Latest news with #PCMA
Skift
5 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Walking Meetings Are a Thing: What Planners Need to Know
Planners are finding that meeting and networking while walking is not just good for your health — it also increases productivity and creativity. Walking meetings date all the way to Ancient Greece and Apple CEO Steve Jobs known for them around the company's Palo Alto campus. Now they're having a moment at major events. Destination Canada held a 'Walk 'n Talk' meeting in January during PCMA's Convening Leaders at Houston's Discovery Green park. The session, which was intended to refresh and inspire attendees, reinforced Destination Canada's brand mission: 'Leave Inspired, Not Tired.' The special guest was Lori McCarthy, a cultural storyteller and founder of Food Culture Place, who led participants through a grounding practice and a discussion on sustainable event planning. The 60 meeting planner walkers were able to access the session on their phones using the conference app. Virginie De Visscher, executive director, business events at Destination Canada, said it was such a success that they are discussing hosting similar walks in the future. "It showed how simple design shifts like taking a breakout session outdoors can boost engagement, spark creativity, and leave delegates genuinely recharged.' Drink 'n Walk Dianne Heffernan, chief events officer/vice president, CCE Global Meetings & Events, came up with the idea of a walking cocktail reception, with F&B stations placed along the High Line in New York City, for a group of 40 neuroscientists attending a Fellowship Award meeting and dinner. 'We were using The Standard, and as I looked out the window of the event space, I saw the High Line and wanted to do something completely different. I worked with a local tour guide service and a caterer who was willing to come up with NYC-themed hors d' oeuvres.' Attendees loved it, she said. 'I'm thinking of doing it again for a SITE Northeast chapter event.' Research from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine points to other benefits as well. Not only do walking meetings contribute to participants' health, but nature and changes of scenery trigger new neuro-pathways in the brain, sparking new ideas and solutions to problems. Walking meetings can also break down boundaries, encourage engagement, and increase productivity. Some Ground Rules Anne Bach Krog Iversen, chief DNA & culture officer at TimeXtender, is a fan of walking meetings, but encourages planners to plan ahead as they would for an indoor meeting. Among her tips: • Choose a suitable route ahead of time, such as a park or a quiet street, and make sure the path is accessible and safe. • Record the meeting for attendees who might not be able to physically attend. • Check the weather and share it with everyone so they can dress appropriately. Remind them to bring comfortable shoes. Have a back-up plan if the weather doesn't cooperate. • Set a clear agenda and align specific discussion points to landmarks or turns in your route to keep the conversation moving and on track. • Supply water at the start and don't allow stops for people who might want a coffee or a cold drink. 'Treat this time with the same respect you would if you were in a meeting room,' she said.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Capacitor makers meet LCCI president to discuss challenges
LAHORE: A high-level delegation of the Pakistan Capacitors Manufacturers Association (PCMA) Saturday called on the President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mian Abuzar Shad to discuss key issues affecting the local capacitor manufacturing sector. The delegation was led by LCCI Executive Committee Member Asif Khan. The delegation members Adeel Ejaz, Muhammad Ramzan, LCCI Executive Committee Members Khurram Lodhi, Karamat Ali Awan, Syed Salman Ali, Aamir Ali and Ahsan Shahid were also present. The delegation informed the LCCI President a range of challenges currently facing the domestic capacitor industry. These included a heavy dependence on imported raw materials, rising production costs, lack of policy support from the government, complex import regulations and an absence of a localized technological framework. Head of the delegation Asif Khan said that without immediate policy reforms, local manufacturers would continue to face serious disadvantages compared to international competitors. The delegation members urged the LCCI to play a more proactive role in advocating for this critical industrial sector and to help create an enabling environment for local manufacturers. Specifically, the delegation requested the Chamber's assistance in lobbying for reduced tariffs on capacitor components, simplified import procedures and the introduction of incentives for technology transfer and domestic production. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad expressed solidarity with the capacitor industry and assured the delegation that the Lahore Chamber would raise these concerns at all relevant forums. He stressed the importance of reducing import dependency and strengthening local industries to stabilize Pakistan's economy. He said that the capacitor manufacturing sector holds great promise and we are committed to supporting it. LCCI would take your genuine concerns to the relevant authorities and ensure that policies are introduced to protect and promote local manufacturers. He further stated that boosting domestic manufacturing, improving ease of doing business and fostering innovation must be at the center of Pakistan's industrial strategy. He proposed the formation of joint working group between LCCI and PCMA to continue dialogue, formulate practical recommendations and jointly work towards sustainable solutions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PCMA to arrange two-day Chemical Expo from June 25
LAHORE: The Pakistan Chemicals Manufacturers Association (PCMA) celebrates 10 years of dedicated service to the nation's chemical sector and the pre-launch ceremony of the Pakistan Chemical Expo 2025, scheduled for June 25th and 26th. Chairman PCMA Haroon Ali Khan said, 'Over the past ten years, PCMA has evolved into a strong institutional platform that represents the true potential of Pakistan's chemical industry. We envision positioning Pakistan's Chemical sector to achieve an export target of USD 3 Billion by the year 2035'. Renowned Industrialist and Patron in Chief PIAF Group, Mian Anjum Nisar graced the event as Chief Guest. Chairman PIEDMC Javed Iqbal, Senior Vice President PCMA Moazzam Rasheed, members of PCMA, Industrialists, Policy Makers, and people from Academia participated in the event. The Pakistan Chemical Expo 2025 is set to host international exhibitors, B2B meetings, and knowledge-sharing sessions. While talking on the occasion, Chief Guest Mian Anjum Nisar said it is an honour to join the Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association in celebrating a decade of exemplary service and impact. Over the past 10 years, PCMA has played a vital role in transforming Pakistan's chemical industry into a more structured, sustainable, and globally competitive sector. I congratulate PCMA and its members for their vision, resilience, and continued commitment to driving industrial excellence in Pakistan. Chairman PCMA Haroon Ali Khan urges the Government of Pakistan to accept the Chemical Industry as a Strategic Sector. He also presented 'Vision 2035' for the Pakistan Chemical Industry. He said that by 2035, our chemical industry should be able to establish a basic petrochemicals project in Pakistan, and we should be able to gain 50% self-reliance in API's and 25% self-reliance in Petrochemicals, Agrochemicals, Synthetic Fibers, Specialty Chemicals, and Mineral-based Chemicals. We are hopeful of achieving these and the export target of 3 billion USD. But to get this, we have to establish relationships with international chemical associations, strong linkages between Industry and Academia, a trained and skilled workforce to support the chemical sector, and a fully equipped technical institute to provide turnkey chemical projects. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
NDTV
30-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
An Auspicious Day Tainted By Child Sexual Abuse
New Delhi: Akshaya Tritiya is regarded as an auspicious day—a marker of new beginnings. It is a day marked by prayers for prosperity and devotion to the Goddess who embodies good fortune. Yet, how tragic it is that a day meant to usher in prosperity becomes a day of misfortune for our daughters, who are married off as children. It is time we call this for what it is: not tradition, but a crime—and act with urgency, intention, and accountability to return to our daughters their dreams, their choice, and the promise of a wholesome life. When families fail their children, the community and the state must unite with unwavering resolve to protect and support them. The community around our children—beyond the family—cannot stand by as silent witnesses to this betrayal of trust. Those who perform, conduct, direct, organise, or abet child marriages must be held fully and fearlessly accountable. Faith and religious leaders are powerful moral anchors in their communities. They can become the strongest barrier against crimes committed on children. In a society like ours, child marriage cannot take place—especially not without the involvement of a faith or religious leader to solemnise or officiate the ceremony, since such a marriage cannot be recognised in a court of law. That is why their coming together to shoulder this responsibility is both urgent and deeply heartening. When faith stands firmly with justice, the end of child marriage is not just possible—it becomes inevitable. A Child Marriage Free India Child marriage is not merely a legal or societal issue; it is a crime against our children's dignity and future. A national movement for a Child Marriage Free India, rising from the grassroots and led by courageous women leaders, has, in just two years, grown into the largest civil society action to end this entrenched social crime. It has reignited the spirit and moral force of the law, influencing the most recent judicial rulings and inspiring a Government of India national campaign—bringing the protection, dignity, and education of our daughters to the forefront, with 250 million citizens of this great country standing together with one unwavering resolve: to end child marriage. Let this day mark a new beginning—a solemn pledge drawn from our most resolute selves and from those we look up to, including leaders of faith, to stand united and end child marriage by 2030. Legal Framework working to end this injustice On the surface, the laws are clear. In fact, our legal system has some of the most comprehensive frameworks to prevent child marriage—from the Age of Consent Bill of 1860, to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO). In 2017, the Supreme Court made it unequivocally clear that sexual intercourse with a minor, even within marriage, is tantamount to rape. This is why, in many child marriage cases, perpetrators can be arrested under both the PCMA and POCSO. Data from the 2011 Census, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019–21) reveals a stark reality: three girls are forced into child marriage every minute in India. Elimination of Child Marriage Is Not Only Possible but Imminent—If We Act Now In its landmark judgment on 18 October 2024, the Supreme Court recognised the urgency of addressing the scourge of child marriage. The Court issued a slew of directions to strengthen implementation of PCMA, noting that 'prevention before protection, protection before prosecution, and prosecution for prevention' must be the systemic safeguard to end child marriage. In When Children Have Children, I have outlined the PICKET strategy—Prevention, Investments, Convergence, Knowledge, Education, and Technology—as a comprehensive, action-oriented roadmap to end child marriage. This framework is now reinforced by the Court's ruling and has become a rallying point for governments, civil society, communities, and girls themselves. To Make the Vision Real, We Must Act Across Every Pillar Policy for Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution: We must rigorously enforce existing laws. For example, the Supreme Court's judgment that empowers magistrates to issue injunctions preventing child marriages is a step in the right direction. In Karnataka, the Department of Women and Child Welfare has, for the first time, included pre-university (PU) college principals as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs), responsible for preventing any girl child studying in their college from marrying before 18. But laws alone are not enough. We need the entire societal apparatus—from law enforcement to local leaders—to act. The Assam government's crackdown is a case in point: over 3,000 arrests and a recorded 81% decline in child marriages since 2021. A zero-tolerance approach works. Investments and Incentives: Punitive action must be matched with structural support. Assam's model of providing financial support to girls continuing their education has proven effective in delaying marriage. This must be scaled nationwide, especially in high-prevalence districts. Targeted investments and direct cash incentives to keep girls in school will be powerful barriers to child marriage. Convergence of Systems: We cannot fight child marriage in silos. Cross-sector collaboration—among education, health, police, and social welfare systems—is essential. At-risk girls must be involved in shaping the strategies that impact their lives. Solutions must rise from the ground up. Knowledge and Education: Knowledge is a protective tool. Legal literacy, especially around child rights and the consequences of child marriage, must reach every home. Schools, anganwadis, community centres, and local media have vital roles to play. Education isn't just empowerment—it is the most effective intervention against child marriage. Technology: From real-time attendance tracking to reporting abuse, technology can enable prevention. Tamil Nadu's school attendance monitoring system is a prime example. Technology must also be leveraged to raise awareness and facilitate community-based reporting. Dismantling the Ecosystem That Enables This Crime To end child marriage, we must confront the ecosystem that enables it. This includes religious leaders—clerics, maulvis, and pundits—as well as local vendors such as tent suppliers, jewellers, printers, and caterers, along with panchayat members. These stakeholders play a critical role in realisation of this crime. Under Section 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), any individual who performs, conducts, directs, or abets a child marriage is liable for up to two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh. Religious leaders must refuse to solemnise any marriage involving minors—or face prosecution. Panchayats, too, must fulfil their legal obligations. Child Protection Committees at the village, block, and district levels must be active in monitoring and reporting cases of child marriage. Across the country, we are witnessing action—from grassroots networks to state departments to civil society or community influencers —reaching every corner of India. The End Is in Sight Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 calls for an end to child marriage by 2030. In the last two years, we have seen remarkable momentum—from the judiciary, civil society, communities, and the government—coalescing into a movement of national urgency and resolve. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been allocated ₹26,890 crore in the FY 2025–26 budget. Of this, ₹629 crore is earmarked for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, under the Sambal component of Mission Shakti. On 27 November 2024, the national campaign to end child marriage was officially launched by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi. What's needed now is a dedicated budget line to realise the vision it outlines and ensure that the financial provisions match this commitment. Tipping Point to End Child Marriage before 2030 The tipping point to end child marriage is in sight. With the right strategies and resources—and the active engagement of every stakeholder—India can become child marriage free before 2030. This is the call: to every student, family, community leader, panchayat, faith leader, business, public servant, judge, and police officer—the time to rally our resolve is now.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Jersey lawmakers discuss pharmacy benefit managers' influence on drug costs
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) — A committee of Trenton lawmakers hosted a hearing to discuss the impact and influence Pharmacy Benefit Mangers, or PBMs, have on drug costs, including if they are steering those costs in the wrong direction. 'The only real way we're going to solve this complex and very expensive healthcare problem that we have in terms of cost, is to take cost out,' said Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-NJ 16th District). More Local News PBMs are supposed to ensure access to affordable meds, but Freiman says they might contribute to higher prices, noting they are for-profit companies. 'There's a benefit associated with the services they provide,' said Freiman. 'The question is are they going amiss and do we have to bring in some reform to bring them back to their core mission.' Freiman has a bill he calls the Patient and Provider Protection Act. Among other measures, the bill looks to ensure that PBMs do not agree to contracts with manufacturers that exclude the PBM from covering generic meds, which are cheaper. New Jersey Citizen Action, a non-profit that advocates for low-income families, says other members of the supply chain can affect cost—not just PBMs. 'We've got to look at it holistically in order to get a strong and sustaining solution,' said Laura Widdell, NJCA Health Care Program Director. 'But, like I said, always happy when someone's looking into trying to make things better for our patients and consumers.' The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association is a Washington, D.C.-based group that represents America's PBMs. It says PBMs cover nearly eight and a half million people in New Jersey and save patients and employers more than $1,100 per person per year. PCMA Assistant Vice President Heather Cascone said in a statement in part: 'As policymakers in New Jersey consider proposals to intervene in the market, we urge them to understand the PBM industry is not waiting for government mandates to meet evolving market needs. Instead, PBMs are addressing challenges to affordability and access by rolling out new, innovative programs to help plan sponsors tackle high drug costs, allowing patients to access the drugs they need. PCMA looks forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to explore policy solutions that will actually lower prescription drug costs for patients, employers, and unions in the State.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
