cases of cholera infections and 67 deaths were confirmed which represents a 112 percent increase from the previous month in infection rates as well as a 235 percent increase in deaths in DRC. Data on February infections and deaths comes from Oxfam partners working in DRC.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the leading humanitarian donor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Last year’s report indicates that it provided over $838 million in 2024 alone, including $414 million specifically for humanitarian needs resulting from the ongoing conflict and displacement.
According to the UN 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan,there are 7.8 million Internally Displaced People (IDP) in DRC — among the world’s highest displacement figures.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the ‘Incentive Scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions Person to Merchant (P2M)’ for the financial year 2024-25 in the following manner:
i. The incentive scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M) will be implemented at an estimated outlay of 1,500 crore, from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2025.
ii. Only the UPI (P2M) transactions upto 2,000/- for Small Merchants are covered under the scheme.
Category
Small Merchant
Large Merchant
Up to Rs. 2k
Zero MDR / Incentive (@0.15%)
Zero MDR / No Incentive
Over Rs. 2k
Zero MDR / No Incentive
Zero MDR / No Incentive
iii. Incentive at the rate of 0.15% per transaction value will be provided for transactions upto Rs.2,000 pertaining to category of small merchants.
iv. For all the quarters of the scheme, 80% of the admitted claim amount by the acquiring banks will be disbursed without any conditions.
v. The reimbursement of the remaining 20% of the admitted claim amount for each quarter will be contingent upon fulfilment of the following conditions:
a) 10% of the admitted claim will be provided only when the technical decline of the acquiring bank will be less than 0.75%; and
b) The remaining 10% of the admitted claim will be provided only when the system uptime of the acquiring bank will be greater than 99.5%.
Benefits:
i. Convenient, secure, faster cash flow, and enhanced access to credit through digital footprints.
ii. Common citizens will benefit from seamless payment facilities with no additional charges.
iii. Enable small merchants to avail of UPI services at no additional cost. As small merchants are price-sensitive, incentives would encourage them to accept UPI payment.
iv. Supports the Government’s vision of a less-cash economy through formalizing and accounting the transaction in digital form.
v. Efficiency gain- 20% incentive is contingent upon banks maintaining high system uptime and low technical decline. This will ensure round-the-clock availability of payment services to citizens.
vi. Judicious balance of both the growth of UPI transactions and the minimum financial burden on the Government exchequer.
Objective:
· Promotion of indigenous BHIM-UPI platform. Achieving the target of 20,000 crore total transaction volume in FY 2024-25.
· Supporting the payment system participants in building a robust and secure digital payments infrastructure.
· Penetration of UPI in tier 3 to 6 cities, especially in rural & remote areas by promoting innovative products such as feature phone based (UPI 123PAY) & offline (UPI Lite/UPI LiteX) payment solutions.
· Maintain a high system uptime & minimize technical declines.
Background:
Promotion of digital payments is an integral part of the Government’s strategy for financial inclusion and provide wide-ranging payment options to the common man. The expenditure incurred by the digital payment industry while providing services to its customers / merchant is recovered through the charge of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).
As per RBI, MDR upto 0.90% of transaction value is applicable across all card networks. (for Debit cards). As per NPCI, MDR upto 0.30% of transaction value is applicable for UPI P2M transaction. Since January 2020, to promote digital transactions, MDR was made zero for RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI transactions through amendments in section 10A in the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and section 269SU of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
In order to support the payment ecosystem participants in effective delivery of services, “Incentive scheme for promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M)” has been implemented with due approval by the Cabinet. Year-wise incentive payout by the Government (in Rs. crore) during the last three financial years:
Financial Year
Gol Payout
RuPay Debit Card
BHIM-UPI
FY2021-22
1,389
432
957
FY2022-23
2,210
408
1,802
FY2023-24
3,631
363
3,268
The incentive is paid by the Government to the Acquiring bank (Merchant’s bank) and thereafter shared among other stakeholders: Issuer Bank (Customer’s Bank), Payment Service Provider Bank (facilitates onboarding of customer on UPI app / API integrations) and App Providers (TPAPs).
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the ‘Incentive Scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions Person to Merchant (P2M)’ for the financial year 2024-25 in the following manner:
i. The incentive scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M) will be implemented at an estimated outlay of 1,500 crore, from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2025.
ii. Only the UPI (P2M) transactions upto 2,000/- for Small Merchants are covered under the scheme.
Category
Small Merchant
Large Merchant
Up to Rs. 2k
Zero MDR / Incentive (@0.15%)
Zero MDR / No Incentive
Over Rs. 2k
Zero MDR / No Incentive
Zero MDR / No Incentive
iii. Incentive at the rate of 0.15% per transaction value will be provided for transactions upto Rs.2,000 pertaining to category of small merchants.
iv. For all the quarters of the scheme, 80% of the admitted claim amount by the acquiring banks will be disbursed without any conditions.
v. The reimbursement of the remaining 20% of the admitted claim amount for each quarter will be contingent upon fulfilment of the following conditions:
a) 10% of the admitted claim will be provided only when the technical decline of the acquiring bank will be less than 0.75%; and
b) The remaining 10% of the admitted claim will be provided only when the system uptime of the acquiring bank will be greater than 99.5%.
Benefits:
i. Convenient, secure, faster cash flow, and enhanced access to credit through digital footprints.
ii. Common citizens will benefit from seamless payment facilities with no additional charges.
iii. Enable small merchants to avail of UPI services at no additional cost. As small merchants are price-sensitive, incentives would encourage them to accept UPI payment.
iv. Supports the Government’s vision of a less-cash economy through formalizing and accounting the transaction in digital form.
v. Efficiency gain- 20% incentive is contingent upon banks maintaining high system uptime and low technical decline. This will ensure round-the-clock availability of payment services to citizens.
vi. Judicious balance of both the growth of UPI transactions and the minimum financial burden on the Government exchequer.
Objective:
· Promotion of indigenous BHIM-UPI platform. Achieving the target of 20,000 crore total transaction volume in FY 2024-25.
· Supporting the payment system participants in building a robust and secure digital payments infrastructure.
· Penetration of UPI in tier 3 to 6 cities, especially in rural & remote areas by promoting innovative products such as feature phone based (UPI 123PAY) & offline (UPI Lite/UPI LiteX) payment solutions.
· Maintain a high system uptime & minimize technical declines.
Background:
Promotion of digital payments is an integral part of the Government’s strategy for financial inclusion and provide wide-ranging payment options to the common man. The expenditure incurred by the digital payment industry while providing services to its customers / merchant is recovered through the charge of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).
As per RBI, MDR upto 0.90% of transaction value is applicable across all card networks. (for Debit cards). As per NPCI, MDR upto 0.30% of transaction value is applicable for UPI P2M transaction. Since January 2020, to promote digital transactions, MDR was made zero for RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI transactions through amendments in section 10A in the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and section 269SU of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
In order to support the payment ecosystem participants in effective delivery of services, “Incentive scheme for promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M)” has been implemented with due approval by the Cabinet. Year-wise incentive payout by the Government (in Rs. crore) during the last three financial years:
Financial Year
Gol Payout
RuPay Debit Card
BHIM-UPI
FY2021-22
1,389
432
957
FY2022-23
2,210
408
1,802
FY2023-24
3,631
363
3,268
The incentive is paid by the Government to the Acquiring bank (Merchant’s bank) and thereafter shared among other stakeholders: Issuer Bank (Customer’s Bank), Payment Service Provider Bank (facilitates onboarding of customer on UPI app / API integrations) and App Providers (TPAPs).
Government has taken various information technology driven initiatives in the field of Drug Law Enforcement. Some of the initiatives are as under: –
Narco Coordination (NCORD) Portal accessible at https://narcoordindia.in/ is a gateway for all drugs and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) related information for all four tiers of stakeholders starting from district level to state level and Central Ministries including all Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs).
To assist all DLEAs/other investigation agencies for investigation and proactive policing, National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders (NIDAAN) portal is developed. It provides data of narcotics offenders involved in narcotics offences under Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
CCTNS (Crime & Criminal Tracking Network System) is aimed to inter-link all police stations under a common application software for the purpose of investigation, data analytics, research, policy making and providing Citizen Services such as reporting & tracking of complaints, request for antecedent verifications, etc.
A task force on Darknet and Crypto-Currency has been set up under the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) mechanism with a focus on monitoring all platforms facilitating Narco-trafficking, sharing of inputs on drug trafficking amongst Agencies/MAC members, interception of drug networks, continuous capturing of trends, modus operandi & nodes with regular database updates and review of related rules & laws.
The Government has launched MANAS Helpline No. 1933 designed as a unified platform for citizens to report the drug-related issues via multiple communication.
NIDAAN portal is exclusively meant for use of Drugs Law Enforcement Agencies. The portal has emerged as an effective tool for the Drug Law Enforcement Agencies. It has helped them in connecting dots, previous involvements, fingerprint search, working inter-linkages, busting the network, monitoring habitual offenders, financial investigation and making proposals for detention under Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS), 1988. It also helps in monitoring status of current cases, bail, parole, handlers, etc.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to boost growth in livestock sector. Implementation of revised RGM, as Central Sector component of Development Programmes scheme is being done with an additional outlay of Rs.1000 crore that is total outlay of Rs.3400 crore during 15th Finance Commission cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Two New activities added are: (i) One-time assistance of 35% of the capital cost for establishment of Heifer Rearing Centres to Implementing Agencies for creation of 30 housing facilities having total 15000 heifers and (ii) To encourage farmers to purchase High genetic merit (HGM) IVF heifers to provide 3% interest subvention on loan taken by the farmer from milk unions / financial institutions/ banks for such purchase. This will help in systemic induction of high yielding breeds.
The revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission is approved with an allocation Rs.3400 crore during 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).
The scheme is for continuation of ongoing activities of Rashtriya Gokul Mission- strengthening of semen stations, Artificial Insemination network, implementation of bull production programme, accelerated breed improvement programme using sex sorted semen, skill development, farmer awareness, support for innovative activities including establishment of Centre of Excellence, strengthening of Central Cattle Breeding Farms and strengthening of Central Cattle Breeding Farms without any change in the pattern of assistance in any of these activities.
With the implementation of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and other efforts of the Government, milk production has increased by 63.55% in the last ten years, along with the availability of milk per person, which was 307 grams per day in 2013-14, has increased to 471 grams per day in 2023-24. Productivity has also increased by 26.34% in the last ten years.
The Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) under the RGM provides free of cost Artificial Insemination (AI) at the farmer’s doorstep in 605 districts across the country where the baseline AI coverage was below 50%. Till date, over 8.39 crores animals have been covered and 5.21crores farmers have been benefitted. RGM has also been at the forefront in bringing the latest technological interventions in breeding to the farmer’s doorstep. A total of 22 in vitro fertilization (IVF) labs have been set up across the country under the State Livestock Boards (SLBs) or in Universities and over 2541 HGM calves have been born. Two path breaking steps in Atmanirbhar technology are the Gau Chip and Mahish Chip, genomic chips for indigenous bovines developed by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) and Gau Sort indigenously developed sex sorted semen production technology developed by NDDB.
The scheme is set to significantly boost milk production and productivity, ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes. It focuses on the protection and preservation of India’s indigenous bovine breeds through systematic and scientific efforts in bull production and the development of indigenous bovine genomic chips. Additionally, in Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has become an established technology, due to the initiatives taken under the scheme. This initiative will not only enhance productivity but also improves livelihoods of 8.5 crores farmers engaged in Dairying.
The Research and Development (R&D) measures increased the exposure of the students in academic institutions to real-world problems and created opportunities for working on the state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure created in the Country. These measures cultivated critical thinking and innovation skills, bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications and helped in building a very strong academia-industry ecosystem wherein research lead to technology transfer. R&D in academic institutions thus increased the exposure of students beyond the confines of traditional education and propelled them to the forefront of global competitiveness, positioning them for cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual contributions and preparing them for the demands of a knowledge-driven society.
The impact of R&D measures taken by the Government in increasing exposure of students in academic institutions is given below:
The total Ph.D. enrolment in India has increased to 81.2% in 2021-2022 (2.13 lakh) from 2015-2016 (1.17 lakh). In 2021-22, female enrolment in PhD programs in India doubled to 99,000 (0.99 lakh) from 48,000 (0.48 lakh) in 2014-15, representing a significant increase in women’s participation in higher education, especially at the PhD level. In the year 2021-22, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education for the age group 18-23 years is estimated as 28.4, as compared to 23.7 in 2014-15. Female GER has increased to 28.5 in 2021-22 from 22.9 in 2014-15. Of the total enrolment in 2021-22, the number of Student enrolment in STEM for UG, PG, Ph.D. and M.Phil. levels is 98,49,488 (25.6%).
The details of various measures taken by the Government to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology, thereby increasing exposure of students in academic institutions to Research and Development is given in Annexure – I.
ANNEXURE – I
1. Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
(a) Fellowship Programmes: DBT has taken significant steps to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology. The Department has established several fellowship programs and initiatives that enhance collaboration between researchers and academic institutions. The DBT – Junior Research Fellowship Programme, DBT-RA Program in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Fellowship, and M K Bhan Fellowship programs represent significant initiatives by the Department to foster collaboration with academic institutions. These programs enhance exposure to research environments by creating pathways for researchers to engage with academic institutions, establish research groups, mentor students, and contribute to India’s scientific advancement.
(b) R&D Infrastructure: DBT has been supporting the development of research infrastructure at universities and research institutes across the country under Research Resource, Service Facility and Platform (abbreviated as RRSFP) Programme through the following components
DBT- Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life Science Departments for Education and Research Programme (DBT-BUILDER) which focuses on upgrading the post-graduate teaching and training laboratories by enabling interdisciplinary advanced research and teaching capacity emphasizing discovery and innovation in proposed research areas, addressing emerging technologies with inter-disciplinary cross talk. In the DBT-BUILDER programme a total of 45 Universities and Institutes were supported, comprising 9 Central University, 14 State University, and 22 Private Universities or Postgraduate Colleges. Across these institutions, 177 departments received support, with 34 in central universities, 56 in state universities, and 87 in private institutions.
DBT – Scientific Infrastructure Access for Harnessing Academia University Research Joint Collaboration (DBT-SAHAJ) aims at creating “national” service facility/research resource/platform to provide access to resources that could not be provided by any single researcher’s laboratory or scientific department. The Unified Online Booking Portal under the DBT-SAHAJ lists available equipment, user charges, and availability, allowing users to book facilities in advance.
(c) Star College Programme: The Star College Programme was initiated by DBT in 2008 to support colleges and universities offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching across the country. This Programme was launched for improving critical thinking and encouraging ‘hands on’ experimental science at undergraduate level in basic science subjects. On a larger perspective, the programme was initiated envisioning that it shall encourage more students to take up higher education in science. Through this programme the Department identifies colleges with potential for excellence and provides support for developing infrastructure for academics and laboratory activities. This support is in turn expected to invigorate teaching and provide unique exposure of students to experimental science.
(d) DBT-BIRAC Amrit Team Grant: is a new program of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to support new and innovative collaborative research programs involving academia, the clinic and start-ups.
2. Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR)
and Postdoctoral fellowships: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology through its “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme” carried out by National S&T Human Resource Development Group (HRDG) has been providing doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships to young budding researchers through its various fellowship programmes. These young researchers are basically involved in science and technology development. The main objective of the programme is to nurture the budding scientific talent and to nourish the objective of pursuit of scientific research. The CSIR supported research fellows are working in more than 650 academic and R&D institutions. Apart from doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, CSIR provides financial assistance to academic and R&D institution to carry out basic and applied research in the frontier and emerging areas of science and technology. These research projects of CSIR awarded to academic and R&D institutions are also a source of S&T human resource development as the principal investigators of these research projects are a guiding force and train young researchers in recent trends of science and technology research. These researchers contribute in the scientific publications, patents, technology, processes and overall development of S&T in the country. It is an established fact that the number of research articles published from an academic institute are proportional to the number of research scholars. This is the pool of young researchers being utilised by universities and R&D institutions for their research and development work/activities and is a precious S&T asset of the country. The research activities such as doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships and research grants are contributing in the scientific development of the country as India has attained 3rd position in terms of publishing the Science and Engineering research articles, contributed in increase in researchers per million populations from India which has now reached to 260 in 2020 compared to 215 in 2015.
3. Department of Science and Technology (DST)
DST is making several efforts through its various schemes and programmes to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology, thereby increasing exposure of students in academic institutions to Research and Development. Details of significant initiatives are given below.
(a) Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE): The Scheme aims at attracting young talent toward pursuing research as a career by leveraging the existing educational structure for talent identification, without conducting any competitive exams. Covering meritorious youth from school to university levels, the scheme supports those interested in studying science and choosing scientific research as a career. It facilitates human capacity building through scholarships, fellowships, and research exposure, enabling students to develop their skills and pursue opportunities in scientific research. The Scheme has the following components to create a robust ecosystem for cultivating future leaders in scientific research:
INSPIRE Internship: Provides exposure to the top 1% of students at the Class X Board level by organizing Science Camps during summer or winter. These camps allow students to interact with renowned scientists, including Nobel Laureates, fostering curiosity and inspiring them to pursue science at an early age (16-17 years).
Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): Offers 12,000 scholarships annually to meritorious students aged 17-22 years, encouraging them to study basic and natural sciences at the undergraduate level with additional scholarship and mentorship support.
INSPIRE Fellowship: Awards 1,000 fellowships annually to students aged 22-27 years for pursuing Ph.D. in basic and applied sciences, including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.
INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Provides 100 fellowships annually to young researchers aged 27-32 years with a Ph.D. qualification, offering them the opportunity to carry out research in both basic and applied science areas for a duration of 5 years, helping them establish themselves as independent researchers.
(b) Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST): The Schemes supports basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions. It is considered as complimentary support for enabling Departments/ Centres/ Schools/ Colleges to pursue research activities more effectively and efficiently It was launched in 2000 under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). The duration of support for each FIST Project will be 5 years and will have 4 levels – Level-0, Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3. The programme has played a crucial role in fostering academic and research growth by providing financial support to a vast network of 3072 departments and PG colleges with an allocated budget of approximately Rs 3130.82 crores. This consistent support has significantly contributed to the advancement of scientific and technological endeavours across various universities and colleges, fuelling innovation and progress in India’s educational landscape.
(c) Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes (SATHI) Centres: These Centres organizes training program for researchers, MSME and start-ups for sensitization and utilization of high-end equipment and provides appropriate level platform for networking and to explore possibilities for collaborative research and sharing of data, among the participants.
(d) Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence” (PURSE): The Scheme aims to bolster the Research and Development (R&D) foundation of universities nationwide. The primary objective is to enhance the research capabilities of Indian universities, fostering a robust research ecosystem and strengthening their R&D bases.
(e)Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN): ensures the participation of women in the field of Science and Technology (S&T) through various gender-enabling programmes. The various components of the Scheme for improving the exposure of women to Research and Development are given below.
The WISE Fellowship Programme aims to provide support to women who want to pursue a Ph.D and Post Doctorate
Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI): WIDUSHI Programme aims to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary areas of Science & Technology
WISE Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (WISE-IPR) – WISE-IPR programme provides one-year training to women in the area of Intellectual Property Rights in order to develop a core professional skill in this domain
Women International Grant Support (WINGS): WINGS Programme provides opportunities to Indian Women scientists to undertake research in the International research labs and academic institutions
Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE): CURIE Programme provides support to women institutions for establishing State-of-the art research infrastructure to enhance research facilities and improving R&D activities in order to create excellence in Science & Technology (S&T) domain
VigyanJyoti programme aims to encourage girls to pursue higher education and career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) especially in the areas where women participation is low in order to balance gender ratio across the streams
(f) The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) provides a wide range of fellowship which had increased the exposure of students to foster research and innovation in science and technology.
4. Department of Higher Education:
(a) The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme: PMRF was introduced in 2018, with the objective to attract top talent to doctoral research in India, particularly in Science and Technology, by offering attractive fellowships at institutions like IITs, IISc, and IISERs. The PMRF scheme aims to improve the quality of research in higher educational institutions and foster innovation. The scheme is offered at all IITs, IISERs, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, and some top Central Universities/NITs that offer science and/or technology degrees. The fellowship covers a research grant of Rs. 2 lakhs per year (up to Rs. 10 lakhs for five years). A new version of the PMRF scheme, PMRF 2.0, was announced in the current budget with the introduction of 10,000 fellowships over the next 5 years to boost R&D and provide enhanced PhD fellowships. Industry participation in the PMRF program is explored through CSR funding or otherwise to enable industry to sponsor Fellows.
(b) University Grants Commission (UGC): The UGC supports research and innovation in educational institutions through schemes like “Teaching and Research in Interdisciplinary and Emerging Areas,” encouraging innovative proposals and specialized courses, and promoting Research Development Cells (RDCs) to foster a strong research ecosystem.
(c) All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): AICTE supports research and innovation in technical education through various schemes, including the AICTE-Research Promotion Scheme (RPS), AICTE AURA, and by promoting infrastructure development, faculty development, and industry-institute interaction.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Department of Biotechnology has created the national resource data of whole genome sequencing of 10,074 healthy individuals from 83 heterogeneous populations from 99 different sites, under the “Genome India” project, to create a library of genetic variations. This data aims to serving both scientific and medical community, fostering genomic research. Hence, the data has been archived at the Indian Biological Data Center (IBDC), a National Repository set up by this Department. The data can be used for developing indigenous chips, diagnostics and therapeutics, benefiting healthcare system of the country and thus will contribute to the bioeconomy of the country. The Department has planned to fund translational research in which this dataset will serve as a template, thus maximizing the benefits of the data generated under ‘Genome India’ project. This data will be disseminated to the researchers under the provisions of the Biotech-PRIDE (Promotion of Research and Innovation through Data Exchange) Guidelines and ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED) Protocols.
Under the ‘Genome India’ project, the study has been carried out throughout the length and breadth of the country and ensured equitable sampling across linguistic, social, and regional groups in India. Approximately, 36.7% of the samples were collected from rural, 32.2 % from urban and 31.1 % from the tribal populations. It is imperative that maximum benefit should be accrued from the large data base already created. Hence the Department initially focuses on translational research using the already available dataset, for which proposals are being sought throughout the country and the process is still on; hence state wise data in this regard is not available.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The details of the various schemes and the initiatives being taken by the Government for the welfare of Central Armed Police Force personnel are annexed.
Ayushman CAPF as an initiative was launched on January 23, 2021 for providing cashless and paperless medical treatment at empaneled private and government hospitals across India to the serving personnel of Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles, National Security Guard & National Disaster Response Force and their dependents.
41,79,361 Ayushman CAPF Cards (ID) have been generated.
******
ANNEXURE
The Government of India has taken several welfare initiatives for the personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their families. These initiatives encompass financial assistance, educational support, housing, and rehabilitation services.
Ayushman CAPF: It is an initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) specifically for personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their families. It provides cashless and paperless medical treatment at empanelled private and government hospitals across India
Ex-Gratia Payments: In the unfortunate event of death due to accidents during duty, CAPF personnel’s next of kin receive ₹25 lakh. For deaths resulting from acts of violence by terrorists or during enemy action, the compensation is ₹35 lakh.
Accidental death insurance coverage under CAPF salary package scheme: This policy offers financial support to the families of personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS): Launched to encourage higher technical and professional education among the wards and widows of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel, the scheme offers 2,000 scholarships annually (1,000 for boys and 1,000 for girls). The scholarship amounts are ₹3,000 per month for girls and ₹2,500 per month for boys, disbursed annually as ₹36,000 and ₹30,000, respectively.
ANNEXURE
Contributory Welfare Fund:- Necessary guidelines issued to bring uniformity in payout to the Next of Kins (NoKs) of deceased CAPF personnel from Contributory Welfare Fund.
Quota for wards of CAPF:- 26 seats in MBBS & 03 seats in BDS have been reserved for the wards of serving/deceased CAPFs & AR personnel.
CAPF e-Awas Portal: A dedicated online platform facilitates the registration and allotment of residential quarters to CAPF personnel. The portal also provides services such as retention and regularization of accommodations.
Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB): Established to oversee the welfare and rehabilitation of retired CAPF personnel and their families, including the next of kin of deceased or disabled personnel, WARB operates through State and District Welfare Officers across the country.
“CAPF Punarvaas” scheme: – A “CAPF Punarvaas” scheme was launched by linking Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act (PSARA) website with WARB website where the data of retired and willing Ex- CAPF/AR personnel is made available to Private Security Agencies on PSARA website for re-employment in Private Security Agencies.
Medical Facilities: Retired personnel and their spouses receive medical facilities from CGHS/CPMF Hospitals or a medical allowance of ₹1000 per month.
ANNEXURE
Risk and Hardship Allowances: Enhancements have been made to the existing risk and hardship allowances for CAPF personnel deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and Left-Wing Extremism affected districts.
Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB): Formerly known as the Central Police Canteen, KPKB provides quality products to CAPF personnel at discounted rates through direct negotiations with suppliers.
Liberalized Pension Awards (LPA) and Extraordinary Family Pension (EFP): There are special pension schemes designed for the families of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel who suffer death or disability due to operational hazards, ensuring financial security for their dependents.
Bharat Ke Veer: It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to support the families of deceased Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. It enables citizens to contribute financially to the families of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Gaganyaan Programme is currently approved with a financial sanction of ~20,193 Crores. The envisaged expenditure is categorised into Revenue (~ 341 Crores) and Capital (~19852 Crores) elements catering to necessary technology development activities and undertaking uncrewed/ crewed flight missions. (Total: 8 Nos.).
There has been a revision in the scope and financial sanction of Gaganyaan Programme. The vision for space in the Amrit kaal envisages including other things, creation of an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and Indian Crewed Lunar Mission by 2040. Towards building these new capabilities to enable longer duration Indian human space missions, various technologies have to be developed and validated. As per the revised scope, demonstration of these technologies is planned through eight missions (2 Crewed+ 6 Uncrewed) in a phased manner.
ISRO together with collaborating national agencies is responsible for development of various technologies which are planned to be demonstrated in this mission. Private enterprises are contributing enormously to the programme specifically in areas such as realization of launch vehicle systems, sub-systems and critical structures (simulated Crew Module/ Crew Module) for ground/ flight test program, Crew Module Recovery Models, Virtual reality based training simulators, realization of various subsystems of indigenous Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) as well as avionics packages for ground simulations. Some of these contributing private enterprises are Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Tata Elxsi, Larsen & Toubro, Walchand nagar Industries, Manjira Machine Builders, Godrej Aerospace, Data Patterns India, Centum Electronics etc.
The Government of India has announced reforms, on June, 2020, in the space sector towards enabling the private players to provide end-to-end services towards enhancing the Indian space economy to a significant level. Indian Space Policy-2023 was released in April 2023 as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the space reform vision. It helps to promote greater participation of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the value chain of space economy in order to develop robust, innovative and competitive space ecosystem aiming for a larger share of India in global space economy. It also enables the NGEs to make use of infrastructure created through public funds. Further, amendment was made to the Foreign Direct Investment policy for space sector, enabling higher threshold of foreign investments in various space domains. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre {IN-SPACe), a single-window agency, was formed under Department of Space, to promote, regulate and authorize space activities of Non-Governmental Entities {NG Es). Further, in order to carry out space activities, the facilities across various ISRO centres will also be permitted for use by private sector through IN-SPACe. New Space India Ltd (NSIL}, a CPSE under the Department of Space will transfer the matured technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industries. ISRO will also nurture Indian space industries by sharing its experiences on quality and reliability protocols, documentation, testing procedures etc. Announcement of Opportunities and initiatives like ‘Atmanirbharta in development of space technologies/ products/ systems through Indian industry’ are also being undertaken offering challenges in new domains of space technology.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK science uncovers mysteries of dark universe with Euclid data
Cutting-edge UK research is benefiting the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission, with new data released today (19 March) set to uncover the secrets of dark energy and matter.
Euclid visual: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA. Background galaxies: NASA, ESA, and S. Beckwith (STScI) and the HUDF Team Euclid observations: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
The wealth of new data from the mission – described as the ultimate discovery machine – includes details of 500 galaxies that seem to experience a phenomenon known as strong lensing.
This is where light from more distant galaxies is bent around closer galaxies due to gravity, like how light is focused through a glass lens on Earth.
The way the light bends indicates the total mass, which includes both visible matter and, potentially, dark matter – so scientists can analyse this, begin to identify where dark matter is located, and understand its properties.
Euclid’s data is revolutionising the study of strong lensing. New techniques using machine learning and AI have been developed to find these rare objects. Citizen science has also contributed significantly, with over 1000 volunteers participating in visual inspections.
This image shows examples of gravitational lenses that Euclid captured in its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by M. Walmsley, M. Huertas-Company, J.-C. Cuillandre
UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:
The UK space sector is playing a leading role in the Euclid mission which, as this new data shows, is revealing more about the role of gravity in our Universe, and the nature of dark energy and matter. The British-made visible imager and data processing tools are central to these observations.
The technological advances achieved in missions like this will not only benefit our understanding of the universe, but may help us to better process data here on Earth, helping us to grow our economy and support our Plan for Change.
The Euclid mission, launched in July 2023, carries a visible imager (VIS) from the UK, funded by £37 million from the UK Space Agency. The VIS, designed and built by a UCL-led team, is a super high-resolution camera (609 million pixels), with a focal plane about the size of a large pizza box, that can take incredibly detailed pictures of the sky. It is currently observing billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away.
The new data release includes observations of distant regions of space, displaying hundreds of thousands of galaxies and many transient phenomena—astronomical events that are temporary or short-lived relative to cosmic history. These include supernovae (explosions of stars at the end of their life cycles), gamma-ray bursts (extremely energetic explosions observed in distant galaxies), and fast radio bursts (brief but intense bursts of radio waves from unknown sources in space).
All of this allows scientists to gain insights into the dynamic processes occurring in the universe. The release classifies over 380,000 galaxies and 500 gravitational lens candidates.
This is a zoom-in of Euclid’s Deep Field North, showing the Cat’s Eye Nebula in the centre of the image, around 3000 light-years away. Also known as NGC 6543, this nebula is a visual ‘fossil record’ of the dynamics and late evolution of a dying star. This dying star is shedding its outer colourful shells. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
ESA’s Director of Science, Prof. Carole Mundell, said:
Euclid shows itself once again to be the ultimate discovery machine. It is surveying galaxies on the grandest scale, enabling us to explore our cosmic history and the invisible forces shaping our Universe.
The ‘quick’ data release
Euclid ‘quick’ releases, such as this one, are of selected areas, intended to demonstrate the data products to be expected in the major data releases that follow, and to allow scientists to sharpen their data analysis tools in preparation. The mission’s first cosmology data will be released to the community in October 2026.
Aprajita Verma, a Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford, said:
This early data release showcases the amazing images that we will receive from the Euclid telescope. Even in this tiny area (less than 0.5% of the Euclid survey), Euclid has revealed millions of galaxies in exquisite detail.
Nestled among these galaxies are strong gravitational lenses. This rare phenomenon is seen around massive galaxies that can distort or warp space-time so much that light from objects behind them can be brought into view as rings, arcs or multiple images.
Verma said:
This is exactly what has been revealed in this early Euclid data, and at a higher frequency than we’ve seen from surveys with ground-based telescopes.
The team used a combination of machine learning with visual inspection from citizen scientists and the team to develop an efficient discovery engine.
Phil Holloway, PhD student at the University of Oxford said:
Incredibly, over 1000 citizen scientists volunteered to hunt for the strong lenses through the Space Warps project on the Zooniverse platform. We are amazed by the interest, dedication and skill of the citizen scientists, we wouldn’t have been able to find 500 of these rare gems without them! This was a huge collaborative effort and this early data signposts that there will be many discoveries to be made with the Euclid Wide Survey – there are exciting times ahead!
Space Warps is a dedicated project to discover strong gravitational lenses co-founded by Phil Marshall, Anupreeta More, and Aprajita Verma on the Zooniverse citizen science platform.
Professor Thomas Collett, from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said:
Euclid has provided spectacular image quality across a huge area of the sky, which is critical to discovering small, rare objects. We’ve found 500 new strong gravitational lenses in the Euclid dataset.
These are galaxies distorted into rings of light by the mass of another foreground galaxy. We have combined the strengths of machine learning and citizen scientists to sift out these rare objects from the millions of other galaxies in Euclid. These new lenses will allow us to make new measurements of the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that make up 95% of our Universe but which are poorly understood.
Euclid’s transformative capabilities
Before Euclid, astronomers had to choose between wide-field images from lower resolution telescopes like the Dark Energy Survey in Chile, or detailed zoomed-in images from telescopes like Hubble, but only on small regions. Euclid, with its 609 megapixel camera led by the UK, combines both panoramic mode and detailed imaging. The area mapped in this release is already a significant fraction of all the sky covered by Hubble since 1990.
This innovation is transformative for strong lensing studies, which require large panoramic images to locate rare objects and detailed views to analyse them.
Professor Adam Amara, Chief Scientist at the UK Space Agency, who first proposed the idea for Euclid, said:
Previously, astronomers like me used wide low-resolution surveys to find strong lenses and then requested Hubble for follow-up observations. Now, Euclid accomplishes both tasks in one shot.
This data release is the first clear evidence that Euclid will be a unique rare object finder (as well as an exquisite dark energy measuring machine). In terms of rare objects in the universe, I’m excited to see what ‘unknown-unknowns’ it will discover – it’s been a long wait.
Professor Mark Cropper (Mullard Space Science Laboratory at UCL), who led on designing and developing Euclid’s VIS optical camera over 16 years, working with teams at UCL, Open University and across Europe, said:
Euclid is allowing us to understand the universe on another level entirely. It gives us fine detail over a vast scale. To pick one example, Euclid found 70,000 globular clusters – very old, tightly packed groups of stars – in the Perseus Cluster of galaxies. And it has found 500 strong gravitational lenses, where light from distant galaxies has been bent by intervening matter – that doubles the number we knew about previously. All this and much more in just two days of data.
Dr James Nightingale , Research Fellow, Newcastle University School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics said:
For the past decade, my research has been defined by painstakingly analysing the same 50 strong gravitational lenses, but with the Q1 data release, I was handed 500 new strong lenses in under a week. It’s a seismic shift — transforming how I do science practically overnight.
UK involvement and contributions
The UK has played a pivotal role in the Euclid mission, contributing significantly to the development of both the mission’s instruments and data processing capabilities.
Marie-Claire Perkinson, Chair of UKSpace Space Science and Exploration Committee said:
The UKSpace Space Science and Exploration committee is delighted to see this data release and the knowledge generated by this exciting mission. We are pleased to see a strong UK contribution – including UKspace member Teledyne who are providing the instrument detectors.
Mullard Space Science Laboratory and XCAM Ltd. have also made significant contributions to the development of the mission, providing leadership of the VIS instrument, and the Charge-Coupled Device test bench (CCD) test bench for the Euclid visible channel.
Daniel Waller, General Manager and Vice-President of Teledyne Space Imaging in Chelmsford Essex said:
Teledyne Space Imaging delivered the detectors for both the VIS and NISP instruments for Euclid. We are humbled by the astonishing detailed results that has been returned so far. The teams here in Chelmsford and in California feel privileged to have made their contribution to this scientific endeavour of understanding our Universe.
In addition to the VIS instrument UK scientists and institutions around the country have developed bespoke data processing tools for Euclid and are analysing the wealth of data being returned by the mission. Five key papers led by UK researchers are shared as part of this data release.
Professor Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, said:
To see UK astronomers, space scientists and engineers playing key roles in this extraordinary scientific endeavour is truly inspiring – and what’s even better is that this is just the beginning.
We can look forward to Euclid giving us the most detailed ever 3D map of the cosmos, helping to solve the biggest cosmic mysteries – what the universe is made of, how it evolved, and what its future holds.
The wider benefits of space science
The ripple effects of technological advances in space science extend far beyond the realm of space exploration, driving advances and growth across multiple sectors in the UK. The need for compact and efficient technology in space missions has led to advancements in miniaturisation, which benefit consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops.
In healthcare, machine learning techniques developed for imaging technologies used in space exploration are being adapted to create more precise medical imaging techniques, potentially improving diagnosis and patient outcomes. The vast amounts of data collected by missions like Euclid are processed using advanced algorithms, which are now being used in healthcare to analyse patient data and predict disease outbreaks.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The Polytechnic University held Open Day for international applicants online. The event was dedicated to the start of the admissions campaign. Representatives of SPbPU international services spoke about the admissions process, educational opportunities and answered questions from future students.
For more than a century of history, Polytechnic University has established itself as one of the leading engineering universities in Russia and the world. We are proud of our graduates — talented engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and government officials who contribute to the development of technology, economy and society. We invite you to become part of our energetic and multifaceted community. Polytechnic University is a place where you can unleash your potential, find friends from all over the world and take the first step towards a successful career. We are looking forward to seeing you at Polytechnic University. Let’s create the future together, — Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev greeted future students.
Students from the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, the Civil Engineering Institute, the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, and the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade shared their impressions of studying at the university.
Learning the language and adapting were difficult at first, but over time they opened up new opportunities. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the teachers who create additional materials to help students in their studies. The atmosphere at the university is inspiring: the polytechnics are incredibly responsive and always ready to support, – said Marvin Bethel, a student from Botswana.
ISI student Mustafa Ibrahim is from Ethiopia. He chose Polytechnic University because of its high international rankings, its status as one of the best universities in Russia, and its campus with modern infrastructure.
The academic environment at the university is conducive to development. The teachers are always ready to help and share knowledge in their field. Here I met students from Russia, India, Egypt, China and other countries, which significantly expanded my cultural and educational experience. The training at the Polytechnic is intensive, with an emphasis on practical skills and research, – shared Mustafa Ibrahim.
Activists from PolyUnion, the Council of Fellowships and Tutor Forces spoke about communities and extracurricular activities for international students at the Polytechnic University.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
On 12 March 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the first maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to protect infants against one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory infections in children globally.
Each year, RSV causes more than 3.6 million hospitalizations and about 100 000 deaths in children under 5 years of age. About half of these deaths occur in infants younger than 6 months of age. The majority of paediatric RSV deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where there is limited access to supportive medical care.
Currently, there are no specific treatments for RSV infection, making supportive measures the main line of therapy. Preventive measures, such as vaccines, are key to reducing cases of pneumonia and bronchiolitis, decreasing hospitalizations and oxygen use, and saving infant lives globally. After decades of research, there are currently two licensed immunization products for prevention of RSV disease in young infants: the maternal vaccine given to pregnant women in the third trimester to protect their babies and a long-acting monoclonal antibody administered to infants from birth just before or during the RSV season.
“RSV has long been an under-recognized public health problem, significantly impacting infants worldwide,” says Dr Katherine O’Brien, WHO Director, Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. “Expanding access to maternal RSV vaccination will help keep infants out of hospitals, save lives and free up limited resources for other health priorities.”
In September 2024, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) made global recommendations to introduce passive immunization (maternal vaccination and infant monoclonal antibodies) for the prevention of severe RSV disease in young infants. The subsequent prequalification of the maternal RSV vaccine in March 2025 reflects the Organization’s commitment to improving health equity by expediting access to life-saving health products in parallel to developing recommendations.
The prequalified maternal vaccine, ABRYSVO®, aims to prevent RSV-associated disease in infants during the first 6 months through the transfer of antibodies during gestation. ABRYSVO® is manufactured by Pfizer with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as the Regulatory Authority of reference. To date, the maternal RSV vaccine has only been used in high- and middle-income countries. With prequalification and new WHO recommendations, the aim is to expand RSV vaccination to low- and lower-middle-income countries where the risk of severe disease and death is highest.
WHO will launch a position paper on RSV vaccines in May 2025 based on the SAGE recommendations. The aim of the position paper is to inform national public health officials and immunization programme managers on use of RSV immunization products in their national programmes, as well as national and international funding agencies.
Prequalification is a pre-requisite for financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and for vaccine purchases by UN agencies such as UNICEF. The Gavi Board will make further decisions about the inclusion the maternal RSV vaccine within the Organization’s vaccine portfolio during 2025.
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Government adopts comprehensive strategy for Women’s Empowerment, focusing on Political Participation and Local Governance Government launches Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative with an aim to establish at least one Model Gram Panchayat in each District in the country
Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi
The Government of India has adopted a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach to address issues on a life-cycle continuum basis for the holistic empowerment of women from all sections of the society, and this includes political empowerment of women. Through various policies, the Government of India is promoting greater participation of women in local governance and political leadership roles.
In 2023, Parliament of India passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”, marking a historic milestone in its national journey to foster equitable representation of women in public life at all levels of the federal structure. This landmark legislation rotationally reserves one-third of all seats for women in the Lower House of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and in all federal State Legislative Assemblies, including Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi, thus institutionalizing representation of women in politics at the highest levels of public decision-making.
This recent landmark is built on the foundation of more than three decades of honing women’s leadership affirmative action at grassroots level by reserving one-third (33 percent) of the seats in in the rural and urban bodies of local governance, i.e., Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Municipal bodies, through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992). Keeping with decentralized federal structure, over two-third states (21 states / and 2 UTs with PRIs) have made provisions of 50% reservation for women in their Panchayati Raj Institutions. As a result, today, out of approximately 31 lakh elected representatives in local governments, nearly half (46 percent), comprising 14.5 lakh, are women – a scale of representation unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
The Government has launched the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan”, a comprehensive and targeted capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the nation. It focuses on sharpening their leadership acumen, enhancing their decision-making capabilities, and reinforcing their role in grassroots governance. The Government has prepared specialized training modules designed specifically for capacity building of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Recognizing the on-ground challenges faced by women duty bearers and women leaders contesting elections, a comprehensive “Primer on Law Addressing Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices” for Panchayat Elected Representatives has also been prepared.
Recently, the Government has launched Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative with an aim to establish at least one Model Gram Panchayat in each District in the country that is both women and girl friendly, reinforcing the commitment to gender equality and sustainable rural development.
The Government also aims to engage 01 lakh youth, including young women, in politics without political affiliations and provide them a national platform to make their ideas for Viksit Bharat, a reality.
Further, there are a number of schemes being implemented by various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India for holistic educational, economic, social, political empowerment of women. The Government is moving with a saturation approach through saturation of essential services for the poor and marginalised such as affordable housing, incentivizing women’s property ownership, and universal health coverage, linkages to formal credit, insurance and banking services, as well as financial support to pregnant women and lactating mothers to rest and recover after childbirth, tracking nutrition and well-being of children and mothers, amongst others.
Envisioning Self Help Groups as vehicles of change, today 10 crore women are transforming the rural landscape economically, and taking greater leadership at grassroots level.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in collaboration with MyGov is organising a data visualization hackathon titled ‘Innovate with GoIStats’ during the period 25.2.2025 to 31.03.2025. Students enrolled in undergraduate (UG)/ postgraduate (PG) degrees/ diploma or equivalent courses, research associates currently enrolled in recognized and bonafide Indian universities, colleges and institutions or completed the above degrees in financial year 2024-25 are eligible to participate in the hackathon.
The hackathon is organised aiming to create awareness about the data being generated by the Ministry and encourage students and researchers to utilize the data for analysis to create any data visualization by using technology which may include AI/ML. The visualizations would aid dissemination of insights derived from the data for further use by researchers and policy makers.
MoSPI has taken the following measures to promote data literacy and statistical analysis among students and researchers in India:
The official statistics being generated by the Ministry are published on the website of the Ministry and also disseminated through social media handles of the Ministry for use by students and researchers.
MoSPI provides internship opportunities to students pursuing or completed graduate/post-graduate or research scholars in recognized institutes / universities / research institutes under the ‘National Internship in Official Statistics’ programme.
MoSPI promotes research in official statistics by way of providing financial assistance under the Grant-in-Aid component of the Capacity Development scheme of the Ministry.
The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) organizes one-week awareness programme on official statistics for Heads of the Departments and UG/PG Students of Departments of Statistics / Economics / Social Science of Central and State Universities.
NSSTA also organises one-day awareness workshop on official statistics for UG/PG students of Departments of Statistics/ Economics/Social Science at the campuses of the Universities/ Colleges.
This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Government of India has undertaken following projects, with funding from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), to increase telecommunication connectivity in remote areas :-
Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) for mobile connectivity in the North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar islands and Lakshadweep islands with projects costing over ₹4,050 crore.
Scheme for providing mobile services in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas and Aspirational Districts with projects costing over ₹13,179 crore.
4G Saturation Project for providing 4G mobile services in uncovered villages with projects costing over ₹26,300 crore.
Amended BharatNet project to provide broadband connectivity to the Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages.
The Government has taken several steps to increase 5G connectivity in the country, including in remote and tribal areas. These initiatives are listed as below:-
i. Auction of spectrum for 5G mobile services.
ii. Financial reforms to rationalize Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), Bank Guarantees (BGs) and interest rates.
iii. Removal of Spectrum Usage Charges for spectrum acquired in auction of 2022 and thereafter.
iv. Simplification of procedure for SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocations) clearance.
v. Launch of PM GatiShakti Sanchar portal and RoW (Right of Way) Rules to streamline RoW permissions and clearance of installation of telecom infrastructure.
vi. Time-bound permission for use of street furniture for installation of small cells and telecommunication line.
Since its launch in October 2022, 4.69 lakhs 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have been installed across the country which is one of the fastest roll out of 5G mobile services in the world. At present, 5G mobile services are available in 99.6% of the districts in the country. Further, 2.95 lakh 5G BTSs have been set up in the last financial year (2023-24).
This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
2,744 PACS across the country have received initial approval from the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Government of India to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK). Among the 2,744 PACS that received initial approval, 785 have been issued drug licenses by the State Drug Controllers and 716 PACS have been allotted Store Codes by PMBI, which are ready to function as PMBJK.
PACS functioning as PMBJKs provide around 2,047 quality generic medicines and around 300 surgical items. The product basket covers all major therapeutic groups such as Cardiovascular, Anti-cancers, Anti-diabetics, Anti-infectives, Anti-allergic, Gastro-intestinal medicines, Nutraceuticals, etc. These Kendras provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to rural citizens which are 50% to 90% less priced than that of branded alternatives, making healthcare more affordable for rural population. The initiative aims to improve accessibility to essential medicines, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the overall well-being of rural communities.
PACS operating PMBJKs have been able to diversify their income streams, enhancing their financial sustainability. As per information provided by PMBI, so far, medicines worth Rs. 4.9 Crore have been purchased by PACS operating PMBJKs from PMBI. The initiative has strengthened financial viability of PACS, allowing them to reinvest in other cooperative activities, provide better services to their members, and expand their role in rural economic development.
In order to increase the number of PACS operating PMBJKs, particularly in underserved/ rural and remote areas, the implementation of the initiative is regularly reviewed through meetings with States/UTs and PMBI to ensure effective progress. Efforts include simplifying the application process, fast-tracking approvals, and conducting training programs for PACS staff on pharmacy operations. Additionally, State Governments are encouraged to identify and support eligible PACS in launching PMBJKs to further strengthen rural healthcare access.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The Government of India has taken the following steps for strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs):-
Relief from Income Tax to Cooperative Sugar Mills:Sugar factories operating in the co-operative sector in certain States of India pay to sugarcane growers a final amount, often referred to as Final Cane Price (FCP) which is over and above the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) fixed by the Central Government under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1996.
The payment of FCP by the co-operative sugar factories over and above the SMP for purchase of sugarcane had resulted into tax litigation. The co-operative sugar factories were claiming this excess payment as business expenditure whereas the same has been disallowed in the assessment on the ground that the excess price paid for purchase of sugar cane over and above SMP is in the nature of appropriation/distribution of profit and hence not allowable as deduction.
Inordertoprovidecertaintyinthismatterandtoencourageco-operativemovementinsugarsector,a new clause (xvii) was inserted to amend sub-section (1) of section 36 of
the Income-tax Actto provide that the amount paid for purchase of sugarcane by the co-operative societies engaged in the manufacture of sugar at a price which is equal to or less than the price fixed by or fixed with the approval of the Government, including price fixation by State Governments through State-level Acts/Orders or other legal instruments that regulate the purchase price for sugarcane, including State Advised Price, which may be higher than the Statutory Minimum Price/Fair and Remunerative Price fixed by the Central Government shall be allowed as deduction for computing business income of the sugar co-operative factories w.e.f. 01.4.2016.
Resolving decades old pending issues related to income tax demand on Cooperative Sugar Mills:The provision at SI. No (i) above resolved the issue of treatment of additional payment for sugar price by CSMs as an income distribution to farmers w.e.f.01.04.2016. However, pending demands and litigation still persisted in respect of assessment years(AYs) prior to 2016-
17. Therefore, to conclude the matter logically and to extend the benefit of the abovementioned relief to all the applicable years, section 155 of the Act has been amended to insert a new sub- section (19) vide Finance Act, 2023, w.e.f. 01 April 2023. It provides that in the case of a sugar mill cooperative, where any deduction in respect of any expenditure incurred for the purchase of sugarcane has been claimed by an assessee and such deduction has been disallowed wholly or partly in any previous year commencing on or before the 1ª day of April, 2014, the Assessing Officer shall, on the basis of an application made by such assessee in this regard, recompute the total income of such assessee for such previous year. The Assessing Officer shall allow such deduction to the extent such expenditure is incurred at a price which is equal to or less than price fixed or approved by the Government for that previous year. CBDT has also issued Standard Operating Procedure in this regard on 27.07.2023.
Rs 10,000 crore loan scheme through NCDC for strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills:Ministry of Cooperation has launched a new scheme named ‘Grant-in-aid to NCDC for Strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills’, under which Government of India has provided grant of Rs.1,000 crore to NCDC during financial year 2022-23 and 2024-25. NCDC will use this grant to provide loans up to Rs. 10,000 crores to Cooperative Sugar Mills, for setting up ethanol plants or for setting up cogeneration plants or for working capital or for all three purposes. NCDC has so far sanctioned 87 loans of ₹ 9893.12 crore to 48 CSMs.
For ease of CSMs availing loan for setting up of ethanol plants under the scheme, NCDC has revised its funding pattern from 70:30 to 90:10 wherein the society has to raise only 10% of the project cost and 90% of the project cost will be provided by NCDC subject to technical and financial viability of the project. Further,for benefit of the Cooperative Sugar Mills, NCDC has reduced its floating rate of interest for term loan to 8.50% under the scheme.
Preference in purchase of ethanol to Cooperative Sugar Mills:Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are according top priority to CSMs participating in ethanol procurement cycles. So far, 24,650 KL ethanol worth ₹ 25.50 crore have been procured by OMCs from 11 CSMs.
Enhancing ethanol production of Cooperative Sugar Mills by converting their molasses-based ethanol plants into multi feed ethanol plants:Ministry of Cooperation has taken initiative for conversion of existing molasses-based ethanol plants of CSMs into multi feed ethanol plants.As that they can operate their distilleries throughout the year, under this initiative CSMs will get following benefits:
NCDC will provide a term loan under funding pattern of 90:10, with 90% from the society and 10% from NCDC.
On March 6, 2025, the Department of Food and Public Distribution issued a Gazette Notification notifying the revised scheme titled “Scheme for Financial Assistance to Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) for Converting Their Existing Sugarcane-Based Feedstock Ethanol Plants into Multi-Feedstock-Based Plants to Utilize Grains Such as Maize and Damaged Food Grains (DFG) for Enhancing and Augmenting Ethanol Production Capacity”, exclusively for cooperative sugar mills. Under the scheme, Central Government will bear the interest subvention on the loan availed by them at a rate of either 6% per annum or 50% of the interest rate charged by the lending institution, whichever is lower, for a period of five years, including a one-year moratorium.
Cooperative sugar mills availing the benefit of interest subvention will be given Priority-1 by OMCs to facilitate their transition from single-feed ethanol plants to multi-feed ethanol plants.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The coal gasification initiatives taken by the Government are as under:
(i) On January 24, 2024 the Government has approved an outlay of ₹ 8,500 crore as financial incentive, for promotion of coal/lignite gasification projects for both government PSUs as well as private sector.
(ii) Government has also approved investment by Coal India Limited (CIL) in joint ventures of CIL-BHEL and CIL-GAIL for undertaking coal gasification projects.
(iii) In 2022, a new sub-sector, “Production of Syngas leading to coal gasification,” was created under the NRS linkage auctions policy to support this initiative. Further under this sector the government has allowed auction with a floor price at the notified price of the regulated sector, for the projects commissioning within the next seven years.
(iv) 50% rebate in the revenue share for coal used in gasification has been introduced in commercial coal block auctions, provided that at least 10% of the total coal production is used for gasification purposes.
Coal is one of the most abundant natural resources in the country. Coal gasification technology enables conversion of coal into syngas (synthetic gas), which can be used to produce downstream products like methanol, ammonium nitrate, Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) and Fertilizers etc. Coal gasification technology provides alternative use of coal promoting environmental sustainability to align with vision of developed India 2047.
The Government has not conducted any specific impact assessment of the financial incentive scheme for coal gasification projects.
Coal India Limited (CIL), a CPSE under Ministry of Coal, has secured Khattali Chhoti Graphite Block in Madhya Pradesh, India through e- auction of critical mineral blocks conducted by Ministry of Mines. Besides, CIL has also signed Non-Disclosure Agreement with an Argentinian company and an Australian company for acquisition of lithium assets in Argentina.
The Government has, inter-alia, taken the following steps to reduce India’s import dependency and build supply chain resilience in critical minerals:
Central Government has been empowered to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for 24 critical minerals, with an aim to increase exploration and mining of critical minerals and ensure self-sufficiency in their supply.
The Government has announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 the setting up of a Critical Mineral Mission for a harmonized approach in areas including domestic production, recycling, overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets and research & development (R&D).
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Starry Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (March 19):
Question:
It is learnt that recently, under the influence of various factors such as high interest rates, uncertainties in the global economy and adjustments in the local property market, private developers’ wish to participate in urban renewal has significantly diminished, resulting in impediment to the progress of a number of redevelopment projects, including the “13 Streets” and “5 Streets” projects in To Kwa Wan. There are views that the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), as the primary organisation to drive urban renewal, must ensure that its redevelopment work will not be stalled by changes in the economic environment, so as to avoid any impact on the pressing demand of residents of dilapidated buildings for improvement in their living conditions. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council if it knows:
(1) whether the URA has assessed the specific impact of the current weak property market on urban renewal projects, including details of the delayed projects and the number of residents affected;
(2) whether the URA will actively consider fully unleashing the development potential of land in old districts by means of establishment of street consolidation areas, cross-district transfer of plot ratios, greater planning flexibility or introduction of other innovative approaches; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; President,
In consultation with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), my reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
(1) Under the Urban Renewal Authority Ordinance (Cap. 563), the URA is required to exercise due care and diligence in handling its finances, thereby maintaining a sound and healthy financial position in the long run. Given its business nature, the URA’s annual financial position will be affected by the fluctuations in the property market and the progress of commenced projects. To cope with the challenges posed by the economic environment and property market situations on sustaining urban renewal, the URA will adopt a dynamic management approach to review, from time to time, the commenced and/or to be commenced redevelopment projects. It will also appropriately adjust the planning and the pace of implementation of different projects in the light of market situations and building conditions, so as to strike a balance between maintaining its financial stability, effectively promoting the regeneration of old districts and addressing the expectations of the local community in its mission to carry out urban renewal in a sustainable and orderly manner.
Meanwhile, the Development Bureau (DEVB) will continue to provide various forms of financial support to the URA, and will work with the URA and relevant departments for the wider application of innovative planning tools to enhance the commercial viability of redevelopment. The DEVB will also enable the URA to take forward redevelopment projects in a sustainable manner through policy measures, the details of which are set out below:
(2) and (3) In recent years, the URA has started to apply the new planning tools proposed in its District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok (YMDS) (Note) in suitable redevelopment projects. For example, the URA has adopted a more flexible interchangeable domestic/non-domestic plot ratio for the Shantung Street/Thistle Street Development Scheme in Mong Kok to be tendered this month by relaxing the maximum residential plot ratio from 7.5 to 8.5 without exceeding the current permitted gross floor area, so as to increase the flexibility in planning and to attract the participation of private developers. Separately, the Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme in Mong Kok announced by the URA in March 2024 will, through the transfer of plot ratio, consolidate and transfer the redevelopment potential of several small, scattered sites to a larger site for mixed development to enhance planning gains and commercial viability of the project. With the Government’s support, the URA has introduced the “single site, multiple use” model to consolidate different government and community services in the same building to provide convenience to the public, release government land and enhance development potential of redevelopment projects. The URA has also utilised the above new planning tools in other suitable projects, including the Nga Tsin Wai Road/Carpenter Road Development Scheme. In the district planning studies for Tsuen Wan and Sham Shui Po underway, the Government will explore with the URA the feasibility of other tools to expedite the pace of urban renewal.
Self-developed residential projects are one of the development options. As the URA has to pay the construction costs for residential projects upfront, it has to take into account the resulting cash-flow pressure. Therefore, the URA’s redevelopment strategy will continue to primarily focus on joint venture with developers, leveraging market forces to carry out redevelopment through land tendering. To this end, the URA has piloted the Development Facilitation Services at the end of last year to gather developers’ views on relevant projects before commencing the tender process. This serves as a basis for refining the project parameters and tender terms, thereby enhancing developers’ interest and confidence in tendering.
(4) As the URA is the Government’s important partner in urban renewal, the Government will ensure that the URA has adequate resources to fulfill its statutory mission as well as to carry out the tasks entrusted by the Government. Apart from the $10 billion capital injection upon the URA’s establishment, the Government has also provided additional funding in the form of land premium waivers for redevelopment projects of the URA, with the cumulative amount of land premium waived reaching $25.3 billion as of March 31, 2024. The Government will also continue to support the URA in suitable redevelopment projects to consolidate the “Government, Institution or Community” sites in the vicinity to reprovision and upgrade relevant facilities. This will increase the overall development potential of the redevelopment projects through releasing and granting government land to the URA, which is also a form of financial support rendered to the URA by the Government. Moreover, the Government approved in mid-2023 to uplift the borrowing limit of the URA from $6 billion to $25 billion to enable the URA to cope with the financing need arising from a number of large-scale redevelopment projects in the coming few years. If necessary, the Government will also consider rendering other forms of support as appropriate.
Moreover, the Government has embarked on a policy study to explore the use of newly developed land to create more favourable conditions for future URA and private redevelopment projects in old districts, so as to facilitate sustainable urban renewal. Among other things, we will consider allocating land in new development areas (NDAs) for the construction of rehousing estates to provide decanting space for redevelopment of old districts. We will also study the feasibility of cross-district transfer of plot ratios, with the objective of transferring the residual plot ratios of redevelopment projects in old districts for use in NDAs, so as to incentivise market participation in redevelopment and transform densely-developed old districts at the same time, thereby thinning out the urban population and renewing old districts to make them more livable in the long run. Our target is to put forward preliminary proposals in the first half of 2025.
Redevelopment of old districts cannot be taken up solely by the URA. Private market forces are also needed. The Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 just implemented in December 2024 is one of the Government’s measures to encourage developers to participate in redevelopment by lowering the compulsory sale application thresholds and facilitating multiple adjoining-lot compulsory sale applications.
Lastly, our urban renewal strategy is a dual-track approach of building rehabilitation and redevelopment. Regarding building rehabilitation, the Government launched a public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123) in December 2024, and listened to the views of various sectors, including their suggestions on expediting building inspection and repair, during the consultation period ended in late February this year. The views collected so far generally support the Government’s carrot and stick approach (i.e. with both support and a punitive system) to urge owners to comply with the statutory orders and notices under the BO. The Government will take into account the views collated when finalising the proposals and proceed with the law drafting work to amend the BO with the target of introducing the amendment bill into the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026. Implementation of proposals on expediting building inspection and repair will help owners to better maintain their properties, thereby decelerating the building ageing process and slowing down the need for urban renewal.
Note: The URA completed the YMDS in 2021, proposing recommendations and new planning tools such as transfer of plot ratio, permitting interchangeability of domestic/non-domestic plot ratio in the Yau Mong districts, and removing the plot ratio restriction of the commercial zone along Nathan Road.