Latest news with #Programme
India Gazette
an hour ago
- Business
- India Gazette
New and Renewable Energy Ministry issues revised guidelines for Waste-to-Energy projects
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Programme under the National Bioenergy Programme, the Ministry said in a release. These revisions aim to foster a more efficient, transparent, and performance-oriented ecosystem for Bio Waste to Energy deployment in India. By simplifying procedures, expediting financial assistance, and aligning support with plant performance, the updated guidelines are designed to significantly enhance the ease of doing business for private as well as public sector. Under the new framework, Ministry has simplified several processes, such as cutting down on paperwork and easing approval requirements, which will enable the industry especially MSMEs to enhance their production of CBG, Biogas & Power. These changes align well with improvement of waste management including stubble, industrial waste, and India's broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. A key highlight of the revised guidelines is the improved system for releasing Central Financial Assistance (CFA). Considering the challenges faced by the developers to achieve 80 per cent generation, flexible provisions have been made in the Scheme for release of CFA based on plant performance. Previously, companies had to wait until the entire Waste-to-Energy project attains 80 per cent generation to receive support. Moreover, as per the revised guidelines, there is a provision to release the CFA in two stages. Based on performance of the projects, 50 per cent of total CFA will be released after obtaining the Consent to Operate certificate from State Pollution Control Board, against the bank guarantee, while the balance CFA would be released after achieving the 80 per cent of the rated capacity or the maximum CFA eligible capacity, whichever is lesser. In notably, even if a plant does not achieve 80% generation for above both conditions during performance inspection, provision is made for pro-rata based disbursement based on the percentage output. However, no CFA will be given if the PLF is 50 per cent. This change acknowledges real-world challenges and supports developers by offering financial flexibility and viability during operations. The inspection process has also been refined to ensure greater credibility, transparency and accountability. The revised norms mandate joint inspections led by National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), an autonomous institute of MNRE, along with any one agency among respective State Nodal Agencies (SNAs), Biogas Technology Development Centers (BTDCs), or any agency empaneled by MNRE. For developers not opting for advance CFA, only a single performance inspection is required, reducing procedural delays. The revision introduced provides the flexibility to the project developers in claiming CFA either within 18 months from the date of commissioning, or from the date of In-principle approval of CFA, whichever is later. Overall, these revised guidelines represent a proactive step by the government to support the clean energy in industries. By aligning financial support with actual performance, simplifying compliance, and making funding more accessible, MNRE is fostering a more business-friendly environment. This initiative not only helps private players in the WtE space but also strengthens India's progress toward sustainable waste management and Renewable Energy goals. (ANI)
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Continue Support, Expand K2K Programme
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, has called for continued support and expansion of the Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Programme to benefit more communities in public housing areas. The Bandar Tun Razak MP said the programme, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in April 2023, is part of efforts to empower communities in People's Housing Projects (PPR) in a comprehensive and inclusive manner. She said the programme comprises four key components, namely community empowerment, co-management of public housing, economic and income enhancement, as well as advocacy and policy reform. 'Through the implementation of this strategy, more than 50,000 residents in the Klang Valley are now part of a wave of transformation that is making their communities more resilient and sustainable,' she said in her speech at a ceremony to celebrate the academic excellence of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students from PPR Taman Mulia under the programme here today. Also present were political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Azman Abidin and K2K Programme director Dr Shahridan Faiez. Dr Wan Azizah said the PPR Taman Mulia community had chosen to implement the Free SPM Tuition Project under the K2K Community Grant Programme, which not only had a direct impact on over 40 students there but also strengthened the spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. She said the project had received RM17,052 in funding through the K2K Community Grant, managed by Think City. 'With this funding, a total of 48 classes for core subjects were successfully conducted. In addition, learning facilities such as tables, chairs, printers and projectors were also provided to create a conducive learning environment even after the grant period ends,' she said. She added that the K2K Community Grant not only supports PPR Taman Mulia but also targets 10 public housing areas in the Klang Valley, with a total of 39 community projects worth over RM1 million.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Dr Wan Azizah urges expansion of K2K Programme for PPR communities
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Programme, a community empowerment initiative launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in April 2023, has been hailed as a transformative force for public housing residents. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, called for continued support and expansion of the programme to benefit more communities. Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the academic achievements of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students from PPR Taman Mulia, Dr Wan Azizah emphasised the programme's four key components: community empowerment, co-management of public housing, economic enhancement, and policy reform. 'Through this strategy, over 50,000 residents in the Klang Valley are part of a wave of transformation, making their communities more resilient and sustainable,' she said. The event was also attended by political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Azman Abidin, and K2K Programme director Dr Shahridan Faiez. Under the K2K Community Grant Programme, PPR Taman Mulia implemented the Free SPM Tuition Project, directly benefiting more than 40 students. The project received RM17,052 in funding managed by Think City, enabling 48 classes for core subjects and providing learning facilities such as tables, chairs, printers, and projectors. Dr Wan Azizah highlighted that the K2K Community Grant supports 10 public housing areas in the Klang Valley, funding 39 community projects worth over RM1 million. These initiatives span education, health, safety, cleanliness, culture, and sports, significantly improving residents' quality of life. The Free SPM Tuition Project yielded impressive results, with five students scoring 8As and three achieving 5As. At the ceremony, top-performing students received awards, while educators and community mobilisers were also recognised for their contributions.
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Nation records 188,528 complaints involving social media platforms logged within 6 months
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 188,528 complaints involving various social media platforms were logged between Jan 1 and June 26, with online gambling making up more than half of all takedown requests. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said out of the total, 173,642 resulted in content removals or account restrictions. "Online gambling led the category with 96,240 complaints and 90,770 takedowns, followed by scam-related content with 45,933 complaints and 43,865 takedowns. "Bullying and harassment saw 24,283 complaints, with 19,440 removals, while 74 reports were lodged over obscene content involving children, leading to 21 takedowns," he said in a press conference after attending the Nadi Aspirasi Nasional Bersama Anak Muda (Nanba) Programme at IWK Eco Park here. Fahmi said these figures highlighted the severity of content abuse on digital platforms and the need for stronger cooperation between Malaysian authorities and platform providers. He also confirmed that Telegram representatives were scheduled to meet with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) here soon to discuss enforcement issues. Among the issues to be highlighted in the meeting are online scams, gambling, child sexual abuse materials, pornography and copyright infringement. "Telegram has about a billion users worldwide but only around 50 employees. They rely heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to moderate content. However, he said legal differences across countries had made enforcement difficult, citing online gambling as an example. "In Malaysia, online gambling is illegal, but in countries like Vietnam it may be allowed. "This makes compliance inconsistent, and that's why discussions with Telegram is important to ensure it follows our laws." He stressed that only the platform itself had the authority to block or remove any content or account. "If the platform does not agree (with a takedown request), unfortunately no action can be taken. "But when content is removed, it means the platform recognises it violates our laws," he said. Fahmi singled out Facebook as the leading platform for online gambling advertisements, calling it the "biggest offender", followed by widespread scam activity on both Facebook and TikTok. "This is not just about Telegram. Every platform is being misused differently by bad actors. The MCMC continues to take strong and comprehensive action against such abuses," he added.
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Construction to begin in Limerick on new building at TUS campus
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Limerick County TD Niall Collins welcomed the confirmation from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD. 'I am delighted that construction can now begin on a new Applied Science and IT building at TUS Limerick,' said Minister Collins. 'The building will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate science laboratories, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space.' Minister Collins also confirmed that the new facility will allow for the addition of around 700 student places at TUS Limerick. The TUS Limerick project is one of five new buildings included in the second phase of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. Other sites include Atlantic Technological University (ATU) campuses in Galway and Letterkenny, and South East Technological University (SETU) campuses in Waterford and Carlow. Minister James Lawless described the programme as a crucial step in strengthening Ireland's regional higher education system. 'This significant capital programme demonstrates both my own and the Government's commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions,' he said. 'With construction now commencing on five new buildings across five campuses, this €380 million programme will significantly expand student capacity, modernise teaching spaces, and bring state-of-the-art labs, studios, and workshops to regions across the country,' he added. The PPP contract has been awarded to the Invesis Consortium, which includes BAM Building Ltd as the construction contractor and BAM FM Ireland Ltd for facilities management. Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will finance, build, and maintain the buildings for 25 years, with the Department of Further and Higher Education making monthly payments once construction is completed. The entire programme is being delivered under Project Ireland 2040.
