Latest news with #AICS
Zawya
11-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
UN-Habitat Jordan holds meeting to review progress of green salt project
AMMAN — UN-Habitat Jordan last week held the first steering committee meeting of the "Green Salt: Public Spaces and Living Heritage for Socio-Economic Development" Project, jointly implemented with UNESCO. The meeting brough together several stakeholders, including the secretary general of the Ministry of Local Administration, mayor of the Greater Salt Municipality, and representatives from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and UNESCO. During the meeting, UN-Habitat and UNESCO teams discussed progress and the upcoming work plan, which focuses on enhancing public spaces and safeguarding Salt's living heritage as foundations for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, according to a UN-Habitat statement. Secretary General for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Local Administration Wajdi Dulain praised UN-Habitat's ongoing support for local governance in Jordan. He said: "We are fully committed to creating more resilient and sustainable urban environments and promoting local development through partnerships like this." Head of UN-Habitat Jordan Programme Office Deema Abu Thiab highlighted the project's vision. "This project aims to make Salt more liveable by creating environmentally friendly public spaces for residents and visitors, supporting both local and tourism development," Abu Thiab said. Mayor of Greater Salt Municipality Mohammad Hiary commended the efforts of UN-Habitat, UNESCO and AICS, expressing appreciation for their commitment to enhancing community well-being and increasing green spaces in Salt. 'We are optimistic about the project's outcomes and deeply grateful to the Italian embassy and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for their generous support," Hiary said. UNESCO Representative to Jordan and Head of Office Noha Bawazir stressed the importance of documenting and preserving Salt's intangible cultural heritage, saying: "Intangible heritage is an integral part of the city's identity. Through this project, UNESCO is working to safeguard and promote it as a living element of community life." The Green Salt project, funded by Italy through AICS, is jointly implemented by UN-Habitat and UNESCO Jordan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Local Administration, and the Greater Salt Municipality. This project aims to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of Salt, through the revitalisation of public spaces, according to UN-Habitat. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
A look at India's sports policy journey post independence
The story so far: Sport in India can trace its roots back to pre-historic times, when physical skills that are now foundational to modern sports were then integral to daily life. As hunters and gatherers, humans relied on abilities like archery, wrestling, swimming, and climbing, not for recreation, but for survival. These have now evolved into the individual and team sports that we are familiar with today. How did sports do post 1947? India's sports policy journey since 1947 must be seen in the context of the nation's broader socio-economic development. Post the British Raj, India's prime focus was on rebuilding the nation by addressing poverty, health, and education. It is therefore understandable that sectors like sports did not feature prominently in the national agenda. Even so, India hosted the first Asian Games in New Delhi in 1951, a bold assertion of the country's regional aspirations and soft power. In 1954, the government set up the All-India Council of Sports (AICS) to advise on sports matters, support federations, and fund elite athletes. However, allocations were modest, resulting in athletes missing international competitions due to a lack of financial support. For nearly three decades, nothing notable transpired on the policy front. Yet, India's men's hockey team dominated the Olympics from 1920 to 1980. And Indian athletics saw stars emerge such as Milkha Singh (200/400m), Gurbachan Singh (decathlon), Praveen Kumar Sobti (discus and hammer throw), and Kamaljeet Sandhu, the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal at the Asian Games. When did India's sports policy begin? The 1982 Asian Games catalysed change. The government created a dedicated Department of Sports under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Riding the post-Games momentum, India finally unveiled its first National Sports Policy (NSP) in 1984. The NSP 1984 aimed to improve infrastructure, promote mass participation, and raise standards in elite sports. It also stressed the importance of integrating sports with education, which was formalised in the 1986 National Education Policy. That same year, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established to implement policy, and athlete development programs. While global sports ecosystems evolved rapidly between 1986 and 2000, they remained tepid in India. Sports is a 'State' subject in the Constitution and though the Union government had earmarked it a modest budget, the involvement of society and markets were minimal. Policies remained weak, and implementation inconsistent. India's economy too remained sluggish through the 1980s. However, 1991 marked a turning point, with the emergence of liberalisation. This economic shift coincided with cultural changes. Cable television, global exposure, and a rising middle class brought greater visibility and aspiration for sports. A Draft NSP in 1997 recognised this, proposing that States focus on broadbasing, while the Union concentrated on elite excellence. But it never went beyond the draft stage. How has sports evolved post-2000? In 2000, India created a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). A revised National Sports Policy was launched in 2001, setting clearer goals for mass participation and international excellence. This period also saw sports feature in the Union Budget, albeit with a small allocation. India's Olympic medal tally remained modest, with Rajyavardhan Rathore's silver (2004), Abhinav Bindra's gold (2008) and bronzes in boxing from Vijender Singh (2008) and Mary Kom (2012). In 2011, the National Sports Development Code (NSDC) was introduced, aiming to regulate and professionalise National Sports Federations (NSFs). It addressed governance, anti-doping, age fraud, betting, gender issues etc. but as always, implementation remained the hurdle. However, several impactful schemes were launched over the years — TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme 2014) provided elite athletes with coaching, nutrition, and infrastructure support; Khelo India (2017) conducted youth talent identification across schools and universities; and the Fit India Movement (2019) promoted physical activity and fitness as a public health priority. Can India host the Olympics? India's intent to host the 2036 Olympics has ignited momentum. In 2024, the government released both the Draft National Sports Policy and the Draft National Sports Governance Bill for public feedback. Whether these make it to law remains to be seen. The good news is that yesterday the NSP 2025 was announced, unveiled as ' Khelo Bharat Niti- 2025', reinforcing India's 2036 Olympic bid. Similarly, measures that have been deliberated for a while, like the Draft National Code for Good Governance in Sports, 2017 should be given the go-ahead. India had the ignominious distinction of topping the latest global doping list released by WADA. It's about time for all stakeholders to move beyond self-interest and enforce reforms for the larger good of Indian sport. We must now prioritise scientific coaching, physical literacy, and sports in education. Lasting change demands sustained action. Building a 'sporting nation' doesn't happen overnight. With Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, we have a golden opportunity to fast-track India's long-term sporting ambitions. The question is, are we game? Malathi Renati is Head of Policy School at the Takshashila Institution.
GMA Network
28-06-2025
- General
- GMA Network
DSWD: AICS not just for the poor
An official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Saturday debunked misconceptions that the agency's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) is "only for the poor." 'For AICS, wala kaming tinitignan it can be low or high income. It can be rich or poor. It can be professional or not, may trabaho o wala,' said DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) Director Edwin Morata at the Saturday News Forum. (For AICS, we don't look at anything, it can be low or high income. It can be rich or poor. It can be professional or not, with a job or not.) Morata emphasized that the AICS is a 'catch-all' stop-gap measure and assistance program being provided by the agency, which would depend on the situation being faced by a requesting individual. He also added that the initiative is not just a cash aid program but also includes psychosocial interventions such as psychological first aid, counseling, and others. These are on top of financial and other aid to help individuals cope with crisis situations like illness, death, or job loss. AICS provides medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance or other support services or needs of a person or family experiencing crises. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Daily Tribune
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Brings DEF CON to GCC
Bahrain is set to make regional history as it welcomes DEF CON, one of the world's most respected cybersecurity conferences, for the first time in the Arab world. The event is being held through a strategic partnership with the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS). The third edition of AICS will take place on November 5th and 6th at Exhibition World Bahrain, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Hosted by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), the event will bring together global cybersecurity experts, decision-makers, and industry leaders. Landmark Partnership This year's edition marks a pivotal moment, with Bahrain becoming the first country in the Arab region to collaborate formally with DEF CON. Organisers say the move will significantly raise the technical calibre of the event while offering a new level of interactivity and innovation to attendees. As part of this partnership, AICS will introduce interactive DEF CON Villages focused on emerging security domains such as artificial intelligence, industrial control systems, cloud technologies, and space cybersecurity. Participants will also experience cutting-edge Demo Labs where students, researchers, and startups can showcase cybersecurity tools and ideas directly to global experts. The goal, organisers said, is to nurture talent and encourage disruptive thinking across sectors. Beyond demonstrations, the two-day summit will feature technical workshops, specialised training, high-level panel discussions, and an expansive tech exhibition led by top cybersecurity firms worldwide. Bahrain's Cyber Role Officials say the event strengthens Bahrain's growing reputation as a cybersecurity leader in the region, offering a collaborative platform for public-private dialogue and high-level strategy sharing. The partnership between AICS and DEF CON positions the Kingdom at the forefront of regional cyber capability-building and knowledge exchange.
GMA Network
05-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
House Bill making AICS 'permanent' approved on final reading
The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill making the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) a permanent program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on third and final reading late Wednesday night. This happened as all 176 House members voted yes for the passage of House Bill 11395 on An Act Institutionalizing the AICS Program. House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list, who voted yes with reservations on the measure, said making the AICS program permanent is "necessary" but should not be used by public officials to promote themselves. "We recognize that it is the mandate of the State to provide adequate assistance, social services, projects, and programs geared towards alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life of Filipinos. Sa harap ng hindi maampat-ampat na presyo ng mga bilihin at bayarin, mataas na inflation rate (In the face of unsustainable prices of goods and services, high inflation rate)... The need for an immediate economic relief will always be there," Brosas said. "Hindi natin kinukuwestiyon ang pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan para sa agarang tulong (We do not question the citizens' need for immediate assistance.)... Rather, we are particularly worried about those who are in the position to provide assistance, but takes it as an opportunity to forward their personal and political interests," Brosas added. Brosas said that government policies should not promote political patronage and mendicancy but instead emphasize that government assistance is funded by the taxpayers' money. "As legislators and as public servants, let us be true to our mandate to put forward measures that will alleviate poverty and address the deepening inequality in our country towards genuinely raising the quality of life of Filipinos," Brosas said. Latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that 63% self-rated poverty among Filipinos, the highest in 21 years. The same poll showed that involuntary hunger among Filipino families, on the other hand, doubled to 7.5 million in March 2025 from 2.9 million from June 2022. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
