India has seen significant employment growth, with a 36% increase and around 170 million jobs added between 2016-17 and 2023-24. This reflects the country’s strong economic trajectory and job creation across various sectors. Schemes like e-Shram, Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana and the National Career Service have been key drivers, supporting rural employment and providing training and career opportunities. These initiatives are essential for strengthening India’s workforce and ensuring sustainable job creation.
e-Shram
Launch: 21st October, 2024
Objective: The eShram portal, was launched on 26 August 2021 to register and support unorganised workers by providing them with a Universal Account Number (UAN) and for the creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
eShram– “One-Stop-Solution” was launched on 21st October 2024, which entails the integration of different social security/ welfare schemes on a single portal, i.e., eShram. This enables unorganised workers registered on eShram to access social security schemes and see benefits availed by them so far through eShram.
Key Achievements:
As of 27 January 2025, over 30.58 crore unorganised workers have already registered on the eShram portal
So far, 12 schemes of different central ministries/departments have been integrated/mapped with eShram.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY)
Launch: 1st October, 2020
Objective: To incentivize employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic.
Key Achievements:
As of March 31, 2024, a total of Rs. 10,188.50 crore has been disbursed to 60.49 Lakh beneficiaries through 1.52 Lakh establishments.
National Career Service (NCS)
Launch Date: 20th July, 2015.
Objective: NCS has become a ‘one stop platform’ for career related services including jobs from private and government sectors, information on online & offline job fairs, skill/training programmes etc. It works towards bridging the gap between jobseekers and employers, candidates seeking training and career guidance, agencies providing training and career counselling.
Key Achievements:
From January 1 to December 15, 2024, 1.89 Crores vacancies were available on the NCS portal, bringing the total to 3.89 crore vacancies since inception.
A total of 8,263 job fairs were organized on the NCS portal, with 43,874 employers participating, leading to the provisional selection of 2.6 Lakh candidates.
The portal saw 17.23 Lakh new employers and 1.38 Crores new job seekers registering during the year.
Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi)
Launch: 1st June, 2020
Objective: To facilitate collateral free working capital loan to street vendors to restart their businesses, which were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Achievements:
No. of Beneficiaries 6,801,644
Sanctioned amount 14,332.1 Cr
Disbursed amount 13,736.14 Cr from 2020 till 28.01.2025
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Launch Date: August, 2016
Objective: Aims to promote apprenticeship training in the country by providing stipend support to the apprentices, undertake capacity building of the apprenticeship ecosystem and provide advocacy assistance to support rapid growth.
Key Achievements:
Training Status: As of August 31, 2024, 367,170 apprentices are engaged for the 2024-25 financial year, with a total of 780,000 apprentices undergoing training across 47,708 establishments.
DBT Progress: Since its launch on August 11, 2023, the number of apprentices under DBT has risen from 172,542 in July 2023 to 295,011 in July 2024. The Government of India has also disbursed ₹468.27 crore in stipends through DBT.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
Launch: 2005
Objective: It is a demand driven wage employment Scheme which provides for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households in rural areas of the country by providing at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
Key Achievements:
In FY 2013-14, the minimum average notified wage rate for Mahatma Gandhi NREGA was ₹155, while in FY 2024-25, the minimum average notified wage rate is ₹279.
In FY 2024-25, attendance for 20.35 lakh worksites (95.66%) has been captured and uploaded on the portal.
The total person days generated between FY 2006-07 to FY 2013-14 were 1660 crore, whereas, the total person days between FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 has been 2923 crore.
In addition to these efforts the government has implemented various initiatives for employment welfare, including the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme and support for Gig and Platform Workers all aimed at further enhancing job security and opportunities for the workforce.
Celebrating India’s Musical Heritage: Akashvani and Ministry of Culture join hands for the launch of Classical Music Series: ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’. Cultural Harmony on AIR: 21 Stations to broadcast this special series everyday at 9:30 am till the 16th of February, 2025
Posted On: 02 FEB 2025 4:43PM by PIB Delhi
On the pious occasion of Basant Panchami, Pt. Ravishankar Music Studio at Broadcasting House, Akashvani came alive to a special function, organized to mark the launch of a new radio programme sereis, ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’, specially curated to showcase myriad shades of Indian Classical Music on the airwaves.
Jointly presented by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Public Service Broadcaster, Akashvani, this series will be broadcast at 9:30 A.M. simultaneously from 21 stations across India effectively covering almost all parts of the country, everyday till the 16th of February, 2025.
The function formally commenced at 10:30 A.M., with floral offering to goddess Saraswati, by Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, Shri Aruneesh Chawla, CEO, Prasar Bharati, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, Director General, Akashvani, Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, Joint Secretary Culture, Ms. Ameeta Prasad Sarbhai and Director General, Doordarshan, Ms. Kanchan Prasad.
In her welcome address, DG, Akashvani, Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur highlighted the celestial significance of the occasion of Basant Panchami this year, that symbolizes the rare confluence of Saraswati and Lakshmi, as the spring season ushers in. Enumerating the concept and the broadcast schedule of ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’, she expressed the hope that this collaborative effort proves fruitful.
The series ‘Har Kanthh Mein Bharat’ was digitally jointly inaugurated by Shri Aruneesh Chawla and Shri Gaurav Dwivedi amid a standing ovation. In his special inaugural remarks, CEO Prasar Bharti highlighted the stellar, historical role of Akashvani, throughout the country, over the decades. He expressed optimistically that such creative partnership could help new avenues blossom.
Performing art forms in the age of AI
In his keynote speech, Secretary, Ministry of Culture listed minute details of the vision behind this collaboration. He referred to the various initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, and the need to conserve and preserve performing art forms in the present AI age. According to him, involving gen-next with such projects was a solution towards that end. He also remarked that the Ministry of Culture was looking forward to extrapolating this joint presentation.
Intermittently, there were live musical performances on stage. While Saraswati Vandana and a vocal rendition in Raag Basant held the audience spellbound, Raag Des played on the Sarod enthralled everyone present in the studio.
Shri Yogesh Kumar Baweja, Director General of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, visited the multimedia exhibition themed ‘Janbhagidari se Jankalyan’, set up at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj. The exhibition showcases the programmes, policies, schemes and achievements of the Government of India over the past 10 years.
After visiting the exhibition, the Director-General said that the exhibition effectively presents the Indian Government’s schemes and achievements. Developed using new technologies like anamorphic walls, LED TV screens, and holographic cylinders, this multimedia exhibition provides the public with better information about various schemes. He added that the goal of the exhibition is to inform people about the government’s efforts and initiatives, so they can benefit from these policies, programmes and schemes.
During the visit, the Director-General assessed the work being carried out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Mahakumbh 2025, and held a review meeting with CBC and PIB officials. He instructed them to coordinate effectively and manage communication and promotional activities efficiently.
This digital exhibition has been an innovative platform for informing devotees and visitors about the government’s major schemes, policies, and efforts for national unity. Running from January 13 to February 26, the exhibition is based on the theme ‘Unity is the Strength of Society’, showcasing government initiatives like ‘One Nation, One Tax’, ‘One Country, One Power Grid’ and ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’, to unite the country.
Additionally, the exhibition highlights schemes related to entrepreneurship, self-employment, and economic empowerment, embodying the spirit of public participation for public welfare. Through LED screens, digital displays, and audio-visual media, this exhibition not only promotes economic and social empowerment but also serves as a medium for connecting the masses using modern technology. Devotees are not only gaining detailed information about government schemes but are also becoming more aware of their role in nation-building.
The Union Budget 2025 marks a landmark initiative in India’s labour welfare landscape with a comprehensive framework to extend formal recognition and social security benefits to gig workers. Lauding the decision, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, hailed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of over 1 crore gig workers across the country.
Gig Workers to Get Social Security Benefits
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for this announcement, Dr. Mandaviya said “The gig workforce is a vital pillar of India’s new-age economy, driving innovation and efficiency across digital platforms. Recognizing their contribution, the Government’s decision to provide them with identity cards, e-Shram registration, and healthcare security under PM Jan Arogya Yojana is a transformative step towards their social security and well-being. This initiative will empower nearly 1 crore gig workers. Beyond this, the Government remains committed to extending social security benefits to workers in other unorganised sectors as well, ensuring dignity, security, and prosperity for every worker in the country,” said Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized employment, creating new opportunities for flexible work arrangements. India’s gig and platform economy has witnessed rapid expansion, with NITI Aayog’s report ‘India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy’ projecting that the workforce in this sector will cross 1 Crore in 2024-25 and grow to 2.35 crore by 2029-30.
Recognizing this transformation, the Code on Social Security, 2020 (CoSS, 2020) for the first time, defined ‘aggregator’, ‘gig worker’ and ‘platform worker and introduced legal provisions for gig and platform workers for the first time, ensuring their inclusion in social security measures. This framework laid the groundwork for structured welfare initiatives tailored to the needs of this dynamic workforce.
The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a significant milestone in this journey, with a comprehensive initiative to extend formal recognition and social security benefits to platform-based gig workers. The Hon’ble Finance Minister has announced measures to facilitate their identification through unique identity cards, streamline their registration on the e-Shram portal, and ensure access to healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana. These steps will further strengthen the safety net for over 1 crore gig workers across sectors.
A pilot initiative has already been undertaken by the Ministry of Labour & Employment to register platform workers and aggregators on the e-Shram portal. An Aggregator Module has also been piloted enabling digital platforms to onboard themselves and their workforce onto India’s national database for unorganised workers. As part of this pilot, four leading aggregators—Urban Company, Zomato, Blinkit, and Uncle Delivery—have already registered.
The Budget 2025 announcement marks a significant expansion of this initiative, enabling a massive scale-up and institutionalizing these efforts. With enhanced resources, the initiative will ensure that every gig and platform worker has access to essential social security benefits through eShram portal, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of this workforce.
The Ministry remains focused on the seamless execution of these initiatives, addressing any operational challenges, and strengthening collaboration with digital platforms. By combining early groundwork with large-scale policy support, the Government aims to create a robust safety net for gig workers, ensuring their security and well-being in India’s evolving employment landscape.
Record Budget Allocation for Labour Welfare & Employment Generation
Continuing the Government’s focus on labour welfare and employment generation, the Union Budget has allocated a record ₹32,646 crore for the Ministry of Labour & Employment in FY 25-26—the highest ever and almost 80% higher than last year’s revised estimates. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the significance of this historic allocation, stating:
“I thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for this historic budget which is the highest ever and almost 80% higher than last year’s revised estimates. Our focus is firmly on the newly announced Employment Generation Scheme (ELI), for which the budgetary allocation has been doubled from ₹10,000 crore to ₹20,000 crore. The allocation under the Employees’ Pension Scheme has been increased by ₹300 crores and under the PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana by 37% compared to last year.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A stress test will be held at the Main Stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park on February 4. Police will arrange a media guided tour to introduce the stress test arrangements and crowd management measures.
Representatives of the Government and relevant organisation will meet the media after the stress test.
Media representatives who are interested in joining the media guided tour (three per TV station and two per other mass news media organisation) should pre-register by completing the attached return slip and email it to io-newsroom-pr@police.gov.hk by 6pm tomorrow (February 3). Confirmation will be made by phone.
Media representatives registered for the guided tour are requested to assemble at the media registration counter (i.e designated press area at the Central Square of the Kai Tak Stadium) by 7pm on February 4.
Other media representatives who are interested in covering the outer area of the Main Stadium should get a media badge at the media registration counter.
For enquiries, please call Newsroom of Police Public Relations Wing at 2860 6100.
—————————————————– Return slip: Media guided tour of Kai Tak Sports Park stress test Name of organisation: ______________________ Name of contact person: ______________________ Telephone no.: ______________________ Email: ______________________
Public infrastructure is the backbone of economic development, enhancing connectivity, trade, and overall quality of life. India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, has made remarkable progress in infrastructure development over the past decade.
The total infrastructure investment in India has significantly increased, with public and private sector contributions shaping the growth trajectory. India’s total infrastructure spending has grown exponentially, with budget allocations rising to ₹10 lakh crore in 2023-24.
PM Gati Shakti
The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), launched in 2021, is designed to bring together various Ministries, including Railways and Roadways, to ensure integrated planning and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects. The initiative aims to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services across various modes of transport, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time. This project has onboarded 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs and a total of 1,614 data layers have also been integrated, by October 2024. A milestone of assessing 208 big-ticket infrastructure projects worth Rs. 15.39 lakh crores, of various Ministries adhering to PM Gati Shakti principles has been achieved.
India’s World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking improved by 6 places from 44 in 2018 to 38 out of 139 countries in 2023. To complement PM GatiShakti, National Logistics Policy was launched in September 2022. 26 states have notified their State-level logistics policy, so far.
Highways and Roads
India has the second largest road network in the world and its National Highways span a total length of 1,46,145 km, forming the primary arterial network of the country. The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to enhance and strengthen the National Highways network through flagship programmes such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana which includes the subsumed National Highway Development Project (NHDP), the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE), and many more ongoing projects.
India’s National Highway (NH) network expanded from 65,569 km in 2004 to 91,287 km in 2014 and 1,46,145 km in 2024.
NH stretches with four or more lanes grew 2.6 times from 18,371 km in 2014 to 48,422 km in 2024.
Operational High-Speed Corridors increased from 93 km in 2014 to 2,138 km in 2024.
NH construction pace rose 2.8 times from 12.1 km/day in 2014-15 to 33.8 km/day in 2023-24.
Capital expenditure (including private investment) surged 5.7 times from ₹53,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹3.01 lakh crore in 2023-24 (highest ever).
Bharatmala Pariyojana
Launched in 2017, the Bharatmala Pariyojana envisages development of about 26,000 km length of Economic Corridors, which along with Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) and North-South and East-West (NS-EW) Corridors are expected to carry majority of the freight traffic on roads. It also envisages development of ring roads / bypasses and elevated corridors to decongest the traffic passing through cities and enhance logistic efficiency. A total of 18,926 km of roads have been completed under project by November 2024.
Further network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks is planned to be developed as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana, with a total investment of about Rs. 46,000 crore, which once operational, shall be able to handle around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo.
Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was launched by the Government of India, in 2000, to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.
In 2006–2007, 1,07,370 km of roads were completed under the PMGSY, with a total expenditure of ₹10,769 crore. In 2014-15, 4,19,358 km of roads were completed with a total expenditure of ₹130,149 crore and in 2024-25, 7,71,950 km of roads were completed with a total expenditure of ₹ 331,584 crore.
Civil Aviation
India’s aviation sector is experiencing a meteoric rise, fueled by soaring demand and the government’s unwavering commitment to its growth through supportive policies. This dynamic shift has propelled India to the forefront of the global aviation ecosystem, becoming the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world.
The number of operational airports in India in 2014 were 74. By September2024, the number had increased to 157.
Over 15% of India’s pilots are women, significantly higher than the global average of 5%.
Marking a new record, domestic air passenger traffic crossed 5 lakhs for the first time in a single day on November 17, 2024.
The number of Flying training organisations (FTOs) in June 2016 was 29. This number increased to 38 with 57 bases by December 2024.
In terms of aircrafts, the numbers have increased from around 400 in 2014 to 723 in 2023, despite the impact of Covid-19.
By reviving existing airstrips and airports, UDAN, launched in 2016, aims to bring essential air travel access to previously isolated communities and boost regional economic development. With a ten-year operational plan, UDAN intends to ensure equitable access to air travel for all Indians. As of 31 Dec 2024-
147.53 lakh passengers have availed of the benefits of the scheme.
More than 2.93 lakh flights have operated under the UDAN scheme so far.
619 RCS routes have so far commenced operations connecting 88 airports including 13 heliports & 2 water aerodromes.
Shipping and Ports
The Maritime Sector in India comprises of Ports, Shipping, Shipbuilding, Ship repair and Inland Water Transport Systems. In India, there are total 12 government owned major ports and approximately 217 minor and intermediate ports. Indian Shipping Industry has over the years played a crucial role in the maritime sector of India’s economy. Approximately 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value is moved through Maritime Transport.
Cargo handling capacity has increased from 800.5 million tonnes per annum in 2014 to 1,630 million tonnes per annum in 2024. Vis-à-vis 2014, this is an 87% improvement.
India has reached 22nd rank in International Shipment category as against 44th rank in 2014.
Turn Around Time (TRT) of major Ports has reduced from around 94 hours in FY-2013-14 to only around 48.06 hours in FY 2023-24.
The average ship berth-day output vis-a-vis FY 2014-15 have improved by 52%.
Tourist footfall in 2022-23 for ocean cruise has risen to 3.08 Lakhs and for light house has risen to 12.3 lakhs compared to the year 2014-15.
Capacity at major ports stood at:
S. No.
Year
Port Capacity
Traffic Handled
1
2004-05
397.50
383.75
2
2014-15
871.52
581.34
3
2023-24
1629.86
819.23
The number of ships/vessels increased from 1,250 in 2014-15 to 1,526 in 2023-24, culminating in a 22% increase.
Number of employedsea-farers are:
Railways
Indian Railways achieved a historic milestone, transporting over 3 crore passengers in a single day on November 4, 2024. On this day Indian Railways carried a record number of 120.72 lakh non-suburban passengers. This included 19.43 lakh reserved passengers and 101.29 lakh unreserved non-suburban passengers. Similarly, the suburban traffic reached a record 180 lakh passengers, making it the highest single-day passenger figure of the year.
The manufacturing of Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches has increased from 2,209 coaches in year 2006-2014 to 31,956coaches in year 2014-2023.
The provision of Bio-toilets in coaches has been increased from 3,647 coaches in year 2006-2014 to 80,478 coaches in year 2014-2023.
The Production units of Indian Railways are producing only LHB coaches from April-2018 onwards and trains operated with ICF coaches are being converted so as to run with LHB coaches.
In 2005-06, 33,540 km and in 2014-15, 41,038 km of running tracks were electrified.
During 2004-14, 14,985 RKM of rail track work was done whereas during 2014-23,25,871 RKM of track laying work has been done. In the year 2022-23, per day 14 km track was laid.
Rail connectivity to four states of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Mizoram provided after 2014 (Meghalaya in November 2014, Arunachal Pradesh in February 2015, Manipur (Jiribam) in May 2016 & Mizoram (Bhairabi) in March 2016).
Before 2014, the number of stations equipped with CCTV surveillance facilities was 123 whereas during 2014-23, CCTVs were installed across 743 railway stations. By December 2024, CCTV coverage was increased to a total of 1051 stations.
Urban Affairs and Housing
Under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), total projects are 8,076, amounting to ₹1,64,706 crore, of which 7,401 projects amounting to ₹1,54,351 crore have been completed, as per the data provided by 100 Smart Cities.
Under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0, there has been a 97% increase in the urban waste collection from 2014-15 to 2024-25.
The waste processing percentage has increased from 18% in 2014-15 to 78% in 2024-25.
During 2004-14, 13.46 lakh houses were approved under schemes like JnNURM & RRY. This increased substantially (9 times) in 2015-2024, when 118.64 lakh houses were approved under PMAY-U.
During 2004-14, 8.04 lakh houses were built and marking a 11x increase, during 2015-24, 88.32 lakhhouses were completed.
Achievements in the field of metro rail in the last ten years are:
PARAMETERS
Upto 2014
2014-24
Total Operational Metro Rail Network
248 Km
993 Km
Average Metro Rail Lines Commissioned per month
0.68 Km / Month
6 Km / Month
Average Daily Ridership
28 Lakh
Over 1 Crore
Annual Budget
Rs 5798 (2013-14)
Rs 24844 (2024-25)
Total Cities with Operational Metro Rail
5
23
The number of buses sanctioned from 2004-2014 were 14,405 and this increased to 19,752 during 2014-24.
AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)
Launched in 2015, AMRUT aims at ensuring every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection, increasing the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well–maintained open spaces (e.g. parks) and reducing pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). As of February 1, 2025, there are:
Jal Jeevan Mission
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched on August 15, 2019, with the ambitious goal of providing tap water supply to every rural household. At the time of its inception, only 3.23 crore (17%) of rural households had tap water connections. As of February 1, 2025, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has successfully provided tap water connections to 12.20 crore additional rural households, bringing the total coverage to over 15.44 crore households, which accounts for 79.74% of all rural households in India. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the mission.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described Budget 2025 as a futuristic budget with a revolutionary and far reaching announcement to involve private players in the Nuclear sector Union Budget 2025-26 reflects sensitivity of the Government, futuristic vision of PM and gives a quantum stride towards realizing Viksit Bharat @2047, says Union S&T Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
Nuclear Energy Mission envisaged by Hon’ble PM is not only going to add value to India’s vibrant economy but also giving us a lead in this arena ahead of several other countries: Dr. Singh
It Is a paradigm shift in global perspective for the country as we target to generate 100 Gigawatt nuclear energy by 2047 which sends a huge message across the world: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 6:37PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described Budget 2025 as a futuristic budget with a revolutionary and far reaching announcement to involve private players in the Nuclear sector. This announcement is going to startle the world, he said, and reflects the same courage of conviction which PM Modi had demonstrated when he opened the Space sector to private sector and the outcomes were miraculous within a few years.
Speaking to a series of media channels here today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Union Budget 2025-25 reflects sensitivity of the Government at the Centre and also the futuristic vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi . While its sensitivity is reflected in the middle class relief to taxpayer and other measures like Duty exemption on certain life saving drugs, its long term futuristic vision is reflected in provisions like Nuclear Mission, Small Modular Reactors, Green Tech Mission , Centre of Excellence for AI, etc, he said.
It Is going to be a definitive stride towards realizing Viksit Bharat @2047 and also going to raise India’s esteem in the global arena, the Minister said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the Budget with its sensitivity to ease of living because of it’s a middle class-focused with a lot of tax-relieved and ease of business as well. Terming the Budget citizen-centric, the Union Minister said, it is comprehensively encompassing the synergy of technology and tradition.
The Minister referred to the Union Budget as very revolutionary with the bringing about an amendment in Atomic Energy Act in order to involve the private sector players something the Hon’ble Prime Minister had done a few years ago in the space sector. Dr. Singh further said, the Nuclear Energy Mission envisaged by the Prime Minister and announced by the Finance Minister is not only going to add value to India’s vibrant economy, not only carry onward a storehouse of green energy but also going to give us a lead ahead of several other countries in this arena. He, however, said, some of these aspects won’t give immediate dividends but will gradually percolate down our minds and in fact going to affect the entire world which are never per se expected from India.
Appreciating the Union Budget for stimulating a paradigm shift in the global perspective of the country in the arena of nuclear energy, Dr. Singh said, we are also laying the target of generating 100 Gigawatt nuclear energy by 2047 which sends a huge message across the world that India is no longer a follower and we are giving lead and paving the way for others to follow. He also said, even the farming sector is giving the edge of technology with Rs. 20,000 Crore allocation for Small Modular Reactors(SMRs) and commitment to realize a minimum of five(5) SMRs by 2033 and the initiative itself is again a futuristic area with scientific and technological support to the farmers.
The Union Minister said, additional Increase in startup support (Fund of Funds for startup FFS) by Rs. 10,000 Crore, provisions to install 50,000 more Atal Tinkering Labs in Government schools in the next five(5) years, to boost Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of Rs. 25,000 Crore and allocation of Rs. 20,000 Crore to boost Research and Development as well as innovation will provide impetus to technology-led development for realization of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further said, PM Research Fellowship scheme which will provide an ecosystem of 10,000 fellowships over the next five years at top notch institutions like IITs and IISc. He said, the setting up of National Geospatial Mission will lead to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data. He also said, the government will use PM Gati Shakti to facilitate modernisation of land records, urban planning and design of infrastructure projects. He said, the Second Gene bank with 10 lakhs germ plasma lines will be set up for future Food and Nutritional Security and conservation support from genetic resources in both public and private sectors.
BEIJING, Feb. 3 — China’s annual trade in services exceeded 1 trillion U.S. dollars for the first time last year, demonstrating significant potential for further growth.
China’s services import and export value amounted to a record-high of 7.5 trillion yuan (about 1.05 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, expanding 14.4 percent year on year, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce (MOC).
Exports grew 18.2 percent year on year and imports grew 11.8 percent, according to the MOC.
Driven by the global trends of digitization, smart technology advancement and green development, China’s trade in services grew in scale, its structure was optimized further and its international competitiveness was enhanced in 2024, said Li Jun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the MOC.
He noted that the comprehensive relaxation and optimization of China’s visa-free transit policy has played a role in boosting inbound tourism over the last year.
The broadly welcomed new policy has sparked the rise of “China Travel,” a popular hashtag on social media where many travelers share their experiences in China, with increasing numbers of international tourists being drawn by the country’s cultural landmarks, nature and city walks.
“‘China Travel’ is booming rapidly, and this growth is expected to boost the country’s services trade further, while helping to drive the global travel industry toward continued recovery and prosperity,” Li said.
China’s digital cultural platforms and content have been gaining significant traction overseas, Li said, noting the popularity of Chinese video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” the distribution of high-quality Chinese films and TV dramas on overseas streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, and the fact that Chinese internet literature is influencing an increasing number of international readers.
The Chinese government released a guideline on promoting the high-quality development of trade in services through high-standard opening-up in August last year.
The document offered robust policy support for the development of China’s services trade, Li said, calling for more efforts to advance opening-up, innovation and international cooperation in the sector.
Noting that China established a nationwide negative list management system for cross-border trade in services last year, Li suggested that the level of institutional opening-up should be improved continuously, that the negative list should be shortened gradually as appropriate, and that high-standard international economic and trade rules should be aligned with actively.
He urged launching the construction of national demonstration zones for the innovative development of trade in services as soon as possible.
To facilitate innovation, Li called for the potential of industrial digitization and digital transformation to be unlocked, for support for the professional organizations offering services in finance, consulting, design and certification to enhance their ability to provide international services, and for the accelerated development of green services.
Bilateral, multilateral and regional collaboration in digital trade and trade in services should be expanded, Li said, suggesting that the role of major exhibition platforms should continue to be leveraged, and that international services trade cooperation parks should be developed.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Thieberger, Associate Professor in Linguistics and a Chief Investigator in the Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, The University of Melbourne
Nick Thieberger
Remember cassettes? If you’re old enough, you might remember dropping one into a player, only to have it screech at you when you pressed “play”. We’ve fixed that problem. But why would we bother?
Before the iPod came along, people recorded their favourite tunes straight from the radio. Some of us made home recordings with our sibling and grandparents – precious childhood snippets.
And a few of us even have recordings from that time we travelled to a village in Vanuatu, some 40 years ago, and heard the locals performing in a language that no longer exists.
In the field of linguistics, such recordings are beyond priceless – yet often out of reach, due to the degradation of old cassettes over time. With a new tool, we are able to repair those tapes, and in doing so can recover the stories, songs and memories they hold.
A digital humanities telescope
Our digital archive, PARADISEC (Pacific and Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures) contains thousands of hours of audio – mainly from musicological or linguistic fieldwork. This audio represents some 1,360 languages, with a major focus on languages of the Pacific and Papua New Guinea.
The PARADISEC research project was started in 2003 as a collaboration between the universities of Melbourne and Sydney, and the Australian National University.
Like a humanities telescope, PARADISEC allows us to learn more about the language diversity around us, as we explained in a 2016 Conversation article.
Lubing the screech
While many of the tapes we get are in good condition and can be readily played and digitised, others need special care, and the removal of mould and dirt.
We work with colleagues at agencies such as the Solomon Islands National Museum, for whom we recently repaired a set of cassettes that were previously unplayable and just screeched. We’ll be taking those cassettes, now repaired and digitised, back to Honiara in February and expect to pick up more for further treatment.
Screeching happens when a tape is dried out and can’t move through the mechanism easily. The screeching covers the audio signal we want to capture.
In 2019, my colleague Sam King built (with the help of his colleague Doug Smith) a cassette-lubricating machine while working at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. This machine – likely the first of its kind in Australia – allowed us to play many previously unplayable tapes.
Last year, Sam built two versions of an updated machine called the LM-3032 Tape Restorator for PARADISEC, improving on the previous model. Between hand building some parts, 3D printing others and writing code for the controllers, it took him more than a year.
The 2024 LM-3032 Tape Restorator is an improved version of a model built in 2019. Sam King
Preserving culture and heritage
The LM-3032 Tape Restorator works by applying cyclomethicone (a silicone-based solvent used in cosmetics) to the length of a tape. This leaves behind an extremely thin film of lubrication that allows smoother playback, making digitisation possible. See more details here.
Tests have shown this process has no negative long-term effects on the tape. In fact, tapes treated with this method five years ago still play without issues.
This technological wizardry allows us to salvage precious analogue recordings before it’s too late. For many languages, these may be the only known recordings – stored on a single cassette, in a single location, and virtually inaccessible. Some of the primary research records digitised by PARADISEC have survived long periods of neglect in offices, garages and attics.
The audio below is from a tape that was kept at Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley for 40 years. It features beautiful singing in the local Walmajarri language, with guitar accompaniment. The first seven seconds are from the untreated tape, while the rest is from the treated version.
Singing in Walmajarri, with guitar accompaniment. A side-by-side comparison of a tape treated with the LM-3032 Tape Restorator. CC BY-NC-SA410 KB(download)
Our experience has shown community members truly value finding records in their own languages, and we’re committed to making this process easier for them.
Here’s one testimonial from E’ava Geita, Papua New Guinea’s current acting Solicitor General. In 2015, Geita was overjoyed to hear digitised records capturing PNG’s Koita language:
If only you witnessed and captured the reaction in me going through the recordings at home! It is quite an amazing experience! From feeling of awe to emotion to deep excitement! The feeling of knowing that your language has been documented or recorded in a structured way, kept safely somewhere in the world, hearing it spoken 50–60 years ago and by some people you haven’t seen but whose names you only hear in history is quite incredible. It is most heartwarming to know that it is possible to sustain the life of my language. Thank you once again for the opportunity to listen to the records.
Acknowlegement: I’d like to thank Sam King for the technical information provided in this article.
The Tape Restorator was funded by the School of Languages and Linguistics, University of Melbourne, and by a grant from the Australian Research Council (LE220100010)
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kristina Pikovskaia, Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh
Education, especially higher education, is a step towards adulthood and a foundation for the future.
But what happens when education loses its value as a way to climb the social ladder? What if a degree is no guarantee of getting stable work, being able to provide for one’s family, or owning a house or car?
This devaluing of higher education as a path to social mobility is a grim reality for young Zimbabweans. Over the past two decades the southern African country has been beset by economic, financial, political and social challenges.
These crises have severely undermined the premises and promises of education, especially at a tertiary level. A recent survey by independent research organisation Afrobarometer found that 90% of young Zimbabweans had secondary and post-secondary education compared to 83% of those aged between 36 and 55. But 41% of the youth were unemployed and looking for a job as opposed to 26% of the older generation.
The situation is so dire that it’s become a recurring theme in Zimdancehall, a popular music genre produced and consumed by young Zimbabweans. “Hustling” (attempts to create income-generating opportunities), informal livelihoods and young people’s collapsed dreams are recurrent topics in songs like Winky D’s Twenty Five, Junior Tatenda’s Kusvikira Rinhi and She Calaz’s Kurarama.
I study the way people experience the informal economy in Zimbabwe and Zambia. In a recent study I explored the loss of education’s value as a social mobility tool in the Zimbabwean context.
My research revealed how recent school and university graduates think about the role of education in their lives. My respondents felt let down by the fact that education no longer provided social mobility. They were disappointed that there was no longer a direct association between education and employment.
However, the graduates I interviewed were not giving up. Some were working towards new qualifications, hoping and preparing for economic improvements. They also thought deeply about how the educational system could be improved. Many young people got involved in protests. These included actions by the Coalition of Unemployed Graduates and the #ThisGown protests, which addressed graduate unemployment issues. Some also took part in #ThisFlag and #Tajamuka protests, which had wider socio-economic and political agendas.
Understanding history
To understand the current status and state of education in Zimbabwe it’s important to look to the country’s history.
Zimbabwe was colonised by the British from the late 19th century. The colonial education system was racialised. Education for white students was academic. For Black students, it was mostly practice-oriented, to create a pool of semi-skilled workers.
In the 1930s education was instrumental in the formation of Zimbabwe’s Black middle class. A small number of Black graduates entered white collar jobs, using education as a social mobility tool. The educational system also opened up somewhat for women.
However, worsening economic conditions throughout the 1990s put pressure on the system. A presidential commission in 1999 noted that secondary schools were producing graduates with non-marketable skills – they were too academic and focused on examinations. Students’ experiences, including at the university level, have worsened since then.
The decline has been driven by systemic and institutional problems in primary and secondary education, like reduced government spending, teachers’ poor working conditions, political interference and brain drain. This, coupled with the collapse of the formal economic sector and a sharp drop in formal employment opportunities, severely undermined education’s social mobility function.
‘A key, but no door to open’
My recent article was based on my wider doctoral research. For this, I studied economic informalisation in Zimbabwe’s capital city, Harare. It involved more than 120 interviews during eight months of in-country research.
This particular paper builds on seven core interviews with recent school and university graduates in the informal sector, as well as former student leaders.
Winky D’s “Twenty Five” is about young Zimbabweans’ grievances.
Some noted that education had lost part of its value as it related to one’s progression in society. As one of my respondents, Ashlegh Pfunye (former secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Students Union), described it, young people were told that education was a key to success – but there was no door to open.
Some of my respondents were working in the informal sector, as vendors and small-scale producers. Some could not use their degrees to secure jobs, while others gave up their dreams of obtaining a university degree. Lisa, for example, was very upset about giving up on her dream to pursue post-secondary education and tried to re-adjust to her current circumstances:
I used to dream that I will have my own office, now I dream that one day I’ll have my own shop.
Those who had university qualifications stressed that, despite being unable to apply their degrees in the current circumstances, they kept going to school and getting more certification. This prepared them for future opportunities in the event of what everyone hoped for: economic improvement.
Historical tensions
Some of my interviewees, especially recent university graduates and activists, were looking for possible solutions – like changing the curriculum and approach to education that trains workers rather than producers and entrepreneurs. As Makomborero Haruzivishe, former secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Students’ Union, said: “Our educational system was created to train human robots who would follow the instructions.”
Entrepreneurship education is a popular approach in many countries to changing the structure of classic education. In the absence of employment opportunities for skilled graduates, it is supposed to provide them with the tools to create such opportunities for themselves and others.
In 2018, the government introduced what it calls the education 5.0 framework. It has a strong entrepreneurship component. It’s too soon to say whether it will bear fruit. And it may be held back by history.
For example, the introduction of the Education-with-Production model in the 1980s, which included practical subjects and vocational training, was met with resistance because it was seen as a return to the dual system.
Because of Zimbabwe’s historically racialised education system, many students and parents favour the UK-designed Cambridge curriculum and traditional academic educational programmes. Zimbabwe has the highest number of entrants into the Cambridge International exam in Africa.
Feeling let down
The link between education and employment in Zimbabwe has many tensions: modernity and survival, academic pursuits and practicality, promises and reality. It’s clear from my study that graduates feel let down because the modernist promises of education have failed them.
– Education in Zimbabwe has lost its value: study asks young people how they feel about that – https://theconversation.com/education-in-zimbabwe-has-lost-its-value-study-asks-young-people-how-they-feel-about-that-244661
Zimbabwean students and graduates are actively seeking change to the education system.AFP via Getty Images
Education, especially higher education, is a step towards adulthood and a foundation for the future.
But what happens when education loses its value as a way to climb the social ladder? What if a degree is no guarantee of getting stable work, being able to provide for one’s family, or owning a house or car?
This devaluing of higher education as a path to social mobility is a grim reality for young Zimbabweans. Over the past two decades the southern African country has been beset by economic, financial, political and social challenges.
These crises have severely undermined the premises and promises of education, especially at a tertiary level. A recent survey by independent research organisation Afrobarometer found that 90% of young Zimbabweans had secondary and post-secondary education compared to 83% of those aged between 36 and 55. But 41% of the youth were unemployed and looking for a job as opposed to 26% of the older generation.
The situation is so dire that it’s become a recurring theme in Zimdancehall, a popular music genre produced and consumed by young Zimbabweans. “Hustling” (attempts to create income-generating opportunities), informal livelihoods and young people’s collapsed dreams are recurrent topics in songs like Winky D’s Twenty Five, Junior Tatenda’s Kusvikira Rinhi and She Calaz’s Kurarama.
I study the way people experience the informal economy in Zimbabwe and Zambia. In a recent study I explored the loss of education’s value as a social mobility tool in the Zimbabwean context.
My research revealed how recent school and university graduates think about the role of education in their lives. My respondents felt let down by the fact that education no longer provided social mobility. They were disappointed that there was no longer a direct association between education and employment.
However, the graduates I interviewed were not giving up. Some were working towards new qualifications, hoping and preparing for economic improvements. They also thought deeply about how the educational system could be improved. Many young people got involved in protests. These included actions by the Coalition of Unemployed Graduates and the #ThisGown protests, which addressed graduate unemployment issues. Some also took part in #ThisFlag and #Tajamuka protests, which had wider socio-economic and political agendas.
Understanding history
To understand the current status and state of education in Zimbabwe it’s important to look to the country’s history.
Zimbabwe was colonised by the British from the late 19th century. The colonial education system was racialised. Education for white students was academic. For Black students, it was mostly practice-oriented, to create a pool of semi-skilled workers.
In the 1930s education was instrumental in the formation of Zimbabwe’s Black middle class. A small number of Black graduates entered white collar jobs, using education as a social mobility tool. The educational system also opened up somewhat for women.
However, worsening economic conditions throughout the 1990s put pressure on the system. A presidential commission in 1999 noted that secondary schools were producing graduates with non-marketable skills – they were too academic and focused on examinations. Students’ experiences, including at the university level, have worsened since then.
The decline has been driven by systemic and institutional problems in primary and secondary education, like reduced government spending, teachers’ poor working conditions, political interference and brain drain. This, coupled with the collapse of the formal economic sector and a sharp drop in formal employment opportunities, severely undermined education’s social mobility function.
‘A key, but no door to open’
My recent article was based on my wider doctoral research. For this, I studied economic informalisation in Zimbabwe’s capital city, Harare. It involved more than 120 interviews during eight months of in-country research.
This particular paper builds on seven core interviews with recent school and university graduates in the informal sector, as well as former student leaders.
Winky D’s “Twenty Five” is about young Zimbabweans’ grievances.
Some noted that education had lost part of its value as it related to one’s progression in society. As one of my respondents, Ashlegh Pfunye (former secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Students Union), described it, young people were told that education was a key to success – but there was no door to open.
Some of my respondents were working in the informal sector, as vendors and small-scale producers. Some could not use their degrees to secure jobs, while others gave up their dreams of obtaining a university degree. Lisa, for example, was very upset about giving up on her dream to pursue post-secondary education and tried to re-adjust to her current circumstances:
I used to dream that I will have my own office, now I dream that one day I’ll have my own shop.
Those who had university qualifications stressed that, despite being unable to apply their degrees in the current circumstances, they kept going to school and getting more certification. This prepared them for future opportunities in the event of what everyone hoped for: economic improvement.
Historical tensions
Some of my interviewees, especially recent university graduates and activists, were looking for possible solutions – like changing the curriculum and approach to education that trains workers rather than producers and entrepreneurs. As Makomborero Haruzivishe, former secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Students’ Union, said: “Our educational system was created to train human robots who would follow the instructions.”
Entrepreneurship education is a popular approach in many countries to changing the structure of classic education. In the absence of employment opportunities for skilled graduates, it is supposed to provide them with the tools to create such opportunities for themselves and others.
In 2018, the government introduced what it calls the education 5.0 framework. It has a strong entrepreneurship component. It’s too soon to say whether it will bear fruit. And it may be held back by history.
For example, the introduction of the Education-with-Production model in the 1980s, which included practical subjects and vocational training, was met with resistance because it was seen as a return to the dual system.
Because of Zimbabwe’s historically racialised education system, many students and parents favour the UK-designed Cambridge curriculum and traditional academic educational programmes. Zimbabwe has the highest number of entrants into the Cambridge International exam in Africa.
Feeling let down
The link between education and employment in Zimbabwe has many tensions: modernity and survival, academic pursuits and practicality, promises and reality. It’s clear from my study that graduates feel let down because the modernist promises of education have failed them.
Parts of this research have been funded by the University of Oxford and the Leverhulme Trust (ECF-2022-055).
China’s film industry set a new milestone during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, with box office revenue from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 reaching a record 5.75 billion yuan (about 802 million U.S. dollars), surpassing the previous high of 5.73 billion yuan set in 2021.
The figure marks the highest-grossing Spring Festival period in the nation’s cinema history and has solidified China’s position as a global leader in box office revenue for 2025, surpassing North America.
The Spring Festival, traditionally a peak and lucrative period for moviegoing, saw fierce competition among major releases. The Spring Festival holiday was extended by one day to eight days this year, running from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4.
Leading the pack was the animated fantasy “Ne Zha 2,” which earned over 2.3 billion yuan in just four days, according to data released by the box office tracker Beacon.
The sequel to the 2019 hit “Nezha” impressed audiences with its stunning visuals and engaging storyline, earning an 8.6 rating on Douban, a popular Chinese film review platform. The film saw broad appeal, with over 32 percent of viewers opting for group screenings, often bringing along their relatives and children.
Trailing behind was “Detective Chinatown 1900,” a detective thriller that raked in 1.54 billion yuan, securing second place. Part of the successful Detective Chinatown franchise, the film continued to draw fans with its intricate plot and engaging performances.
Third place went to “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” which grossed 826 million yuan. The film added to the trend of multiple strong performers during this year’s holiday season, highlighting a diverse and robust lineup.
Chen Jin, a data analyst from Beacon, expressed his hope that this year’s Spring Festival box office would not only set a new revenue record but also deliver outstanding audience satisfaction. “The strong performance of these films lays a solid foundation for the steady growth of China’s film market in 2025.”
Trucks transport railway containers at the Kunming cargo terminal of China United International Rail Containers Co., Ltd. (CRIntermodal) in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Jan. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Having long been poring over China’s diversified culture, German vlogger Robert Adolf is particularly fascinated by Yunnan Province, home to over 20 ethnic groups.
This year’s Spring Festival is unique to Adolf and his mother, who traveled by train to Xishuangbanna, a tropical autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province and one of the stations along the China-Laos Railway route.
Adolf has previously explored this 1,035 km-long route linking Kunming of Yunnan to the Laotian capital of Vientiane with eight stops in between, and felt a surge of excitement over how railroads have expanded to smaller cities and villages.
“It’s now much easier to visit rural areas,” he said.
Dressed in the traditional attire of the Shui ethnic group, Adolf told Xinhua that he felt “more real … and more to the hearts” in smaller towns. “There’s a family atmosphere.”
In Yunnan, Adolf has observed the Dai people’s Water-Splashing Festival and the Munao Zongge Festival (meaning “Dancing together”) of the Jingpo people. During the journey, Adolf posted videos on social platforms like Douyin and YouTube, with his bio describing him “on the quest to film all 56 Ethnic Groups in China.”
He said that people always find ways to keep traditions up to date, and the government helps preserve them by supporting cultural heritage, investing in museums and funding inheritors. “In China, they really keep the culture alive.”
His mother Anna Adolf referred to the journey in Yunnan as an adventure. “Everywhere I look, people are wearing beautiful clothes, singing and dancing.”
During the Spring Festival travel season, thousands of passengers travel home or explore new destinations via the China-Laos cross-border train.
At Kunming South Station, the starting point of the railway, waiting rooms were abuzz with travelers speaking Chinese, Lao, Thai and English, a testament to the cross-border railway’s growing international appeal.
“We’ve always had a good experience on trains in China. I’m sure this time it will be convenient and comfortable,” Susie, an American living in Beijing, told Xinhua, as she queued up for a train heading to Laos.
The railway also benefits Thai travelers, who said that it makes the homebound journey faster.
Since its launch in 2021, the China-Laos Railway, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project, has handled over 43 million passenger trips and more than 48.3 million tonnes of cargo.
The Kunming-Vientiane D87 train is painted deep green. It might evoke memories of the old-style passenger trains in China, but its designed speed of 160 km/h integrates efficiency with the need to navigate complex terrain, transporting both passengers and freight.
Inside some of the train compartments during the Spring Festival holiday, red paper-cut decorations on the windows added a festive touch, marking the first Spring Festival since UNESCO listed the tradition as intangible cultural heritage.
For Southikiat Thavisouk, a Laotian TV host returning to Vientiane, the railway trip is more than transportation. “It’s a bridge between the Chinese and Laotian people,” he said.
Having studied at Huaqiao University in China’s Fujian Province, Thavisouk recalled the warm hospitality he received there. Now back in Laos, he sees the Chinese New Year celebrated as well.
Soulideth Lavanphone, a Laotian tour guide accompanying a group of Chinese travelers, shared a similar sentiment. “I studied in Sichuan, and China is my second home. I’ll do my best to make sure Chinese visitors have a great time in Laos,” he said.
“Many travelers from Western countries and ASEAN nations have all come to experience the Laos-China Railway firsthand,” said Laotian Consul General in Kunming Pongdong Paxaphacdy with much pride.
“Tickets are often sold out due to high demand, and we are working on solutions to improve capacity,” Paxaphacdy said.
“This railway has boosted investment, tourism and connectivity, bringing real benefits to the people. With strong support from both governments, this railway will only continue to grow,” he added.
The Albanese Labor Government is extending the National Early Childhood Program (NECP) to support young children with disability or developmental concerns, their families and carers.
Autism Queensland and the Australian Catholic University (ACU) will each receive an additional $5 million from 2025-26 to 2026-27 to continue activities funded under the NECP.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the $10 million Federal investment for this extension will mean more children with disability or developmental concerns aged 0-8 years and their families are supported.
“We recognise the importance of a child’s early years and ensuring they and their families have what they need to ensure a bright future,” Minister Rishworth said.
“For children with developmental concerns or disability, it is crucial they and their families are given tailored support to ensure they can have their best start in life.
“The early childhood program activities under the NECP align withAustralia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031and theEarly Years Strategy 2024-2034, helping children and building capacity in their families to support their development.
“The NECP was designed in consultation with parents, carers and peak bodies, and the Government is pleased to continue to fund these important activities.”
The NECP supports young children with newly identified disability or emerging developmental concerns and their parents and carers, increasing readiness for educational environments and providing opportunities to socialise with their peers and siblings in a supported and family-centred environment.
Initial funding of $13.8 million was awarded following two open grant rounds for 2022-23 to 2024-25. Under these grants:
Autism Queensland lead a consortium of organisations including playgroup and autism associations to provide regular, facilitated supports, including playgroups and music programs across the country.
ACU provides facilitated group workshops for parents and carers whose children have a newly identified disability or who have concerns regarding their child’s development.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
People enjoy various activities across China during Spring Festival
Updated: February 2, 2025 09:44Xinhua
A fish lantern performance team parades at a scenic spot in Luoyang, central China’s Henan Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists visit a scenic spot decorated with colorful lights and ribbons in Haigang District of Qinhuangdao, north China’s Hebei Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists watch a lantern show in Yuncheng, north China’s Shanxi Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Two girls in traditional costumes look at lanterns in Tancheng County of Linyi, east China’s Shandong Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People watch lanterns in Neihuang County of Anyang City, central China’s Henan Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People watch a musical fountain in Zhanyi District of Qujing, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists visit Lijiang ancient town in Lijiang, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists watch a live-action drama in Fengnan District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists take a cruise to enjoy the night scenery in Yuzhong District of southwest China’s Chongqing during the Spring Festival holiday on Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul marched in the Flushing Chinese Business Association’s Lunar New Year parade.
B-ROLL of the Governor during the parade can be found on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Xin nian kuai le! I want to wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year. I just had a wonderful celebration meeting members of the community. We had some dance and celebration of culture, and I’m so proud to be Governor of a state where one out of 10 New Yorkers can claim Asian or AAPI descendance. It’s part of our vibrancy.
Also, this past week was the first time ever in the history of our state that children could get a day off school to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday with their families and to continue on embracing these great traditions.
I also want to convey that we’re continuing our efforts to fight hate crimes against all peoples, but as we saw during the pandemic, there was a spike in Asian hate crimes. We want to make sure people know that we’ll do whatever we can to protect them. We’ve added more money to our Budget to give them the security they need to feel safe in their homes, but also on our streets and in our subways.
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement celebrating Black History Month:
“Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to learn about and celebrate the many and diverse contributions of Black people to our province.
“In 1858, more than 800 Black settlers came north from California to Vancouver Island on the invitation of colonial governor James Douglas. They were promised equality under the law, as well as the right to vote and purchase property. Some settlers formed the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps, an all-Black police force.
“One of the settlers, Mifflin Gibbs, was elected to Victoria council eight years later, becoming the first Black person to hold public office in British Columbia. He was a prominent voice in favour of the colony joining the Canadian Confederation. More than a century later, social worker Rosemary Brown became the first Black woman to be elected to the B.C. legislature. Emery Barnes, a former professional football player with the B.C. Lions, served as the province’s first Black Speaker of the legislative assembly.
“A Black presence has been a constant in the province’s history, including descendants of the original immigrants. From salmon canner John Sullivan Deas to Emma Stark’s contributions as a school teacher to Seraphim Joe Fortes’ celebrated lifesaving to Barbara Howard on the track in the 1930s to Harry Jerome on the track in the 1960s to Eleanor Collins becoming the first Black entertainer in Canada to host her own national television program, the rich and varied achievements of Black British Columbians have helped make the province the place it is today.
“We should all feel pride in these accomplishments, while acknowledging the unjust barriers Black people face in their daily lives. Government is working to build an inclusive province where everyone feels they belong, as we build a more just and equitable society for all. Taking part in Black History Month enriches everyone.”
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said: “Students in B.C. have opportunities to learn about the diverse communities that shape our province, including the accomplishments and challenges of historic and contemporary Black British Columbians. Learning about Black History and other cultural histories helps students appreciate our province’s rich cultural heritage and supports the development of school communities where everyone feels safe, included and represented.”
Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, said: “Black History Month is a time to honour pioneers like Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, Harry Jerome, Eleanor Collins and Rosemary Brown, whose legacies continue to inspire us. This month gives us the chance to reflect on the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism. Legislation like the Anti-Racism Act aims to remove systemic barriers to government programs and services that Black communities face in the province. Let’s recommit to amplifying Black voices. As we celebrate the rich history and resilience of B.C.’s Black communities, we strive to build a welcoming province for everyone.”
George Anderson, parliamentary secretary for transit, said: “Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the excellence and contributions of Black individuals like John Sullivan Deas, Rosemary Brown, Justice Selwyn Romilly and June Francis, who have enriched every facet of our society, from culture and innovation to leadership and service. Here in British Columbia, we honour the achievements of those who have broken barriers and inspired progress, while recognizing the work still needed to ensure equal opportunity for all. I carry with me the stories of struggle, perseverance and hope paved by so many. By breaking down systemic barriers, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and contribute to a more just world.”
Why has any discussion about Israel, its violations of international law, and the international legal expectations for third party states to hold IDF soldiers accountable not been addressed in Aotearoa New Zealand?
ANALYSIS:By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa national chair John Minto’s campaign to identify Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldiers in New Zealand and then call a PSNA number hotline has come under intense criticism from the likes of Winston Peters, Stephen Rainbow, the Jewish Council and NZ media outlets. Accusations of antisemitism have been made.
Despite making it clear that holding IDF soldiers accountable for potential war crimes is his goal, not banning all Israelis or targeting Jewish people, there are many just concerns regarding Minto’s campaign. He is clear that his focus remains on justice, not on creating divisions or fostering discrimination, but he has failed to provide strict criteria to distinguish between individuals directly involved in human rights violations and those who are innocent, or to ground the campaign in legal frameworks and due process.
Any allegations of participation in war crimes should be submitted through proper legal channels, not through the PSNA. Broader advocacy could have been used to address concerns of accountability and to minimise any risk that the campaign could lead to profiling based on religion, ethnicity, or language.
While there are many concerns that need to be addressed with PSNA’s campaign, why has the conversation stopped there? Why has the core issue of this campaign been ignored? Namely, that IDF soldiers who have committed war crimes in Gaza have been allowed into New Zealand?
PSNA’s controversial Gaza “genocide hotline” . . . why has the conversation stopped there? Why has the core issue about war crimes been ignored? Image: PSNA screenshot APR
Why has any discussion about Israel, its violations of international law, and the international legal expectations for third party states to hold IDF soldiers accountable not been addressed? Why is criticism of Israel being conflated with racism, even though many Jewish people oppose Israel’s war crimes, and what about Palestinians, what does this mean for a people experiencing genocide?
Concerns should be discussed but they must not be used to protect possible war criminals and shield Israel’s crimes.
It is true that PSNA’s campaign may possibly target individuals, including targeting individuals solely based on their nationality, religion, or language. This is not acceptable. But it has also uncovered the exceptionally biased, racist, and unjust views towards Palestinians.
Racism against Palestinians ignored Palestinians have been dehumanised by Israel for decades, but real racism against Palestinians is being ignored. As a Christian Palestinian I know all too well what it is like to be targeted.
In fact, it was only recently at a New Zealand First State of the Nation gathering last year that Winston Peter’s followers called me a terrorist for being Palestinian and told me that all Muslims were Hamas lovers and were criminals.
The question that has been ignored in this very public debate is simple: are Israeli soldiers who have participated in war crimes in Aotearoa, if so, why, and what does this mean for the New Zealand Palestinian population and the upholding of international law?
By refusing to address concerns of IDF soldiers the focus is deliberately shifted away from the actual genocide happening in Gaza. If IDF soldiers have engaged in rape, extrajudicial executions, torture, destruction of homes, or killing of civilians, they should be investigated and held accountable.
Countries have a legal and moral duty to prevent war criminals from using their nations as safe havens.
Since 1948, Palestinians have been subjected to systematic oppression, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, violence and now, genocide. From its creation and currently with Israel’s illegal occupation, Palestinian massacres have been frequent and unrelenting.
This includes the execution of my great grandmother on the steps of our Katamon home in Jerusalem. Land has been stolen from Palestinians over the decades, including well over 42 percent of the West Bank. Palestinians have been denied the right to return to their country, the right to justice, accountability, and self-determination.
Living under illegal military law We are still forced to live under illegal military law, face mass arrests and torture, and our history, identity, culture and heritage are targeted.
Almost 10 children lose one or both of their legs every day in Gaza according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNWRA). 2.2 million people are starving because Israel refuses them access to food. 95 percent of Gaza’s population have been forced onto the streets, with only 25 percent of Gaza’s shelters needs being met, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.
One out of 20 people in Gaza have been injured and 18,000 children have been murdered. 6500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip were taken hostage by Israel who also stole 2300 bodies from numerous cemeteries. 87,000 tons of explosives have been dropped on all regions in the Gaza Strip.
Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a British Palestinian reconstructive surgeon who worked in Al Shifa and Al Ahly Baptist hospital and who is part of Medicine Sans Frontiers, estimates as many as 300,000 Palestinian civilians, most of them children, have been murdered by Israel.
This is because official numbers do not include those bodies that cannot be recognised or are blown to a pulp, those buried under the rubble and those expected to die and have died of disease, starvation and lack of medicine — denied by Israel to those with chronic illnesses.
‘A Genocidal Project’: real death toll closer to 300,000. Video: Democracy Now!
As a signatory to the Geneva Convention, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and UN resolutions, New Zealand is expected to investigate, prosecute and deport any individual accused of these serious crimes. This government has an obligation to deny entry to any individual suspected of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.
IDF has turned war crimes into entertainment Israel has violated all of these, its IDF soldiers filming themselves committing such atrocities and de-humanising Palestinians over the last 15 months on social media.
IDF soldiers have posted TikTok videos mocking their Palestinian victims, celebrating destruction, and making jokes about killing civilians, displaying a disturbing level of dehumanisation and cruelty. They have filmed themselves looting Palestinian homes, vandalising property, humiliating detainees, and posing with dead bodies.
They have turned war crimes into entertainment while Palestinian families suffer and mourn. Israel has deliberately targeted civilians, bombing schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and even designated safe zones, then lied about their operations, showing complete disregard for human life.
Israel and the IDF’s global reputation among ordinary people are not positive. Out on the streets over 15 months, millions have been demonstrating against Israel. They do not like what its army has done, and rightly so. Many want to see justice and Israel and its army held accountable, something this government has ignored.
Israel’s state forced conscription or imprisonment, enforced military service that contributes to the occupation, ethnic cleansing, systematic oppression of a people, war crimes and genocide is fascism on display. Israel is a totalitarian, apartheid, military state, but this government sees no problems with that.
The UN and human rights organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned Israeli military operations, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians, the use of white phosphorus, and sexual violence by Israeli forces.
While not all IDF soldiers may have committed direct atrocities, those serving in occupied Palestinian territories are complicit in enforcing illegal occupation, which itself is a violation of international law.
Following orders not an excuse The precedent set by international tribunals, such as Nuremberg, establishes that following orders is not an excuse for war crimes — meaning IDF soldiers who have participated in military actions in occupied areas should be subject to scrutiny.
This government has a duty to protect Palestinian communities from further harm, this includes preventing known perpetrators of ethnic cleansing from entering New Zealand. The presence of IDF soldiers in New Zealand is a direct threat to the safety, dignity, and well-being of our communities.
Many Palestinian New Zealanders have lost family members, homes, and entire communities due to the IDF’s actions. Seeing known war criminals walking freely in New Zealand re-traumatises those who have suffered from Israel’s illegal military brutality.
Survivors of ethnic cleansing should not have to live in fear of encountering the very people responsible for their suffering. This was not acceptable after the Second World War, throughout modern history, and is not acceptable now.
IDF soldiers are also trained in brutal tactics, including arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, and the assassination of Palestinian civilians. The presence of war criminals in any society creates a climate of fear and intimidation.
Given their history, there is a concern within New Zealand that these soldiers will engage in racist abuse, Islamophobia, or Zionist hate crimes not only against Palestinians and Arabs, but other communities of colour.
New Zealand society should be scrutinising not just this government’s response to the genocide against Palestinians, but also our political parties.
Moral bankruptcy and xenophobia This moral bankruptcy and neutral stance in the face of genocide and racism has been clearly demonstrated this week in Parliament with both Shane Jones and Peter’s xenophobic remarks, and responses to the PSNA’s campaign.
Winston Peter’s tepid response to Israel’s behaviour and its violations is a staggering display of double standards and hypocrisy. Racism it seems, is clearly selective.
His comments about Mexicans in Parliament this week were xenophobic and violate the principles of responsible governance by promoting discrimination. Peters’ comments that immigrants should be grateful creates a hierarchy of worthiness.
Similarly, Shane Jones calling for Mexicans to go home does not uphold diplomatic and professional standards, reinforces harmful racial stereotypes and discriminates based on one’s nationality. Mexicans, Māori, and Palestinians are not on equal standing as others when it comes to human rights.
Why is there a defence of foreign soldiers who may have participated in genocide or war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories, but then migrants and refugees are attacked?
“John Minto’s call to identify people from Israel . . . is an outrageous show of fascism, racism, and encouragement of violence and vigilantism. New Zealand should never accept this kind of extreme totalitarian behaviour in our country”. Why has Winston Peter’s never condemned the actual racism Palestinians are facing — including ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and apartheid?
Why has he never used such strong language and outrage to condemn Israel’s actions despite evidence of violations of international law? Instead, he directs outrage at a human rights activist who is pointing out the shortcomings of the government’s response to Israels violations.
IDF soldiers’ documented atrocities ignored Peters has completely ignored IDF soldiers’ documented atrocities and distorted the campaign’s purpose for legal accountability to that of violence.
There has been no mention of Palestinian suffering associated with the IDF and Israel, nor has the government been transparent in admitting that there are no security measures in place when it comes to Israel.
For Peters, killing Palestinians in their thousands is not racist but an activist wanting to prevent war criminals from entering New Zealand is?
Recently, Simon Court of the ACT party in response to Minto wrote: “Undisguised antisemitic behaviour is not acceptable . . . military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens . . . any Israeli holidaying, visiting family or doing business in New Zealand could be targeted . . . it is intimidation towards Jewish visitors . . . and should be condemned by parties across Parliament.”
This comment is misleading, and hypocritical.
PSNA’s campaign is not targeting Jewish people, something the Jewish Council has also misrepresented. It is about identifying Israeli soldiers who have actively participated in human rights violations and war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.
It intentionally blurs the lines between Israeli soldiers and Jewish civilians, as the lines between Palestinian civilians and Hamas have been blurred.
Erases distinction between civilians and a militant group Even MFAT cannot use the word “Palestinian” but identifies us all as “Hamas” on its website. This erases the distinction between civilians and a militant group, and conflates Israeli military personnel with Jewish civilians, which is both deceptive and dangerous.
The MFAT website states the genocide in Gaza is an “Israel-Hamas” conflict, denying the intentional targeting of Palestinian civilians and erasing our humanity.
Israel’s assault has purposely killed thousands of children, women and men, all innocent civilians. Israel has not provided any evidence of any of its claims that it is targeting “Hamas” and has even been caught out lying about the “mass rapes and burned babies”, the tunnels under the hospitals and militants hiding behind Palestinian toddlers and whole generations of families.
Despite this, MFAT had not condemned Israeli war crimes. This is not a just war. It is a genocide against Palestinians which is also being perpetrated in the West Bank. There is no Hamas in the West Bank.
The ACT Party has been silent or outright supportive of Israel’s atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, despite overwhelming evidence of war crimes. If they were truly concerned about targeting individuals as they are with Minto’s campaign, then they would have called for an end to Israel’s assaults against Palestinians, sanctioned Israel for its war crimes, and called for investigations into Israeli soldiers for mass killings, sexual violence and starving the Palestinian people.
What is clear from Court and Seymour (who has also openly supported Israel alongside members of the Zionist Federation), is that Palestinian lives are irrelevant, we should silently accept our genocide, and that we do not deserve justice. That Israeli IDF soldiers should be given impunity and should be able to spend time in New Zealand with no consequences for their crimes.
This is simply xenophobic, dangerous and “not acceptable in a liberal democracy like New Zealand”.
New Zealand cartoonist Malcolm Evans with two of his anti-Zionism placards at yesterday’s “march for the martyrs” in Auckland . . . politicians’ silence on Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law fails to comply with legal norms and expectations. Image: Asia Pacific Report
Erased the voice of Jewish critics ACT, alongside Peters, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and the Jewish council have erased the voice of Jewish people who oppose Israel and its crimes and who do not associate being Jewish with being Israeli.
There is a clear distinction, something Alternative Jewish Voices, Jewish Voices for Peace, Holocaust survivors and Dayenu have clearly reiterated. Equating Zionism with Judaism, and identifying Israeli military actions with Jewish identity, is dangerously antisemitic.
By failing to distinguish Judaism from Zionism, politicians and the Jewish Council are in danger of fuelling the false narrative that all Jewish people support Israel’s actions, which ultimately harms Jewish communities by increasing resentment and misunderstanding.
Antisemitism should never be weaponised or used to silence criticism of Israel or justify Israel’s impunity. This is harmful to both Palestinians and Jews.
Seymour’s upcoming tenure as deputy prime minister should also be questioned due to his unwavering support and active defence of a regime committing mass atrocities. This directly contradicts New Zealand’s values of justice and accountability demonstrating a complete disregard for human rights and international law.
His silence on Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law fails to comply with legal norms and expectations. He has positioned himself away from representing all New Zealanders.
While we focus on Minto, let’s be fair and ensure Palestinians are also being protected from discrimination and targeting in New Zealand. Are the Zionist Federation, the New Zealand Jewish Council, and the Holocaust Centre supporting Israel economically or culturally, aiding and abetting its illegal occupation, and do they support the genocide?
Canada investigated funds linked to illegal settlements Canada recently investigated the Jewish National Fund (JNF) of Canada for potentially violating charitable tax laws by funding projects linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are illegal under international law.
In August 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the Jewish National Fund of Canada’s (JNF Canada) charitable status after a comprehensive audit revealed significant non-compliance with Canadian tax laws.
On the 31 January 2025, Haaretz reported that Israel had recruited the Jewish National Fund to illegally secretly buy Palestinian land in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. What does that mean for the New Zealand branch of the Jewish National Fund?
None of these organisations should be funnelling resources to illegal settlements or supporting Israel’s war machine. A full investigation into their financial and political activities is necessary to ensure any money coming from New Zealand is not supporting genocide, land theft or apartheid.
The government has already investigated Palestinians sending money to relatives in Gaza, the same needs to be done to organisations supporting Israel. Are any of these groups supporting war crimes under the guise of charity?
While Jewish communities and Palestinians have rallied together and supported each other these last 15 months, we have received no support from the Jewish Council or the Holocaust Centre, who have remained silent or have supported Israel’s actions. Dayenu, and Alternative Jewish voices have vocally opposed Israel’s genocide in Gaza and reached out to us. As Jews dedicated to human rights, justice, and the prevention of genocide because of their own history, they unequivocally condemn Israel’s actions.
Given the Holocaust, you would expect the Holocaust Centre and the Jewish Council to oppose any acts of violence, especially that on such an industrial scale. You would expect them to oppose apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and the dehumanisation of Palestinians as the other Jewish organisations are doing.
Genocide, war crimes must not be normalised War crimes and genocide must never be normalised. Israel must not be shielded and the suffering and dehumanisation of Palestinians supported.
We must ensure that all New Zealanders, whether Jewish, Israeli or Palestinian are not targeted, and are protected from discrimination, racism, violence and dehumanisation. All organisations are subject to scrutiny, but only some have been.
Instead of just focusing on John Minto, the ACT Party, NZ First, National, and Labour should be answering why Israeli soldiers who may have committed atrocities, are allowed into New Zealand in the first place.
Israel and its war criminals should not be treated any differently to any other country.
We must shift the focus back to Israel’s genocide, apartheid, and impunity, while exposing the hypocrisy of those who defend Israel but attack Palestinian solidarity.
There has rightly been much debate and analysis over New Zealand’s decision to review the aid it gives to Kiribati.
It’s a big deal. So much is at stake, especially for the I-Kiribati people who live with many challenges and depend on the $100 million aid projects New Zealand delivers.
It would be clearly unwise for New Zealand to threaten or cut aid to Kiribati — but it has every right to expect better engagement than it has been getting over the past year.
What has been disturbing is the airtime and validation given to a Kiribati politician, newly appointed Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs Ruth Cross Kwansing.
It’s helpful to analyse where this is coming from so let’s make this very clear.
She supports and is currently a minister of a government that in 2022 suspended Chief Justice William Hastings and Justice David Lambourne of the High Court, and justices Peter Blanchard, Rodney Hansen and Paul Heath of the Court of Appeal.
She supports and is part a government that deported Lambourne, who is married to Opposition Leader Tessie Lambourne — and they have I-Kiribati children. (He is Australian but has been in the Kiribati courts since 1995).
She supports and is part of a government that requires all journalists — should they get a visa to go there — to hand over copies of all footage/information collected.
She also benefits from a 220 percent pay rise that her government passed for MPs in 2021.That same year, ministers were gifted cars with China Aid embossed on the side, as well as a laptop from Beijing.
Amidst a gushing post about a president who recently gave this rookie MP a ministerial post, Cross Kwansing wrote of the “media manufactured drama” and “the New Zealand media, in its typical fashion, seized the opportunity to patronise Kiribati, and the familiar whispers about Chinese influence began to circulate”.
These comments shouldn’t come as any surprise as blaming the media is a common tactic of politicians and Cross Kwansing is no different.
Just because the new minister doesn’t like what New Zealand has decided to do doesn’t mean it must be “media manufactured”.
Her comment that “the New Zealand media, in its typical fashion, seized the opportunity to patronise Kiribati” is also ridiculous.
The journalist that broke the story — myself — is half I-Kiribati and incredibly proud of her heritage and the gutsy country that she was born in and grew up in, with family who still live there.
Cross Kwansing has been a member of parliament for less than six months. To not discuss the geopolitical implications with China, given the way the world is evolving and Kiribati’s close ties, would be naive and ignorant.
Pacific leaders frustrated It is not just New Zealand that Maamau has refused to meet. Over the last two years, Pacific Island leaders have spoken of frustration in trying to engage with the president.
Maamau is known to be a pleasant man and enjoyable to converse with. But, for whatever reason, he has chosen not to engage with many leaders or foreign ministers.
Cross Kwansing has helpfully shared that the president announced to his cabinet ministers that he would delegate international engagements to his vice president so he could concentrate “intently on domestic matters”.
Fair enough. Except that Maamau has chosen to hang on to the foreign minister portfolio.
It is quite right that New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters would expect to engage with his Kiribati counterpart — especially given the level of investment and numerous attempts being made, and then a date finally agreed on by Maamau himself.
Six days before Peters was meant to arrive in Kiribati, the island nation’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs told the NZ High Commission there that the president was now “unavailable”. In the diplomatic world, especially given the attempts that had preceded it, that is hugely disrespectful.
There are different strategies the New Zealand government could have chosen to take to deal with this. Peters has had enough and chosen a hardline course that is likely to have negative impacts on New Zealand in the long term, but it’s a risk he obviously thinks is worth taking.
Cross Kwansing has spoken about prioritising cooperation and mutual respect over ego and political posturing. Absolutely right — except that this piece of helpful advice should also be taken by her own government. It works both ways for the sake of the people.
Barbara Dreaver is of Kiribati and Cook Islands descent. She was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2024 for services to investigative journalism and Pacific communities. This TVNZ News column has been republished with permission.
Beyond festive foods and goods, during the ongoing Spring Festival holiday, people in China can also immerse themselves in delightful experiences featuring more cultural elements.
The holiday film lineup may leave Chinese moviegoers spoiled for choice. Six domestic movies debuted during the period, covering a diverse range of genres, such as Chinese mythology, comedy, fantasy, animation and drama.
Statistics showed that China’s daily box office hit an impressive record of over 1.8 billion yuan (about 249 million U.S. dollars) in earnings on Wednesday. The total holiday box office so far has topped 5 billion yuan.
“Ne Zha 2,” a sequel to the 2019 animated blockbuster “Ne Zha,” led the charts with total box office revenue of over 1.9 billion yuan as of Saturday morning.
The second and third highest-grossing films on the leaderboard are “Detective Chinatown 1900,” the newest installment of the “Detective Chinatown” franchise that debuted in 2015, and “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” the second episode of the Chinese myth trilogy.
“We brought our kid to watch ‘Ne Zha 2’ and were informed that all tickets for afternoon screenings were sold out, and there were only seats available for the shows after 7 p.m.,” said Xu Yiwei, a resident in the city of Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia, noting that the box office during this year’s Spring Festival looks more prosperous than in previous years.
For those who prefer to sit comfortably on their sofas and feast on entertainment programs on TV, the annual Spring Festival gala on Chinese New Year’s Eve is undoubtedly something not to be missed. The gala, featuring significant intangible cultural heritage content, garnered 16.8 billion views across all media platforms.
More people could enjoy the festive atmosphere of the gala this year. The 2025 gala featured its first-ever accessible broadcast for visually and hearing-impaired audiences. Sign language performers attended the broadcast, and audio programs provided narratives and background interpretations of the gala for relevant groups.
Chinese museums and cultural facilities also offer options for those wishing to spend an entertaining and educational festival.
The Natural History Museum of China has launched a special exhibition featuring snake-themed cultural relics to celebrate the Year of the Snake. In addition to natural science knowledge about snakes, the exhibition also explores the development and evolution of zodiac culture, offering a comprehensive display of the rich and diverse symbolism of snakes in traditional Chinese culture.
The 3,300-year-old Yin Ruins, confirmed as the capital site of the late Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), is also the historical era depicted in the “Creation of the Gods” series. Anyang City in central China’s Henan Province has seized the opportunity of the latest movie’s release to launch a series of activities promoting the culture of the ancient period.
“Watching the Chinese mythology and experiencing the rejuvenated appeal of traditional classics, this Spring Festival is truly extraordinary,” said Anyang resident Lyu Tianyu after watching the film.
Two men have pleaded guilty to burgling a Camden restaurant after police arrested them outside the venue trying, and failing, to open entirely empty cash registers.
Detective Constable Michelle Andersen, the Islington based CID officer who led the investigation, said: “Officers were very quick to get to the scene of the burglary, and were able to arrest both suspects before they could make off.
“But even before police arrived on scene, their criminal plan wasn’t going well. CCTV shows them trying and failing to open the drawers of the cash registers. But even if they had have managed that, they’d have found them to be completely empty.”
At around 06:00hrs on Saturday, 25 January, police responded to an alert from London Borough of Camden CCTV operators to a break-in at a restaurant in Camden High Street.
Officers arrived a short time later. Paul Haughey, 40, (03/09/1984) of Camden Road, NW1 and Jayvan Burton, 41, (19/10/1983) of no fixed address but from the Camden area, were caught red-handed.
Both men were charged with non-residential burglary for stealing the empty tills, to which they pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 27 January.
Haughey will be sentenced at the same court on 18 February. A date is yet to be arranged for Burton’s sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court.
The European Commission on Wednesday presented the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic blueprint aimed at restoring the European Union (EU)’s economic edge and driving technological leadership as it seeks to close the gap with the United States (U.S.) and China.
Acknowledging a two-decade lag in productivity growth compared to other major economies, the Compass focuses on boosting innovation, advancing decarbonization, and strengthening security, according to the Commission’s statement.
This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2025 shows the Berlaymont Building, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium. TO GO WITH “EU unveils plan to boost competitiveness” (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
“Europe has everything it needs to succeed in the race to the top. But, at the same time, we must fix our weaknesses to regain competitiveness,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in the statement.
The Compass builds on a strategic report released last year by Mario Draghi, the former Italian prime minister and former president of the European Central Bank (ECB), which calls for an additional annual investment of between 750 billion euros (779 billion U.S. dollars) and 800 billion euros to counteract Europe’s decline in competitiveness.
The Commission will launch “AI Gigafactories” and “Apply AI” initiatives to accelerate AI development and adoption across key industries, the Compass says. It also promises actions for advanced materials, quantum, biotech, robotics, and space technologies.
A separate report released by the Commission on Wednesday highlighted the EU’s ongoing struggles in scaling up its businesses. This report provides the analytical context for the Competitiveness Compass.
In this regard, the Compass outlines a strategy to remove barriers to facilitate startup growth, and legislative changes to simplify rules.
It also noted the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal to drive decarbonization, a plan for affordable energy to reduce costs, and targeted strategies for high-risk sectors like steel, metals, and chemicals.
To reduce dependencies, the bloc plans to prioritize European companies in critical sectors and technologies under reviewed public procurement rules.
To further underpin the competitiveness, the Compass sets a target of cutting the administrative burden for firms by at least 25 percent and by at least 35 percent for SMEs.
It also proposes measures to lower the barriers to the functioning of the EU Single Market, which has struggled with regulatory fragmentation for decades, and to advance the European Savings and Investments Union project to enhance the EU’s financing competitiveness, despite its slow progress over the years.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony this weekend in Los Angeles, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the bipartisan American Music Fairness Act to ensure artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on AM/FM radio. This legislation would bring corporate radio broadcasters in line with all other music streaming platforms, which already pay artists for their music.
“California’s artists enrich our country’s music scene, but our laws unfairly deny them the pay they deserve for their work on AM/FM radio broadcasts,” said Senator Padilla. “As we celebrate the accomplishments of our musical artists at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this weekend, we must also commit to treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve for the music they produce and we enjoy every day.”
“As the heart of country music and the birthplace of the blues, Tennessee has produced so many songwriters and artists that have undeniably made their mark on history, whether that be on Beale Street, Music Row, or the hills of East Tennessee,” said Senator Blackburn. “The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not paid for the use of their music on AM and FM radio. This legislation would close an outdated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to take advantage of artists and their songs for decades.”
“America’s musical artists enrich our lives, yet they are denied royalties when their music is broadcast on AM/FM radio,” said Senator Booker. “This bipartisan legislation will close a loophole that keeps artists and creators from being paid for their work, while also ensuring that small and local stations are protected and preserved. Musicians bring joy and vibrancy to our country, and they should be compensated for their hard work.”
“Artists and music creators deserve to be fairly compensated for their work,” said Senator Tillis. “For too long, FM and AM radio stations have enjoyed the benefits of playing music without compensating the artists. This commonsense legislation makes an important step towards ensuring that our nation’s artists are recognized and paid for the value that they bring to our airwaves.”
The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not compensated for the use of their music on AM/FM radio. By requiring broadcast radio corporations to pay performance royalties to creators for AM/FM radio plays, the American Music Fairness Act would close an antiquated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to forgo compensating artists for the use of their music for decades.
Specifically, the American Music Fairness Act would:
Require terrestrial radio broadcasters to pay royalties to American music creators when they play their songs;
Protect small and local stations who qualify for exemptions — specifically those that fall under $1.5 million in annual revenue and whose parent companies fall under less than $10 million in annual revenue overall — by allowing them to play unlimited music for less than $500 annually; and
Create a fair global market that ensures foreign countries pay U.S. artists for the use of their songs overseas.
In recognition of the important role of locally owned radio stations in communities across the United States, the American Music Fairness Act also includes strong protections and exemptions for small, college, and non-commercial stations.
The American Music Fairness Act is endorsed by the Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA, the American Association of Independent Music, the MusicFirst Coalition, the Recording Industry Association of America, SoundExchange, and the American Federation of Musicians.
“For more than a century, American artists and producers have been denied the basic right to earn compensation for their own creation broadcast on AM/FM Radio. The Recording Academy is grateful for the leadership of Reps. Issa and Nadler and Senators Blackburn and Padilla for introducing the American Music Fairness Act, and we urge Congress to finally pay creators for their work,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.
“Just a few notes of a beloved song can transport you a million miles away. Popular music has helped define and reflect the culture in which we live, speaking to our evolving values and shared concerns. It’s outrageous that the recording artists, vocalists and musicians who bring it to life and enrich our lives receive no compensation from airplay on AM/FM radio. It’s downright un-American to exploit people and not pay them. The AMFA legislation will help close that loophole and restore fairness, so that artists are paid when their songs are played on AM/FM radio, just as they are in other mediums. Our gratitude to Reps Issa and Nadler and Sens. Padilla and Blackburn for taking leadership roles on this important legislation,” said Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President.
“The American Music Fairness Act is long overdue. The radio industry has no valid justification for refusing to compensate the recording artists who form the backbone of their business. Our laws align us with regimes like Iran and North Korea, allowing foreign broadcasters to exploit American musicians without paying them a dime. Congress must hold mega broadcasters accountable to put American musicians first. A2IM commits to working with our congressional champions to get it done,” said Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO, American Association of Independent Music.
“For too long, big radio companies have had a powerful hold on Washington, D.C. It’s time for Congress to stand up for artists, not big radio companies, and ensure working musicians – backup musicians and vocalists who work 9-to-5 jobs to make ends meet – can better earn a living. That means passing the American Music Fairness Act and ensuring that artists are finally compensated when their music plays on AM/FM radio,” said Former U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, Co-Chair of the MusicFirst Coalition.
“Radio conglomerates operating thousands of AM/FM stations across the U.S., make billions in profits, employ legions of lobbyists, and spend millions each year to influence lawmakers, all while continuing to refuse to pay the artists whose songs they play on the airwaves. This unfair double standard is the result of a loophole – one that can only be closed by Congress by passing the American Music Fairness Act so artists are paid for the work they do,” said President Michael Huppe, SoundExchange CEO.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Temporary closure of Tuen Mun Swimming Pool Temporary closure of Tuen Mun Swimming Pool *******************************************
Attention TV/radio announcers:Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 1) that due to urgent maintenance works, Tuen Mun Swimming Pool in Tuen Mun District has been temporarily closed until further notice.
There are a multitude of insole products on the market, but those designed specifically for foot shapes that cater to locals are rare. This is why Hong Kong youngster Mike Lo launched his own brand, aiming to create insoles that meet the precise needs of users.
Mike’s vision extends beyond local development and he aspires to penetrate the vast market of Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area.
Encouraging entrepreneurship
Establishing a company and developing products necessitates substantial funding.
The scheme subsidises non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to implement youth entrepreneurship projects, providing seed funding for youth startups and assisting them in setting up business in both Hong Kong and cities within the bay area.
The “StarAgent” programme launched by Po Leung Kuk is one of these subsidised projects. Through it, Mike’s company successfully secured a grant of $600,000.
With the funding, he collaborated with a local university to conduct product development and trials, creating more suitable products for seniors suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet and diabetic foot.
“We also used part of the funds to develop moulds and products in factories in the Mainland,” Mike said.
After two years of trial and error, Mike ultimately launched his own version of pain-relieving insoles which help improve users’ walking and standing posture, alleviating discomfort in the feet, knees, and lower back.
Community impact
Having achieved success in product development, Mike remains committed to giving back to the community.
He recently visited a public housing estate in Tuen Mun to measure the foot sizes of elderly residents, providing them with pain-relief insoles produced by his company.
He also attended a foot health awareness event organised by Po Leung Kuk to share foot care knowledge with the elderly.
Talking about his company’s development, Mike said he is currently planning to expand its business in the bay area.
Field tour
Po Leung Kuk Youth Affairs Department Supervisor Catherine Liu noted that young people venturing into other cities in the Mainland inevitably face numerous concerns, including networking issues, startup costs, and local rules and regulations.
“Our aim is to help them overcome one hurdle after another.”
In addition to providing up to $600,000 in funding, Po Leung Kuk offers a range of business incubation services, such as one-on-one professional consultations.
Before young entrepreneurs enter the Mainland market in the bay area, the programme also organises various business seminars.
Additionally, Po Leung Kuk takes them on visits to cities like Dongguan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. This helps them to familiarise themselves with startup hubs in Mainland cities of the bay area, allowing them to choose the most suitable place for their development.
Multi-benefit case
Tony Fung’s extended reality technology company also benefited from the programme and received funding to set up offices in both Guangzhou and Hong Kong. His Hong Kong office focuses on game development, while the one in Guangzhou handles cloud and web development, with the two complementing each other’s strengths.
Specialised in combining various technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality to create interactive experiences for entertainment and practical use, the content developed by the company involves community education, including themes such as mental health and drug abuse prevention, as well as e-sports.
With the help of the entrepreneurship programme, Tony is moving forward to expand the firm’s client base throughout Guangzhou and other bay area cities, and engaging with local institutions to introduce services.
Mutually reinforcing
The Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a three-year programme. Under Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Clarence Leung highlighted that the first round was extremely well-received.
The authorities partnered with 16 NGOs to fund a total of 217 teams, with about 70 of them successfully establishing themselves in various innovation and entrepreneurial bases in Mainland cities. As a result, the Government has launched a second round of the scheme.
Mr Leung said they saw a lot of young teams with a lot of ideas.
“They put the ideas into practice. We felt that the funding scheme was very successful. That is why we have the second cohort that started last year.”
In addition to this programme, Mr Leung added that the bureau also supports youth entrepreneurship through three other initiatives.
These include the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases, which allows young people to explore startup base operations and policies.
Another strategy involves the Youth Start-up Internship Programme working in collaboration with the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport to provide internships at startup companies.
One more avenue of support is led by the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area, which organises diverse activities in co-operation with institutions from Guangdong and Hong Kong.
Collectively, the various initiatives backed by the bureau offer significant support to young entrepreneurs.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the bipartisan American Music Fairness Act to ensure artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on AM/FM radio. This legislation would bring corporate radio broadcasters in line with all other music streaming platforms, which already pay artists for their music.
“As the heart of country music and the birthplace of the blues, Tennessee has produced so many songwriters and artists that have undeniably made their mark on history, whether that be on Beale Street, Music Row, or the hills of East Tennessee,” said Senator Blackburn. “The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not paid for the use of their music on AM and FM radio. This legislation would close an outdated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to take advantage of artists and their songs for decades.”
“California’s artists enrich our country’s music scene, but our laws unfairly deny them the pay they deserve for their work on AM/FM radio broadcasts,” said Senator Padilla. “As we celebrate the accomplishments of our musical artists at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this weekend, we must also commit to treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve for the music they produce and we enjoy every day.”
“Artists and music creators deserve to be fairly compensated for their work,” said Senator Tillis. “For too long, FM and AM radio stations have enjoyed the benefits of playing music without compensating the artists. This commonsense legislation makes an important step towards ensuring that our nation’s artists are recognized and paid for the value that they bring to our airwaves.”
“America’s musical artists enrich our lives, yet they are denied royalties when their music is broadcast on AM/FM radio,” said Senator Booker. “This bipartisan legislation will close a loophole that keeps artists and creators from being paid for their work, while also ensuring that small and local stations are protected and preserved. Musicians bring joy and vibrancy to our country, and they should be compensated for their hard work.”
Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives this week:
“Now is the time for the United States to finally adopt the proven global standard of compensating our artists for music broadcast over the radio,” said Representative Issa. “AMFA represents a best effort to modernize our system and finally recognize and reward the artists for all they have given us. After significant progress last Congress, I thank my friend Senator Blackburn for her continued leadership and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and on both ends of Capitol Hill to make this overdue reform a reality.”
AMERICAN MUSIC FAIRNESS ACT:
The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not compensated for the use of their music on AM/FM radio. By requiring broadcast radio corporations to pay performance royalties to creators for AM/FM radio plays, the American Music Fairness Actwould close an antiquated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to forgo compensating artists for the use of their music for decades.
The American Music Fairness Actwould:
Require terrestrial radio broadcasters to pay royalties to American music creators when they play their songs;
Protect small and local stations who qualify for exemptions – specifically those that fall under $1.5 million in annual revenue and whose parent companies fall under less than $10 million in annual revenue overall – by allowing them to play unlimited music for less than $500 annually; and
Create a fair global market that ensures foreign countries pay U.S. artists for the use of their songs overseas.
In recognition of the important role of locally owned radio stations in communities across the U.S., the American Music Fairness Act also includes strong protections for small, college, and non-commercial stations.
Clickherefor bill text.
ENDORSEMENTS:
The American Music Fairness Act is endorsed by the Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA, the American Association of Independent Music, the MusicFirst Coalition, the Recording Industry Association of America, SoundExchange, and the American Federation of Musicians.
“For more than a century, American artists and producers have been denied the basic right to earn compensation for their own creation broadcast on AM/FM Radio. The Recording Academy is grateful for the leadership of Reps. Issa and Nadler and Senators Blackburn and Padilla for introducing the American Music Fairness Act, and we urge Congress to finally pay creators for their work.” – Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy
“Just a few notes of a beloved song can transport you a million miles away. Popular music has helped define and reflect the culture in which we live, speaking to our evolving values and shared concerns. It’s outrageous that the recording artists, vocalists and musicians who bring it to life and enrich our lives receive no compensation from airplay on AM/FM radio. It’s downright un-American to exploit people and not pay them. The AMFA legislation will help close that loophole and restore fairness, so that artists are paid when their songs are played on AM/FM radio, just as they are in other mediums. Our gratitude to Reps Issa and Nadler and Sens. Padilla and Blackburn for taking leadership roles on this important legislation.” – Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA
“The American Music Fairness Act is long overdue. The radio industry has no valid justification for refusing to compensate the recording artists who form the backbone of their business. Our laws align us with regimes like Iran and North Korea, allowing foreign broadcasters to exploit American musicians without paying them a dime. Congress must hold mega broadcasters accountable to put American musicians first. A2IM commits to working with our congressional champions to get it done.” – Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO of American Association of Independent Music
“For too long, big radio companies have had a powerful hold on Washington, D.C. It’s time for Congress to stand up for artists, not big radio companies, and ensure working musicians – backup musicians and vocalists who work 9-to-5 jobs to make ends meet – can better earn a living. That means passing the American Music Fairness Act and ensuring that artists are finally compensated when their music plays on AM/FM radio.” – Former U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, Co-Chair of the MusicFirst Coalition
“The American Music Fairness Act takes a smart, calibrated approach towards solving a decades old problem in the radio industry. When enacted into law, AMFA will ensure recording artists and copyright owners are paid fairly for recorded music regardless of the technology used to broadcast it while carefully protecting small and noncommercial stations to preserve truly local radio our communities depend upon. This practical, compromise legislation has previously passed the House Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support and we applaud Chairman Issa and his colleagues for working to advance this important legislation.” – Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America
“Radio conglomerates operating thousands of AM/FM stations across the U.S., make billions in profits, employ legions of lobbyists, and spend millions each year to influence lawmakers, all while continuing to refuse to pay the artists whose songs they play on the airwaves. This unfair double standard is the result of a loophole – one that can only be closed by Congress by passing the American Music Fairness Act so artists are paid for the work they do.” – Michael Huppe, President & CEO of SoundExchange
“The American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) will fix a broken and unfair system. Musicians deserve compensation when their work is played on terrestrial radio. On this issue, the United States is out of step with the rest of the free world. AMFA will correct that. Thank you, Reps. Issa and Nadler, for recognizing the value of our work.” – Tino Gagliardi, International President of the American Federation of Musicians
Police are releasing further information in the Otaika homicide investigation as the appeal for footage continues.
An investigation team has begun the task of piecing together what took place on the layby on Otaika Valley Road earlier this week.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, of Whangārei CIB, says a post-mortem examination on the motorcyclist has been completed.
“I can confirm that the victim was shot,” he says.
“At this point in the enquiry we are not in a position to release further details around the injuries or firearm likely used in this homicide.”
Since an appeal for information was launched on Thursday, a steady stream of footage has been sent into Police for examination.
“This is an encouraging start, and this is already helping us piece together a timeline of movements in-and-around that layby,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.
“We now know from dashcam footage that there were a number of vehicles parked in the layby prior to the victim arriving on his motorbike.”
Police are continuing to ask those in the community to make contact if they have footage or information.
“At this point in the enquiry, we believe the victim has been shot in that layby late on 28 January, between 7pm and 11pm.”
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says Police anticipate releasing further information about the victim over the coming days.
“We’re continuing to support the man’s family as our investigation continues.
“Our focus is on finding answers for the family for how the victim has died in such a violent manner.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Police would like any sightings of the victim’s blue and silver coloured road bike that was parked in the layby.
That is particularly between 8pm on 28 January through to 5am on 29 January.
Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage around key locations between 7pm on 28 January and 5am on 29 January should contact Police.
Those areas of interest are along Otaika Valley Road, between the intersections with State Highway 14, Maungatapere, and Loop and Cemetery Roads, in Otaika.
An online portal has been set up for any footage or photographs to be uploaded.
WASHINGTON, DC (January 31, 2025) — In response to ongoing legal developments regarding the Department of Justice’s effort to extradite an alleged hacker linked to cyberattacks against climate organizations including Greenpeace USA, Greenpeace USA Deputy Climate Program Director, John Noël said:
“The latest bombshell revelations in the hack-for-hire case expose a brazen attack on democracy. Defense documents submitted to the court now allegedly link the DCI Group—a lobbying firm hired by Exxon—to a covert hacking operation aimed at undermining climate advocacy organizations, campaigners, journalists and derailing momentum for climate liability lawsuits by stealing private communications.
“This apparent corporate espionage scandal is staggering—millions of dollars, international intelligence firms, shadowy hackers, and apparently Big Oil at its center. As one of the key suspects faces extradition to the U.S., even more revelations could still emerge. Those responsible must be fully pursued to expose the depths of this scheme and deliver justice.
“Big Oil is escalating its playbook of manipulation and intimidation—deploying hacking schemes, SLAPP lawsuits, and a tidal wave of disinformation—to silence demands for accountability and climate justice. The fossil fuel industry’s relentless attempts to suppress the truth and crush legal efforts to hold them responsible must not be allowed to stall or derail the urgent fight for a livable future for working families everywhere.”
Contact: Gigi Singh, Communications Manager at Greenpeace USA (+1) 631-404-9977, [email protected]
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
I must share our joy, joy of myself and Dr Sudesh Dhankhar right from the time we came here. Our energy level has gone up. Our happiness has risen. We feel blessed to be at this place. I congratulate the Institute and others that have converged to hold this third national seminar on very important subject, Deaf-Blind on advocacy for education and employment. Education and employment, both are fundamental. Boys and Girls, loss of physical vision, I have seen can be compensated. But you have that vision which matters to us. When that vision is perverted, dangers emanate.
What I have seen here when there was an address, I was overwhelmed, not only by what I saw but the response thereof. My deep sense of gratitude to all those who have come together and thought leaders professionals, change makers to contribute to this great cause of humanity. This collective will generate inclusivity and compassion. Rights appreciation about those who are challenged or differently-abled is fundamental. They have enormous talent and potential. They have infinite capacity to contribute. They require some handholding. Let me remind you by quoting a couplet from our great epic Ramcharitmanas. The couplet is in Uttar kand “पर हित सरिस धर्म नहिं भाई। पर पीड़ा सम नहिं अधमाई॥“In translation it means it is ultimate religiosity. It is highest the Dharma, if you alleviate suffering of someone, if you minimise pain of someone, if you hand hold someone. And it is extreme painful irreligiousityअधर्म if you inflict some kind of pain in anybody. We must draw our lessons. Let all our actions be marked by empathy, compassion. I have no doubt that the enormous potential of the differently challenged or physically challenged whom the Prime Minister has rightly given a name Divyang. Divyang is expression of divinity. A greatest respect to human being. The nation will flourish with your participation. History is a proof that disability has not tamed human spirit. Human spirit that which is in you cannot be tamed, you can overcome daunting situations. Mountains have been climbed. Rivers have been crossed. Records have been set in Paralympics. I have had the good fortune to see in India International Paralympic Games.
The talent which is there in this group, the group before me is a source of inspiration and motivation for all who think they are abled because they have vision, they can hear, they can speak. As I said you are the gifted once with the real vision that vision is a precious jewel. Let me tell you the greatest scientist of our generation who changed understanding of physics, professor, Stephen Hawkins he was challenged and who does not know Helen Keller. She had difficulty in speaking and listening, but she turned out to be one of the greatest authors. I see all around Stephen Hawkins and Helen Kellers in our country. I have seen them myself. Our mission, therefore has to be very clear and that is in our Constitution. We have to provide a life of dignity, purpose and fulfilment. Fortunately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed in mission mode to serve the cause of Divyang.
He has got them in vote, in elections, in governance, in every walk of life. He has created policies that allow our Divyang to fully exploit their potential, their talent and realise their dreams. Let me tell you some of the schemes that make us proud, inclusive governance and Viksit Bharat is not possible without your participation. Democracy will be incomplete and suffer a great void without your satisfaction to use your talent. In 2016, as was indicated by our friend and the nation passed Rights of Person with disabilities. This was in 2016, the third year of Prime Minister‘s regime. The purpose was to facilitate their voting, special queues, voting from home, braille features on EVMs and numerous other initiatives. This has increased quality of participation in our democratic process. Election commission of India has gone a great length to enhance it. Reservation in education increased in premier institutions also from 3 to 5%. I am personally aware and delighted when a Divyang gets into Indian foreign service, Indian Administrative Service. Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre set up in 2015 and National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation in 2019 are steps in the right direction.
Centre for disability sports is being set up at Gwalior for specially abled citizens. Boys, and girls, Paralympics that are in four categories dealing with different disabilities are now global event in which Indian participation is getting glorified. Accessible India campaign, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2015, the result is all institutions. The infrastructure has to be friendly for Divyangjans.This as a matter of fact is a social responsibility which I am happy to note is being discharged by everyone.
We all need to converge to bring out the best in our divyangjan. This requires special educators, special curriculum and methodologies. It is time, we employ technology, artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, so that this very valuable category of human resource can optimally perform.
One of the most delightful moment which me and my wife, Dr. Sudesh had when we went to an autism school in Delhi, the school initiated by Rashmi Das. She took up the challenge in a passion mode, in a mission mode. She executed the project which is world class. It is there that I came to know that autism is a different kind of a challenge where you require a different kind of ecosystem. I have no doubt Rashmi Das Institute in Autism will soon be world class because we need to not only hand hold, emotionally hand hold. We need to give company to them. It is only a matter of time when we will find their touch of hand with us will convey energy to us. They will give us more than they will take from us.We need to be highly sensitive to their health requirements. We need to evolve a mechanism that engages in a system which is efficient, seamless, helpful, affirmative and productive for them. We must always ensure they must not have isolation. They must have company. That will be soothing either side. Sometimes they may require counseling, but who does not require counseling?And therefore, community engagement not with a sense of sympathy, but with a sense of empathy. Community engagement on a level playing field. Community engagement which allows them to express themselves in music, in art, in games, in sports and other aspects. I am sure all steps will be taken because government has provided futuristic affirmative policies to hand hold this category.
Our journey to build inclusive Bharat, developed Bharat, A Bharat of our dreams cannot fructify unless your dreams are satisfied.On your own, you are capable to catalyze your dreams but others should not come in the way. In this great effort, NGOs have a greater role to play. The role should not be cosmetic or surface scratching. The role must be achievement oriented. CSR funds must be committed for development of this category. Let each one of us contribute because each one of us has a role to play. As policymakers, we have two distinguished Parliamentarians and Deputy Chairmen of the Rajya Sabha here. Great role as policymakers, as educators, advocates, caregivers, or simply as compassionate human beings. Let us discharge this divine obligation and ensure that the world is a good place to live for our dear Divyangjans.
Let me conclude by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: I quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Unquote. Let us dedicate ourselves to the service of those who look for us, who look us for support and solidarity, not sympathy.
On my own behalf and that of my wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar I can assure you in our own way we will look for opportunities to contribute and will be in touch with this Institute.
I wish all of you a great future because no nation in the world has risen in last 10 years as Bharat has risen. The jump that Bharat has taken by economic upsurge, infrastructure growth, deep technological penetration, and improvement in the lives of ordinary people by toilet, by gas connection, by piped water, by connectivity of rail, road, air. And this makes our Bharat at the moment most aspirational country in the world that challenge requires every human resource in the country gets opportunity of expression, your expression and dialogue with you will define a sense of our civilization. Helping this category Divyang will turn out to be nectar for the persons who are doing it.
Catherine Russell never forgets the children she meets. As Executive Director of UNICEF, she bears witness to the stories of tens of millions of children and young people suffering around the world, and shares causes for optimism and hope wherever she finds it.
“Children just want to be children. No matter what, the bleakest situation, the most terrible things, they still want to play right? They want to find some joy. They want to just be kids, and I think that’s what we have to all work to protect.”
2024 was one of the worst years on record for children in conflict, a devastating statistic that the United Nations is refusing to accept as a deadly new normal. In this episode*, Catherine Russell reflects on the impacts of childhood trauma, the limits of human resilience, and looks back on a childhood spent trick-or-treating for UNICEF.
* Episode recorded in the end of 2024
Full episode: https://youtu.be/6zR21e7yQUQ
Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
#podcast #unitednations #awakeatnight #UNICEF #children
About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change
