Latest news with #SIDS
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sri Lanka inks solar partnership with ISA; regional push for SIDS platform, decentralised solutions
New Delhi: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Government of Sri Lanka signed a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to accelerate solar deployment, financing and institutional capacity-building in the country, as part of the Seventh Regional Committee Meeting for Asia and the Pacific. The CPF was exchanged in the presence of Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, between Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody and ISA Director General Ashish Khanna. The Colombo meeting also saw CPF exchanges with Fiji, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. In addition, a Pledge of Support for the ISA Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Platform was adopted by participating island countries, reaffirming collective action on decentralised solar and storage-based energy solutions. 'Sri Lanka supports ISA's four strategic pillars and is working to establish a STAR Centre in Colombo as a regional hub for solar training and research ,' Prime Minister Amarasuriya said in her address. She called for deeper regional collaboration and a focused approach for SIDS and lower-middle-income countries. 'These countries face high costs, limited land, and grid constraints—but also immense potential in decentralised solar and storage-based solutions,' she said. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said, 'Our national goal is to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar energy is central to this vision. The Platform will help Small Island Developing States benefit from economies of scale, reduced transaction costs through competitive bidding, and enhanced knowledge exchange.' ISA Director General Ashish Khanna said the Asia-Pacific region plays a key role in shaping the global solar energy landscape. 'ISA's approach in the region is anchored in four key pillars: mobilising catalytic finance, strengthening institutional capacities, fostering regional platforms, and enabling innovation and technology deployment. We are committed to working in close partnership with each Member State,' he said. India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, said, 'India's energy transition journey—marked by achieving 50 per cent installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of schedule—demonstrates what collective ambition and decisive action can achieve. Through ISA, we have the opportunity to light up not just homes, but futures.' The ISA SIDS Platform, jointly developed with the World Bank, aims to accelerate inclusive, climate-resilient energy access across island nations. An MoU was also signed between ISA and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to advance solar cooperation in mountainous regions. The meeting featured sessions on digital energy solutions, cross-border renewables trade and startup innovation under the SolarX APAC pitch competition. The two-day meeting, hosted in Colombo, continues on July 17 with discussions on operationalising the SIDS Platform and scaling technology-driven interventions.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘I was married to a man who …', says Elon Musk's ex-wife in a 'big reveal'
Elon Musk's ex-wife and Canadian author Justine Wilson has revealed what she believed is the key to his incredible success – the word 'No'. Speaking at a TEDx Talk a few years ago, Justine said that while Elon Musk worked extremely hard, one of his biggest strengths was saying no to distractions. 'I was married to a man who became extremely successful. And as I watched him rise I noticed two things. He worked very hard, much harder than your average bear. And he said no, a lot,' she said. According to Justine, Elon Musk often turned down requests for his time, attention, and energy. Why? So he could stay focused on his personal and professional goals. "He said no to people who wanted his time and attention and energy. He said no in a way that protected his resources so he could channel them towards his own goals. And I realized that behind every no there is a deeper yes to whatever it is that you do want," Justine added. Explaining further, Justine said 'He had grown up in the male-dominated culture of South Africa, and the will to compete and dominate that made him so successful in business did not magically shut off when he came home'. Justine married Elon in 2000 and moved to Los Angeles. They tragically lost their first son, Nevada, to SIDS, and later had twins and triplets. The couple divorced in 2008, the same year Musk became Tesla CEO. Despite the challenges in their marriage, Justine Musk said she has no regrets. She emphasized that Elon's success is a clear example of what focus and strong boundaries can achieve. How AI gets smart: Unlocking LLMs AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore to train more aviation and maritime officials from around the world
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow delivers his speech at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on July 14. SINGAPORE – More aviation and maritime officials from around the world will be trained here in Singapore, as the Republic launches and develops new training programmes in these two sectors. The programmes are part of moves to support the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO), which Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said were examples of multilateral institutions that are 'pillars of a rules-based international order'. They are also seen as part of efforts to cement Singapore's position as an aviation and maritime hub. The training programmes include one for transport officials from the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which includes states in the Caribbean and Pacific islands, among others. The programme will focus on the unique challenges that SIDS - like Singapore - face in the aviation and maritime industries, Mr Siow said, speaking at the opening of the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium. The first training programme for SIDS will be in 2026, for officials from the Caribbean Island states. Courses for the Pacific Island states and others are also in the pipeline. Mr Siow also said Singapore will work with the ICAO and IMO on a new global initiative to develop and deliver specialised training programmes for officials and practitioners across both the aviation and maritime sectors. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's economy continues to expand in Q2 despite US tariff uncertainty: Advance estimate Singapore What's in a name? Local author traces the evolution of Singaporean Chinese names Business From wellness zone to neurodivergent room: How companies are creating inviting, inclusive offices Singapore Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day Singapore Swift action needed to stop vaping's slide from health risk to drug epidemic Singapore Art by Pathlight students to be displayed along Singapore River Opinion Hong Kong's past is disappearing, one icon at a time Sport Jannik Sinner dethrones Carlos Alcaraz to capture maiden Wimbledon crown The collaboration recognises 'increasing interdependencies between the aviation and maritime sectors, and the common challenges they face', said Mr Siow.. Mr Siow also announced the extension of the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, funding 330 fellowships and 10 scholarships valued at US$1.8 million over the next three years. This is aimed at supporting officials from developing ICAO Member States in attending aviation-related courses. The Republic has also committed a second tranche of US$3 million to the Enhanced Technical Co-Operation and Training Package for IMO and its member States, said Mr Siow. These funds will support courses for seafarers on alternative fuels, digitalisation, marine casualty investigations and other areas. Singapore had already pledged US$5 million for a five-year period from 2024 to 2028. To date, Singapore has run aviation and maritime training courses for more than 1,800 participants under the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, and over 2,400 participants under the Singapore-IMO Third Country Training Programme, Mr Siow said. Mr Siow said at the symposium that Singapore has been 'a strong supporter' of the ICAO and IMO since it joined both organisations in 1966, and served as a member of the ICAO and IMO Councils since 2003 and 1993, respectively. The event has brought the global aviation and maritime communities together for the first time, including the Secretaries-General of the ICAO and IMO, ICAO and IMO 'pillars' in unpredictable world Mr Siow said Singapore remains committed to working with the ICAO and IMO. 'In an increasingly unpredictable global climate, multilateral institutions like the ICAO and IMO are pillars of a rules-based international order,' he said. For example, the organisations' 'clear, rules-based frameworks' allow the safe movement of people and goods by air and sea, even during crises. And they provide 'steadfast leadership' even in 'periods of transition and turbulence', serving as platforms for collective action and global cooperation, Mr Siow said. To Singapore, 'connectivity is existential', Mr Siow said. 'We are a major aviation and maritime hub, connected to around 170 cities by air and over 600 ports across 120 countries.' Singapore is also a hub for international travel and trade, and has invested in upgrading its airport and seaport, as well as air traffic and vessel traffic management systems, he added. 'Because of Singapore's connectivity, we can see and feel first-hand how global trends are shaping aviation and maritime,' Mr Siow said. These trends include 'more fragmented and volatile' economic and geopolitical environments, resulting in rising costs and heightened uncertainty, said Mr Siow. This has had knock-on effects on freight networks and port operations worldwide. At the same time, consumer demand for transport is growing faster than capacity, Mr Siow noted. As passenger and cargo traffic by air and sea continue to grow, 'countries are striving to build infrastructure and capability to meet the rising demand'. The aviation and maritime industries are also grappling with longer-term issues such as climate change and technology, he added. In his speech, Mr Siow said two challenges that both industries must tackle are safety and sustainability. (From left) Minister of State Baey Yam Keng; Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai; ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar; Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow; IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez; Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling; and Permanent Secretary Lau Peet Meng in a group photo at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium in Raffles City Convention Centre. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Safety the 'foundation' of aviation, maritime sectors Maintaining safety has become more demanding as air and sea traffic grows and operating environments become more complex, said Mr Siow. For example, airspace for flights is tightly regulated, and maritime vessels in open waters sail without central traffic control, relying on onboard navigation systems and local guidance near ports to ensure safe passage, said Mr Siow. New technologies are being used in both sectors to improve operations, 'but they also bring new risks', Mr Siow noted, such as cybersecurity threats and system vulnerabilities. 'We must ensure that our people are well-equipped to use these technologies safely, and make the right decisions even under pressure,' Mr Siow said. 'This is why training remains critical.' As for sustainability, Mr Siow noted that the aviation and maritime sectors each contribute about 3 per cent of global emissions, adding that aviation and maritime decarbonisation must be balanced against economic development. The ICAO and IMO have adopted 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goals. For aviation, the key is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel which can reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent, compared to fossil jet fuel on a life-cycle basis. Importantly, sustainable aviation fuels can be used with existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure. This is not the case for the maritime sector. While there are various alternative marine fuel options - such as liquefied natural gas, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen - the availability of infrastructure for these fuels varies across shipping routes. 'The maritime community is therefore preparing for a multi-fuel future,' Mr Siow noted. More than 500 delegates, including transport ministers, senior officials, regulators and industry leaders and experts from more than 80 countries are in Singapore to attend the symposium, which runs until July 18.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Festival serving as a unifying factor
The Gawai Dayak parade is now a feature of this celebration in Sarawak. I HAVE often been asked by a number of young people in the Iban community about the origin of the Gawai Dayak. Most of the time, I oblige them – relating as best I can by repeating what I have heard from verbal or read from written sources, or from my own memory. It is quite possible that there is more than one version. Today's column is based partly on information obtained during conversation, some 30 years ago, with the late Dato Sri Tra Zehnder, the first Iban woman to be appointed as a state legislator. Another source was Michael Buma, once a teacher at the Anglican Mission School in Quop. Tra expressed her inner thoughts to me thus: 'Maya Hari Raya kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai Melayu; maya Taun Baru China kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai China. Tang sida tu enda ngabang ngagai kitai, laban kitai Dayak nadai Ari Besai (We visit our Malay friends during the Hari Raya, and our Chinese friends during their New Year, but they do not visit us because we, the Dayaks, have no special day to celebrate during which the Malays and the Chinese can visit us in return).' Tra was referring to the situation in the context of the Dayaks who were residing and working in Kuching. Daughter of Sarawak Constabulary Sub-Insp Inting Jemat, she had been brought up in a cross- cultural setting in Kuching for most of her life that her world view was broad and pragmatic. In fact, for some time during the colonial period (1958-1960), the Dayak (settlers and/or residents of Kuching, mostly government servants and Christians), had been toying with the idea of another festivity that would be more traditional or cultural than religious and pious. This group, consisting of teachers and those whom we would call social activists, were more articulate and vocal in their views. Among them were Michael Buma, Ah Guan, Barbara Bay Mendu, Robert Jitam, Edward Jerah and Austin Jaga. Although Tra belonged to the community dominated by the police personnel and families, she managed to reach out to and maintain a good rapport with the ordinary members of the Dayak community in Kuching. She established a close contact with people like Malacca- trained nurse Barbara Bay (Mendu Bayang), Mrs Ang, Madam Tuyah and her daughter Susie Kitto. They formed the Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), the women's wing of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), for the purpose of providing educational advice to Dayak women in Kuching. She also established a good relationship with Michael Buma and the political activists. However, these 'radicals' had a vision of their own as to how Dayaks of various groups could coalesce and constitute a force in society in Sarawak. Michael Buma, leading the group, moved one step further by proposing that the government of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan (1963) should declare a day in each year as 'The Dayak Day'. While Tra endorsed Michael Buma's proposal, she had a problem with other members of the Council Negri who thought that she was being too political. Michael Buma, watching on the sidelines, made a bold move in defiance of the attitude of those legislators. He organised a tea party at his house in Siol Kandis, Kuching, and invited people of the same mind, 'Segulai Sejalai'. They were launching the celebration called the 'Dayak Day'. Yes, that day – June 1, 1964! I was not there. I was told by Daniel Ragam, who was present, that the atmosphere was politically electrified. Apparently, the Police Special Branch had sent a couple of boys to Michael Buma's house 'just for a drink' and, obviously, to keep an official eye on things. The significance of this Special Branch intrusion intrigued me as I was listening to Tra. Peter Ratcliffe, the director of Radio Sarawak, hinted to me that the government was going to declare June 1 as a public holiday to dilute the influence of the Dayak activists, using the radio to promote the concept of celebrating a successful harvest instead of something radical. The choice of the name 'Gawai Dayak' was deliberate, a strategy to pre-empt the influence of the activists. Kalong's government, fearing that the Dayak sentiment would develop into a political issue, used Radio Sarawak to promote the 'Harvest Festival' as the Gawai Dayak. That was it! The programme producers at Radio Sarawak even took the initiative to introduce a format for the celebration. For instance, on May 31, the eve of Gawai Dayak, each Dayak family should celebrate the occasion with a dinner at home – similar to the customary dinner among the Chinese on the eve of their New Year. A new festival was thus created for the Dayak community because the 'townies' wanted to have their own version of festival. The Christians among the townies were not in favour of anything pagan like, for instance, a 'miring' (traditional ritual to seek blessings). In the 1980s, the Gawai Dayak was organised as a state function. As a political device, it suits the politicians in power. They take advantage of the big gathering during which to be seen together with the 'common people' – 'Segulai Sejalai', you see! The 'Ngiling Tikai / Ngiling Bidai' (symbolic rolling-up of the mat, to mark the end of festivities) was not part of the Gawai as far as I could remember. However, it has become an accepted part of the proceedings by now. Anyway, who would pick up a quarrel over something that brings people together, even for a few hours, under one roof in the name of the slogan 'Segulai Sejalai'? * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. culture Dayak Gawai Iban sarawak
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
'Sleep nanny' offers 14 top tips how to keep babies cool in heatwave
'Sleep nanny' offers 14 top tips how to keep babies cool in heatwave Newborns are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) if they overheat An expert has offered tips on how to keep babies and young children cool and comfortable during the heatwave (Image: PA ) The sunny weather can create an uncomfortable sleeping environment for babies and children. When the mercury rises it can be a real worry for parents concerned about their children's health and sleep. It is especially important to keep babies cool in the sweltering heat and The Sleep Nanny, Lucy Shrimpton has issued some tips on doing just that. Your baby is likely to become restless if feeling too hot or too cold so he may let you know. He may be more difficult to settle to sleep than usual or wake more frequently due to the discomfort of the temperature. Newborns are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) if they overheat so check your newborn does not have a moist head or neck which are signs of sweating. If the face is redder than usual or he has a rash or you notice rapid breathing, these could be signs of overheating. Ms Shrimpton offered the following top tips on keeping your baby or young child cool and comfortable. 1. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature If the room is very hot, for example over 25°C for most of the night, just a nappy and thin cotton vest may suffice. If the room is between 20-23°C degrees a shortie baby grow or shorts and t-shirt pyjamas perhaps with socks or just a nappy and a 1 tog sleep sack. Article continues below If your baby is too young for any kind of bedding and it is too hot for a sleep sack, simply dress them in suitable clothing for the room temperature so that no covering is required. 2. Create a breeze During the day, open all windows on the same floor to create a blow-through and pull curtain two thirds of the way across to block out hot sun but still allow the breeze through. 3. Ventilate your home Open your loft hatch if you have one to allow heat to escape up through the roof. 4. Use appropriate bedding Use only cotton bed sheets and avoid any waterproof mattress covering as this will hold heat and make your baby sweat. 5. Give them a quick, refreshing bath A luke-warm bath or slightly cooler bath than usual might help to refresh your baby before bedtime and relieve any clamminess. Make it a quick bath so that she doesn't get too chilly. 6. Get a room thermometer ...so that you know what temperature you are dealing with. This will take away the guesswork and give you peace of mind that you have dressed your baby suitably. 7. Put ice in baby's room Large bottles of frozen water (1litre plus), placed in the baby's room may help to cool the air as they melt overnight. 8. Give electric fans a helping hand Electric fans will often just blow the warm air around but place a large bowl of ice or some frozen water bottles in front of the fan to cool the air that circulates the room. 9. Keep baby calm A calm baby will remain cooler than a frustrated baby so try to maintain a calming bedtime routine and offer reassurance and comfort if he is agitated. A cool flannel or cold compress dabbed gentle on your baby may help to cool and calm him. 10. Keep some water refrigerated Your baby may need to drink more than usual. Cold water is great so for young babies it is worth cooling some billed water and refrigerating it for night time use. Breastfed babies will stay hydrated on breastmilk. 11. Consider moving rooms If you cannot keep your baby cool in her own room, consider moving her to a cooler room in the house temporarily. 12. Set them up for the whole night - not just evening Remember, no matter how hot it is at bedtime, the temperature will drop in the night so don't put your baby in his cot in just a nappy if it will drop below 25 degrees in the night. You might like to check on him before you go to bed to see how the temperature is. 13. Accurately check baby's temperature Hands and feet do get colder than the rest of the body so it is natural for these to feel a little colder to the touch. If you are unsure about your baby's temperature, feel the back of his neck or use a thermometer. 14. Put yourself in their shoes Babies will be comfortable dressed for temperatures as you would dress yourself. So ask yourself how hot it feels and what you would be comfortable in when you are considering how to dress you baby. Article continues below Just remember, you can pull the covers over you but she cannot, so imagine you are going to bed without any bed covers. For more information and tips from The Sleep Nanny (Lucy Shrimpton) visit or follower her on X account @lucysleepcoach
