Latest news with #IDA
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Syria's electricity recovery project receives $146m grant
The World Bank's board of executive directors has sanctioned a grant to strengthen Syria's power sector. A $146m grant from the International Development Association (IDA) aims to revitalise reliable, affordable electricity in war-torn regions, aiding in Syria's broader economic resurgence. The country faces an acute energy crisis due to the extensive damage and neglect suffered by its transmission and distribution infrastructure since 2020. Syria's protracted conflict has left its national grid severely impaired, with most areas receiving only two to four hours of electricity daily. This scarcity hampers vital services such as water supply, healthcare, agri-food production and housing development. The newly announced Syria Electricity Emergency Project (SEEP) will focus on reconstructing high-voltage lines and transformer substations that have been ravaged by conflict. Key 400kV interconnector lines linking Jordan and Türkiye are set for repair under SEEP, restoring critical regional connections while also addressing local needs near demand centres heavily populated by refugees returning home or displaced internally. World Bank middle east division director Jean-Christophe Carret stated: "Among Syria's urgent reconstruction needs, rehabilitating the electricity sector has emerged as a critical, no-regret investment that can improve the living conditions of the Syrian people, support the return of refugees and the internally displaced, enable resumption of other services such as water services and healthcare for the population and help kickstart economic recovery. "This project represents the first step in a planned increase in World Bank support to Syria on its path to recovery and development." Beyond physical repairs, SEEP extends technical assistance for strategic planning within Syria's electric sector. It encompasses policy reform guidance alongside regulatory advice aimed at ensuring medium- to long-term sustainability. Capacity-building measures are also planned for institutional stakeholders responsible for implementing these strategies. Overseeing this endeavour is the Public Establishment for Transmission and Distribution of Electricity (PETDE), which will coordinate rehabilitation efforts across various facets of electrical infrastructure. An international consultancy will be engaged by PETDE to provide multifaceted expertise from engineering services to environmental oversight, and ensure compliance with World Bank standards. To further ensure transparency and adherence to high operational benchmarks, a third-party monitoring agent will be appointed by the bank. This entity will enhance fiduciary surveillance along with environmental and social checks while offering expanded implementation support designed to fortify overall project management capabilities within PETDE. "Syria's electricity recovery project receives $146m grant" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
IBM to create 75 new jobs in Waterford
Up to 75 engineering jobs will be created by IBM at a new research and development centre in Waterford, the company announced on Thursday. The global technology company will hire software engineers over the next three years. The roles will focus on innovation for IBM Z, the company's global transaction technology. The Waterford software engineers will collaborate with IBM's R&D teams worldwide, from designing processors and firmware to software development and advancing the Linux operating system. IBM employs more than 3,000 people in Ireland. IBM last year announced the recruitment of another 800 high-tech jobs in Ireland by 2027 in roles spanning R&D, digital sales, and consulting operations, across Dublin, Cork, and Waterford. 'I am delighted to see our footprint in Ireland evolve further. This is testimony to the deep talent pools available across the country, upon which we have steadily built our business, including mainframes which are a cornerstone of global transactions," said IBM Ireland country general manager Nathan Cullen. "IBM has now operated in Ireland for nearly 70 years and this milestone investment for the region also speaks volumes about the ecosystem that has built up around the South Eastern Technical University.' The announcement for Waterford was welcomed by the Government and IDA Ireland. IDA Ireland chief executive Michael Lohan noted the decision to strengthen the company's collaboration with the South East Technological University, which the IDA said will develop a technical skills ecosystem with a focus on mainframes and Linux. Mr Lohan said the investment is closely aligned to the IDA strategy published in February, entitled Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29, which commits to positioning Ireland at the centre of cutting-edge global technological innovation in the next five years. "I warmly welcome this decision by IBM and assure them of IDA's continued partnership," Mr Lohan said. IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise with operations in more than 175 countries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare use IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift products.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Dedicated residential facility for elderly inaugurated in Indore
Indore: A dedicated residential facility for elderly, 'Sneh Dham,' first of its kind in the state, constructed by Indore Development Authority (IDA) with an investment of Rs18 crore, was inaugurated by chief minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Serving, respecting, and protecting the elderly is integral part of our culture and tradition. The 'Sneh Dham' project not only provides social security but also ensures safe housing facilities for the elderly. This is a significant and sensitive step that reflects respect and responsibility towards senior citizens," Yadav said. The 'Sneh Dham' project offers necessary amenities such as food, medical care, entertainment, self-study, meditation, counselling along with robust security for the elderly within a single complex. "The social structure had changed over time—many elderly couples are alone today, with some having children abroad or living in distant cities due to jobs. In such situations, initiatives like Sneh Dham will fulfil the need for safe, dignified, and well-equipped housing for senior citizens," the CM said. The IDA has let out the building to a private player on contract, and the bookings for the accommodation will begin soon. At the inauguration event, Yadav also announced development projects worth over Rs565 crore for Indore. He inaugurated development works costing approximately Rs90 crore and laid the foundation for projects worth over Rs476 crore.
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Colgate's Oral Health Movement - 4.5 Million Screened, Interesting Insights Uncovered, Drives Dental Visits Across India
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], June 24: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has been on a mission to revolutionize India's Oral Care for over eight decades, with a deep commitment to improving the nation's Oral Health. While almost 100% of households in India are using toothpaste, the adoption of optimal Oral Care behaviour continues to present an opportunity. While nearly every Indian household uses toothpaste, the opportunity to adopt optimal oral care behavior remains significant. It's about cultivating simple, inexpensive daily habits with profound, long-term health benefits. Colgate's Oral Health Movement reveals India's Oral Health Score as 2.6 out of 5, signalling the need for prioritization of Oral Care in the country. With 90%* of Indians facing dental issues and only 9% visiting a dentist regularly, it was imperative to start a dialogue and create meaningful action around this critical issue. To bridge the awareness gap that exists between current behaviour and ideal, Colgate launched the Oral Health Movement in November 2024 - An initiative that leveraged cutting-edge technology to empower millions of Indians, enabling them to screen their oral health from their mobile phones and access free dental check-ups through a network of 50,000 dentists in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA). *Dental camp study by Kantar in 2019 As part of the Colgate Oral Health Movement, over 4.5 million Indians screened their Oral Health across the length and breadth of the country with participation from 18,000+ pin codes covering more than 700 districts. Further, 1/6th of them visited a dentist post-screening (IDA data), thereby reflecting how the Movement successfully nudged Indians towards further action. Additionally, the nationwide Movement has delivered actionable intelligence on India's Oral Health, highlighting key areas that require urgent attention and intervention. The findings will shape the future of Oral Care initiatives in the country. Based on user participation in Colgate's Oral Health Movement, India's average Oral Health score is 2.6 out of 5.0. The Oral Health Score provides a powerful, personalized insight into an individual's oral health by assessing the risk of cavities, gum issues, and stains. A common thread among Indians achieving higher oral health scores was their adherence to specific healthy practices. These included brushing teeth twice a day, moderating consumption of caffeine and sugary beverages, eating a healthy and nutritious diet, and avoiding tobacco. Here's a glimpse of India's oral health landscape: * 41% of individuals face a high risk of cavities, 44% are prone to gum issues and 14% report stains * 72% of Indians are at high risk for at least one oral health concern while 4% are at the risk of all three (cavities, gum problems, teeth stains) * Only 10% of 4.5 million Indians screened, got a dental health score of 5/5 The trends also vary across age groups and regions: * More than 60% of Indians above the age of 50 are at a high risk of gum-related issues * Eastern India reported the higher incidence of tooth stains, largely linked to tobacco usage * Cavities were more common in Kerala, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, where over 50% of participants in were found at high risk * A heightened vulnerability to cavities within two key demographics: 50% of children aged 3-12 years and 72% of older adults aged over 64 years of age. These groups require particular attention and targeted preventive care * Out of the 4.5 million respondents, 24% received the lowest score of 1 To further supplement the findings and spur a discussion around the state of India's Oral Health and the path forward, Colgate also held the 'Oral Health Movement Summit' in New Delhi today, in the presence of JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, along with other eminent voices in the Oral Care ecosystem for an insightful discourse on India's Oral Health status. Speaking at the Summit, Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited said, "For over 87 years, Colgate has proudly been India's most trusted oral care brand, built on a legacy of innovation and science. Optimal Oral Health is simple and affordable - Allyou need is to invest ₹2 and 2 minutes, twice a day. We recognize that oral health, though crucial, is often overlooked in overall wellness. Improving oral hygiene can also positively impact systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory infections, thus easing the burden on one's own health and the nation's healthcare infrastructure. We acknowledge the Indian government's visionary strides in healthcare policy, from the National Oral Health Program to the National Dental Commission Act. The widespread reach and impact of programs like our Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) have been instrumental in driving the near-universal penetration of Toothpaste across Indian households. We envision a future where oral health is prioritized through a concerted, policy-driven approach, ultimately opening doors to a healthier life for everyone. Our state-level Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program are already paving the way, effectively collaborating with education and healthcare departments in states like Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Assam, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. This ongoing work is effectively delivering results, demonstrating the power of collective action. The Colgate Oral Health Movement (OHM) has also unveiled vital insights that will help inform the way forward to make Oral Care a part of India's overall healthcare agenda. We stand firm in our resolve to continue our mission by sustaining the momentum that has been created by the Oral Health Movement." Speaking at the summit, Shri JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers said, "Colgate's Oral Health Movement in partnership with IDA has transformed oral care from a neglected concern into a national priority. The movement supports the government's National Oral Health Programme launched in 2014. I thank Colgate-Palmolive India Limited for starting this movement and clocking over 4.5 million dental screenings. This initiative has not only raised awareness, but has truly helped integrate oral care into the public health conversations. It's a powerful example of how collaborations such as these, can drive impactful change for a healthier India." Colgate's Oral Health Movement was brought to life with a multi-touchpoint campaign, which ensured a wide reach. Beyond an omni-channel approach to make the QR code, leading to the AI-enabled tool accessible, the company also engaged in on-ground screenings with the Indian Railways, leading corporations, retail outlets as well as at the Mahakumbh. About Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) Education is absolutely vital for prevention, and our flagship Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program has truly been a game-changer. In FY25 alone, BSBF reached over 8.2 million children in 25,000 schools across 11 states, actively spreading vital oral health awareness. Children learn proper brushing techniques, the importance of brushing twice daily, the need for nutritious food, and the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking. We don't do this crucial work alone. We are grateful for our partnerships with local governments that have helped us extend our reach across the country. Additionally, we collaborate with parents, teachers, NGOs, UN bodies, dental and health professionals. By combining our expertise, we accelerate progress, ensuring prevention and good oral hygiene remain top health priorities. Since its inception in the 1970s, this impactful in-school program has reached over 185 million children and their families across India. Going forward, we're committed to reaching over 10 million children year-on-year, laying the foundation for a generation that understands and prioritizes oral health from an early age. About Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, and the planet. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market leader in Oral Care in the country, committed to delivering sustainable, profitable growth for its shareholders, while fostering an inclusive workplace for its people. With a primary focus on science-led innovations in Oral Care & Personal Care in the Indian market, the company is recognized for its leadership and innovative efforts in advancing sustainability and community well-being. Among its recent accomplishments, the company has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, conserving water and energy at its manufacturing facilities, empowering women with financial and digital literacy and enhancing children's oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Night blood survey to detect filariasis begins in 8 blocks from today
Prayagraj: The health department teams has identified 8 blocks of the district, including Ram Nagar, Meja, Kotwa, Kaudhiyara, Dhanupur, Soraon, Baharia and Holagarh, for the night blood survey programme under the filaria eradication campaign. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Teams will collect 7,200 samples, with 900 from each block. For this, the department has identified three sites in each block for sample collection. District malaria officer (Prayagraj) AK Singh told TOI: "A night blood survey is primarily used to assess the presence and prevalence of microfilariae in the blood, particularly in the context of lymphatic filariasis. This method is crucial because microfilariae, the larval stage of filarial worms, tend to circulate in higher concentrations in the peripheral blood during night-time hours for certain species. " He said the survey will begin on Wednesday and completed in next six days. Singh said the health teams have identified 24 sites in eight blocks and around 300 samples of persons aged 20 years and above would be collected from each site. The authorities are carrying out an anti-filaria campaign across the district, including 21 urban community health centres and 23 urban primary health centres, for the past three years. Under it, suspected cases were given a three-drug combination treatment using ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole (popularly known as IDA) in Feb this year, and now the samples of these persons could be collected for assessment. Singh claimed, "If nine out of 900 samples are found positive in a particular block, there would be re-medication of the three-drug (IDA) combination among the cases. And if passed, the transmission access survey (TAS) would be conducted. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now TAS aims to evaluate the effectiveness of drugs in reducing the transmission." Experts claimed that TAS is a crucial tool used in disease elimination programmes to determine if the infection levels have been reduced to a point where mass drug administration can be stopped. TAS also helps to assess whether the community has achieved the threshold where mosquitoes are unlikely to sustain transmission, and recrudescence (re-emergence of the disease) is improbable. TAS is scheduled at every two-year interval.
