Latest news with #OPTs
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Kerala is set to become India's ‘first' digitally-literate state. Here's how
Social media, search engines, and WhatsApp – that's what the Kerala government used to acquaint its elderly with smartphones. On August 21, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will declare Kerala as India's first digitally-literate state, all thanks to an innovative campaign to familiarise its population with digital technology. Spearheaded by the state's local self-government department, the 'Digi Keralam-complete digital literary programme' had one aim — taking the digital revolution to all sections of people, regardless of their age, and help them avail its e-services. The massive programme, launched in 2023, did this by first surveying 83 lakh households to identify the 'digitally illiterate' and eventually, holding training modules. Of this group of identified individuals, 99.98 percent – including 15,223 people over 90 – have successfully completed the programme, officials said. 'We had motivated the aged persons to overcome their hesitancy to use a smartphone,' Sajina Sathar, the project's assistant director, said. 'We told them they could make video calls (to their children and relatives), watch their favourite programmes and TV serials and hear music. That's how we had evoked an interest in them'. The volunteers with smart phones went to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme work sites and trained them during lunch break. Participants who did not have smartphones were trained on the phones of volunteers. In most cases, training was held at places where the participants gathered or worked in clusters. In the case of elderly participants, volunteers went to the homes. The training programme had three modules with 15 activities – from sessions on photos and videos, and making social media profiles to sending WhatsApp texts or making the simplest Google Search. Participants were also trained in using the state's platforms for online applications and booking essential services such as gas to help them retrieve OPTs. A significant part of the campaign was the state government's 'Satyameva Jayate' campaign against fake news. After training, the targeted group were evaluated by another set of volunteers to ensure that their learning was complete. Those who did poorly continued to get training until they met the set parameters. 'The evaluation was made mandatory only for people up to the age of 65. But the majority of the people above the age of 65 have also passed the evaluation exercise,' Sajina said. The state economic and statistics department also conducted a third-party evaluation of the Digi Keralam, an initiative inspired by the digital literacy programme previously implemented in Thiruvananthapuram's Pullampara village panchayat. In 2022, the panchayat had been declared digitally literate. The Digi Pullampara covered 3,900 'digitally illiterate' people, who were shortlisted after a survey of 22,100 people.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Tánaiste Simon Harris joins international allies urging Israel to lift Gaza aid blocks
Tánaiste Simon Harris has joined Britain, Australia and other European states in calling on Israel to allow unrestricted aid into Gaza, describing the humanitarian suffering as 'unimaginable'. In a joint statement signed by the foreign ministers of 24 countries, they said famine is 'unfolding before our eyes'. The joint statement comes a day after Mr Harris, who is also Foreign Affairs Minister, spoke with his EU counterparts on Monday about the situation in Gaza. Lethal force must not be used at distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarians and medical workers must be protected. 'The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes,' the statement said. 'Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised. 'However, due to restrictive new registration requirements, essential international NGOs (non-governmental organisations) may be forced to leave the OPTs (Occupied Palestinian Territories) imminently, which would worsen the humanitarian situation still further. 'We call on the government of Israel to provide authorisation for all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors from operating. 'Immediate, permanent and concrete steps must be taken to facilitate safe, large-scale access for the UN, international NGOs and humanitarian partners. Simon Harris spoke with his EU counterparts on Monday about the situation in Gaza (PA) 'All crossings and routes must be used to allow a flood of aid into Gaza, including food, nutrition supplies, shelter, fuel, clean water, medicine and medical equipment. 'Lethal force must not be used at distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarians and medical workers must be protected. 'We are grateful to the US, Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in pushing for a ceasefire and pursuing peace. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.' The statement has been signed by the foreign ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Britain. The EU high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas, as well as the EU commissioner for the Mediterranean and the EU commissioner for equality also signed the document. However, a number of EU member countries, including Germany and Hungary, did not add their signatures.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Ireland First In Europe To Ban Trade With Occupied Palestine
LONDON, June 24 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Ireland is set to formally ban trade with the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), becoming the first European country in doing so, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. "This is an important measure, because we are speaking up and speaking out on behalf of the people of Ireland in relation to this genocidal activity," the country's Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris told reporters on Tuesday. Harris said he hopes the "real benefit" of publishing this legislation will be that it may inspire other countries to do likewise.
Western Telegraph
22-06-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
British nationals urged to register for evacuation flights from Israel
It comes after the US attacked three nuclear sites in Iran overnight and Tehran then launched a ballistic missile barrage against Israel. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Sunday morning this is 'a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East', and it continued to urge British nationals to register their details and interest in the flight. It said further flights 'will be considered depending on demand and the latest security situation'. The UK is preparing a flight to transport vulnerable British nationals and their dependants out of Israel and the OPTs early next week. British nationals in Israel and the OPTs should register their presence to receive the latest updates and register their interest in the… — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 22, 2025 According to the Israeli Government, some 22,000 tourists are seeking to board evacuation flights. It is unclear how many of these are UK citizens. British nationals who have already registered will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal, the FCDO said. Those eligible for the flight will be expected to pay for their seat – and payment will be taken on registration on the flight booking form. The FCDO added that those with 'greatest need' will be prioritised, and British nationals plus their non-British immediate family members travelling with them are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document, and those non-British immediate family members will require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months, the FCDO said. The UK has been working on charter flights for Britons in Israel but none have so far taken off as the country's airspace has been closed. Business Secretary Jonathon Reynolds told Sky News on Sunday morning: 'We are in active conversations about chartering aircraft to get people out.' Jonathan Reynolds said the Government was 'in active conversation' about chartering aircraft to get people out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Asked if that will happen imminently, Mr Reynolds said: 'I believe our intention would be to do that as soon as possible… hours, not days.' Meanwhile, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel told Times Radio the UK 'must not be behind the curve' in evacuating its nationals. 'The Government's got to start moving fast now in terms of British nationals in Israel,' Dame Priti said. 'They've been talking about this for days… Israeli airspace is shut down. 'The Americans are ready to evacuate 25,000 US nationals — we must not be behind the curve.' The FCDO has warned British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted. Register your presence: — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 22, 2025 A spokesperson said: 'This is a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East. 'The safety of British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that's why the UK Government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave. 'Working closely with the Israeli authorities, our staff are continuing to work at pace to assist British nationals on the ground and ensure they receive the support they need.' Commercial flights remain in operation from Egypt and Jordan to the UK, and international land border crossings to these countries remain open. The FCDO said the situation 'remains volatile' and the Government's ability to run flights out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 'could change at short notice'. The portal to register presence in Israel as a Briton is available at:
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Government in denial about what constitutes genocide, says Labour MP
The Government 'is in denial about what constitutes a genocide' in reference to Israel's actions in Palestine, a Labour MP has said. Brian Leishman also described as 'appalling' a statement from Foreign Secretary David Lammy where he ruled out 'any discussion of sanctions' against Israel as 'just not correct'. The MP for Alloa and Grangemouth criticised the Government's response in the Middle East during a Westminster Hall debate on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). In July, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion that ruled Israel should pay reparations to the Palestinian people, Israel's policies violate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the creation of Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. In May 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-defence minister Yoav Gallant. Mr Leishman told MPs: 'The ICJ advisory opinion is significant because it adds to the growing international consensus that Israel is committing the crime against humanity of apartheid against Palestinians. 'And that language is extremely important, because the international community has, and continues to, witness annexation, occupation, segregation and apartheid. 'The world is the witness of crimes against humanity and while the UK Government is in denial about what constitutes a genocide, millions of our own citizens, Amnesty International, and many nations from the international community are not.' He added: 'The hard truth is that the UK needs introspection. To look at what we have done and what we continue to do to allow these dreadful acts of death and destruction to happen with impunity.' During Foreign Office questions in January, the Foreign Secretary said: 'Israel remains an important ally. We have an important trading relationship, worth £6.1 billion last year and involving 38,000 British jobs. I am sorry; any discussion of sanctions is just not correct.' Intervening on Mr Leishman on Wednesday, Independent MP for Leicester South Shockat Adam asked if he agreed that Mr Lammy's refusal to implement sanctions against Israel 'because we have a £6.1 billion trade deal is an absolute abhorrent statement'. Mr Leishman replied: 'Quite simply yes, I'm in agreement it's an appalling statement and I would like to think our country is frankly better than putting a pounds and pence figure on the cost of humanitarian disaster and genocide.' Labour MP for Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley Tahir Ali said a two-state solution could only be achieved 'if the UK Government recognises both states'. He said: 'By recognising one state you can never achieve a two-state solution. It's almost saying that we agree with Netanyahu who simply wants a one-state solution. 'That is not the way forward for a peace process and it should not be taken lightly what is being said and our denial is almost a complicity in that agenda.' Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller said the UK should observe the rulings of the ICJ and ICC. He said: 'We think it is irresponsible for Conservative members to say, as they often do in the chamber, that these are foreign courts. 'They may be located overseas but they have legitimate jurisdiction over the UK because previous governments, both Conservative and Labour, have consented to this. 'Trying to portray them as a threat to UK sovereignty is not only false but damaging as it undermines the likelihood of other states accepting their jurisdiction.' Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said the Government is taking its time in considering the ICJ opinion because of the 'complexity and novel elements' involved. He said: 'Honourable members will appreciate that such an important decision necessarily takes time and careful consideration.' Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth Debbie Abrahams intervened to ask if the decision would be made before a conference of contracting parties to the Geneva Convention in March, to which Mr Falconer said would 'not be drawn on precise timings'. A number of MPs said the Government needs to condemn comments made by US President Donald Trump when he claimed 'the US will take over the Gaza Strip' and turn it into the 'Riviera of the Middle East'. Mr Falconer said: 'The UK has always been clear and we remain clear we must see two states with Palestinians able to live and prosper in their homelands, in Gaza, in the West Bank. 'There must be no forced displacement of Palestinians nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza strip.' Mr Falconer concluded by reiterating the Government's 'commitment to international law', stating they are continuing to consider the ICJ opinion 'with the seriousness and the rigour that it deserves'.
