Latest news with #Development
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
O.P. Jindal Global University Strengthens India-Japan Academic Diplomacy at United Nations University (UNU) and University of Tokyo
OP Jindal University Tokyo [Japan], June 27: In a landmark demonstration of India's growing global academic engagement, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) led two high-level dialogues in Tokyo, hosted at the United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Tokyo. Focused on democracy, constitutionalism, and legal thought leadership, these back-to-back events marked a new chapter in India-Japan academic cooperation and reaffirmed JGU's pivotal role in fostering global discourse on governance and institutional integrity. The events were made possible through institutional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by JGU with both the United Nations University and the University of Tokyo. These agreements are aimed at deepening collaboration in research, faculty exchange, and international public dialogue. United Nations University Conversation Series: A Landmark Collaboration with the Singhvi Centre at JGU Earlier this week, the United Nations University in Tokyo hosted a special edition of its prestigious UNU Conversation Series, jointly organized for the first time with an Indian institution--JGU's Singhvi Centre for Constitutional, Parliamentary and Legal Studies. The event, titled 'India and the World: Democracy, Development and Justice,' featured: - Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University - Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) - Professor (Dr) Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and United Nations Under-Secretary-General The Singhvi Centre, established through a generous endowment by Dr. Singhvi in memory of his father, Dr. L.M. Singhvi, is dedicated to advancing scholarship and international engagement on constitutionalism, parliamentary processes, and democratic governance. The UNU event provided a unique platform to explore India's institutional strengths, democratic journey, legal innovations, and its expanding global role in an evolving multilateral order. Professor Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized the essential role of democracy, development, and justice in shaping a sustainable and inclusive global future. Reflecting on India's place in the international system, he noted: 'India is a vibrant democracy whose commitment to pluralism and institutional governance serves as a model for emerging nations. Justice--both social and economic--is not only critical for India's continued growth but also for the global community's shared future. We must foster international cooperation grounded in fairness, accountability, and democratic values.' Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar underscored the robustness of India's democratic institutions: 'India's democratic resilience is not an accident--it is a consequence of robust institutions, a dynamic judiciary, an active civil society, and the deep legitimacy of our Constitution. At a time of democratic backsliding worldwide, India offers lessons on institutional continuity and constitutional vision.' He also highlighted India's innovations in digital governance: 'India's digital public infrastructure--from Aadhaar and UPI to Digital India--has fundamentally transformed how governance is delivered, especially to the most marginalized. This is a remarkable fusion of constitutional principles and technological innovation.' Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi reflected on the global relevance of India's constitutional framework: 'The Indian Constitution is not only a national framework--it is a global exemplar of balancing rights with responsibilities, pluralism with unity, and liberty with progress. As India rises geopolitically, it must also lead normatively, by sharing its constitutional and institutional experience with the world.' On the role of academic institutions, he added: 'The Singhvi Centre at JGU was created to advance cutting-edge research and global conversations on law, justice, and democracy. Partnering with the United Nations University is an honour and a natural extension of that mission.' Academic Dialogue at the University of Tokyo: Legal Thought Across Borders Later, JGU and the University of Tokyo--Japan's foremost national university--co-hosted a focused academic dialogue on comparative constitutional law, legal reform, and the role of courts in democratic societies. The event brought together leading scholars, deans, and policy thinkers from both nations, grounded in a shared commitment to democratic values and institutional integrity. The dialogue underscored the growing importance of Asia-led academic cooperation in advancing legal reform, governance, and democratic resilience. Central themes included sustainable development, judicial independence, legislative accountability, and constitutionalism in an increasingly complex global environment. Held at Koshiba Hall, University of Tokyo, the India-Japan Sustainability Conclave served as a high-level forum for distinguished academics, legal experts, and policymakers to deliberate on global sustainability and development. Organized by O.P. Jindal Global University as part of its continued commitment to international academic collaboration and environmental leadership, the conclave drew wide participation from both countries. The event was inaugurated and chaired by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU. The keynote address was delivered by Justice Michael D. Wilson, former Supreme Court Judge of Hawai'i and Distinguished Professor at JGU, who spoke on the intersections of environmental law, judicial responsibility, and sustainability. Professor R. Padmanabha, Dean of Academic Governance, introduced the Sustainable Development Report 2025 (SDR 2025), highlighting contemporary sustainability metrics and global benchmarks. A special address by Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasized the importance of legal and policy frameworks in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel featured eminent Japanese scholars including Professor Shizuka Hashimoto, Professor Masahiro Sugiyama, Professor Atsushi Kato, and Professor Kensuke Fukushi from the University of Tokyo, along with Dr. Anupam Khajuria of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). Their insights addressed key areas such as climate resilience, science-policy integration, and the importance of cross-border academic collaboration. Reflecting on the significance of the India-Japan academic exchange, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar noted: 'India and Japan are both constitutional democracies with deep legal traditions. Our academic collaboration can create new frameworks of understanding that bridge the common challenges we face--whether it is the preservation of judicial independence, the protection of civil liberties, or the strengthening of democratic institutions.' Towards a New Era of India-Japan Academic Engagement The events in Tokyo represent a major milestone in India's academic diplomacy and underscore JGU's leadership in leveraging higher education as a platform for promoting global understanding, cooperation, and sustainable development. With formal MoUs now in place, these partnerships pave the way for sustained faculty exchange, joint research, and cross-border policy dialogues. Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi concluded with a call for Indian academia to play a more proactive role on the world stage: 'It is imperative that Indian institutions not only participate in global conversations but also shape them. These events in Tokyo represent India's rising intellectual confidence, its commitment to constitutional values, and the role of academia in nation-building and international engagement.' (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
The current situation in Afghanistan
The writer is an academic and researcher. He is also the author of Development, Poverty, and Power in Pakistan, available from Routledge Listen to article Although the international community is preoccupied with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the lingering crisis triggered by Israeli aggressions in the Middle East, the situation further afield in the South Asian region remains tenuous as well. Besides the potential risk of another Indo-Pak flare-up, Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan are tense. The possibility of cross-border proxies engaging in terrorist attacks within Pakistan is a major threat. In addition to trying to secure the long and porous Af-Pak border, around 800,000 Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan have been expelled since 2023. The latest UN report on Afghanistan describes the troubled state of our northwesterly neighbour. It points out how the security situation in Afghanistan has not stabilised despite the end of major military conflict between the US-led NATO forces and the Taliban. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) continues to defy the domination of the Taliban regime. Besides attacking 'soft targets' such as religious minorities, ISIL-K continues high-profile attacks, for example, at the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing earlier this year. Other opposition groups such as the National Resistance Front led by Ahmad Masood, and the Afghanistan Freedom Front, comprised of former government and military officials, are still operational. However, neither the ISIL-K nor these other opposition groups have the capability to threaten the Taliban's vice-like hold on the war-ravaged country. The above-mentioned UN assessment further notes how the new school year, which started in spring, has again barred girls and women from going to secondary schools or from pursuing higher education. Humanitarian needs in the country remain dire too. Yet, the UN's own humanitarian response plan for the current year, which aspired to support nearly 17 million Afghans barely managed to secure over 15 per cent of its proposed $2.42 billion budget. International funding, on which nearly half the Afghan population remains so dependent, has been shrinking, and it seems unlikely to rise again under present circumstances. Global US aid cuts have severely undermined UN affiliated efforts by the World Food Program, for instance, as well as the work of many major non-profits, such as the International Red Cross. Other rich western countries are not stepping up their commitments to compensate for the loss of American aid. Conversely, China's influence in Afghanistan has grown. China is currently trying to mediate the resumption of bilateral ties between Islamabad and Kabul, which had been suspended for nearly four years. Earlier this month, Pakistan announced that its charge d'affaires stationed in Kabul would be elevated to the rank of ambassador, and Kabul followed suit by announcing that its representative in Islamabad would also be upgraded to the same rank. Only a handful of countries — including China and Russia — have yet agreed to host Taliban-appointed ambassadors since their return to power in 2021. However, none of these countries, including Pakistan, has yet formally recognised the Taliban rulers. The Taliban have been in power for nearly four years now, so they have had ample time to make a transition from an insurgency movement to a more functional government. Their hardline and iron-fisted stance was initially explained as being motivated by their fear of losing the support of hardline elements who may have joined even more extreme outfits such as the ISIL-K. However, the Taliban regime now has no excuse. It must broaden its myopic approach, and make a genuine effort to deliver responsible governance, via incremental representation rather than continued repression. Otherwise, Afghanistan will remain a pariah state.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DBM OKs release of P309M for Child Development Centers in barangays
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Thursday the release of P309 million for the establishment of Child Development Centers (CDCs) through multi-purpose building (MPB) projects in various barangays across the country. In a news release, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of the funds under the Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance to LGUs (LGSF-FA to LGUs) in the 2025 national budget. The release also follows the guidelines set by the DBM and the Department of Education (DepEd) through Joint Circular 2 issued last April, the Budget Department said. "This is part of our continuing support for Child Development Centers, aimed at giving our children a fair start even before they step into classrooms," said Pangandaman. Under the program, LGUs must provide at least 150 square meters of land, sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, and take on operational responsibilities to ensure the long-term viability of the CDCs. The DBM said it continues to work closely with DepEd, DILG, and the ECCD Council, as well as local governments to monitor implementation and delivery of the results at the community level. The DBM said 328 low-income LGUs are targeted to benefit from the initiative, of which 89 are in Luzon, 106 in the Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Ex-Director denies role in collection scheme
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: On trial are Ag Mohd Tahir, 63, his wife, Fauziah Piut, 60, and former deputy director, Lim Lam Beng, 66, who are jointly facing 37 charges of money laundering involving cash and bank savings totalling RM61.57 million, as well as the unlawful possession of luxury items between October and November 2016. Kota Kinabalu: Former Water Department Director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib told the Special Corruption Court that his former deputy director Teo Chee Kong fabricated the story that he (Tahir) was the mastermind behind the so-called 'centralised collection' scheme. Continuing his examination-in-chief on Wednesday, he also denied any involvement in the scheme. 'I was accused by Teo of being the mastermind. I wish to state that I was never involved, did not initiate it, nor did the idea come from me. Whatever story he came up with is purely his own fabrication,' he told Judge Abu Bakar Manat. Ag Mohd Tahir said the scheme had existed since 1989, as stated by Teo Chee Kong in his witness testimony. On trial are Ag Mohd Tahir, 63, his wife, Fauziah Piut, 60, and former deputy director, Lim Lam Beng, 66, who are jointly facing 37 charges of money laundering involving cash and bank savings totalling RM61.57 million, as well as the unlawful possession of luxury items between October and November 2016. He also said Teo's statements in his witness testimony were untrue and that he was not involved in the collection of commission money or any form of collection or centralised collection as claimed by Teo, adding that he had never discussed the percentage mentioned, nor any breakdown of payments or the formula referred to. Reading further, Ag Mohd Tahir said he had never given any ideas related to the formula or the centralised collection, was not involved in the matters mentioned, and had never issued any such instructions. Ag Mohd Tahir also said that he was unaware of any 'pre-arrangement' concerning commission payments for water development and maintenance projects in districts across Sabah, which allegedly existed before he was appointed Director in 2003. 'What I knew was only what Teo informed me and even then he did not elaborate much. I had no knowledge of how the commissions were divided or who the other recipients were.' Ag Tahir said he also did not ask further questions as he did not wish to become involved in such matters. In response to Teo's testimony regarding the meeting with then-Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan, Ag Mohd Tahir said the statement was untrue, as he had not been informed of any such meeting and had no involvement with the allocation mentioned. Ag Mohd Tahir denied claims made by Teo that a 1.5 per cent allocation to the Minister, the Permanent Secretary (SUT), and staff of the Infrastructure Development Ministry was a goodwill payment meant to build rapport. Ag Mohd Tahir further said he never gave any instruction to Teo for the engineers in the Divisions and Districts to contribute 10.75 per cent to him. 'I was not involved. I also never appointed Teo as a runner, nor was I involved in the distribution according to any schedule. I have never received any share of the money or any form of contribution. 'I only received legitimate profits from my business dealings with Fauzi and Michael Wong,' he said, adding that Teo had merely used his (Tahir's) name. Ag Mohd Tahir testified he had no knowledge of the 'individual list', had never seen the document, and had never received any money from Teo. When referred to Teo's statement – 'Awang Tahir, the JANS Director, was the mastermind behind this formula and he instructed and decided on the design of the formula, with the decision made after discussions with Lim Lam Beng. Lim Lam Beng informed me that the instruction to design the centralised collection formula came from Awang Tahir' – Ag Mohd Tahir said the statement was untrue. Ag Mohd Tahir said he was afraid of Teo, who was very rich, came from a wealthy family, and had close ties with top officials, including ministers and senior officers in the Infrastructure and Finance Ministries and that he had been careful around Teoh since joining the department. Asked why he did not stop the practice of collecting commission for water develop0ment and maintenance projects across Sabah - he said it could jeopardise his safety as the practice involved gangster groups. Asked by counsel Datuk Ansari Abdullah about Teo's position in the department, Ag Mohd Tahir said although he held the position of Director, which was higher than Teo, Teo had powerful connections, and his elder brother was also a major contractor with JANS. As such, he had to play it safe around Teo. Moreover, given Teo's position as Deputy Director, he was also eyeing the Director's post. Ag Tahir Mohd added that Teo had an influential elder brother who was a contractor with strong backing, including support from ministers up to the Chief Minister. He added Teo once told him to just follow whatever suggestions were made. Teo became deputy director after Lim's retirement. Asked about his sources of income, Ag Mohd Tahir said they came from his government salary and allowances, as well as profits from his business ventures with Haris, Michael Wong and his younger brother Fauzi. He said besides his monthly government salary and allowances, which he estimated totalled over RM1.5 million since 1985, he also got involved in business, mainly in construction and civil engineering. His earliest partners were Haris, a village friend, and Michael Wong in the 1990s. His family, including his brother Fauzi, was also involved in government contracts. He used his savings to invest in businesses with Haris and Michael Wong. On Haris, he said he estimated earning around RM5 million in net profit from him, which he received in cash as he trusted Haris, a friend from the same village and that their partnership was in construction projects where he provided capital jointly with Haris. Asked how he knew it was RM5 million and whether he recorded each time Haris made a payment, he replied: 'Roughly, I did make some calculations.' He added that they no longer did business together after falling out when Haris failed to share profits from a project due to work delays. Their business partnership lasted about 10 years, said Ag Mohd Tahir, adding that they started their partnership around 1990s. Asked if he had an agreement with Haris, he replied: 'There was no written agreement, it was verbal only, and it happened a long time ago.' Regarding Michael Wong, Ag Mohd Tahir described him as a long-time business partner and close acquaintance since the 1990s. Ag Mohd Tahir said he received cash from Michael Wong as part of their business partnership, and that from the 1990s until 2015, he received approximately RM30 million as his share of profits. He added that he kept no formal records as he fully trusted Wong, who had been his long-time business partner. He further clarified that he was merely a 'sleeping partner', providing capital to Michael Wong in stages, which was then used as working capital for their business. He added that throughout their partnership, payments were made in cash because he trusted Wong. 'Throughout our business relationship, he never deceived me. So, I had no issue accepting my share of profits in cash. With his young brother, Fauzi, Ag Mohd Tahir said their business dealings began around 2006 when Fauzi became a small contractor, inspired by another younger brother, Ag Muslim, who had easy access to government departments and helped Fauzi secure projects, along with Michael Wong and Haris, due to his position as the Treasurer of UMNO Kimanis Division. He said he helped Fauzi by providing working capital. Ag Mohd Tahir said he received an estimated RM12 million in profits from Fauzi between 2006 and 2016, given to him in cash, which he roughly calculated, and trusted Fauzi as his brother, who had never betrayed him. Regarding the charges against him, when asked by the court to explain the source of the money kept at his home that was seized by the MACC, he replied: 'All the money I kept at the house mentioned in the charge was actually received from Haris, Michael Wong, and my brother Fauzi, along with part of my salary. Every time Haris, Michael Wong, or Fauzi handed me money, I would keep it at my home in Grace Ville.' When asked how he obtained the money to purchase the cars, he replied: 'All the money I used to buy the cars came from funds I received from Haris and Michael Wong, combined with money from Fauzi, which I kept at home, along with part of my salary.' Regarding the branded watches such as Rolex, Tag Heuer, Patek Philippe and others found at his home and seized by the MACC,Ag Mohd Tahir said they were purchased by his wife, with some bought by himself. He said they used money he received from Haris, Michael Wong, and Fauzi — which he kept at home — as well as part of his salary to buy those items. He added that all the jewellery, accessories, and ornaments at his home were purchased by his wife using money he received from Haris, Michael Wong, and Fauzi, which he kept at home, as well as part of his salary. In response to a question about the money found in the pantry of his office at Wisma Muis, Ag Mohd Tahir said most of the money did not belong to him and had already been there when he took office, while part of it was his, which he received from business partnerships with Michael Wong, Fauzi, and Haris. He said that most of the money found in the pantry was not his, as it had already been there when he started occupying the office. However, over time, he did keep some of his own money there, as his younger brother would occasionally come to ask for political donations. His brother was the treasurer of the Umno Kimanis Parliamentary Division. He estimated that about RM20 million was already in the pantry, while roughly RM3 million belonged to him personally. Earlier, he said to the best of his recollection, he had never kept money in the cupboard or cabinet, and the pantry lock was already in place when he started working there, with the other keys held by his PA. Deputy Public Prosecutors Mahadi Abdul Jumaat, Haresh Prakash Somiah, and Zander Lim appeared for the prosecution. Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah were represented by counsel Datuk Ansari Abdullah and Erveana Ansari, while Lim was represented by Datuk Tan Hock Chuan, Baldev Singh, Karpaljit Singh and Kelvin Wong. Trial continues. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB Participates as Co-Chair in WEF's Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 in China
H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), kicked off participation at the upcoming World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 as Co-Chair. This year's 'Summer Davos' forum, taking place from 24 to 26 June in Tianjin, People's Republic of China, will be held under the theme Entrepreneurship for a New Era. Li Qiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China, is set to deliver the opening remarks at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, which is expected to convene over 1,700 global leaders from government, business, international organisations, civil society, and academia. This year's discussions will focus on navigating a rapidly transforming global landscape shaped by technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, and sustainability imperatives. The programme will revolve around five key pillars: Deciphering the World Economy, Outlook on China, Industries Disrupted, Investing in People and Planet, and New Energy and Materials. Other Co-Chairs of the Annual Meeting include a distinguished group of global leaders including: • H.E. Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia • H.E. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Arab Republic of Egypt • Henadi Al Saleh, Chair, Board of Directors, Agility • Dai Houliang, Chairman, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) alongside several other prominent figures from government, business, and academia As Co-Chair, H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif will join a series of high-level panel discussions, multilateral sessions, roundtables, and firestarter conversations, including sessions on Contours of a New Economic Order, MENA-China Trade and Investment Relations, Skills That Matter, and Women Leaders – Shaping Tomorrow's Economy. These conversations will offer a platform to highlight Bahrain's policy leadership, forward-looking vision, and efforts to equip its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Additionally, members of Bahrain EDB will engage in multiple strategic meetings and networking events on the sidelines of the forum. Bahrain EDB is a long-standing Strategic Partner of the World Economic Forum, reflecting the strength of the Kingdom's investment promotion agency's collaboration with the Forum across multiple global platforms, including its consistent participation at the Annual Meeting in Davos. H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif's selection as Co-Chair for this year's Annual Meeting of the New Champions highlights Bahrain's expanding international impact and its commitment to engaging in key dialogues to elevate its position as a globally competitive destination. The role additionally involves shaping the agenda, where this year's focus on economic transformation and innovation can reignite growth amid shifting global condition underscores the Kingdom's broader efforts to accelerate digital innovation, cultivate talent, and grow high-value sectors in support of its ambitious economic diversification agenda.
