India takes over as Council Chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)


India today assumed the Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).


This comes close on the heels of India taking over the presidency of G20, a league of world’s largest economies at Bali, Indonesia.


The Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar represented India virtually at the GPAI meeting held in Tokyo for the symbolic takeover from France, which is the outgoing Council Chair.



Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “We will work in close cooperation with member states to put in place a framework around which the power of Artificial Intelligence can be exploited for the good of the citizens and consumers across the globe- and ensure that there are adequate guardrails to prevent misuse and user harm.”


Highlighting that AI is a kinetic enabler for taking forward current investments in technology and innovation, the Minister said that India is building an ecosystem of modern cyber laws and framework that is driven by three boundary conditions of openness, safety and trust and accountability.


With National Programme on AI in place and a National Data Governance Framework Policy and one of world’s largest publicly accessible data sets programme in the works, the Minister reiterated India’s commitment to efficient use of AI for catalyzing innovation ecosystem around AI, that can create good, trusted applications for our citizens and the world at large.


The NDGFP aims to ensure equitable access to non-personal data and focus on improving the institutional framework for government data sharing, promoting principles around privacy and security by design, and encouraging the use of anonymization tool.


It also aims to standardise the government’s data collection and management. The NDGFP along with the envisaged Indian Data Management Office IDMO shall catalyse the next Gen AI and Data-led research and startup ecosystem.


The datasets programmes where anonymised non-personal data will be available for the entire AI ecosystem, also aims to boost the startup ecosystem.


AI is expected to add USD $967 Bn to Indian economy by 2035 and USD 450–500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025, accounting for 10% of the country’s USD 5 trillion GDP target.


GPAI is a congregation of 25 member countries, including the US, the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, and Singapore. India had in 2020 joined the group as a founding member. It is a first-of-its-type initiative for evolving better understanding of challenges and opportunities around AI. It works in collaboration with partners and international organisations, leading experts from industry, civil society, governments, and academia to collaborate to promote responsible evolution of AI and guide the responsible development and use of AI, grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth.


Japanese State Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Mr. Tsuge Yoshifumi, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Makoto Nagamine,  and French Minister for Digital Transition and Telecommunications, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot,  were among others who took part in the programme.




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Boeing Takes New Role to Help Cut Aviation Emissions Faster

– Company to serve as ‘aviation sector champion’ in global sustainability alliance

– Aviation sustainability expert Robert Boyd joins Boeing

ARLINGTON, Va. – WEBWIRE



Boeing [NYSE: BA] will represent the aviation sector in a global alliance, jointly established by the US Government and World Economic Forum to accelerate clean technologies and reduce carbon emissions.


The First Movers Coalition (FMC) was created in late 2021 to leverage the purchasing power of major companies to speed up the pace of decarbonizing industrial sectors such as shipping, chemicals and trucking. Boeing, a founding member of the coalition, will serve as the ‘champion’ for the aviation sector.


As part of its new role, Boeing commits to supporting greater commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels and advancing other low-carbon technologies. Scaling up sustainable solutions is critical to the aviation sector’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050 and the broader goal of holding global temperatures to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, the so-called ‘1.5°C pathway’.


“We can only maintain the critical climate pathway of 1.5ºC if we jumpstart the market for disruptive zero-carbon technologies and make them as economically competitive as existing carbon-intensive solutions,” said Nancy Gillis, Head of the First Movers Coalition. “I congratulate Boeing for its new championship role and look forward to working together on driving the need for and accelerating the use of these emerging technologies.”


Boeing said it will leverage current technologies and increase industry partnerships in expanding sustainable aviation fuel supplies, while shaping strategies for developing new solutions.


“We are honored to serve as ‘champion’ for our sector and committed to partnering with FMC members and others on scaling SAF and accelerating low-carbon technologies to decarbonize aviation,” said Brian Moran, Boeing Vice President of Global Sustainability Policy & Partnerships.


Boeing has recruited one of the leading experts in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to work with the more than 50 companies in the First Movers Coalition and other industry partners. Robert Boyd will join Boeing from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he led decarbonization efforts, including advancing the commercial deployment of SAF and addressing policy, economic, sustainability and logistic challenges. Boyd also served as a member of the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Fuels Task Group. Additionally, he served for four years on the Board of Directors for the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).


“Boeing has been a pioneer in making SAF a reality and having Robert join our team is further proof that we are 100% committed to working together to meet the industry’s net-zero emissions commitment by 2050,” said Moran.


Boeing’s new role builds on the aerospace company’s sustainability efforts, which includes the ecoDemonstrator program that in 2018 made the world’s first commercial airplane flight using 100% sustainable fuels with a 777 Freighter, in collaboration with FedEx Express. Last year, Boeing partnered across the industry to decarbonize aerospace, including with SkyNRG, Alaska Airlines, Etihad Airways, NASA, Rolls-Royce, and United Airlines. Boeing is also making progress through its joint venture, Wisk, to bring to market the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the U.S. Boeing also has significant experience with hydrogen, conducting six technology demonstrations over the past 15 years.


Learn more about Boeing’s sustainability commitments, partnerships and efforts in its recently released 2022 Sustainability Report and on Boeing’s sustainability website.

Hong Kong – CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2022 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video)

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2022 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video)

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     In support of Sport For All Day 2022 held by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (August 7) took part in sports fun game at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre to encourage the public to sustain a good habit of exercising regularly and keep body and mind healthy.



     The focal sport of Sport For All Day this year is electronic virtual sports, which is a combination of sports and electronic technology. Equipped with various sports equipment, participants will use intelligence technology to do sports in a virtual environment and enjoy sports fun in a non-traditional way. During the event, Mr Lee experienced the fun of e-boxing and watched the demonstration of breaking, which has been added to the 2024 Paris Olympics medal programme.



     Accompanying the Chief Executive to join the event were the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Mr Billy Au; the Chairman of Community Sports Committee (CSC), Mr David Yip; the Vice-Chairman of CSC, Professor Patrick Yung; the Chairman of Tsuen Wan District Council (TWDC), Mr Sumly Chan; the Vice-Chairman of TWDC, Mr Yau Kam-ping; windsurfing athlete Hayley Victoria Chan and karatedo athlete Lau Chi-ming.



     To encourage the public to exercise more, 16 principal officials also joined the recreation and sports activities held at sports centres in various districts today, including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Financial Secretary; Mr Michael Wong; the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun.



     Apart from opening various leisure facilities for free use by the public, the LCSD held free recreation and sports programmes at designated sports centres in 18 districts for public participation on Sport For All Day 2022. Sports demonstrations were also featured in a live webcast on the event dedicated website and “LCSD Plusss” Facebook page, so as to promote the message “Stay Active, Healthy and Happy!” in different ways, and to encourage members of the public to foster the habit of exercising for at least half an hour a day and to stay fit.



     Sport For All Day 2022 is co-organised by the Department of Health; the Sports Medicine Team of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; the Sports Medicine and Health Science Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China; and the Hong Kong Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability.

CPCB takes measures to implement the Single Use Plastic Ban


CPCB has undertaken comprehensive measures to give effect to India’s commitment to ban identified Single Use Plastic items by 30thJune, 2022, to realise Hon’ble PM’s clarion call to phase out SUP.CPCB’s multi-pronged approach as part of its Comprehensive Action Plan encompasses measures to reduce supply of raw materials, demand side measures to reduce plastic demand, enabling measures to promote alternatives to SUP, digital interventions for efficient monitoring and to create awareness, and guidance to State Boards for effective implementation of directions.


As per the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, there is a complete ban on sachets using plastic material used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala. As per PWM (Amended) Rules, 2021, the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than seventy- five microns has been banned with effect from 30th September, 2021 as opposed to fifty microns recommended earlier under PWM Rules, 2016. Additionally, the notification of12th August 2021, prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the following identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential with effect from the 1st July, 2022:




  1. ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice- cream sticks, polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration.
  2. plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns, stirrers.




To curb the supply of identified items, directions have been issued at national, state and local level. For example, all leading petrochemical industries to not supply plastic raw materials to the industries engaged in banned SUP production. Additionally, directions have been issued to SPCB/PCCs to modify / revoke Consent to operate issued under Air/Water Act to industries engaged in banned SUP production. Customs Authority have been asked to stop the import of banned SUP items. To complete the loop, Local Authorities have been being directed to issue fresh commercial licenses with the condition that SUP items shall not be sold on their premises and the existing commercial licenses shall be cancelled, if entities are found to be selling banned SUP items.




As an alternative to the existing supply, enabling measures for promoting alternative to SUP are being actively pursued. CPCB has already issued one-time certificates to around 200 manufacturers of compostable plastic. These certificates do not require renewal which is in line with ease-of doing business policy of the Government. Further, an Online portal has been developed to facilitate certification of these manufacturers. To support the MSMEs, CPCB in association with CIPET is organizing Workshops for MSMEs across the country to transition to alternatives to SUP. Three such Workshops have been held at Ranchi, Guwahati & Madurai. Development of alternatives to petro based plastics is also being pursued in collaboration leading technical institutions like IISc and CIPET.


On the demand side, directions have been issued to E-commerce companies, leading single use plastic sellers/users, and plastic raw material manufacturers with respect to phasing out of


identified single use plastic items. To encourage citizens to partake in the efforts, SPCB’s and local bodies are organizing large scale awareness drives with participation of all citizens – students, voluntary organisations, self-help groups, local NGOs/CSOs, RWAs, market associations, corporate entities, etc. Previously, CPCB conducted surprise inspections of Gutkha / Pan Masala manufacturing industries across the country to check usage of plastic in packaging of their product.


To create an enabling support system, CPCB is handholding the State Boards to operationalise the advisories issued by conducting meetings so that all the Urban local bodies in the respective states are able to effectively implement the guidelines with their help. Regional Workshops with SPCBs/PCCs in addition to a Central Workshop with Chairpersons of all SPCBs/PCCs is being organised in June 2022.


Finally, multiple digital interventions have been made to increase efficiency at scale. To enable citizen participation, an SUP Public Grievance App was launched by Hon’ble Minister EF&CC, Shri Bhupender Yadav. The app has geotagging features with facility to track complaints. An SUP Compliance Monitoring Portal for filing of Reports by State / UT Authorities in compliance with Comprehensive Directions issued by CPCB for a bird’s eye view of progress and day-to-day monitoring.


CPCB is committed to facilitating the Single Use Plastic Ban of notified items through active collaboration with key stakeholders to achieve this ambitious goal of phasing out SUP plastics for India’s green future.


For regular updates, please follow the CPCB’s official website (cpcb.nic.in) and social media handles:




Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPCBindia/| Twitter: @CPCB_OFFICIAL | Instagram: @cpcb_official

























1

Plastic Sticks

a

Earbuds

b

Balloons

c

Candy

d

Ice-cream

2

Cutlery items

a

Plates, cups , glasses, forks, spoons,


knives, trays

b

Glass

c

Forks

d

Spoons

e

Knives

f

Trays

3

Packaging / Wrapping Films

a

Sweet box

b

Invitation cards

c

Cigarette Packets

4

Other items

a

PVC banners < 100 µm, polystyrene for


decoration

b

Polystyrene for decoration






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Hong Kong – FEHD takes stringent enforcement actions against bars/pubs and other catering premises in defiance of anti-epidemic regulations (with photos)

FEHD takes stringent enforcement actions against bars/pubs and other catering premises in defiance of anti-epidemic regulations (with photos)

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     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (June 11) that the FEHD continued to step up its inspections territory-wide and conducted joint operations with the Police in Central and Western District, Wan Chai District, Islands District, Mong Kok District, Sham Shui Po District, Wong Tai Sin District, Sha Tin District, Kwai Tsing District, Tuen Mun District and Yuen Long District yesterday (June 10) till small hours today, so as to take enforcement actions against operators, staff and customers of bars/pubs, other catering premises and other premises in defiance of the anti-epidemic regulations. The spokesman reiterated that there have been multiple infection cases in certain bars/pubs and other catering premises recently, and it may be possible that among them, some operators and customers might not have complied with epidemic prevention regulations and restrictions, enforcement departments will proactively take stringent enforcement actions on an ongoing basis. 



     The spokesman reminded parties concerned to remain vigilant and strictly comply with the requirements and directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) (the Regulation), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) etc., with a view to minimising the transmission risk in the community.



     The spokesman said, “All sectors of the community should not lower their guard, as the risk of rebound in the epidemic situation remains. The FEHD urges premises operators not to defy the law.”



     The FEHD and the Police yesterday inspected a total of 139 catering premises (including 72 bars/pubs) and eight other premises during the joint operations, and the FEHD on its own inspected a total of 400 catering premises (including nine bars/pubs) and 134 other premises in all districts. The FEHD initiated procedures on prosecution against operators of 15 bars/pubs in Central and Western District, Wan Chai District, Mong Kok District, Sham Shui Po District, Wong Tai Sin District and Tuen Mun District and two other catering premises in Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan Districts suspected of breaching the requirements under the directions. 



     The FEHD also required the premises to take corresponding measures for reducing the risk of transmission. Eight bars/pubs and two other catering premises found with irregularities had to, on the subsequent day of being identified of the irregularities by the enforcement officers, cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises from 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, and restrict the number of persons per table to no more than two for a period of three, seven or 14 days; while seven bars/pubs found with irregularities had to, on the subsequent day of being identified of the irregularities by the enforcement officers, close for 14 days.



     In addition, the FEHD also issued fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to 12 staff suspected of breaching the requirement of RAT record checking and two staff suspected of breaching the mask-wearing requirement and one customer suspected of breaching the requirement of scanning “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code and Vaccine Pass requirement in bars/pubs. The Police also took enforcement actions during the joint operations.



     If a person responsible for carrying on a catering business contravenes the Regulation or the requirements and directions of the Vaccine Pass, he or she is liable to be prosecuted and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons who are present at catering premises or other specified premises must comply with directions applicable to them. Non-compliance with the relevant directions is an offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000, or the liability may be discharged by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000. In addition, for customers in breach of the requirement on the maximum number of persons per table within catering premises, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G). For persons not wearing a mask when they are not eating or drinking at a table therein, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for contravening the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I).



     ​To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the spokesman strongly appealed to all sectors of the community to stay vigilant and comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner. The FEHD has strengthened its publicity efforts and will continue to take stringent enforcement actions. All sectors are reminded to exercise self-discipline and co-operate to fight the virus together.