The advent of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022 revolutionized humanoid robotics, allowing for task execution without explicit programming. As developed nations grapple with labor shortages from aging populations and declining birth rates, the demand for automation grows. Humanoid robots are emerging as vital solutions, particularly in eldercare, yet their successful integration hinges on societal acceptance and trust, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Deep Dive into Humanoid Robots,” analyses humanoid robots’ scope and prospects for the coming decade. A new species of AI-enabled humanoid robots are designed to mimic human form and behavior and co-mingle and co-work with humans in human-designed environments. They are being intensively trialed in active work environments by Tesla, Amazon, and BYD ahead of commercial deployment at scale later in the decade.
As humanoid robots advance in terms of reliability, autonomy, and contextual awareness, there will be an increased demand for them to take on hazardous or undesirable jobs, especially in sectors where a labor shortage is expected, such as eldercare.
However, traditional Japanese and European robot companies are not making the running. Instead, Tesla, UBtech Robotics, and a clutch of breakthrough startups, including Fourier Intelligence, Figure AI, 1X Technologies, and Agility Robotics are leading the way.
Michael Orme, Senior Consultant in the Strategic team at GlobalData, comments: “Humanoid robot deployment will likely start in China, South Korea, and Japan. Many countries and global industries are already facing serious prospective skilled labor shortages in these sectors and require higher levels of sustainable productivity across the board.”
Martina Raveni, Analyst in the Strategic team at GlobalData, continues: “Due to low fertility rates and longer life expectancies, populations are shrinking and aging. This is leading to labor shortages across many industries, especially eldercare. It is difficult to see how many demographically stricken societies will avoid eldercare catastrophes and fiscal crises in the future without help from humanoid robots in hospitals and homes.”
Edward Bickerton, Associate Analyst in the Strategic team at GlobalData, says: ”We are very much in the early stages right now, and first-generation humanoid robots, despite highly impressive demos—albeit aided and abetted by special effects—are far from being general purpose, fully autonomous machines.”
Raveni concludes: “The success of evolving humanoid technologies will hinge not only on their technical prowess but also on their seamless integration into society. For these robots to truly thrive, they must go beyond mere functionality; they must build trust and foster collaboration with the communities they are designed to serve.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Owners, operators and skippers of fishing vessels fitted with side shell doors urged to ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessment of watertight integrity.
Image courtesy of Royal Air Force
Today, we have issued a safety bulletin to the fishing vessel community following the foundering of fishing vessel Argos Georgia approximately 190 nautical miles east of Port Stanley, Falkland Islands on 22 July 2024, with the loss of 13 lives.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Alexander Novak got acquainted with domestic developments in the field of hydrogen energy and transport
October 10, 2024
Alexander Novak got acquainted with domestic developments in the field of hydrogen energy and transport
October 10, 2024
Alexander Novak got acquainted with domestic developments in the field of hydrogen energy and transport
October 10, 2024
Alexander Novak got acquainted with domestic developments in the field of hydrogen energy and transport
October 10, 2024
Alexander Novak got acquainted with domestic developments in the field of hydrogen energy and transport
October 10, 2024
Alexander Novak got acquainted with domestic developments in the field of hydrogen energy and transport
October 10, 2024
Previous news Next news
Alexander Novak got acquainted with domestic developments in the field of hydrogen energy and transport
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak familiarized himself with the plans of the Hydrogen Technologies Center of AFK Sistema in the field of developing projects on hydrogen energy and transport, as well as new models of Russian freight transport on hydrogen fuel cells manufactured by PJSC KAMAZ at the site of the production complex of JSC Elektrozavod. On the basis of the Hydrogen Technologies Center, projects have been created and are being developed to create water and freight transport on hydrogen, drones for the transportation of commercial goods, catalysts and sensors for hydrogen, electrolyzers, energy accumulation and storage systems, fuel cells, etc.
The Deputy Prime Minister saw a new KAMAZ truck with a payload capacity of over 20 tons, which can travel 400 km on hydrogen, in motion, and also assessed the work of the domestic power plant and the truck platform with hydrogen fuel cells manufactured by PJSC KAMAZ. Representatives of AFK Sistema and its structures, as well as PJSC KAMAZ, took part in the event.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following press release is issued on behalf of the Independent Commission Against Corruption:
The ICAC will kick start a new round of annual opinion survey next Monday (October 14) to gauge public attitudes towards a probity society and their understanding about corruption.
“The ICAC is committed to combating corruption and together with the community, the Commission strives to safeguard Hong Kong’s status as a clean society. This year marks the golden jubilee of the ICAC and the Commission is taking the opportunity to appeal to members of the public for their continued support. Citizens who are participating in the annual opinion survey are encouraged to express their views which would help the Commission formulate effective and holistic anti-graft strategies,” said an ICAC spokesman.
Commencing on October 14 till December, the survey will be conducted independently by a professional research agency appointed by the ICAC. Around 1 500 Hong Kong residents, aged between 15 and 74, will be selected for interviews by random sampling.
Selected households will receive notification letters issued by the ICAC. During the survey period, uniformed interviewers bearing authorisation letters issued by the ICAC and staff identity cards of the research agency will visit the households between 10am and 9.45pm. Each face-to-face interview will last about 10 to 15 minutes. Selected households are welcome to schedule the interview with the research agency or the ICAC.
All personal information and opinion collected from the survey will not be disclosed to any other government departments or organisations. All data collected will be compiled in aggregate and the completed questionnaires will be destroyed after completion of the survey.
Details of the survey are available on the ICAC corporate website (www.icac.org.hk). For enquiries, members of the public may call the ICAC survey enquiry hotline 2826 3267 between 10am and 10pm during the survey period.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
On October 7, applications for free education at the expense of the budget of the Russian Federation within the quota established by the government of the country for the 2025/26 academic year were accepted. A bachelor’s student from Turkey, Kadir Rende, spoke about his experience at the Polytechnic University. He entered the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU on a contract basis, but passed the quota selection of Rossotrudnichestvo and continued his education on a budgetary basis.
— Why did you choose to study mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic?
— From an early age, I was interested in how the toys I played with worked. I was constantly taking them apart to understand how they worked. As I grew older, this curiosity grew into a desire to find out why machines move and how it happens. I never doubted that I would become an engineer.
When I decided to study in Russia, I started looking for the ideal university and chose Peter the Great Polytechnic University. It is one of the best universities in the country with a rich history, within whose walls many famous engineers and scientists studied.
Mechanical engineering is a promising direction. Highly qualified specialists like me will be in demand at various enterprises. I am sure that the knowledge and skills I have gained will help me make a significant contribution to this industry and realize my ambitions.
— How difficult is it to communicate in Russian in everyday life?
— I studied Russian at the preparatory department in Kazan before continuing my studies in St. Petersburg. Although it may seem that I speak well, my level is still limited to conversational. In lectures I encounter more complex materials, which sometimes causes difficulties. Fortunately, I have excellent relationships with teachers who understand our problems and are always ready to help. My Russian classmates and other students are also very friendly and willing to explain if something is unclear. I am a sociable person. I enjoy speaking Russian, which I find very rich and beautiful.
Thanks to constant practice, I feel that my level of language proficiency is getting better and better. This year, I even took second place in the Olympiad in Russian as a Foreign Language, which I am very proud of!
— What other Russian cities have you seen?
— I have been to Moscow, Kazan and small towns around it, but to be honest, St. Petersburg is my favorite. It feels like a fairy tale, so I really love walking around the cultural capital. Last year, my relatives flew in from Istanbul to visit me. They were delighted with the city.
— Did you manage to make friends with the locals?
— I was told that Russians can seem “cold”. However, almost all my friends here are Russian. We communicate very well. At first it was difficult to get to know each other because of the language barrier, but as I got to know them better, I realized that they are actually kind and helpful people.
— Do you study on a fee-paying basis or through some kind of scholarship program?
— At first, I studied under a contract and didn’t even think about participating in the competition for free education. I thought that I would have to start studying all over again. But after studying the issue in detail, I made up my mind. In my second year, I managed to transfer to a budget. So I’m very happy.
— What do you do in your free time?
— I try to find interesting and beautiful places in the city. Then I visit them with friends. The Polytechnic also has excellent conditions for doing sports. I am into boxing and go to free training sessions in the evenings, I made new friends there. There is a gym in our dormitory, sometimes I work out there.
— What advice would you give to other international students who are already studying or just entering the Polytechnic?
— There are many organizations for students, including international students, at the university, and I highly recommend visiting them. They offer a variety of activities and events, allowing everyone to find something for themselves. I go to Russian conversation clubs in the PolyUnion space, and at the Interclub I like to get together with friends for games. There are really many opportunities for activities here. It’s a great way to meet new people and improve your knowledge of the language.
— What are your plans for the future?
— After completing my bachelor’s degree, I would like to continue my studies at the Polytechnic University for a master’s degree. I understand that this will be very useful for building my future career.
We remind you that international students can apply forwebsite quota selection until January 15. You can also take part in the international Open Doors Olympics and get the opportunity to study for bachelor’s, master’s and postgraduate degrees at the Polytechnic University for free.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On October 12, the Northern River Terminal will host a large-scale program in honor of the birthday of the Passenger Mobility Center (PMC) of Moscow transport. Each visitor will be able to understand what socially significant work PMC inspectors do, congratulate them on the holiday and thank them for their work.
“We are adapting the transport infrastructure for the convenience and safety of the capital’s residents on the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin. Thus, in 2013, we created the Passenger Mobility Center. Its inspectors help people who have difficulty moving around in transport. For the birthday of the CMPC, we have prepared a festive program at the Northern River Terminal. Together with the city residents, we will congratulate our colleagues and thank them for their work,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry
At 12:00, guests will see demonstration performances and master classes by the Russian School for Training Guide Dogs of the All-Russian Society of the Blind, the Mudry Pes Guide Dog Owners Club, and the Mudrik i Ko team. Faithful and loyal four-legged friends help their owners become more mobile and provide them with a safe journey.
Together with dog training schools, the CMMP staff has helped train more than 350 guide animals in the Moscow Metro since 2014. Another 50 guide dogs will be trained this year to help people with limited mobility in the metro.
Each visitor to the Northern River Terminal will be able to walk along a pre-prepared obstacle course with a guide dog. He will understand what a huge job these animals and the TSOMP employees do, who also help passengers with limited mobility move safely along the route they need.
The “Wise Dog” school has prepared tactile games. Their participants will learn how to properly interact with guide dogs. In addition, a thematic photo zone will be opened for visitors, where they can take beautiful memorable pictures.
From 13:00 to 15:00, a creative workshop will be open at the station for everyone. Museum of Moscow Transport.
From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, anyone can listen to a lecture on how to properly interact with people with limited mobility and visit the tactile games of the interactive museum in the dark, Sensorium. Guests will learn Braille and take part in a blitz on the sense of smell to focus on all the senses.
For 11 years now, inspectors and employees of the Center for the Prevention of Disabilities of the Passenger’s Body have been accompanying passengers with hearing or vision impairments, musculoskeletal disorders, elderly people, large families, parents with baby carriages and organized groups of schoolchildren. They help passengers with limited mobility to get to more than 300 places in the capital. The Center for the Prevention of Disabilities of the Passenger’s Body is nearby throughout the entire journey on the metro, on the Moscow Central Circle, in ground transportation and trams. They make the movement of citizens safer and more comfortable. Since the center’s creation, over 1.2 million people have received assistance.
The support service is free. You can leave a request on the metro website, in the Moscow Metro app, via the Alexandra chatbot, or by calling the TSOMPS contact center at 7 495 622-73-41 and 7 800 250-73-41 (free call). The service is open from 05:30 to 01:00.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
This section has been identified as high-risk and requiring improvement by the Road Safety Foundation.
Following a 12-week community consultation, work is now underway to introduce collision reduction measures and to make active travel, such as walking and cycling easier. Measures include:
Improvements to existing pedestrian crossings
Upgrades to existing crossings on side roads leading to Ashbourne Road
New infrastructure to reduce speed.
These works are expected to be completed in 2025 and will be conducted during off-peak periods as much as possible to minimise disruption.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:
We’re committed to creating a safer, greener transport network to Derby and Ashbourne Road is a key element of that.
The improvements we’re carrying out on this busy commuter route will improve safety for countless road users and make it easier for people to choose greener alternatives.
The people of Derby have played a key part in these improvements, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views in our consultation.
The Safer Roads Fund was introduced by the Department for Transport (DfT) to support road safety in England as part of a wider package of investment in Britain’s transport network. In total, £47.5 million of Government funding is being invested to improve 27 of England’s most dangerous roads.
Angry, accusatory partisan exchanges over the Middle East war have dominated federal politics this week. But for most ordinary voters the issue remains “over there”.
Apart from the minorities for whom it has an immediate impact – Jewish people frightened by antisemitism, the Muslim community, those with families in Lebanon and elsewhere – it’s a tragedy without tangible relevance to their day-to-day lives.
On Thursday however, Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned the foreign crisis could feed directly into the domestic cost-of-living crisis, via the price of oil.
Midway through this week, oil was trading 11% lower than it was a year ago, but 7% higher than a week-and-a-half ago, Chalmers told a news conference.
Treasury estimates that if prices were 10% higher for an entire year, this would reduce Australia’s GDP by 0.1% and increase the consumer price index by 0.4 percentage points.
Nothing is certain about the coming months but the potential implications are obvious. Consumers would feel the effects at the petrol pump of the higher oil prices.
The Reserve Bank will also be watching the possible trajectory of oil prices, together with all the other indicators relevant to its decisions on interest rates. This is against the background of the government’s desperation for a rate cut (or two) before the election.
Although an increase in fuel prices (hitting businesses as well as families) would not be the government’s fault, it would be blamed.
According to Labor, at present there’s a disconnect between, on the one hand, the partisan political heat the Middle East war is generating and, on the other, the public’s lack of engagement with the issue.
Voters not concentraing on the Middle East
Labor sources say focus group research this week, done with swinging voters, found most people aren’t closely following Middle East events.
Beyond that, they are generally satisfied with the government’s stand and don’t think the crisis is distracting it from the cost of living (which is separate from how they think the government is handling the cost of living).
This accords with this week’s Essential poll, in which 56% said they were satisfied with the government’s response on the Israel-Gaza war. Another 30% thought the government had been too supportive of Israel; 14% thought it had been too harsh on Israel.
Except among some of those directly invested, the Middle East crisis is not likely to be a vote changer.
In the domestic political battle, Dutton is trying to use the conflict to paint Albanese as weak. That’s a long bow on the issue itself, although more generally the prime minister and his government have come to be seen as having lost their way.
While Dutton is trying to define Albanese negatively, Albanese is attempting to make Dutton a bigger target.
NBN sale a distraction
Thus on Wednesday the prime minister, shortly before he jumped on his plane to attend the ASEAN-Australia summit in Laos, personally introduced legislation that would ensure the NBN remained in public hands.
If the Coalition didn’t vote for the bill, that would show it would sell the NBN, Labor claimed. It was a crude attempt at scare politics, easily seen through. The Coalition is not suggesting it would sell the NBN and if it did, would most people care? Anyway, originally Labor planned for the NBN to be privatised. Dutton ridiculed the tactic.
As we look to election year, the 2025 parliamentary sitting calendar came out this week. It has a fortnight sitting in February and pencils in a budget for March 25, which would set up a May poll. Of course this doesn’t rule out an earlier (March) election although Albanese has said more than once he plans a pre-election budget.
Regardless, we are already in the election campaign. At caucus on Tuesday Albanese was, for the second time recently, talking about the second term agenda.
Announcements like confetti
Announcements are raining down like confetti especially related to cost-of-living issues. Supermarkets are being heavily targeted. Launching his merger reform legislation on Thursday, Chalmers said every supermarket merger would be screened, regardless of whether it fell under the new arrangements.
Present polls are showing the most likely election result, to be delivered by sour voters, is a hung parliament with a minority Labor government.
Albanese told caucus he was focused on winning majority government. Dutton knows that if the Coalition can’t win, the more crossbenchers it can force Labor to need to rely on, the more unstable a second-term Labor government would be.
Both sides have a great deal of bedding-down to do before the actual campaign.
Key items on Labor’s legislative agenda aren’t just not introduced, they are unseen – for instance, on gambling advertising, social media restrictions for young people, electoral funding.
Major bills are stuck in the parliament – notably on housing, where the Greens may eventually do a deal but are stringing out the pain.
On the other side, the Coalition has released minimal policy. On its controversial nuclear power plan, it has put out minimal details, in particular refusing to produce costings. It can’t hold back everything until the last moment.
Will the campaign even matter?
When the formal campaign comes, how much will it matter?
There is the old saying “you can’t fatten the pig on market day”. In other words, the election result may be decided well before the actual campaign.
What do the last three elections (2016, 2019, 2022) tell us about the importance of the formal campaign? In each case, the result was narrow, a matter of a handful of seats.
In 2022, there was probably nothing Morrison could have done in the last weeks to salvage the situation – to use another farm metaphor, his goose was cooked. In the event, he ran a bad campaign.
In 2016 prime minister Malcolm Turnbull just scraped home; Turnbull’s flawed campaigning maximised the number of seats he lost.
In 2019, when it seemed Bill Shorten was almost certain to take Labor to victory, its defeat may have been sealed in the campaign itself, although its heavy policy load always put it in a precarious situation.
In 2022 Albanese was judged a poor campaigner. Aware of this, Labor strategists will be doing everything to make sure he is fully prepared for “gotcha” questions (on which he faltered last time) and the other hazards that can arise spontaneously.
Dutton’s forte is negativity, his natural style is the attack. But in those final weeks, more will be needed.
One challenge in leaving policy releases late is that holes can slip through, inviting slip ups.
Dutton has far from established himself as a rounded alternative prime minister. Indeed his current approach on the Middle East, completely lacking nuance, raises questions about how he would handle the complexities of foreign policy generally. It has not been reassuring.
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly increased the demand for data processing capabilities and capacity, leading to the expansion of data centers globally. As these facilities operate continuously, their energy-intensive equipment are raising concerns about sustainability. New cooling technologies and innovative approaches are emerging to address the environmental challenges posed by these critical infrastructures, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Deep Dive into The Environmental Impact of Data Centers,” reveals that water is the most common cooling method, and its use has increased during the current AI boom. However, new cooling technologies are being developed.
Martina Raveni, Analyst in the Strategic team at GlobalData, comments: “The high temperature of data centers is a critical issue at the moment. If equipment overheats, malfunctions and breakdowns can occur, with repercussions for the many sectors that rely on those data centers. As demand for AI applications increases, managing these temperatures will become increasingly important.”
Big Tech companies training large language models (LLMs) are increasing their water consumption for cooling purposes. However, water cooling is not ideal in the long-term due to water scarcity in certain areas and because it is ultimately a finite resource.
To reduce water consumption, new cooling technologies are being developed, including immersion cooling using dielectric fluids and ceramic components for circuit boards and semiconductors. Future cooling methods such as underwater data centers and data centers in space are also being explored.
Raveni concludes: “There will likely be increased deployment of data centers in cold climates. Expectations include greater adoption of sustainable design and advanced cooling technologies like immersion cooling, driven by data centers’ energy efficiency demands and regulatory pressures.
“The future of data centers hinges on our ability to innovate and adapt to the pressing environmental challenges they pose. As we embrace advanced cooling technologies and sustainable practices, it is crucial to balance the growing demand for data processing with our responsibility to protect finite resources. The transition to more efficient and eco-friendly solutions will not only enhance operational resilience but also pave the way for a more sustainable digital infrastructure.”
Girls and young women in north-east Nigeria suffered horrific abuses in Boko Haram captivity, with many survivors then arbitrarily detained and subsequently neglected by the Nigerian authorities. Now, these girls and young women are sending a clear message: they want to rebuild their lives.
For more than a decade, Boko Haram used these girls and young women as “wives”, forcibly marrying them, and subjecting them to years of domestic servitude and sexual violence, including forced pregnancy.
Today, on International Day of the Girl Child, Amnesty International is launching a new petition calling for Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government to empower these girls and young women by ensuring their access to medical care, education, and livelihood support.
Evidence from microscopic palynomorphs–, organic remains, combined with geochemical assessments have indicated significant potential for hydrocarbon generation in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. The eastern Sirka coalfield in this region have exhibited higher potential for hydrocarbon generation compared to the Giddi coalfield in the north.
The South Karanpura coalfield, consisting of 28 major coal blocks, is well-established for its substantial deposits of workable coal. However, with the rising demand for energy and the growing interest in hydrocarbon exploration, the focus has increasingly shifted towards the potential for coal bed methane/shale gas (unconventional resource) generation within this region. This pursuit of green energy necessitates an environment conducive to hydrocarbon preservation, which is critical for the nation’s energy strategy.
The potential for hydrocarbon generation within a source rock is largely determined by the concentration of organic matter, which is influenced by specific environmental conditions.
To assess this potential, scientists from Birbal Sahni institution of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (BSIP), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) carried out a comprehensive study involving analysis of microscopic remains like pollen, spores, and certain microscopic organic matter (palynological), coupled with a laboratory procedure called Rock-Eval pyrolysis, for assessing the potential of the rock samples in an open system through the cracking of the organic matter, on sediments from the Sirka and Giddi C areas of the Damodar Basin.
Samples were collected from coal, carbonaceous shale, and sandstone layers of freshly exposed quarry faces of Sirka Colliery and Giddi C Colliery of Argada area, Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, respectively. Parameters such as palynofacies, free hydrocarbons (S1), heavy hydrocarbons (S2) pyrolyzable carbon (PC), residual hydrocarbon (RC), were analysed in the samples.
These collected sediments, belonging to the Permian (Barakar) deposits, point to favourable conditions for high hydrocarbon resource potential in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield.
This research published in Journal of Asian Earth Sciences-X provides essential insights that can guide future exploration efforts, contributing to energy resource development and national energy security. More detailed study is required for the confirmation of the economic exploration.
Susu le susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – Semi Seruvakula
Director & UNESCO Representative to the Pacific States – Dr Shamila, Nair – Bedouelle
Esteemed CEOs and Stakeholders
Ladies and gentlemen,
Talofa lava!
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important workshop to validate our National Science, Technology & Innovation Policy. I acknowledge the distinguished group of stakeholders and policymakers here with us today, who share a passion for advancing science, technology and innovation in our nation, ensuring it serves the public good.
Today marks a crucial moment in our collective journey. As we gather here, we’re not just discussing policy; we’re shaping how the future of science, technology and innovation interacts with our society. In recent years, we’ve witnessed advancements in research in these areas, from groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture and healthcare to innovative technologies addressing food security and climate change, as well as leaps of development in artificial intelligence. Yet, these advancements come with complex challenges that require thoughtful frameworks.
The purpose of this workshop is clear, we are here to validate our National Science, Technology & Innovation policy in its latest draft form, ensuring it is robust, transparent, and most importantly, relevant in shaping the diverse perspectives of the scientific community in Samoa.
Validation is not merely an exercise in approval; it is an opportunity for critical reflection and constructive dialogue. It is about asking the right questions: Is the proposed policy addressing the most pressing scientific challenges? Does it promote collaboration amongst the stakeholders and across our sectors? Does it foster innovation?
As we embark on validating and hopefully launching this important policy, I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration.
Science, technology and innovation thrives on diverse viewpoints. We have here policymakers, and technical experts in technology, education, health, environment, agriculture and other areas where science plays an important role. Each of you brings unique insights and experiences that are vital to finalizing a policy that truly serves our collective interests and most importantly, our people. Therefore, as we engage in discussions this morning, I encourage each of you to share your thoughts. Your expertise is invaluable and your contributions will help ensure that our policy is not only effective, but also reflective of our shared values.
I would like to extend my gratitude to UNESCO for their funding and support, which has been instrumental in the development of this Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) policy
In closing, I want to thank each of you for your commitment to this important document. Your dedication to advancing the policy will have a lasting impact in promoting science, technology and innovation in Samoa.
Fa’afetai!
Soifua and God Bless!
Lauga Autu Afioga i le Minisita o le SROS, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi i le Iloiloga ma le Fa’atalatalanoaga o le Faiga Fa’avae mo le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma Mea Fou a le Fa’alapotopotoga o Su’esu’ega Fa’asaienisi o Samoa
(Nafanua – 2 Oketopa, 2024)
Susu le susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – Semi Seruvakula
Afio le Taitaifono o le UNESCO mo le Pasefika – H.E. Dr Shamila Nair Bedouelle
Afifio Fa’auluuluga o Matagaluega ma Fa’alapotopotoga a le Malo
Afifio le Ma’ave ese’ese ua aofia potopoto nei
Talofa lava!
E fa’apōpō o aso ua a’o aso folau fo’i e le tu’ua e pei ona i ai le asō. Ua fa’amalo le soiufa laulelei ma le lagi e mama i le pa’ia ma le mamalu ua mafai ona afifio ma tala mai a’ao e tusa ai ma le fa’atalau’ula atu, se’i o tatou falē ma umufono talatala i le auga o le tatou fa’amoemoe i le asō.
O outou pa’ia e le popo i se fa’amatalaga, aua e tumau. E mai saua se’i pa’ia fili ma puletu’u na matemate ai malo.
Nona lea o le vi’iga i lo tatou Tapa’au Sili, aua o lona mata’isau ua mafua ai le asō.
O lea ua ma’ea momoli lapalapa o malo, ma sufi le ao o fa’asuaga o manū, auā la tatou taulaga osia o le fa’afetai i le Atua i lenei taeao.
O lo tatou ala lea i malo, ma le fa’apogai o manuia ua tatou sapi ai i le asō. Fa’afetai i lau susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – lau Susuga Semi Seruvakula mo fa’amanuiaga fa’aleagaga e tomatau ai le fa’amoemoe o le asō. Tau ia ina ia alu ma le mana le fe’au o le talalelei ua laugaina e lana auauna.
Ae o le fiafiaga o le agaga e le fa’aitiitia, i le va’ava’ai atu i le afifio ma le tala mai o a’ao i le mamalu o le au vala’aulia ma pa’aga, o e o lo’o fito-i-tonu i ai lenei Faiga Fa’avae. O se Faiga fa’avae e taiala ai fuafuaga, o fa’atatauga ma galuega e patino i le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufauga o Meafou (Science, Technology and Innovation Policy).
E le ititi le taua ma le aoga o le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai e fausia ni Meafou i atina’e o malo uma o le lalolagi, ua loa ona outou silafia ma ua ou iloa. O le mafuaga lea o lo’o tinoū ma finafinau ai pea malo tetele uma ina ia si’itia tulaga o le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufauga o mea fou. Aua lava le manuia o le tamaoa’iga ma le atina’eina o latou malo.
O le auga fo’i lea o le tu’ufa’atasia ai o lenei faiga fa’avae. Ina ia fa’amati’e, fa’alauiloa ma una’ia le Fa’asaienisi, o le Tekinalosi, ma fa’amalosiaina o le Tomai e fausia ai ni mea fou. Ina ia mapo lelei ma aoga e le gata i le atina’eina o Samoa ae o le soifua lelei ma le manuia lautele o nai o tatou tagata.
O lo’u iloa a leai se Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Faufauga o Mea Fou e le iloa pe tua ma ni a le atina’eina o:
• Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaia,
• Soifua Maloloina
• Felauaiga o le vanimonimo, lauelele ma le sami
• Feso’otaiga i ona po nei
• Fausiaina o Maota ma Laoa..ma isi lava matata.
E le’i fausia Roma i se aso e tasi. E fa’apena fo’i se manatu. O le tatou ulua’i faiga fa’avae lea ua fatu-fatu ma ua toetoe a ma’ea. E i ai a suiga mai lea taimi i lea taimi, ae o le tatalo ia avea le ulua’i faiga fa’avae lea, e amata mea i le fa’amapu’epu’eina, fa’alauiloa ma fa’amalosia ai le itu tau Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufuaga o Mea Fou (Science Technology and Innovation).
A’o outou alo atu i le la’asaga mulimuli mo le iloiloina o le faiga fa’avae, a’o le’i tu’uina atu mo le talia aloaia e le Kapeneta, ou te talosaga atu i le tou lagolago. E tofu outou ma manatu lelei ma le tomai fa’apitoa i so’o se vaega o le faiga fa’avae lenei, e aofia i lau auaunaga ma au matafaioi. O le tu’ualalo lava, aua ne’i oti i tua sou lagona, ae fa’ali uma aua le fa’aleleia o le tatou faiga fa’avae. E taua ou manatu, tomai ma ou lagona fa’aali.
A’o maua pea le avanoa, ou te fia fa’aleo le agaga fa’afetai i le UNESCO mo le lagolagoina o lenei fa’amoemoe. O le latou lagolago mai, fa’atasi ma si a tatou fo’i tu’utu’u la’au fa’a-manu iti atu, ua tu’ufa’atasia ai lenei faiga fa’avae.
A fa’aiuina lenei fa’amoemoe, tu’uama le fua, ia fa’amanuia tele le Atua i faiva ma tiute o lo’o outou fita-i-tuga ai. Manuia ou faiva alofi lima i so’o se vala’auina ua tofia ai aua le tautuaina o si o tatou malo.
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a boy after falling into an open drain in Alipur area of North West Delhi Observes reports of many such incidents in the recent past as a serious issue indicating negligence of the concerned authorities
Issues notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary, Police Commissioner, DDA Vice-Chairman, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi calling for detailed reports within four weeks
The reports to include the status of the FIRs registered in such incidents, action taken against the responsible officials, and compensation to the victims’ families
Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 11:47AM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a five-year-old boy died after falling into an open drain in the Alipur area of North West Delhi on 7th October 2024. Reportedly, the contractor, who worked there, had left the drain opened at various places without placing any warning signs. This is the fifth such incident in the national capital in the recent past.
The Commission has observed the contents of the news report about the instant case and similar incidents in the recent past, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victims due to apparent negligence of the civic authorities. It is indeed very concerning that such incidents indicating negligence by the public authorities continue to happen in the national capital. Many human lives were reported lost due to drowning and electrocution in Delhi of which it had taken suo motu cognizance and asked the authorities to be vigilant.
Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, the Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi calling for a detailed report within four weeks.
The report is expected to include the status of the FIRs in all such cases, action taken against the responsible officials, and compensation if any, paid to the next of kin of the deceased persons. The Commission would also like to know about the steps taken/ proposed by the authorities to stop the recurrence of such incidents.
According to the media report, carried on 8th October 2024, earlier this month, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl lost her life after falling into an open drain in northeast Delhi’s Khajuri Khas. In September, a 32-year-old man died after falling into an open drain in northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura. In August, the body of a seven-year-old boy was found in an open drain in northwest Delhi’s Ashok Vihar. Again in August, a man died after falling into a drain in the Paschim Vihar area. In July, the death of a woman and her son in a drain in east Delhi’s Ghazipur created a big storm. Another person died after his car fell into a drain in north Delhi’s Burari in the same month.
Industrialists, entrepreneurs, business aspirants and enthusiasts from various sectors discussed the challenges and prospects of hydrogen energy commercialization at a workshop on fostering start-up ecosystems for commercialization of hydrogen technologies.
Dr. R Vijay, Director of ARCI, stressed on the importance of reducing the cost of hydrogen production to make it more market-attractive while speaking as Guest of Honour at the workshop organised by ARCI an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on the occasion of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on 8th October2024.
He also showcased ARCI’s role in transferring hydrogen technologies both at the component level and through integrated systems and said that ARCI is supporting many start-ups in the energy sector.
The 7th consecutive annual hydrogen workshop was organised at the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology of International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), at IITM Research Park, Chennai.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Mohammad RihanDirector General of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), highlighted the mission-mode approach of integrating solar power with electrolyzer for green hydrogen generation for energy storageand conversion to electricity through fuel cells. He underscored the synergy between solar energy and hydrogen technologies, offering a sustainable pathway toward green energy. He also mentioned that ARCI and NISE have already signed a MoU to jointly work for the realisation of the above approach.
Dr. R. Gopalan,Former Regional Director of ARCI, Chennai, emphasized the need for a circular economy in hydrogen production to further reduce costs and highlighted India’s emerging leadership in green ammonia synthesis alongside other developed nations.
Eminent speakers such as Dr. G.A. Pathanjali, Managing Director of High Energy Batteries, Tiruchirappalli, Shri. Krishnan Sadagopan, Senior Vice President at Ashok Leyland, and Dr.RamadasArumugamSakunthalai, Director at the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), discussed the critical role of hydrogen in the Indian automotive market. They delved into hydrogen’s application in transportation and the challenges and potential for growth in this sector.
Several start-up founders and representatives shared their experiences with hydrogen production and utilization, discussing their capabilities as well as the hurdles they face in scaling their technologies. Key challenges such as cost, infrastructure development, and regulatory barriers were highlighted. Participants explored strategies to reduce production and distribution costs to make hydrogen more economically viable.
The workshop underscored the need for collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions, with ARCI playing a pivotal role in fostering these partnerships. This collaboration is seen as essential for achieving hydrogen economy in India.
This year’s workshop not only celebrated National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day but also marked a significant step in India’s journey towards a green energy future. The discussions and insights shared during the event will contribute to the development of hydrogen technologies that can reshape the global energy landscape.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Specialists from the municipal services complex have completed the main work on the capital repairs of building No. 2 of the Moscow multidisciplinary scientific and clinical center named after S.P. Botkin. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for housing and public utilities and improvement Petr Biryukov.
“The three-story brick building with an area of over three thousand square meters was built in 1909 and was completed until 1937. Its engineering systems and some of the structures were in an unsatisfactory condition, so a decision was made to carry out a major overhaul. The building is a cultural heritage site, and therefore the necessary restoration work was carried out in it,” noted Petr Biryukov.
The specialists reinforced the existing structures, repaired the floors, laid the floor screed, updated the rafter system and roof. They completely replaced the electrical and water supply systems, heating, sewerage, air conditioning and ventilation.
Partitions and suspended ceilings were installed on the floors, stone window sills were mounted, 147 window and nine door units made of hardwood were installed. They became part of the historical appearance of the building, so their dimensions, shape and color were observed.
The building’s facade, with an area of almost three thousand square meters, was restored. The plaster and brick were painted in a style typical of the first half of the 20th century.
The craftsmen preserved the cornices, horizontal graphic rustication at the first floor level and metal canopies above the entrances. In addition, they restored the stairs with figured metal railings and restored the Mettlach tiles on the landings.
Petr Biryukov noted that during the renovation, the Monier vaults discovered on the stairwells were preserved – small-span cylindrical brick vaults arranged between metal beams. They were put in order and plastered.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA
Headline: SEACOR Marine Wins Third Annual NOIA ESG Excellence Award
For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 10, 2024NOIA .org
SEACOR Marine Wins Third Annual NOIA ESG Excellence Award
Washington, D.C. – The National Ocean Industries Association has named SEACOR Marine as the winner of the third annual NOIA Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) Excellence Award. The NOIA ESG Excellence Award highlights and recognizes those who, by their actions, design, or influence, are contributing to the advancement of the ideals embodied by the NOIA ESG Principles:
NOIA President Erik Milito congratulates SEACOR Marine, saying, “SEACOR Marine exemplifies the NOIA ESG Principles in virtually every aspect of its operations. Their unwavering commitment to ESG performance has significantly strengthened and enhanced the company. The breadth and diversity of their initiatives are truly remarkable. SEACOR Marine’s achievements exemplify the offshore energy industry’s leadership in advancing technologies and projects to reduce emissions missions and in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. We commend SEACOR Marine not only for their substantial and measurable progress but also for their willingness to share their operational efficiencies with the broader industry.
“The dedication to ESG performance demonstrated by all applicants for this award, and the industry as a whole, is truly impressive. The NOIA ESG Excellence Award is a testament to the innovative spirit of our industry and its contributions to community betterment. We extend our gratitude to our members for consistently setting the gold standard in the offshore energy sector.”
SEACOR Marine Chief Executive Officer John Gellert commented, “We are honored to receive this award, which highlights our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the offshore energy sector. As operators of one of the youngest fleets in the industry, we are proud to be at the forefront of the transition to cleaner, more efficient operations. Our investments in green technology, like hybrid battery power systems, reduce fuel consumption and emissions. By 2025, over 50% of our platform supply vessels (PSVs) will be hybrid powered. We are also proud of our broader ESG efforts, including waste reduction and our ongoing focus on prioritizing the safety and well-being of our employees.”
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SEACOR Marine is recognized for its comprehensive commitment to ESG performance across nearly every operational aspect of the company. Their entry highlighted a diverse array of initiatives, including ocean protection through extensive pollution and waste prevention measures, and enhancing employee well-being with robust safety and mental health programs. Furthermore, SEACOR Marine is at the forefront of the industry’s transition to digitization and automation, leveraging advanced technologies to boost efficiency and reduce emissions, including the global deployment of hybrid PSVs.
The award-winning entry from SEACOR Marine was evaluated by an independent panel of experts from Pickering Energy Partners, Cornerstone Government Affairs, and an independent industry expert. NOIA received applications from a diverse cross-section of NOIA membership, highlighting the support for ESG performance among the full ecosystem of companies involved in the offshore energy sector.
2024 marks the third year of the NOIA ESG Excellence Award competition. The NOIA ESG Excellence Award competition is open to any offshore service or supply company that is in good standing with NOIA.
NOIA President Erik Milito (R) presented the award to SEACOR Marine CEO John Gellert (L) at the in-person NOIA Fall Meeting.
About SEACOR MarineSEACOR Marine provides global marine and support transportation services to offshore energy facilities worldwide. SEACOR Marine operates and manages a diverse fleet of offshore support vessels that deliver cargo and personnel to offshore installations, including offshore wind farms; assist offshore operations for production and storage facilities; provide construction, well work-over, offshore wind farm installation and decommissioning support; carry and launch equipment used underwater in drilling and well installation, maintenance, inspection and repair; and handle anchors and mooring equipment for offshore rigs and platforms. Additionally, SEACOR Marine’s vessels provide emergency response services and accommodations for technicians and specialists.
For further information about SEACOR Marine’s sustainability practices and ESG initiatives, or to view its diverse energy-efficient fleet of offshore support vessels, please visit http://www.seacormarine.com.
About NOIA The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.
About the NOIA ESG NetworkThe National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Program is a programmatic effort to share and develop best practices across the offshore energy industry. From top to bottom, NOIA members are already embracing ESG principles as dedicated stewards of the environment and of local communities, and the ESG Program unifies and align their efforts. Through innovation, best ESG practices and new technology, our can industry can solve environmental and climate challenges facing society.
Question for written answer E-001961/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)
Passengers in the Member States are still being forced to comply with stringent restrictions on liquids carried in cabin baggage at airports.
An estimated 350 new CT X-ray scanners have already been acquired in 13 Member States. These allow for the scanning of larger quantities of liquids and the scanning of laptops without having to remove them from suitcases. As a result, some airports, such as those in Amsterdam and Rome, have relaxed their limits on the amount of liquids carried.
In late July 2024, however, the Commission temporarily upheld the 100 ml limit on liquids carried, citing the fact that traditional scanners cannot detect liquid explosives as the sole reason. The decision went into effect on 1 September 2024, but no estimated date for the lifting of the restriction was given.
In this connection, I would like to ask the following questions:
1.Are the restrictions imposed solely due to the limitations of the old equipment previously used at airports, or is the new equipment also, in the Commission’s opinion, incapable of scanning larger quantities of liquids?
2.In addition to equipment problems, are there other restrictions resulting from existing rules?
3.When does the Commission plan to lift the recently upheld limit?
Question for written answer E-001885/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR)
When, in February 2023, Parliament approved – with a fragile majority – the proposal that from 2035 only electric cars would be sold, in order to reach the ‘zero CO2 emissions’ target, its proponents spoke of a historic moment, subsumed under the eco-Marxist left’s dream of achieving so-called climate neutrality by the middle of this century.
But the facts are: battery production and replacement costs have remained extremely high; car-charging infrastructure – one of the critical issues – is far from sufficient; concern about ‘saving the planet’ is a fiction maintained by the extreme environmentalists; and, therefore, electric car sales have fallen massively in the last year.
I ask the Commission, therefore, to respond to the following:
To what extent will the ‘ambitious’ (in fact, utopian) goal of eliminating vehicles powered by conventional fuels in just a few years be achieved, given that demand for electric cars is steadily declining, manufacturers are postponing ‘electrification’ indefinitely, and the trend of rejection of this ideological tool is obvious and growing?
Question for written answer E-001873/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Jordan Bardella (PfE)
On 11 September 2023, former Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson publicly reprimanded France for its energy policy, saying that it had yet to meet its climate targets given the share of renewable electricity in its energy mix.
Now, with Parliament about to decide on the Commissioners nominated by Ursula von der Leyen, it would seem that the candidates Teresa Ribera[1] (energy transition) and Dan Jorgensen[2] (energy) also share the same hostility to nuclear energy. With these two appointments, Brussels continues to show its ideological blindness in favouring intermittent and variable energies.
1.Will the Commission propose a further revision of the Renewable Energy Directive with a view to including all low-carbon energy sources?
2.Not forgetting that it is guardian of the Euratom Treaty, does it still see a place for nuclear energy in Europe’s energy future?
Question for written answer E-001869/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Jordan Bardella (PfE)
Luis Miguel Bueno, the EU’s Arabic spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa, left his post early on 31 July 2024. This was in the wake of growing controversy surrounding ambiguous statements on his part and his Islamist tendencies. On 24 July 2024, Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell defended Mr Bueno, deeming his statements to be in line with the role assigned to him as an EU official. Some of Mr Bueno’s most controversial posts have nevertheless been removed from his official social media channels.
Luis Miguel Bueno made a particular splash in December 2023 with a video shared via ICESCO, an organisation influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood[1], in which he stated that ‘Arabic has become a European language. The Arabic language and Arabic and Islamic culture are an integral part of the European Union and of European history and culture’.
1.Is an internal investigation on the cards to establish the reasons behind Mr Bueno’s early departure?
2.What means is the Commission using to protect itself against entryism on the part of Islamist movements within the European institutions?
Question for written answer E-001875/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Eleonora Meleti (PPE)
We have recently seen a dramatic increase in the number of instances of hate speech on social media. Across Europe, more and more people – regardless of age or gender – are becoming victims of sexist, racist and abusive verbal attacks carried out in the name of ‘democracy and freedom of speech’. Unfortunately, hate speech has been on the rise in mass media and on social networks and become endemic in society. Verbal violence and abuse takes an immeasurable toll on the mental health and daily lives of its victims.
These acts are at odds with European culture and education, the principles of respect and dignity and the values of the EU. Given that verbal violence is starting to spiral out of control in all EU countries, can the Commission answer the following:
1.Does it intend to take immediate action and, if so, what measures will it take to combat hate speech in the digital world and to protect victims of verbal violence and their mental health?
2.How does it intend to follow up the initiative[1] to extend the list of EU crimes so that it finally includes hate speech?
Leeds rolled out the red carpet last night as it honoured the local stars of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics with a civic reception.
The event was organised to recognise the inspirational achievements of competitors from the city and the rest of West Yorkshire on the global sporting stage in Paris earlier this year.
Guests at the reception – held in the banqueting suite at Leeds Civic Hall – included athletes Hannah Cockroft, Guillaume Junior Atangana and Donard Ndim Nyamjua, gymnasts Harry Hepworth and Luke Whitehouse and divers Lois Toulson, Jack Laugher, Anthony Harding and Yona Knight-Wisdom.
They gave the 100-strong invited audience some intriguing insights into their Games experiences during a series of interviews with sports commentator and former international gymnast Lisa Gannon.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, had earlier welcomed attendees to the event, organised by Leeds City Council with support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Other speakers included Ed Anderson (HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire), Councillor Salma Arif (Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture), Mariana Pexton (interim chief executive of Leeds City Council) and Alison Lowe (West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime).
Together they congratulated the assembled Olympians and Paralympians on their achievements and thanked them for further enhancing West Yorkshire’s status as a powerhouse of sporting talent and ambition.
There was recognition, too, for the crucial part played by coaches, volunteers and other unsung heroes in delivering the kind of world-class performances seen in Paris.
Stewart Ross, chair of Triathlon Leeds, Dave Murray, director of performance at Leeds Gymnastics Club, and Marc Holdsworth, head coach at City of Leeds Diving Club, were among those sharing the spotlight with the competitors.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:
“Leeds, and indeed West Yorkshire as a whole, is hugely passionate about sport and that was reflected in the excitement generated earlier this year by the Olympics and the Paralympics.
“As a city and a county, we have a superb range of sports facilities and an excellent record of staging high-profile sporting events. Add in the natural talent and determination that is in Yorkshire’s DNA and it’s no wonder that we keep producing sportsmen and sportswomen who are at the very top of their respective games.”
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:
“I was pleased and proud to have the opportunity to welcome so many of our Olympians and Paralympians to Leeds Civic Hall for this well-deserved celebration of their achievements.
“Their stories gave us a real flavour of what it’s like to compete at the highest level of sport, with all the rewards and challenges that can bring. It was also great to hear about the dedicated work that is done by coaches and volunteers with our athletes – from grassroots to elite – as they help them realise their sporting dreams. Thank you for making us all so proud.”
Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said:
“West Yorkshire’s sporting legends did us proud in Paris, and inspired young people right across our communities. Every child deserves the chance to follow in their footsteps and go for gold. That’s why we’re planning to create more opportunities for people in West Yorkshire to get involved in sport.”
Leeds’s impressive range of sporting facilities includes Beeston’s John Charles Centre for Sport, the Leeds Gymnastics Club set-up in Seacroft and the Bodington Playing Fields-based Brownlee Centre – the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training site.
The list of major sporting events held in the city in recent years, meanwhile, includes the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series as well as a number of fixtures at 2022’s Rugby League World Cup.
Local competitors have also enjoyed notable recent success at some of the world’s biggest sporting occasions, with Yorkshire famously outperforming countries such as Jamaica, Spain and Brazil with its haul of seven gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the London 2012 Olympics.
Last night’s event came just over a month after the end of the 2024 competitions in Paris, with the date being picked to fit in as best as possible with the busy diaries of West Yorkshire’s various Olympians and Paralympians.
Hannah Cockroft was joined at Leeds Civic Hall by her husband and fellow Paralympian, Salford-born Nathan Maguire, fresh from their wedding on Saturday.
PREPARATIONS are well under way for Leicester’s annual Diwali Day celebration, which takes place on Thursday 31 October.
Displays featuring more than 6,000 LED lights have been put in place along the city’s Golden Mile, and the Wheel of Light – a 35-metre illuminated ferris wheel which takes pride of place on Belgrave Road – will open this Saturday.
The Diwali Day festivities will kick off at 3pm on 31 October, with the opening of the Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground. A children’s funfair and arts and crafts will be among the activities on offer, as well as Indian food and drinks.
Sponsored by Lidl GB, the Diwali Village will also feature a Fire Garden, offering a peaceful spot amid the hustle and bustle on the park.
Leicester’s annual Rangoli exhibition will open at 4pm on Diwali Day. Brought to the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre by the city council and Tilda, it will feature vibrant modern, and traditional Rangoli patterns, celebrating the ancient form of folk-art using bright powders, often seen on doorsteps at Diwali.
Entertainment including Indian dancing will begin at 5pm on the park’s main stage, with performances organised by the Hindu Festival Council. At the same time, the Red Bull DJ truck will be providing music and energising the Belgrave Road. A family-friendly programme of street art and processions will also take place on the road throughout the evening.
The finale to the celebrations will be a stunning firework display, starting at around 7.30pm.
Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for culture said: “Diwali Day is always a special time in Leicester, and this year will be no exception. As usual, we are extending a warm welcome to everyone who wants to join us, and we look forward to sharing our celebrations with you.
“We have a wide range of events taking place across the city in the coming weeks, and with lots of fantastic shops and restaurants to enjoy on the Golden Mile, you don’t need to wait for Diwali Day to visit us.”
This year’s festivities are being sponsored by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, which recently opened its second UK showroom on Leicester’s Golden Mile. Mohammed Ziad, Head of UK Business Operations said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Leicester’s Diwali Day event.
“As a new business on the Golden Mile, we can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate our arrival to the city than to give our backing to these wonderful celebrations for the festival of light.”
Ranked as the 6th largest jewelry retailer globally, Malabar Gold & Diamonds boasts a vast network of more than 360 showrooms across the world, including those in Australia, the Middle East, the Far East, and India. Its other UK showroom is in the East Shopping Centre on London’s Green Street.
Activities taking place in the build-up to Diwali Day include the opening of the Wheel of Light, an illuminated big wheel, which will be offering visitors a birds-eye view of the area from Saturday 12 October to 2 November.
Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre will be hosting an evening of Hindustani classical music performed by Aayush Mohan and Sanju Sahai on Friday 18 October.
And John Lewis Leicester has joined with the Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, to put on cultural performances in the Highcross store on Saturday 19 October; with the Haymarket Shopping Centre offering a puppet making working workshop, and performances from the Nupur Arts Dance Academy on the following Saturday – 25 October.
A spectacular waterside event featuring a Waterfall of Light will take place at Leicester’s Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) on the evening of Sunday 26 October. The Canal & River Trust, working in partnership with the OPC, will be holding community workshops to create a magical lights trial that will feature at the events, and activities on the water will be among the many on offer on the night.
As part of Diwali celebrations at Curve Leicester, the Centre for Indian Classical Dance will be presenting a Ramayan storytelling workshop and performance on Saturday 26 October; and at Leicester Cathedral, visitors can enjoy its annual concert of Diwali Indian music, put on in partnership with the Sitar Music Society.
Diwali is an ancient festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world. Often described as the festival of lights, it celebrates light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a time for exchanging presents and wishing goodwill to all.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Consultations open for five new draft Fisheries Management Plans to secure the sustainability of UK fish stocks
Five new draft Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) designed to improve the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks have opened for consultation today, securing the health of the UK fishing industry which depends on them (Thursday 10 October).
The draft plans, which have been developed following input from the fishing industry, provide the policies and evidence required to support fish stocks and a healthy fishing sector for generations to come. The formal public consultations offering the fishing industry and other stakeholders a further chance to shape the plans before they are finalised. The consultations reflect feedback from stakeholders, with fewer documents and stakeholder questions, reducing the level of work needed to contribute.
Proposals in the plans will help deliver sustainable fish stocks, supporting the UK fishing industry and delivering growth in coastal communities for generations to come.
FMPs will play a crucial role in supporting long-term sustainability of fishing businesses and delivering growth in coastal communities, restoring and protecting nature, and enhancing food security. They are recognised internationally as the gold standard in managing fisheries
UK Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said:
Fisheries Management Plans are vital for securing the long-term sustainability of our fish stocks, and the fishing industry that relies on them.
These consultations give fishermen the chance to have their say on those plans, and for us to draw on the expertise of those on quaysides around the country.
Many opportunities lie ahead for our fishing sector, and this government is committed to making the most of them to ensure the industry can best contribute to our country’s food security and economic growth.
Mike Cohen, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said:
The FMP approach is positive, collaborative and forward-looking: exactly what we need to support sustainable food production from the sea and growth in coastal communities.
Expanding this ambition to new stocks in these latest consultations is a valuable step towards comprehensively modernising British fisheries management. The proposal to amend the deadlines for completing the FMP project is also deeply sensible.
The first round of Plans showed how much effort is required to develop them. Allowing sufficient time to complete such essential work with the care that it deserves shows that stakeholders have been listened to and will be warmly welcomed by everyone who wants to see FMPs succeed.
In addition to publishing the new draft plans, and after engaging extensively with stakeholders, Defra has published the mixed flatfish FMP, following consultation last year.
The published plan reflects technical issues raised in the public consultation including restarting the sole survey in the Thames area and implementing minimum conservation reference size for lemon sole, turbot and brill in area 7.d.
Alongside the FMP consultations, Defra and the fisheries policy authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have jointly launched a public consultation into amending deadlines for producing further FMPs as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement. This will be a shorter consultation, closing on 21 November.
The consultation proposes amending the publication deadlines for five Defra-led plans to the end of 2025, for 29 Scottish Government, Defra and DAERA jointly-led plans to the end of 2026, and for one Welsh Government-led plan to the end of 2028. Some additional technical amendments are proposed.
The proposed new deadlines will help to ensure that there is adequate time for the fishing sector and wider stakeholders to feed into the development of the FMPs, and for their views to be reflected as part of the co-design process.
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:
The revised timeline to deliver the remaining Fisheries Management Plans proposed by the four administrations will help to ensure that the fishing industry and others impacted by these proposals can play a meaningful role in developing them.
Work is ongoing to develop the Scottish-led Fisheries Management Plans for UK waters. The Scottish Government will continue to engage to ensure that FMPs are fit for purpose, supporting sustainable fishing and our marine environment and ultimately benefiting Scotland’s fishing industry and coastal communities.
Wales’ Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
I am pleased to be launching a consultation with the other UK fisheries policy authorities (FPAs). The proposed changes will enable the FPAs to produce high-quality, comprehensive and robust FMPs that will achieve the long-term aim of sustainably managed fisheries. I now look forward to hearing views on the proposals we have set out.
Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, said:
The development of fisheries management plans provides an important opportunity for Northern Ireland fisheries management, by enabling us to draw on the best available science and the expertise of our fishers and other stakeholders, to ensure that our fish stocks are healthy and sustainable into the long term.
I am committed to continuing engagement with all stakeholders likely to be impacted by the plans which my department has responsibility for. It is essential that the plans are fit for purpose and can deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry for Northern Ireland whilst improving the marine environment.
Further information
The Joint Fisheries Statement currently lists 43 fisheries management plans. FMPs are intended to help restore or maintain stocks at sustainable levels
The sprat plan was prepared jointly with the Scottish Government and covers sprat fisheries in English and Scottish waters of the North Sea and English Channel. The other 4 plans cover English waters.
The five FMP consultations will run for 14 weeks, ending at 23:59 on 19 January 2025.
The JFS consultation will run for six weeks, starting at 10.00 on 10 October and ending at 23.59 on 21 November.
Draft Fisheries Management Plans
The draft plans will deliver our obligations as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement and the England Environmental Improvement Plan. They cover
Cockle
Queen scallop
North Sea and Channel sprat (covering English waters and Scottish waters)
Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)
SAN DIEGO – United States Attorney Tara McGrath issued a public safety alert today advising the public to be vigilant to hurricane relief fraud in the wake of powerful hurricanes causing devastation on the East Coast.
“During times of crisis, be vigilant, because not all who ask for help have good intentions,” McGrath said. “Be sure to protect yourself by verifying before you donate to ensure your generous support reaches those truly in need.”
Hurricane Milton is heading for Florida now, less than a week after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region on Sept. 26 and quickly caused major devastation there and across states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others. As we have seen in the wake of previous national disasters, fraudsters will target victims of the storm along with citizens across the country who want to do what they can to assist individuals affected by the storm. Unfortunately, criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating deceiving websites designed to solicit contributions.
The public should exercise diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. Solicitations can originate from phone calls, texts, social media, e-mail, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, and other similar methods. Before making a donation to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene, individuals should adhere to certain guidelines, including:
Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
Do not be pressured into making contributions as reputable charities do not use such tactics.
Do not respond to any unsolicited communications (e.g., e-mails and texts), and never click links contained within those messages because they may be targeting your personal information, to include bank and credit card account information, and other identifiers such as dates of birth and social security numbers.
Rather than clicking on a purported link to a charity, verify its legitimacy by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming whether the organization is a valid charity.
Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to, but not exactly the same as, those of reputable charities.
Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
Know that legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services, and their website will normally end in .org rather than .com.
Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to deter, investigate, and prosecute fraud in the wake of disasters. More than 50 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Complaints of fraud may be reported online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm. Complaints may also be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721, a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Letter from the Independent Reconfiguration Panel Chair, Sir Norman Williams, to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP.
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The Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) Chair’s letter to the Secretary of State formally requests an introductory meeting to discuss the IRP’s work and approach to the ministerial intervention powers over the reconfiguration of NHS services which came into force via the Health and Care Act 2022.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
This storm is catastrophic. We have hundreds of DOT personnel on the ground supporting life-saving preparations for Hurricane Milton, as well as carrying out response and recovery efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Press conference by Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Imran Riza, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, briefing reporters on the country.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, today (9 Oct) said, “Lebanon finds itself facing a conflict and a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions,” and called for a “realistic roadmap for the implementation by both sides of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.”
Briefing from Beirut together with the Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, Hennis-Plasschaert said, “unrelenting bombardment is now part and parcel of daily life in Lebanon, with the latest blasts not even 30 minutes ago. Far too many people are paying an unimaginable price with over 2,000 killed, many more wounded and hundreds of thousands displaced.”
Meanwhile, she continued, Hezbollah, “continues to launch rockets and missiles into Israel, preventing tens of thousands of Israelis from returning home.”
The Special Coordinator said it was “clear that 7th October changed everything, including the threat perception in Israel,” but stressed that “a continuation of the death and destruction we have seen so far will not, cannot bring about safety or security.”
At the end of the day, she said, “it is the lack or non-implementation even of Resolution 1701 over the past 18 years that led to today’s harsh reality.”
Riza for his part said, “healthcare and frontline workers have come under attack, as have civil defence centres and water supply systems, pushing essential services to the brink of collapse. The killing of over 100 paramedics, healthcare workers, and public servants impairs Lebanon’s emergency response capacity.”
He said, “this must stop. Even wars have rules.”
Responding to a journalist’s question, the Humanitarian Coordinator said, “the trauma, the fear, the anxiety here is very much about Gaza, whether we go on that route, whether that’s where it’s going right now,” adding that “the lessons are to have member states really exert everything they can, on the one hand towards the ceasefire,” but in the meantime, “respecting international humanitarian law, respecting protection of civilians, respecting that, protecting humanitarian workers, frontline workers and the like. And that is what we really need at this time.”
Asked about whether 1701 was still relevant, Hennis-Plasschaert said, “the question is not whether 1701 is still relevant. The question is how to implement it and how come it was not implemented in the past 18 years. And therefore, I am pushing, or hinting, or suggesting that a serious discussion on the implementation and enforcement mechanisms will take place.”
“What we would like to avoid,” she continued, is “a period of relatively calm or return to the cessation of hostilities, and then after ten, 15, 18 years, we have a similar situation as we are facing today.”
More than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past year, including at least 100 children and 300 women. At least 1 million people have been directly affected, many of them displaced – often multiple times — enduring the loss of loved ones, homes, livelihoods and their sense of security.
More than 600,000 people are internally displaced across the country – over half of them women and girls. At least 350,000 children have been displaced in total. Most children remain out of school, with the start of the new year postponed to 4 November as 75 percent of the country’s public schools have been converted into shelters.
At least 185,000 people have sought refuge in 1,000 shelters – 80 percent of which are already at capacity.
And over 300,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries, such as Syria, and many of them are also moving to Iraq and Türkiye as well.
People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card
Families getting a Scottish benefit to help them buy healthy foods are being urged to check their balance on their prepaid card.
Best Start Foods, a payment of up to £42.40 every four weeks, helps eligible pregnant women, parents, families and carers with children under the age of three to buy healthy foods from a range of supermarkets, small shops and online stores.
Since its launch in 2019, over £57 million has been paid to over 86,000 parents and carers.
The majority of people say it is clear how to use the card, it has helped them to buy milk or healthy food and have been able to use it without any difficulty, according to a recent survey.
People that have not yet activated their card or don’t use it regularly could be missing out on money that can help pay for healthy foods. Social Security Scotland continue to contact those getting Best Start Foods via text message to alert them to balances available to spend on their cards.
People can apply for the payment as soon as they know they are pregnant, during pregnancy and up to when their child turns three.
The removal of income limits earlier this year also means even more people can now get the payment and are being urged to check if they are eligible.
Speaking at a visit Edinburgh Community Food during Challenge Poverty Week, Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:
“We are determined to eradicate child poverty and reduce health inequalities in Scotland and Best Start Foods, part of the five family payments, is part of a package to support this.
“We want to make sure people know about, and get, all the financial help they are entitled to. This is particularly relevant during the continuing cost of living crisis.
“I’m urging anyone who has a Best Start Foods card to look it out, make sure it’s activated and check the balance for money to help pay for their food shop.
“If cards are lost, or people are unsure of how to use them, support is available to help them use their card. The card works the same as any chip and pin card and can be used in many supermarkets, small shops and online.
“The Scottish Government removed income limits earlier this year, so I would also urge anyone who has not yet applied for Best Start Foods to check if they are eligible.”
Brenda Black, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Community Food, added:
“Working together with Social Security Scotland and community partners we help mothers and (guardians) check their eligibility and to access their money through the handy Best Start Foods Pre-Paid Card providing a dignified way to spend their payment on healthier foods to enjoy with their growing family.
“Edinburgh Community Food plays a key role in supporting & nourishing futures for expecting mothers and their children.
“We are determined to use every creative way possible to support their access to nourishing food during the first 2001 days, which are crucial for every child’s growth and development.”
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), October 10, 2024/APO Group/ —
Despite important progress towards integrating eye health into primary health care services in African countries, a dire shortage of financial resources, combined with the concentration of scarce human resources in urban areas and low community awareness, continues to threaten the gains.
One in every six blind people globally live in Africa, along with 26 million others grappling with some degree of visual impairment. Yet statistics show that despite the onerous burden, only 14% of people who need cataract surgery receive it, while more than 80% of people with shortsightedness receive no treatment. The comparative figure for North America, Australasia, western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, meanwhile, is lower than 10%.
In addition, only 12% of people in Africa who need glasses or surgical interventions to address blurred vision will receive the necessary care, at significant economic cost to countries. The global estimated costs of uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts is US$14.3 billion annually.
World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region is recording a decrease in vision loss due to Vitamin A deficiency, onchocerciasis and trachoma, but emerging eye health challenges are rising. These are related to ageing populations, unhealthy lifestyles, and noncommunicable diseases.
“The focus on eye care is critical, given the multiple positive impacts of good vision on all aspects of life, from overall well-being to academic achievements. The contribution to economic growth is also significant, raising the urgency of building on the gains already made, while addressing the emerging challenges,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, on World Sight Day today.
WHO’s current focus in the region is to support countries to integrate eye health services at primary care level, as part of universal health coverage. However, with severely limited human resources, the achievement of Integrated People-Centred Eye Care demands innovative interventions, dedicated community engagement, and cross-sectoral coordination of services.
Over the past two years, WHO has provided technical support to six African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia and Zambia. The work began with the completion of national situational analyses, followed by the development of strategic plans and monitoring frameworks. Operational planning and costing of interventions and resources was also completed, specifically in relation to workforce needs, and the integration of eye care indicators into existing health information systems frameworks.
To support countries towards the achievement of the global target of increasing the number of people with access to appropriate spectacles (known as effective coverage of refractive error or eREC) to 40% by 2030, WHO launched the SPECS 2030 initiative. Still in its initial stages, Liberia and Mozambique have begun implementation.
Meanwhile, WHO also launched a free self-assessment tool designed to support countries to promote healthy habits and raise eye care awareness. Launched last year, the WHOeyes tool, available in multiple languages, is u used to check visual acuity, while also providing educational messaging.
Other support has included the dissemination of strategic documents such as the World report on vision, which outlines WHO’s recommendations for integrated, people-centred eye care, and the launch of the WHO’s Eye Care in Health Systems: Guide for action.