Hong Kong should end its ban on Japanese seafood imports as the Fukushima nuclear waste water discharge had not caused contamination and doing so will show it can make decisions separately from mainland China under “one country, two systems”, Japan’s top diplomat in the city has said. In an exclusive interview with the Post, Japanese Consul General Kenichi Okada said the city had already taken a different approach from the mainland by applying a more narrow ban on only 10 prefectures. “Mainland China banned all seafood imports from Japan, while Hong Kong banned imports from only 10 prefectures,” he said. “[This] already shows a stark contrast between the mainland and Hong Kong.” Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The consul general said he believed the city could “continue to show one country, two systems in various manners”. “For example, if Hong Kong can lift the ban earlier than mainland China, Hong Kong can showcase the beautiful merits of one country, two systems in front of Japan,” he said. The governing principle guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years after reunification, and is stipulated in the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution. The consul general said he believed the city could “continue to show one country, two systems in various manners”. “For example, if Hong Kong can lift the ban earlier than mainland China, Hong Kong can showcase the beautiful merits of one country, two systems in front of Japan,” he said. The governing principle guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years after reunification, and is stipulated in the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.

Interpol has issued red corner notices against two gangsters, Vikramjit Singh and Kapil Sangwan, based in the UAE and the UK, respectively. Interpol has updated its website regarding both gangsters. Vikramjit Singh alias Vikram Brar is suspected to be hiding in Dubai. He is a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi gang and runs operations of the gang overseas. Kapil Sangwan runs his own gang in Delhi NCR. He is also closely associated with the Bishnoi gang. Both fugitives have fled India and are running Bishnoi's network from abroad. In June 2021, Delhi Police requested the CBIInterpol branch to issue a red corner notice (RCN) against gangster Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu. According to the cops, Kapil has been making several extortion calls from the United Kingdom. Most of the cases against Bishnoi and his gang have now been handed over to NIA. NIA in its investigation, has learned that there was direct contact between the Bishnoi gang and Khalistan supporters. 

Around 63,000 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were reported in Pakistan over the past three years, with some 4,000 being reported in the first half of 2020 when lockdowns were imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. This was revealed in a new report released by the National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) on Tuesday. The commission, while quoting numbers from the human rights ministry said 80 per cent of these cases were related to domestic violence, while some 47pc of domestic rape where married women experienced sexual abuse. The report cautioned that since the data was based on reported cases, the actual number could be much higher. The NCHR’s report termed “key contribution in leading the discourse” regarding intimate partner violence was shared with participants in a gathering at a hotel. Policy launched to combat domestic violence; calls for fresh laws, training of police to address issue The 57-page report was a policy brief to combat domestic violence against women in the hope of building legal frameworks to address systemic discrimination and patriarchal structures that contribute to gender-based violence. The ceremony was attended by Senator Sherry Rehman, MNA Shazia Marri, Federal Shariat Court (FSC) Chief Justice Muhammad Anwar and Islamabad IG Akbar Nasir, among others. During their addresses, Senator Rehman and MNA Marri termed these cases the tip of the iceberg. Senator Rehman, who is also the Minister for Climate Change, said violence against women was a display of “power” and called such cases a “hidden pandemic” and “statistics of shame”. “The statistics are staggering — 90pc of women face some form of domestic violence in their lifetime, yet 50pc do not report it, and only 0.4pc of them go to courts,” she said. “Our society is layered with patriarchy, and it subjugates women through a series of institutional, social, and cultural norms that allow and normalise violence against women.” She said that in addition to legislation, the implementation of laws and changes at the societal level are equally important to address the root causes of domestic violence. A bill to end domestic violence was first introduced in 2004 but the legislation still has to see the light of day, Ms Rehman added. BISP Chairperson Shazia Marri said ‘be a man’ and similar phrases prevalent in society are an attempt to malign women. Ms Marri said a society which excludes women is restricting its economic as well as social growth. She also responded to criticism surrounding ‘Aurat March’ and quipped that there would be no need for such protests if “you provide safety to your women”. Better police, prosecutors, and judges The Islamabad police chief said there was a need to enhance the capacity of police to deal with cases of gender-based violence. In addition to establishing a special investigation unit that would probe offences against women and children, there was a need to hire and recruit able prosecutors as well as judges who are sensitised to this issue. FSC CJ Muhammad Anwar said Islam abhors violence against women and referred to Chapter 58 of the Holy Quran. “Domestic violence has nothing to do with Islam,” he reiterated. Inclusive society In her address, NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha said the commission through this document aimed to lay the groundwork for an inclusive society, where women are equally empowered. The status quo is rigged against women, forcing them to tolerate injustice and violence in silence, the speakers agreed. The report also drew a link betw­een education and women’s ability to report abuse or seek help against violence. “…women with a higher education are much more likely to seek help to end violence (46pc) than women with no education (25pc).” It said domestic violence is grounded in multiple social, cultural and religious factors, such as patriarchy, gender inequality, lack of awareness, economic dependence, religious beliefs, and social stigma. These factors are compounded by institutional hurdles that “women face in accessing justice and redress”. It claimed the cases of domestic violence are dismissed by police as a ‘private matter or ghar ki baat’ and mediation is encouraged despite abuse and relevant legislation. Unlike other provinces, domestic violence is not criminalised in Punjab, the report. The report also addressed the use of religion to oppose laws pertaining to such violence. It quoted a FSC judgement wherein the court said the “domestic violence legislation of Punjab is in line with Islamic injunctions and constitutional fundamental rights”. Recommendations The policy document called for a comprehensive approach to addressing domestic violence in society through the ICT Domestic Violence Bill, 2020, support to victims, awareness and promotion of education, sensitisation of the judiciary on gender issues as well as a redress mechanism for victims. The report also advocated training for law enforcers and health professionals, the inclusion of male allies in campaigns against domestic violence, and legal aid systems available to women at all levels.

Manabendra Saharia, a scientist, from Guwahati has been awarded the Platinum Jubilee Young Scientist Award 2022 by the National Academy of Science India (NASI). Manabendra Saharia  an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, has received The National Academy of Science, India (NASI) Platinum Jubilee Young Scientist Award in the Electronics, Computer Science, and Engineering Category for the year 2022.Manabendra completed his early days of education in Guwahati. NASI announced the recipients of their Platinum Jubilee Manabendra Saharia, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi has been awarded The National Academy of Science, India (NASI) Platinum Jubilee Young Scientist Award for the year 2022 in Electronics, Computer Science and Engineering Category. Manabendra completed his early days of education in Guwahati. NASI announced the recipients of their Platinum Jubilee Young Scientist Award for the year 2022 and the list includes scientists in various fields of research at different institutions across the country, including Saharia who has previously worked in the Hydrology Lab of NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre and the National Centre for Atmospheric Research. The award carries a citation, a bronze medal and a cash reward of ₹25,000. Manabendra Saharia was recently awarded the CV Raman Young Scientist Award 2023 from the International Society for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (ISEES) for research in water sustainability. Young Scientist Award for the year 2022 and the list includes scientists in various fields of research at different institutions across the country, including Saharia who has previously worked in the Hydrology Lab of NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre and the National Centre for Atmospheric Research. The award carries a citation, a bronze medal and a cash reward of ₹25,000. Manabendra Saharia was recently awarded the CV Raman Young Scientist Award 2023 from the International Society for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (ISEES) for research in water sustainability. Source: Gplus (guwahatiplus.com)

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Monday) said her government prioritised nature-based plans to ensure country's overall development, urging all concerned to conserve rain and flood water alongside protecting water bodies, reducing groundwater usage and maintaining the rivers' normal flow.   "We're giving emphasis on nature based solutions in the development philosophy. We've to find out the nature based strategy for proper management of the water resources," she said. She said this while addressing a function at Pani Bhaban in city's Green Road area as the chief guest organised by the Water Resources Ministry, marking the World Water Day-2022.   The prime minister joined the function virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital. She asked all concerned to keep two things in mind --harvesting rainwater and building water conservators -- while taking any development plan.   "We have to focus on harvesting rainwater and its conservation in ground," she said.   The Prime Minister also asked all concerned to open connecting points of rivers with canals, haors and baors, saying otherwise the navigability of the rivers would be damaged. She said all these things will have to be taken into consideration while adopting development plans.    State Minister for Water Resources Zaheed Farooque and Deputy Minister AKM Enamul Hoque Shameem spoke on the occasion while its Senior Secretary Kabir Bin Anwar gave the welcome address.   An audio-visual song on the World Water Day was played while a documentary on Bangladesh's water resources management was also screened at the function.   This year's World Water Day theme is "Groundwater-making the invisible visible".   The World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.   The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution by which March 22 of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) contained in Chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21. Sheikh Hasina advocated for creating buffer zones to preserve additional water or flood water alongside maintaining navigability by dredging the rivers, as those water can be used for cultivation in winter.   "We have to know how to live and build relations with flood (as Bangladesh is a natural disaster prone country," she added.   The Prime Minister also instructed to plant trees while taking projects of constructing roads or embankments as those would help protect landslides.   She directed all to decrease the dependency on ground water as excessive use of groundwater can increase the risk of frequent earthquakes because Bangladesh is considered as earthquake prone country.   The premier said her government has been implementing various programmes including supplying safe drinking water to the people after purifying water of rivers and using surface water in irrigation to reduce the use of groundwater.   She, however, requested the countrymen to show austerity in using water in any work such as household, construction or irrigation as the government has to expend huge money in purifying the water.   Despite Bangladesh has no contribution to creating adverse impact of climate change, she said, some tiny Islands and countries like Bangladesh have to bear the brunt of the impact, adding, "So, we have to take measures of our own to save our country."    To face the natural calamities and adverse impact of climate change, Sheikh Hasina said her government has been formulating "Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan" as special directives have been given in this regard.   The Prime Minister said they have formulated Delta Plan-2100 and started implementing it aimed at giving generation after generation a secured and improved life. Sheikh Hasina said her government has been attaching priority on implementing the United Nations announced SDG-6 by ensuring safe sanitation and pure drinking water to all by 2030.   "We have successfully ensured sanitation for 97 percent people. And we're taking various measures to ensure safe drinking water for all, she said.   The Prime Minister mentioned that 3.6 billion and 2 billion people across the globe are deprived of safe sanitation and pure drinking water respectively.   Noting that Bangladesh has a huge water resources, she said, "If we can ensure proper use of our huge water resources, the countrymen will never face safe drinking water crisis. Rather, we can supply safe water to the world."   The Prime Minister said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established "Bangladesh Water Development Board” and "Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission (JRC)" in 1972 aimed at ensuring better water resources management.     Sheikh Hasina went on saying, as a follow up, the Awami League government with its utmost sincerity formulated the National Water Policy, 1999, Bangladesh Water Act, 2013 and National Policy for Safe Water Supply and Sanitation-1998. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Sunday) said her government's main focus is on building a modern and technology-knowledge based nation.   "Our aim is to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country through building a modern and technology-knowledge based nation," she said.   The premier said this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the newly constructed Rangpur Divisional Headquarter Complex Building as the chief guest, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.   The function was held at the Multipurpose Hall of Divisional Headquarters Complex in Rangpur.   Referring to the electoral manifesto of Awami League in 2008, Sheikh Hasina said they have implemented all the development agendas as per the election pledges.   "Today's Bangladesh is a developing country and we've to move ahead further, while I've taken plans for this," she said.   She added her government has started implementing the 8th Five Year Plan after its formulation while the Perspective Plan (2010-2020) that was framed in 2009 has been implemented successfully.   She continued, "As the outcome of it (implementation of the plans), in 2021, Bangladesh became a developing nation when the country was celebrating birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Independence."    She went on saying that her government's goal is to turn Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041.   "To this end we've formulated Perspective Plan (2021-2041) and it will be implemented InshaAllah," she said.   The Prime Minister expressed her firm conviction that none can push the country's advancement back.    She told the people of Rangpur that they have got the touch of development facilities as they voted for Nouka (Boat) and it should not be forgotten. Senior Secretary of Public Administration Ministry KM Ali Azam and Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdul Wahhab Bhuiyan also spoke.   At the outset of the function, an audio-visual documentary on the newly constructed office complex was screened. Source: BSS AH

The requirement, timing and nature of COVID vaccine booster doses will be based on scientific decisions according to Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog, today. Dr Paul said, "The Union Health Minister has said in the parliament that the need, timing and nature of boosting will be based on scientific decisions and thinking that is what the government is engaged with." Asked about the severity of the emerging COVID variant, he said, "COVID always comes with mild symptoms in the initial stages. We are watching any change in the pattern of the presentation of the emerging cases very carefully." Dr Paul said that coordinated efforts are being made to ensure the availability and optimization of medical oxygen usage. "The country has ramped up oxygen production and availability. A lot of efforts have been made across the country including provisioning more than 1,500 PSA plants. Most of them are now functional. In order to improve coordination and facilitation, a comprehensive data system Oxycare has been launched. Things are being monitored regularly. We are prepared for any eventuality," he added. Meanwhile, India reported 6,317 fresh COVID-19 cases and 318 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. The country's active caseload currently stands at 78,190, the lowest in 575 days. With 6,906 new recoveries reported across the country in the last 24 hours, the total recoveries mounted to 3,42,01,966. The new fatalities pushed the COVID death count to 4,78,325. According to the Ministry, 213 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in the country so far. Out of this, Delhi topped the list with 57 confirmed cases followed by Maharashtra (54 cases) and Telangana (24 cases). The country's active caseload currently stands at 78,190, the lowest in 575 days. With 6,906 new recoveries reported across the country in the last 24 hours, the total recoveries mounted to 3,42,01,966. The new fatalities pushed the COVID death count to 4,78,325. According to the Ministry, 213 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in the country so far. Out of this, Delhi topped the list with 57 confirmed cases followed by Maharashtra (54 cases) and Telangana (24 cases). Source: NDTV

Indian Union Minister of Dr Jitendra Singh has launched a drone based vaccine delivery service in Indian administrated Jammu. Singh said, "Launched Drone based Vaccine/Emergency Medicine Delivery service close to International Border near Jammu. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this is CSIR initiative under Ministry of Science and Technology, contributing to Har Ghar Dastak campaign." Speaking to reporters after the event, Singh said, "This is the difference between India and other countries. India makes use of science and technology to safeguard the interests of humanity." Several other dignitaries were present at the launch. Source: ANI

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for uniting the efforts of all to build a more robust and inclusive United Nations (UN) based on mutual respect, partnership, cooperation, and solidarity. "On this auspicious occasion, let us unite our efforts to build a more robust and inclusive United Nations (UN) based on mutual respect, partnership, cooperation, and solidarity. Let the United Nations be our beacon of hope. On this historic year when the country is celebrating the golden jubilee of its Independence and the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh commits to doing its part in shaping together the future of our peoples and creating a blueprint for a better future," she said. The premier said this in a separate message issued today (Oct 23) on the occasion of the UN’s 76th founding anniversary. She added that on the auspicious occasion of the 76the anniversary of the United Nations, Bangladesh joins the international community in reiterating its unwavering commitment to the purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter. Over the last 76 years, the United Nations has championed human progress on many fronts, including peace and security, human rights, decolonization, women empowerment, sustainable development and so on, she said. "However, in many parts of the world, we see people are struggling to establish their fundamental rights. The rightful strife of the Palestinian people and decades' long persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar are few examples," she added. Moreover, when there are so many unresolved issues and challenges such as climate change, disarmament, terrorism, ethnic and religious intolerance, the world has encountered an invisible, deadly pandemic ravaging the lives and livelihoods with millions of deaths for the last two years, she said, adding that in this context, the timeless values of the UN Charter to ''unite our strength'' for serving ''we the peoples'' have become more relevant than ever before. Bangladesh's engagement with the United Nations is shaped by the vision of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said. His (Bangabandhu's) powerful proclamation ''that the Bengali nation fully commits itself to the building of a world order, where the aspiration of all men for peace and justice will be realized'' serves as a guiding principle for the people, she added. "Inspired by his ideals, we have been partnering with the UN as a strong promoter of global peace, an active contributor to international development, and a faithful upholder of universal values," Sheikh Hasina continued. She further said that a leading proponent of the ''Culture of Peace,'' today, Bangladesh has become a brand name in the UN peacekeeping operations. "Our stellar Performances in implementing the SDGs, ensuring food security, empowering women, scaling up the people-centric development initiatives, and endorsing innovative solutions for steady growth are well recognized," she said. "As a result, despite the onslaughts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are right on track to become a middle-income country by 2021, a developed country by 2041, and a prosperous Delta by 2100," the premier added. Source: BSS AH

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda has said the complain made by 42 eminent citizens of the country regarding financial irregularities and corruption is baseless and ill-motivated. He made this comment on Thursday afternoon. He said, complain against Election Commission (EC) was made based on false information. 42 eminent citizens of the country appealed to the President through virtual conference for taking action by forming supreme judicial council over different allegations. In this regard confusions have been created in the public mind. So the EC needs to clear its stand over the matter. The CEC said, there was no allocation of two crore taka for 15 special speakers in the training session of work plan during eleventh national parliament and upazila elections. As a result complain of embezzling nearly two crore taka is baseless and ill-motivated. AH