Latest news with #Roadmap
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Govt has limitations, private sector should step in to fund R&D: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday made a strong pitch for a greater role for the private sector in funding research initiatives, contending that the government has its limitations and should be a facilitator. Govt has limitations, private sector should step in to fund R&D: Jitendra Singh Singh was speaking at a function to release a NITI Aayog report on 'Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils'. The report said that about 67 per cent of India's research publications are contributed by 450 centrally-funded institutions. "We need to have a change in mindset. The question is not 67 per cent centrally funded or why not equally state funded. I would be unorthodox. Why at all 100 per cent Centre or State," Singh said, making a case for private sector participation. "If you are thinking of a global role for yourself, most of the successful scientific ventures across the world do not depend on the government," Singh said. The minister said that there was a need to integrate the private sector as much as possible, and cited the recently established Anusandhan National Research Foundation to provide high-level strategic directions for research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the fields of science. "The government has its limitations, it can be funding everything for your research. It has to look after other things as well," Singh said. The report stated that the State S&T Councils, though functioning within a shared national model framework, demonstrate significant heterogeneity in their governance models, funding structures, manpower capacities and programmatic focus. "While some states have leveraged S&T institutions to drive innovation and technology-led growth, others face several challenges related to fragmented mandates, irregular funding flows, and weak institutional capacities," the report said. It said that many councils are constrained by non-regularised manpower, absence of performance-linked incentives and limited autonomy in decision-making, impeding long-term planning and execution. The report called for a comprehensive blend of structural reforms, capacity-building efforts and strategic partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of these councils. Key issues addressed include inadequate financial resources and diversification, lack of state-specific S&T need mapping, weak institutional substructures, limited collaboration with industry and academia, fragmented R&D support, underutilisation of STI data, insufficient recognition of scientific talent and weak interlinkages with central agencies and other institutions. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Strengthening state Science & Tech Councils key to resilient, self-reliant Viksit Bharat: Niti Aayog
New Delhi: Strengthening the Science and Technology (S&T) Councils in states is pivotal to building a resilient and self-reliant Viksit Bharat, said Niti Aayog in a report on Thursday. State S&T Councils play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and socio-economic development, especially in areas like agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, and local entrepreneurship at the regional level. These have also made significant contributions to supporting patent facilitation, remote sensing applications, and GI mapping, grassroots innovation, science popularisation and capacity-building programmes. The report titled "Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils", based on extensive consultations, a national workshop, and multi-stakeholder engagement facilitated by the NITI Aayog, captures the structural gaps, opportunities. It also called for robust coordination among ministries, state governments, funding bodies, academic and research institutions, and industry partners. 'The integrated approach will play a foundational role in achieving India's long-term strategic objectives, such as a resilient, and self-reliant Viksit Bharat, where science and innovation are central to societal progress, economic prosperity, and national strength,' said the report, authored by Members of the (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog, including Dr. V. K. Saraswat. The report also attempts to identify major challenges faced by the State S&T Councils and underscores a critical shift from isolated, ad-hoc initiatives to a forward-looking ecosystem. Key issues addressed include inadequate financial resources and diversification, lack of state-specific S&T need mapping, weak institutional substructures, limited collaboration with industry and academia, fragmented R&D support, underutilisation of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) data, insufficient recognition of scientific talent, weak interlinkages with central agencies and other institutions. The report thus represents not merely a set of reforms but a pivotal opportunity that can help shape India's future in the global research, development, and innovation landscape. It can also help position India as a leader in Science and Technology, through a collective approach. 'If executed well, the Roadmap has the potential to transform State S&T Councils into high-impact, innovation-driven engines of growth. It will not only bolster their administrative and technical capacities but also create a fertile ground for emerging industries, technological self-reliance, and knowledge-based economic development of the state," the report said.
Web Release
01-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
AIR Unveils First Sustainability Report Outlining Innovation-led ESG commitments
Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the world's leading social inhalation business, has published its first sustainability report, outlining its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. AIR's first sustainability report outlines its commitment to revolutionizing the shisha and wider inhalation category through innovation and harm reduction, while embedding responsible business practices across all levels of the organization. The report highlights shisha's rich heritage and history, alongside key milestones which have shaped AIR's business journey and commitment to sustainability as appetite for shisha has grown globally in recent years. The report reinforces AIR as a trailblazer in science-led, tobacco- and nicotine-free inhalation products. Key milestones detailed in the report include the launch of Zodiac, a tea-based, tobacco- and nicotine-free shisha alternative – and OOKA – the world's first charcoal-free, pod-based shisha device. A key driver of AIR's success, half a million OOKA pods and 14,500 OOKA devices have now been sold since launch. Moreover, both innovations demonstrate AIR's determination to lead the category in reducing the health risks associated with traditional shisha use and reshaping the experience for the modern, conscious adult consumer. As part of the reporting process, AIR conducted a full sustainability materiality assessment to ensure its strategy reflects the priorities of both internal and external stakeholders. The result is a long-term vision grounded in five strategic ESG pillars: · Public health and innovation · Working conditions · Business integrity · Environmental impact, particularly water usage · Governance Through this assessment AIR has now set out a 2030 Roadmap which is aligned to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and will offer clear direction to stakeholders, consumers and employees through which to make an impact on global sustainability. Metrics included in this roadmap include improving gender diversity across leadership roles, strengthening supply chain standards, and increasing public awareness through science-based education around shisha consumption and harm reduction. Stuart Brazier, Chief Executive Officer at AIR, comments: 'As the global leader in our industry, our purpose is to transform the sector by creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable inhalation experience whilst also preserving the rich social and cultural value of shisha. By publishing our first sustainability report we are proud to be solidifying our commitment to driving this forward and shaping the future of the industry. 'This report celebrates the huge progress we have already made in optimizing all aspects of our operations, but we are also aware that we have a responsibility to accelerate our ESG efforts over the coming years to protect the world around us. With the publication of our 2030 Roadmap, we have laid out a clear path through which to enact meaningful change within our own operations and on the world around us. From reducing CO2 emissions to improving diversity and supporting fair working conditions across our supply chain, we are committed to driving long-term, meaningful progress for our consumers, our people, and the planet.' Ronan Barry, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer at AIR, added: 'Publishing our first sustainability report marks a critical milestone in AIR's growth as a responsible, innovation-led inhalation company. We are proud to lead the way in harm-reduction technologies for shisha whilst also ensuring our operations and supply chains reflect our ethical standards. Sustainability is not an add-on for us – it's embedded into every level of our business, from how we develop products to how we treat people and protect the environment.' The report, which covers AIR's progress throughout 2024, is available at
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AIR Unveils First Sustainability Report Outlining Innovation-led ESG commitments
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the world's leading social inhalation business, has published its first sustainability report, outlining its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. AIR's first sustainability report outlines its commitment to revolutionizing the shisha and wider inhalation category through innovation and harm reduction, while embedding responsible business practices across all levels of the organization. The report highlights shisha's rich heritage and history, alongside key milestones which have shaped AIR's business journey and commitment to sustainability as appetite for shisha has grown globally in recent years. The report reinforces AIR as a trailblazer in science-led, tobacco- and nicotine-free inhalation products. Key milestones detailed in the report include the launch of Zodiac, a tea-based, tobacco- and nicotine-free shisha alternative – and OOKA - the world's first charcoal-free, pod-based shisha device. A key driver of AIR's success, half a million OOKA pods and 14,500 OOKA devices have now been sold since launch. Moreover, both innovations demonstrate AIR's determination to lead the category in reducing the health risks associated with traditional shisha use and reshaping the experience for the modern, conscious adult consumer. As part of the reporting process, AIR conducted a full sustainability materiality assessment to ensure its strategy reflects the priorities of both internal and external stakeholders. The result is a long-term vision grounded in five strategic ESG pillars: Public health and innovation Working conditions Business integrity Environmental impact, particularly water usage Governance Through this assessment AIR has now set out a 2030 Roadmap which is aligned to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and will offer clear direction to stakeholders, consumers and employees through which to make an impact on global sustainability. Metrics included in this roadmap include improving gender diversity across leadership roles, strengthening supply chain standards, and increasing public awareness through science-based education around shisha consumption and harm reduction. Stuart Brazier, Chief Executive Officer at AIR, comments: 'As the global leader in our industry, our purpose is to transform the sector by creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable inhalation experience whilst also preserving the rich social and cultural value of shisha. By publishing our first sustainability report we are proud to be solidifying our commitment to driving this forward and shaping the future of the industry. 'This report celebrates the huge progress we have already made in optimizing all aspects of our operations, but we are also aware that we have a responsibility to accelerate our ESG efforts over the coming years to protect the world around us. With the publication of our 2030 Roadmap, we have laid out a clear path through which to enact meaningful change within our own operations and on the world around us. From reducing CO2 emissions to improving diversity and supporting fair working conditions across our supply chain, we are committed to driving long-term, meaningful progress for our consumers, our people, and the planet.' Ronan Barry, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer at AIR, added: 'Publishing our first sustainability report marks a critical milestone in AIR's growth as a responsible, innovation-led inhalation company. We are proud to lead the way in harm-reduction technologies for shisha whilst also ensuring our operations and supply chains reflect our ethical standards. Sustainability is not an add-on for us - it's embedded into every level of our business, from how we develop products to how we treat people and protect the environment.' The report, which covers AIR's progress throughout 2024, is available at About AIR AIR is the market leader in the $19 billion global shisha market, with an aim to provide superior physical, emotional, and mental benefits through inhalation. Launched in 1999 and headquartered in Dubai, the business has a multinational presence in over 100 countries across the UAE, Europe, North America, India, and Africa. AIR holds 47% of the shisha category market share in the markets it is present in and is the leading business in a market set to grow to $22 billion in 2026. Its portfolio of companies includes Al Fakher, the world's leading shisha brand; the world's number one e-commerce platform for hookahs and shisha; OOKA, the world's first charcoal-free shisha device, among others. AIR's science program, conducted in partnership with independent accredited laboratories, enables the development of innovative products that combine centuries of tradition with cutting edge innovation to minimize harm and maximize enjoyment for millions around the world.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RM497.54 mln for Sabah human capital development
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has allocated RM497.54 million this year to strengthen the human capital development agenda to produce a generation that is competent, innovative and has integrity, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the state government continues to place human capital development as the main thrust in making the state's economic agenda a success, especially in exploring the great potential of the growing blue economy sector. 'The world has changed, and we also need to change. We can no longer hold on to the old system. Therefore, competitive and highly skilled human capital is needed to drive the state's development,' he said in his speech at the opening of the Sabah Blue Economy Skillfest 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here today. The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Sabah's Minister of Local Government and Housing. The Chief Minister said that through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Roadmap, the state government continues to formulate inclusive and sustainable development policies by prioritising increasing the people's capacity in the new economic era. According to Hajiji, from 2021 to 2024, a total of RM848.26 million has been allocated by the state government through four main education channels that benefit nearly 245,953 recipients. The allocation includes the Sabah State Education Fund (RM227.1 million), Sabah State Government Scholarships (RM324.1 million), Education Assistance from the Office of the Deputy State Secretary (RM164.14 million) as well as assistance and loans from Sabah Foundation (RM132.92 million). He said the Skillfest programme is among important efforts to strengthen skills training in the blue economy sector, which includes industries such as mariculture, fisheries, marine energy, marine tourism as well as ocean technology research and development. 'Sabah is rich in marine resources. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that the people are prepared to harness this potential sustainably,' he said. Hajiji said the strategic collaboration between HRD Corporation and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) in organising this programme was commendable as it supported the government's goal of expanding access to lifelong learning. The programme is also a continuation of the success of the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (SIBEC) 2024 which has attracted global attention and positioned Sabah as a major player in the regional blue economy.
