Antara News (Indonesia)
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Ministry oversees accelerated phase II people's school development
Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works (PU) continues to oversee the accelerated construction of Phase II ...
"ACCELERATE" · 총 211건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 82,335건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.2(균형)입니다. 긍정 4,055건(4.9%)·중립 76,337건(92.7%)·부정 1,943건(2.4%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 14.6(중도 균형)입니다.
Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works (PU) continues to oversee the accelerated construction of Phase II ...
• Water, hydropower projects may get only Rs179bn in PSDP • Officials say at least Rs500bn is needed; warn low allocation may slow major dam, power projects • Ex-Wapda official fears Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu may miss timelines • Wapda says eight mega projects are under construction, expected to double hydel generation by 2030 THE country’s persistent failure to invest adequately in water storage and hydropower infrastructure has once again come into focus, as the government is expected to earmark only Rs179 billion under the proposed Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27 for a sector considered critical to the nation’s water, food and energy security. The proposed allocation has raised concerns over the pace of work on major ongoing hydropower projects, reservoirs and flood mitigation schemes at a time when the country is struggling with recurring floods, shrinking per capita water availability and high electricity costs. Officials and experts say accelerated investment in water infrastructure is essential for managing the impact of climate change and producing clean, reliable and low-cost electricity needed for sustainable economic growth. They argue that the country needs at least Rs500bn to speed up four major ongoing hydropower projects and start civil work on new water storage projects, especially in view of concerns over upstream water developments by India. “At a time when our country faces mounting water scarcity and growing need for affordable and clean energy, the water and power sectors appear to have received less attention in public investment priorities, with development allocations falling short of the resources required for the timely completion of critical ongoing projects and the launch of new water infrastructure schemes,” a senior official of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) said. The official, who requested anonymity, said the proposed allocation of Rs179bn would be insufficient for multibillion-dollar dams and hydropower projects already losing their required fast-track pace due to meagre funding of around Rs106bn under the PSDP 2025-26. “What will we do with this limited allocation for such major ongoing projects?” the official asked, adding that the government should place the water and power sector at the top of its budget priorities by allocating at least Rs500bn. “With just Rs179bn, we may not be able to start work on new dams, including the Chiniot Dam on the Chenab, which is currently at an advanced stage ahead of its launch,” the official said. Pakistan urgently needs additional reservoirs, hydropower projects and flood mitigation infrastructure to enhance water security, reduce the impact of floods and droughts, adapt to climate change and provide affordable electricity to consumers. The challenge has assumed greater significance amid growing concerns over upstream developments on the western rivers, particularly the Chenab, where Indian plans for additional water infrastructure have heightened calls for accelerating domestic investments in water storage and river management capacity. Analysts warn that delays in expanding the country’s water infrastructure could deepen existing water and energy challenges and limit Pakistan’s ability to respond effectively to emerging regional and climate-related pressures. Projects at risk At present, Wapda is executing several major water and hydropower projects, including Mohmand Dam, Tarbela 5th Extension, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project and the K-IV Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme. The Mohmand Dam Project is being constructed on the Swat River. It is designed to store 1.29 million acre feet (MAF) of water, generate 800MW of low-cost and environment-friendly electricity and provide 300 million gallons per day of water to Peshawar for municipal use. The Tarbela 5th Extension project is also under construction, with work progressing on the intake structure, connecting tunnel, penstock, low-level outlet, powerhouse, tailrace culvert, tailrace canal and switchyard. The project has an installed generation capacity of 1,530MW. The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are providing $390m and $300m, respectively, for its construction. After completion, Tarbela’s installed power generation capacity will increase from 4,888MW to 6,418MW. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is considered one of the most vital projects for Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. It is being constructed across the Indus River to store 8.1 MAF of water and generate 4,500MW of clean and affordable electricity. On completion, the project is expected to irrigate an additional 1.2m acres of land and contribute 18bn units of low-cost electricity to the national grid every year. The 4,320MW Dasu Hydropower Project is also under way and planned to be completed in two stages. Wapda is currently constructing Stage-I, with an installed capacity of 2,160MW and annual generation of 12bn units of low-cost and environment-friendly electricity. The World Bank is providing financial assistance worth $1.57bn for Stage-I, which is expected to start electricity generation in December 2027. Work on the K-IV Project, or Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme Phase-I, is also in progress. These projects are scheduled to be completed in phases from 2026 to 2030, targeting a combined increase of 9.7 MAF in water storage and over 9,000MW in clean hydropower. However, funding availability and local coordination remain the primary factors determining whether these timelines can be met. Chenab storage concerns The need for new water storage projects is particularly urgent on the Chenab River, which is vital for Pakistan’s agriculture under the Indus Waters Treaty. “As far as new dam projects are concerned, the Chenab is very important because we have no dam to store its water,” another Wapda official said. The planned water reservoir projects on the Chenab include Chiniot, Shah Jeewna, Mid Ranjha and Wazirabad dams. However, officials say work on Chiniot Dam should begin immediately. The proposed Chiniot Dam site is located on the Chenab River about five kilometres from Chiniot city and around 100 metres upstream of the existing railway bridge. The project has a gross storage capacity of 0.9 MAF, including 0.85 MAF of live storage, and is also expected to generate 80MW of electricity. Inadequate allocations are expected to delay these projects and lead to further cost escalation. The Wapda official said Pakistan had last year asked India to refrain from any unilateral manipulation of river flows and fulfil its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty after fluctuations were observed in Chenab flows from Dec 9 to 18. According to the official, the river’s upstream control is handled by Indian authorities through various run-of-the-river hydropower projects. He said that sudden flushing of water from upstream structures without informing Pakistani authorities could sharply increase flows downstream in Pakistan, while holding water for days could massively reduce flows. Neelum-Jhelum delay Officials and experts also point to the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project as an example of how delays in repair work, funding and accountability can deprive the country of vital hydropower generation. Although the project’s first unit was commissioned in 2018, the contractors reportedly failed to complete pending works, fulfil contractual obligations and supply spare parts needed for smooth operation. The Auditor General of Pakistan, in its performance audit report for 2022-23 submitted to parliament last year, raised questions about the quality and design of the project after a major collapse in the tailrace tunnel of the powerhouse a few years after construction. The 969MW project has remained shut since the collapse in the tailrace tunnel, while repair work has yet to be launched despite the passage of several years. “This project has been closed for the last three years due to delay in repair work at the affected portion. Until when will we continue holding inquiries and fixing responsibilities in the wake of this 969MW project?” asked Jawaid Latif, a former member (water) of Wapda. Talking to Dawn, Mr Latif said he was not against accountability, but the government should have provided funds to Wapda to launch repair work, including concrete lining of the tunnel, alongside conducting inquiries and fixing responsibility. “Had this been done earlier, hydel power generation from this vital project would have resumed well on time,” he said, adding that he had heard the repair project was currently passing through the award process. Mr Latif also criticised meagre PSDP allocations for the water and power sector, saying the government lacked an effective policy framework under which strategic projects were given priority with adequate funding and work on a war-footing basis. “I am not seeing Bhasha or Dasu Dam and other projects being completed on time, as the government seems to be giving less attention to the water and power sector despite knowing about water aggression and violations of the Indus Waters Treaty by India,” he said. He said water and power sector projects should be given top priority among projects of national interest, while the country should also keep a close watch on upstream activities by India. When contacted, a Wapda spokesperson said the authority had been playing a pivotal role in national development since its inception in 1958. In a statement, he said Wapda was committed to Pakistan’s water, food and energy security and was implementing its largest development portfolio, comprising eight mega projects in the water and hydropower sectors. These projects, he said, were destined to “revolutionise the economic landscape of Pakistan” by providing much-needed water and affordable hydel electricity for a green and bright Pakistan. Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The ceramic tiles and glass industries have expressed concern over proposed duty cuts on imports of ceramic tiles and glass products. Talking to a selected group of journalists on Saturday, Atif Iqbal, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers Association (APCTMA), said that as the Federal Budget 2026-27 approaches, stakeholders of Pakistan’s ceramic tiles industry have urged policymakers to protect domestic manufacturing from premature tariff reductions under the National Tariff Policy (NTP) 2025-30. Similarly, the Pakistan Glass Manufacturers Association (PGMA) has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the domestic glass manufacturing sector, warning that any reduction in import duties on finished glass products could push the industry towards complete closure. In a communication addressed to the Ministry of Industries and Production, the PGMA stated that the glass sector is already operating at only 50pc of its installed capacity, while the remaining production lines have been shut down due to prevailing economic challenges and adverse business conditions. The PGMA has therefore urged the government to maintain the existing tariff structure on imported finished glass products and adopt policies aimed at industrial revival, higher capacity utilisation and investment retention. In this regard, domestic tiles industry has made representations to the prime minister, finance minister and commerce minister to save the ceramic tiles industry from total closure. The APCTMA has warned that the sector is already facing severe challenges and that any further reduction in customs duties on imported ceramic tiles could jeopardise the survival of local manufacturers. Stakeholders believe that maintaining the current tariff regime on imported finished ceramic tiles is necessary to prevent further erosion of domestic manufacturing capacity and to enable the industry to recover from existing economic challenges. According to the APCTMA, Pakistan’s ceramic tiles sector is currently operating at nearly 50pc of its installed production capacity, with a significant number of production lines remaining shut down due to high energy costs, elevated financing rates, excessive taxation, declining purchasing power and a prolonged economic slowdown. Industry stakeholders maintain that domestic manufacturers are already operating under substantial cost disadvantages compared to foreign competitors, who benefit from lower energy tariffs, cheaper financing, supportive industrial policies and better infrastructure. Experts believe that reducing tariffs without first addressing these structural disadvantages would expose local manufacturers to unfair competition and may accelerate the decline of domestic industry. Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026
Bharath says region’s strategic location, natural resources and infrastructure are attracting investments; government plans food parks, pharma clusters and aerospace hubs to accelerate growth
The share of gold in the Bank of Russia’s reserves has been growing at an accelerated pace: over the past four years, it increased from 21% to 45%, Executive Secretary of the presidential commission on fuel and energy sector development strategy and environmental security and Rosneft CEO said
The European Union used a summit in Montenegro to signal that enlargement remains firmly on the bloc's agenda, even as long-standing disputes slow the accession of some Western Balkan countries
The Defense Department has already been accelerating its use of AI in recent years.
The Indonesian government is accelerating the development of waste-to-energy (PSEL) facilities in several priority ...
• Targets entire family of viruses, animal-borne strains; aims to thwart future pandemics; initial-phase trials of 39 participants succeeded; larger efficacy studies loom • Experts hail move as ‘pivotal leap’ for humanity • Approach could end need for regular flu vaccine updates A “FUNDAMENTALLY new” vaccine designed entirely by artificial intelligence has been tested in people for the first time, in what researchers at the University of Cambridge describe as a potential breakthrough in the effort to prevent future pandemics, BBC reported. This experimental approach seeks to establish immunity against a broad range of viruses, including all known coronaviruses, rather than targeting a single circulating strain. Traditional vaccine development typically relies on a currently circulating viral strain. However, certain viruses are adept at mutating, causing conventional vaccines to lose efficacy quickly. This is why seasonal flu and Covid shots require regular updates. “We’re always behind,” Professor Jonathan Heeney of Cambridge told the BBC, noting his team’s goal is to reverse this dynamic. “What we’re trying to do is get ahead of the curve.” The researchers claim it is the first time a vaccine’s key component has been designed entirely by AI and then trialled in people. To achieve this, researchers compiled genetic codes — the biological instruction manuals — from coronaviruses documented by global surveillance programs. An AI system analysed these sequences to design a “super-antigen.” Antigens are essential components of vaccines that train the immune system to attack foreign invaders. This super-antigen trains the immune system to defend against the entire family of viruses, providing immunity even if viruses mutate or a new infection jumps from animals to humans. The technology is “surprising all of us”, Heeney said, adding it is “amazing what we can do with it for the good of humanity”. “This is about making vaccines that protect us, not just from today’s viruses, but protect us from what can cause the next outbreak or disease,” Heeney said. “This is a fundamental shift in how we prepare for pandemics.” Initial trials involving 39 participants assessed safety. A subsequent study of approximately 200 individuals will test how effectively the vaccine stimulates the immune system. Findings published in the Journal of Infection indicated that the impact on the immune system was “modest,” yet the results continue to generate excitement. Prof Saul Faust of the University of Southampton, who led some of the trial work, said the AI-driven approach “definitely has potential” and described it as “really exciting”. “What’s really interesting is the technology is an awful lot better at designing vaccines for potential pandemics when viruses are changing,” he said. While coronavirus research remains in early stages, the team is leveraging the technology to develop vaccines for other ailments. According to the report, they are conducting animal research into a universal seasonal flu vaccine to eliminate the need for annual updates. They are also developing a vaccine for the H5N1 bird flu. Researchers are also exploring inoculations for viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola species. The BBC highlighted that the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is caused by an Ebola species currently lacking a targeted vaccine. Professor Andy Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, who was not involved in the Cambridge study, told the outlet that the methodology is producing compelling evidence. “It’s fascinating data, and people wouldn’t have predicted they’d be able to generate these immune responses,” Pollard said. Pollard cautioned that human trials will determine success, as human immune systems differ from those of laboratory mice. Broadly, Pollard characterised AI as a “game changer” for vaccine research, predicting it will accelerate development and “save lives”. Professor Marian Knight, scientific director for the National Institute for Health and Care Research, described the trial as a “pivotal leap forward in our ability to deliver broad, lasting viral protection”. “Another British science success story, this is a great example of how we can bring our research expertise together with AI to deliver new treatments,” UK’s Science Minister Lord Vallance said. “With the first human trials showing positive results, this work could help speed up the rollout of vaccines to benefit people all over the world for the long term.” Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday invited Saudi investors to participate in the construction of the long-awaited Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M6) and two other major highway projects, as Islamabad sought to attract foreign capital into its expanding transport infrastructure sector. Once completed, the motorway is expected to provide uninterrupted motorway connectivity from Karachi Port to Peshawar and onward to Gilgit. The offer was extended by Federal Communications Minister Aleem Khan during a meeting with the Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al Saud, who held high-level talks with the minister on promoting bilateral economic cooperation and investment. According to the Ministry of Communications, Aleem Khan presented investment opportunities in three strategic road projects: the M6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, the M10 Karachi Port and the M13 Kharian-Rawalpindi motorways. The minister described the projects as commercially attractive ventures with strong potential for long-term returns. Karachi Port and M-6 among three key projects highlighted to attract foreign capital The outreach comes as Pakistan accelerates efforts to develop its road infrastructure and secure private-sector participation in large-scale transport projects. In April, the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement for the construction of two sections of the M6 Motorway, a project regarded as a critical component of the country’s north-south transport corridor. Missing link At the time, Mr Khan termed the agreement a significant milestone, saying the motorway project, which had remained unrealised for nearly three decades, was expected to move forward within two years. He described the M6 as the missing link in the Karachi-Sukkur corridor and a project of considerable economic importance. The 306-kilometre, six-lane motorway will include 15 interchanges and 10 service areas. It is the only remaining missing segment in the motorway network connecting Karachi and Peshawar. During Friday’s discussions, the minister formally invited the Saudi Business Council (SBC) to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s transport infrastructure, particularly in motorway development and related connectivity projects. He said the proposed routes offered strong commercial prospects and could generate attractive returns for investors due to their strategic location and economic significance. Business councils The minister assured the Saudi delegation that investors would be offered commercially viable investment models and noted that the expansion of Pakistan’s road network was playing a key role in facilitating trade and economic activity across the region. Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia through institutional platforms such as the Saudi-Pakistan Business Council. Prince Mansour expressed the SBC’s interest in examining partnership opportunities in the motorway schemes, saying the council was well positioned to collaborate in Pakistan’s communications and infrastructure sectors. Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026
Russia’s military offensive accelerated in late May and early June after months of stagnation and Ukrainian counterattacks. Vladimir Putin has declared that “there is no place without an offensive,” but the gains are limited to a few sectors. Ukraine’s defenses in Kostiantynivka — at the southern end of the greater Kramatorsk area — weakened sharply in recent weeks, allowing Russian forces to push toward the city center from two directions. Russia’s advance also continues east of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, along the southern bank of the Siverskyi Donets River and near the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal. Russian pressure in the eastern Zaporizhzhia region has resumed in force after Ukrainian counterattacks halted the offensive there for several months. Elsewhere, Russia’s progress is stalling at best, and Moscow is unlikely to capture the greater Kramatorsk area and adjacent parts of the Donetsk region before the end of the year.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made a surprise visit to Delhi, meeting with BJP's Nitin Nabin and Sunil Bansal. Discussions reportedly focused on portfolio allocation and administrative workload distribution following the state cabinet expansion. The visit also aimed to accelerate the implementation of central government schemes in Bengal.
India-born Rep. Shrinivas Thanedar (D-MI) says it is essential that the federal government accelerate the inflow of migrants into seasonal jobs throughout his very poor district in Michigan. The post ‘Essential’: Indian Rep. Thanedar Wants More Migrants in His Poor District appeared first on Breitbart.
New Delhi: State-run oil companies will sell E85 fuel — a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol — at a discount of Rs 20 per litre to offset the biofuel’s lower energy content, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday after inaugurating an E85 dispensing facility at a Delhi petrol pump.The government plans to roll out E85 fuel in phases, with 500 fuel stations targeted by the end of this year and 5,000 by the end of 2027 across India, Puri said.Indian Oil already has a network of 400 fuel stations that can dispense E100 fuel, or pure ethanol with no mix of petrol, across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.Also Read: India to launch E85 fuel today in push for flex fuel mobilityEthanol’s energy content is about one-third lower than that of petrol. To compensate for this, E85 users will receive a Rs 20 per litre discount compared with E20, the regular fuel blend sold across the country that contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.The E20 blend will continue to be available at all fuel stations, as most vehicles currently on Indian roads can use blends of up to 20% ethanol.In recent days, Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp have each launched one vehicle model capable of running on E85 fuel.The simultaneous rollout of compatible vehicles and fuel dispensing infrastructure will help accelerate E85 adoption, Puri said, adding that there was a “pretty compelling case” for shifting to E85 because it would be cheaper, lower emissions and reduce dependence on fuel imports.
China launched 18 satellites into orbit on Thursday, expanding its Qianfan satellite internet constellation to 182 spacecraft as the country accelerates the development of its low-Earth-orbit communications network.
For several months, Japan has been moving in a more nationalist and conservative direction. The shift has been fuelled by economic challenges at home and growing regional tensions with China. The country's new ultra-conservative prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is expected to accelerate this agenda, with plans to tighten immigration policies and strengthen Japan's defence posture. A report by Adam Hancock, Alexis Bregere and Mélodie Sforza.
Energy Developement Corp.—the renewwable energy unit tycoon Federico Lopez and his family’s First Gen Corp.—is doubling down on its geothermal investments as the Philippines accelerates its transition to clean energy sources.
Germany and France have circulated a non-paper proposing a new approach to the enlargement process that would accelerate the gradual integration of Southeast European countries and Moldova into the EU.
[World Bank] Kampala -- The World Bank Group (WBG) Board of Executive Directors today endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Uganda, a 10-year strategy (2026-2035) designed to accelerate a private sector-led economic transformation and expand opportunities for the country's rapidly growing population.
South Korea and the United States have agreed to accelerate talks, following the first working-level consultations this week on plans for Seoul's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. According to Seoul's Foreign Ministry on Friday, the two countries held a two-day meeting in Seoul this week to launch follow-up discussions on nuclear cooperation outlined in a joint fact sheet released after last year's summit between President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. The consultations b