The European Union legislation will make it easier for consumers to have products repaired rather than simply replaced at great expense. EU negotiators on Thursday reached a preliminary agreement on a stronger "right to repair" for consumers. The proposal aims to encourage more sustainable consumption within the bloc by reducing waste and boosting the repair sector by making product repairs more accessible and cost-effective. "With today's agreement, we have come closer to establishing a consumer right to repair," said consumer protection spokesman Rene Repasi. "In the future, it will be easier and cheaper to have products repaired instead of buying new, expensive ones."   What products are covered by the deal? The deal includes common household products such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and even smartphones, the European Parliament said in a statement. According to the statement, goods such as headphones and furniture will be exempt for the time being, but there is the possibility of adding more products to the list over time.     What are the key measures? The agreed rules clarify manufacturers' obligations and encourage consumers to extend the life of a product by repairing it. Key measures in the agreement include an obligation for the manufacturer to repair common household products and an additional one-year extension of the legal guarantee for repaired goods. And to make the repair process easier, a European online platform with national sections will be set up. Once the directive is published in the EU Official Journal, member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national law.

Another unsolicited proposal from a Chinese company to build a floating solar plant on Malwathu Oya is currently under evaluation by the Irrigation Ministry, The Sunday Morning learns. It is reliably learnt that the proposal had been submitted to the ministry last week. When contacted, Irrigation Ministry Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal confirmed to The Sunday Morning that the ministry had received a proposal for a floating solar plant on Malwathu Oya and that it was currently under evaluation. “We have installed hydropower plants in almost all reservoirs and only Uma Oya is pending. Now we are trying to install floating solar on reservoirs,” he said. Jayalal explained further that the ministry would evaluate the feasibility of the proposals received for installing floating solar panels on reservoirs. “Currently, one solar project is being carried out by the Ministry of Power at the Samanalawewa reservoir,” he said. This development occurs against a backdrop of vehement opposition from engineers affiliated with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), who strongly oppose the consideration of unsolicited proposals, particularly those related to renewable energy, including solar. The spotlight was focused on the two proposed projects for Samanalawewa and Poonakary. Recently, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU), in a letter written to CEB Chairman Nalinda Ilangakoon, has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing evaluation of renewable energy projects involving private sector participation. The CEBEU has insisted that they should align with regional standards, be cost-effective, and avoid exorbitant profits for developers.  Furthermore, the union has expressed uncertainty about the technical compliance of a proposed 700 MW solar power project with 2,500 MWh batteries in Poonakary, emphasising on the need for a thorough assessment. In such a backdrop, energy expert Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya urged the Government to opt for competitive bidding in all renewable energy projects. “The renewable lobby has halted competitive bidding. Either Sri Lanka should adopt competitive bidding for all renewable energy projects or our economy is finished,” he told The Sunday Morning. Referring to the recent project proposed for Poonakary, Dr. Siyambalapitiya stated that the project was not viable for Sri Lanka. “The project may be viable for the investor, but how can it be viable for Sri Lanka? If we consider rooftop solar at Rs. 30, here we are discussing a massive-scale solar park and the price must be half that,” he stressed.  When contacted by The Sunday Morning, CEB Chairman Nalinda Ilangakoon said that he was not aware of any proposed project for Malwathu Oya.  He also reiterated the importance of adhering to the solar expansion plan issued by the CEB, stating: “Projects have to come either through the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) or the CEB.”   Source: the morning

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed on Monday a five-point proposal at the UN Food Systems Summit to ensure sustainable, safe and nutritious food system worldwide, laying emphasis on coordinated steps to lift restrictions on food and fertilizer exports. She also stressed the need of promotion of multilateral development banks and private entrepreneurs to invest in modern agriculture. (Bss Reported) The premier made this proposals while addressing the official opening ceremony of UN Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters here. The summit began this evening with the theme of "Sustainable Food Systems for People, Planet and Prosperity: Diverse Pathways in a Shared Journey". It needs to provide financial incentives and policy support at the international level to encourage multilateral development banks and private entrepreneurs to invest in modern agriculture," Sheikh Hasina said raising her first proposal. In her second proposal, she said taking concerted actions are absolutely required to remove any trade barrier, including the lifting of restrictions on food and fertilizer exports alongside to continue effectiveness of the Black Sea Grain Deal initiated by the UN Secretary General. Placing the third proposal, she said the international community should come forward to establish global and regional "food banks" to deal with emergency situations and also help the developing countries transform the food production systems in the situation given by climate change. Nano-technology, bio-informatics and advanced agricultural technologies developed keeping the pace with the 4th industrial revolution in agricultural education and research should be made available to all, said the premier in her fourth proposal. Making her final proposal, she said it needs to develop a massive social movement involving young people to prevent the waste of about one-third of the food produced worldwide every year. "If we can collectively adopt and implement the necessary action plans, we'll be able to achieve sustainable global food security," she said. Sheikh Hasina also asked the international community to introduce inclusive and sustainable food management for all as two billion people still remained beyond the food security net in the world. "Food, fertilizer, energy and financial crises induced by the ongoing Ukraine war and sanctions and counter-sanctions have intensified the problem of hunger and malnutrition around the world,” she said.  The premier, however, said the cost of agriculture and food products is not the only constraint to the inability to procure nutritious food. It needs the introduction of inclusive and sustainable food management for all," she said.  The premier said some 690 million people are still suffering from malnutrition and nearly three billion are deprived of a balanced diet in the world.  Turing to Bangladesh's food sector, the premier said her government, being elected for a second term in 2009, started with a food deficit of 2.6 lakh metric tonnes and then it took various steps including providing subsidy for agricultural mechanization, opening bank account for farmers at Taka 10, ensuring a disciplined fertilizer distribution system.  "As a result, we not only achieved food self-sufficiency, but also became a food surplus country by 2013," she said.  According to a report of FAO, Bangladesh is one of top-ten food producing countries in the world. The country's production of food grains increased to 49.4 million metric tons in 2022-23 fiscal year from 32.9 million metric tons in the 2008-09 fiscal year, she said.  "Now Bangladesh ranks 3rd in rice and fish production, 2nd in jute production, 3rd in vegetable production and 6th in potato production in the world," she said.  The contribution of agriculture sector to the GDP of Bangladesh is 11.66 percent. But some 40.6 percent of the country's workforce is engaged in agriculture. The contribution of the fisheries sector to the GDP is 2.43 percent, while that of livestock sector is 1.90 percent, she added. "Our government has attached top priority to agricultural research and innovation.... 690 improved and high-yielding crop varieties have been developed in the last 14 years. Our scientists have developed salinity-tolerant rice and they are continuing research to develop drought and waterlogging-tolerant rice," she continued.  Sheikh Hasina said her government enacted the Food Safety Act in 2013 and formed the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority in 2015.  She said now the storage capacity of food grains at the government level is about 21.59 lakh metric tons in Bangladesh. The amount of food grain stock in the country is more than 16 lakh tonnes, which was 10 lakh tonnes in 2007. Some 5 lakh family silos have been distributed in 63 upazilas under 19 disaster-prone districts of the country, she added. The premier said Bangladesh has been expressing interest in leveraging its agricultural innovations and experiences in various parts of the world, including Africa. A large number of audience were in the plenary room and few others halls of the FAO headquarters while Sheikh Hasina was delivering her speech. The participants supported her speech by clapping their hands. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata?afa, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres  and Director General of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Dr. Qu Dongyu  spoke at the official opening ceremony of the summit.  Some 2,000 participants from over 160 countries, including over 20 heads of state and government are attending the UN Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Joe Biden for accepting the proposal to add 'Africa' as a permanent member of the G20. "Under our G20 presidency, we are giving strength to 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' and giving voice to the Global South. I thank President Biden for granting support to my proposal of making Africa a permanent G20 member.  I firmly believe that the world's two largest democracies - India and the US will be able to fulfil the aspirations of expectations and aspirations of the whole world," said PM Modi. Earlier, PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his counterparts among the Group of 20 (G20) members, calling for the African Union to be given full membership of the grouping. The proposal was made in line with a request from the Union, which is made up of 55 countries of the African continent, aimed at enhancing Africa's voice on the international stage and shaping the future of our shared world. Prime Minister Modi firmly advocates and supports the African cause and has led from the front in this matter. Prime Minister Modi is also a strong believer in holding a greater voice of the Global South countries on international platforms, particularly of African countries. As part of India's G20 Presidency, he has particularly focused on incorporating priorities of the African countries in the G20 agenda. The G20, which was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis, comprises the 20 largest economies. The grouping's members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union. India is set to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September.

The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of Sports Ministry has approved the foreign training camp for Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) athletes Mirabai Chanu and Bindyarani Devi's proposal to train in St. Louis, USA. The MOC approved the proposal of athletes in their recent meeting. The Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalists would be training at St. Louis's SQUAT University under Dr Aron Horschig and working on their rehabilitation and strength training process ahead of the upcoming Asian Games. During their 65 foreign training camp, the duo of Mirabai and Bindyarani will be accompanied by Indian Chief Coach Vijay Sharma and their physiotherapist Tesneem Zayyad. The government will cover their air travel expenses, boarding and lodging cost, medical insurance, local transportation cost, gym expenses and doctor's consultation cost among other expenses. Source: assamtribune.com

Most EU countries agreed on a voluntary solidarity initiative for refugees arriving via the Mediterranean. Critics have pointed out that these refugees are not treated equally to those arriving from Ukraine. When the EU’s interior ministers gathered from all over the bloc in Luxembourg early this Friday morning to tackle the perennially contentious subject of migration and asylum policy, expectations differed on what the day would bring. While France’s Gerald Darmanin talked about hoping for a small revolution, Germany’s Nancy Faeser was more reluctant, saying she was confident, she and her colleagues would be able to take a step forward when it comes to one of the EU’s most divisive topic. By the end of the day, the bloc’s interior ministers hadn’t come up with a revolution, but they had largely backed a new starting point. A majority of EU states agreed on what they call a voluntary solidarity mechanism. Faeser said about twelve states consented to take in refugees and migrants arriving from the Mediterranean, especially those rescued at sea. Among these countries were Germany, France, Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Romania. A number of other EU states that would not take in more refugees would instead provide financial assistance to those countries that welcome asylum-seekers. It is not yet clear how many people will be relocated among the EU nations that choose to participate in the initiative. The proposal, put forward by the France in its final month holing the EU Council presidency, mentioned 10,000 refugees per year. The initiative is set to last to one year but has the potential to be renewed in the future. Austria is among those EU countries that are not in favor of this new agreement. The country’s interior minister, Gerhard Karner, told reporters he was against sending a wrong signal towards traffickers ... A signal that Europe is open, Europe is taking in people. Hungary and Poland are also not likely to sign onto a final political deal. Both countries have maintained restrictive asylum and migration policies over the past years, and both have long opposed compulsory relocation schemes. The EU takes a baby step in asylum policy Although this new initiative functions only on a voluntary basis and is not legally binding, many see it as a first step in moving forward long-stalled reforms in the block’s migration and asylum policy. For years, the 27 EU countries have been struggling to compromise. States at the bloc’s external borders, especially those in the South, such as Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece and Cyprus, tend to host the most refugees, as the bloc’s current asylum system requires the country where a person first arrives to process the individual’s claim. During the major migration influx in 2015, more than 1 million migrants arrived via the Mediterranean, causing conflict in the bloc over the distribution of these individuals and the unequal burden due to geography. In 2020, the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, tried a new approach and proposed a pact on asylum and migration. But ever since, not much has happened at least not when it comes to refugees from countries other than Ukraine. Asylum policy for Ukrainians reveals EU discrepancies Since February, when Russia invaded its neighbor right at the doorstep of the European Union, the bloc has felt the urge to act and help Ukrainians fleeing atrocities in their home country. In March, the EU triggered a directive for the first time that grants all Ukrainians temporary protection anywhere in the union. According to the UN Refugee Agency, more than 4.8 million Ukrainian refugees have been recorded across Europe; 3.2 million have registered for protection schemes. But what many hail as a great act of solidarity with Ukraine has also shown that refugees are not treated equally in the EU, as Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg’s minister for foreign affairs and immigration pointed out in an interview with DW: If we are willing to take in millions from Ukraine, we also have to welcome thousands who are suffering under similar conditions but have a different religion, speak a different language, he said. If the EU doesn’t manage this, it will not be credible, he added. Agreements on biometric database, refugee screenings, the security and protection aspects of migration and asylum have dominated most recent debates. EU states have increasingly started building walls and fences at the bloc’s external borders. The fence Poland is building at its border with Belarus is one such example. EU interior ministers agreed on two other proposals at their meeting that go more in this security direction. First, EU countries want to introduce a screening system for asylum-seekers at the bloc’s borders; second, they want to reform and enhance the use of Eurodac, a biometric database. With regards to the EU’s new solidarity approach, EU countries will have to negotiate details and finalize the deal in the coming days.  

The ministry of primary and mass education has informed that proposal was sent to the Prime Minister to cancel Primary Education Completion (PEC) examinations of class five. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md. Zakir Hossain has confirmed the information on Thursday. If the premier ascended the proposal then the ministry will announce. The minister said, after cancelling JSC and JDC examinations of the eight graders, now it is hard to take PEC and Ibtedayee examinations for the fifth graders. In this regard summary of the proposal was sent to the Prime Minister to take decision. If the Prime Minister ascended the proposal then the ministry will cancel the examinations. AH

The government today (Wednesday) approved a proposal in principle to procure SARS COV 2 (COVID-19) vaccines from Sinopharm of China under Direct Procurement Method (DPM) in order to meet the growing demand of vaccines in the country. The approval came from the 15th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in this year held virtually today with Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal in the chair. Briefing reporters after the meeting virtually, Cabinet Division Additional Secretary Dr Sahida Akhter said that the proposal was given approval considering protection of public health, reducing COVID-19 infection rate on emergency state purpose. Answering to a question, the Finance Minister said had the Ministry of Health brought this proposal much earlier, the government could have avoided the DPM method and thus could have saved money. “But, the COVID-19 is now continuing its havoc across the globe while new variants are coming every now and then. This procurement proposal of vaccines has been given approval in order to save lives of people and also to render health services,” Kamal said, adding that the Ministry of Finance has urged all to maintain austerity during this difficult time of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Sahida said the day’s meeting also approved a proposal in principle from the Health Services Division to procure some 40 oxygen generators under DPM method for the CMSD for the use of COVID-19 infected patients. Besides, the meeting approved another proposal in principle from the Ministry of Industries for signing agreements for procuring some 12.80 lakh metric tons of urea fertilizer by the BCIC to maintain the necessary supply of urea fertilizer throughout the next fiscal year (FY22) under different state-level agreements. Out of the 12.80 lakh metric tons of fertilizer, some 5 lakh metric tons will be procured from Muntajat, Qatar, some 5 lakh metric tons will be procured from Saudi Arabia, and some 2.80 lakh metric tons from UAE. Source: BSS AH

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved in principle a proposal of the Health Services Division to procure Covid-19 vaccine directly from any organisation through negotiations without following any bidding process. “The Cabinet body approved a proposal of the Health Services Division [under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare] to procure Covid-19 vaccine worth over Tk 5 crore by applying the direct procurement method,” said Md Abu Saleh, additional secretary of the Cabinet Division. He was briefing reporters on the committee decision after its meeting. Abu Saleh, however, said: “This committee has just given the approval in principle to meet the emergency needs of the state. But when any procurement deal will be final, it’ll come to the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase for its final approval.” He said the approval was given in compliance with the Provision 76 of the Public Procurement Rule-2008. Law Minister Anisul Haque presided over the meeting in absence of the committee head Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal. Earlier on November 5 last, the government signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd to collect the three crore doses of the Oxford-AtraZeneca SARS-CoV-B2, AZD1222 vaccine. Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam on Monday said the vaccines, being procured, to be provided free of cost. He said a programme is being developed to select the priority recipients of the vaccines following the WHO protocol. The government will initially provide three crore free doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the citizens of the country. The government will procure the three crore doses of Oxford-AtraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII). The Finance Ministry on November 16 initially allocated some Tk 735.77 crore against the Health Service Division to procure the Covid-19 vaccine. “The draft of a tripartite procurement agreement has already been prepared,” he said. Source: UNB AH

The Primary Education Completion (PEC) Examination of the current year may not be taken centrally due to coronavirus situation in the country. The evaluation of the students may be done by holding examinations in the schools- such proposals were sent to the Prime Minister. The information was delivered by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossain on Wednesday. He said that if the examinations are not held then merit based scholarships will not be given. The state minister said, the primary and mass education ministry is preparing different directions for conducting lessons by keeping teachers and the students safe at the government primary schools. Wearing mask, keeping the hands clean and using thermometer will be made compulsory there. Everybody have to follow the directions. Zakir Hossain said, more than 50 directions were prepared about health safety measures for protecting the students. Those proposals were sent to the Prime Minister. The decision will be taken from there. AH