Latest news with #RegionalConference
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
States asked to submit green energy corridor proposals, complete prepaid metering by 2025
New Delhi: The Union government on Friday urged southern states to submit proposals for Phase-III of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) and complete the installation of prepaid smart meters in government establishments by August 2025, and in commercial and high-load consumer categories by November 2025. The directions were issued at the Regional Conference for Southern Region States and Union Territories held in Bengaluru. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and attended by Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Karnataka Energy Minister K J George, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister S S Sivasankar, Puducherry Electricity Minister A Namassivayam, and Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar via video conferencing. The Power Secretary highlighted the importance of planning power generation capacity in line with the resource adequacy plan up to FY2035 and called for infrastructure development using financing options such as Tariff Based Competitive Bidding, Regulated Tariff Mechanism, budgetary support, or asset monetisation. States were also asked to implement cyber security protocols and ensure financial health of distribution companies. Karnataka's Energy Minister requested central support for state-level distribution and transmission projects. Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry outlined their initiatives and progress on power sector development . Union Minister of State Shripad Naik asked states to execute PM-KUSUM projects and sign related Power Purchase Agreements within seven months. He assured that the Centre is acting on the feedback received from states. Union minister Manohar Lal emphasised the need for cooperation between the Centre and states to make the power sector financially sustainable. He called for encouraging energy-efficient practices, resolving intra-state transmission issues including Right of Way constraints, and adopting central guidelines. The minister urged states to use the ₹1.5 lakh crore, 50-year interest-free loan scheme announced in Union Budget 2025–26 for infrastructure development. He highlighted the role of renewable energy with storage in ensuring energy reliability and fulfilling India's global climate commitments. On the distribution side, the Minister cited challenges such as poor tariff structures, billing inefficiencies, and delays in subsidy payments. He asked states to engage with electricity regulators for cost-reflective tariffs and timely orders. The minister also directed the completion of prepaid smart meter rollout in government buildings by August 2025 and for commercial and high-load users by November 2025. He said smart meters could improve efficiency and transparency using analytics-based tools. He assured states of continued central government support in strengthening the power sector.
Al Etihad
07-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Emirates Nature–WWF celebrates 25 years of environmental achievements inspired by Sheikh Zayed's legacy
7 May 2025 11:48 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)This year marks an important chapter for the UAE's environmental journey as Emirates Nature–WWF celebrates 25 years of conservation impact. Founded in the spirit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, the organisation continues to be guided by his visionary belief that nature and humanity are fundamentally Zayed's environmental vision laid the groundwork for the UAE's model of sustainable nation-building, one that integrates environmental stewardship with long-term economic and social development. His legacy embedded conservation, responsible resource management, and cross-border philanthropy into the core of national progress, setting a precedent for how countries can align environmental priorities with economic and societal advancement. In 1997, Sheikh Zayed became the first Head of State to receive the WWF's prestigious Golden Panda Award, recognising his contributions to global conservation. This moment laid the foundation for the establishment of Emirates Nature–WWF, the first WWF affiliate office with a permanent presence in the Middle East, reflecting the UAE's ongoing commitment to locally grounded, globally informed conservation organisation has worked across the UAE to protect ecosystems, foster climate action, enhance food and water security, and inspire environmental stewardship, working alongside communities. From blue carbon assessments and restored falaj systems to climate-smart farming and eco-tourism models, the organisation's efforts reflect a shared commitment to inclusive, community-driven action, in line with the UAE's Year of commemorate this 25-year journey, Emirates Nature–WWF is proud to host the WWF Asia Pacific (AP25) Regional Conference in the UAE for the first time. The high-level event convened over 30 countries to chart a unified path towards nature-positive development and climate resilience across the Asia Ahmed Al Bowardi, Chairman of Emirates Nature WWF, said: 'This moment is more than a milestone, it is a mandate for the future. Our 25 year legacy reflects a deep-rooted national commitment to environmental stewardship. Today, we step forward to help unlock Asia Pacific's potential by convening the right actors and building partnerships that deliver measurable, regional impact.'Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: 'The UAE remains firmly committed to addressing climate change and environmental protection, both within its own borders and globally. It recognises that cross-sector partnerships are key to creating a resilient, climate-safe future for communities and the planet." She added, "As we celebrate 25 years of Emirates Nature-WWF, we look back at a journey led by ambition and a profound commitment to preserving and protecting our ecosystems. The organisation has done outstanding work in conservation, fostering nature-positive behaviour and bringing about tangible outcomes. This milestone is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment and renew our pledge to protect and preserve biodiversity. Emirates Nature-WWF has been an active and valued partner in our environmental efforts through various impactful projects, and we look forward to continued collaboration.'The opening of the conference was marked by a gala dinner convening high-level guests, including UAE ministers, regional conservation leaders, and global philanthropists. Held under the patronage of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, a philanthropic foundation established to carry forward Sheikh Zayed's philanthropic legacy, the evening highlighted the importance of collective giving to drive long-term event, themed Mobilising Partnerships to Shape Disaster and Climate Resilience Across the Asia Pacific, featured keynote speeches and a Spotlight Dialogue on Strategic Philanthropy, bringing together distinguished leaders from the UAE and across the Asia Pacific and highlighting the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in driving scalable, systemic solutions, by distinguished voices including H.E. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Dr Adil Najam, President of WWF International, and Nena Stoiljkovic, Under Secretary General of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation. This dialogue explored the intersection of climate, nature, and community resilience against climate hazards and natural Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF and Chair of WWF AP25, said: 'The challenges before us are increasingly complex, and the solutions must be transformational. Building on a new chapter, we remain firmly rooted in the UAE, working hand-in-hand with communities, government, partners and youth to deliver lasting impact on the ground." She added, "At the same time, we are catalysing action across borders, guided by the vision of Sheikh Zayed, who believed that nature and humanity are inseparable and that our responsibility extends beyond our own. As we embark on this journey, we continue to honour his legacy by bridging local innovation, policymakers, philanthropists, and implementers, unlocking regional and global partnerships that deliver real, scalable solutions for people and the planet.' The event affirmed Abu Dhabi's emerging role as a global hub for strategic philanthropy and nature-based solutions. It also marked a new chapter for Emirates Nature–WWF; as a regional catalyst fostering powerful, cross-border partnerships to accelerate impact for climate, nature, and communities across Asia Pacific. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
2025 Regional Conference Announced by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Northeastern Region
03/11/2025, Norfolk, VA // PRODIGY: Feature Story // The Northeastern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is excited to announce its 2025 Regional Conference, taking place May 1–4, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. This highly anticipated event will bring together Sorors, Affiliates, and distinguished guests for a weekend focused on sisterhood, empowerment, and professional growth. This year's conference, themed 'Excellence Unleashed,' will feature a diverse range of activities, including business workshops, a community impact expo, and special events that aim to foster personal and professional development. The conference promises to celebrate the accomplishments of the region's members while providing opportunities for growth and collaboration. 'This year's conference is a celebration of sisterhood and empowerment. It embodies our commitment to fostering personal growth, strengthening our bonds and partnerships, and making a positive impact in our communities.' said Dawne S. Stanton, 25th Northeastern Region Syntaktes. Norfolk, with its rich culture and vibrant history, provides the perfect backdrop for this event as the Northeastern Region continues its mission of enhancing lives through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. For the latest updates, follow hashtags #NERC83, #DistinctlyNotable, and #SGRhoNER on social media or visit About the Northeastern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The Distinctly Notable Northeastern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. serves chapters across Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Bermuda, Eastern Canada, South Korea, and Ghana. Established in 1939, the region is committed to the sorority's values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Under the leadership of 25th Syntaktes Dawne S. Stanton, the Northeastern Region continues to inspire excellence and make an impactful difference in the communities it serves.
