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PM Modi Praises CM Nitish Kumar’s Governance, Inaugurates AIIMS and Key Projects in Bihar

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his contributions to Bihar’s development, describing his governance as a shift from the “Jungle Raj” era to a model of “sushashan” (good governance). Modi’s remarks came during an event in Darbhanga, Bihar, where he laid the foundation stone for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurated infrastructure projects totaling over ₹12,000 crore. “Nitish Babu has established a governance model that has pulled Bihar out of the shadows of Jungle Raj,” Modi stated, highlighting the transformation under Kumar’s leadership. With Nitish Kumar on stage, Modi noted the progress achieved under the NDA’s “double engine” government, driving Bihar towards all-around growth. Modi also acknowledged Nitish Kumar’s persistent efforts to bring AIIMS to Darbhanga, crediting the Chief Minister’s initial request alongside late BJP leader Arun Jaitley. In his speech, Modi emphasized the importance of improving medical facilities across smaller towns and noted that, under his government, the number of AIIMS hospitals has expanded from just one since independence to nearly 24. Additionally, the PM highlighted the increase in medical colleges, which has doubled in the last decade, resulting in more doctors and medical seats nationwide. Darbhanga AIIMS, he noted, would help address Bihar’s healthcare needs and produce skilled doctors for the state and the country. In line with promoting education in regional languages, Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to offering medical education in Hindi and other languages—a tribute to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur’s vision. Modi also addressed Bihar’s annual flood challenges in the Kosi-Mithila region, revealing plans to collaborate with Nepal and allocate ₹11,000 crore towards flood mitigation. He concluded by announcing new healthcare initiatives, including a cancer center in Muzaffarpur and an eye hospital in collaboration with Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth. Present at the event were Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Nityanand Rai, and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Source: Times of India Photo Credit: Times of India

IIT Madras and Vidhi Centre Recommend Participatory AI Governance Model for Inclusive Development

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A recent study by IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, advocates a participatory governance model for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India, aiming to set a global standard for inclusive AI development. The report emphasizes that involving diverse stakeholders in AI’s lifecycle enhances accountability, transparency, and fairness in AI systems. The research, spearheaded by IIT Madras’ Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI), brings together technologists, legal experts, and policy researchers to explore the benefits of a participatory approach. Real-world case studies across sectors reveal how public involvement can yield AI systems that are better aligned with societal values and ethical standards. “The widespread adoption of AI has fundamentally reshaped our public and private sectors,” explained Prof. B. Ravindran, Head of CeRAI, IIT Madras. He highlighted a key finding: those impacted by AI systems often lack a voice in their development. “This study aims to close that gap by recommending participatory approaches that prioritize responsible, human-centric AI development,” he added. The report also provides a practical, sector-agnostic framework for identifying and integrating diverse perspectives throughout the AI development process. Shehnaz Ahmed, Lead for Law and Technology at the Vidhi Centre, noted that while the value of inclusivity in AI is recognized, frameworks for its implementation remain unclear. “Our findings demonstrate how a structured, participatory model can guide ethical development, especially in sensitive applications like facial recognition and healthcare,” she explained. This groundbreaking study suggests that a participatory model not only strengthens public trust but also accelerates AI’s acceptance across sectors by fostering transparency and accountability. With global relevance, the framework aims to support ethical, safe, and equitable AI practices worldwide. Source: Shiksha.com Photo Credit: Shiksha.com

Italy Launches Probe into Sinochem’s Governance Role at Pirelli

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Italy’s Prime Minister’s Office has initiated an administrative review against Chinese state-owned Sinochem, the largest shareholder in Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli, over a potential governance breach. This move follows Italy’s use of its “Golden Power” legislation to safeguard strategic national assets by limiting Sinochem’s influence within Pirelli. Last year, Italy’s government set strict conditions requiring a qualified majority for key decisions at Pirelli and mandated that the company operate independently from Sinochem’s directives. The current investigation addresses whether there are any organizational or functional links between Pirelli and Sinochem that violate these terms. The review, dated October 31, has a 120-day timeline for resolution. Sinochem, which holds a 37% stake in Pirelli, has expressed confidence that it has complied with Italian regulations and plans to clarify its position during the proceedings. With Camfin, the vehicle of Italian executive vice chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera, holding a 25.7% stake, the probe highlights Italy’s commitment to shielding domestic companies from foreign state influence. Source: Reuters Photo Credit: Reuters

Egypt Launches Initiatives for Decentralization and Sustainable Urban Development at WUF12

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At the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF) in Cairo, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Manal Awad, unveiled two major initiatives to advance local governance and decentralization, along with the launch of the “Atlas of Egyptian Cities.” The forum, with the theme “Everything Starts at the Local Level: Local Action for Sustainable Cities and Communities,” focused on strategies to tackle Egypt’s housing and climate challenges, enhance urban funding, and bridge development gaps. Awad emphasized that Egypt’s participation aims to showcase its approach to sustainable urban development by connecting global objectives with localized action. These new initiatives will target sustainable city planning, local climate adaptation, and improved urban-rural connectivity, especially focusing on Upper Egypt and rural communities. The forum’s discussions will address six core areas: future-focused housing, climate-resilient cities, community cooperation, funding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the human-centered digital age, and tackling housing loss. Highlighting the importance of local empowerment, Awad stressed the role of decentralization policies in achieving sustainable urban growth. These initiatives, launched alongside the ongoing Egyptian sustainable cities program, are part of a broader strategy to involve civil society and the private sector in urban planning, paving the way for modernized provincial capitals and high-quality urban living Source: Daily News Egypt Photo Credit: Daily News Egypt

Arunachal Cabinet Sets Up Administrative Reforms Commission for Enhanced Governance

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The Arunachal Pradesh cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has announced the establishment of an Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) to streamline state governance and tackle administrative challenges. The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting in Tawang, mandates the ARC to undertake a comprehensive review of the state’s administrative framework and propose recommendations for a more efficient, citizen-centric, and accountable governance system. Key initiatives discussed in the meeting include a new transfer and posting policy for nurses across health facilities in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at ensuring equitable staffing and quality healthcare services. Additionally, the cabinet approved the renaming of the Special Investigation Cell (Vigilance) to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing corruption. The ACB will continue to handle major investigations within the state. Another significant decision is the proposed renaming of Naharlagun Railway Station to Itanagar Railway Station, which has been recommended to the Government of India for consideration. The cabinet also endorsed the amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, enhancing the compensation rates for victims of various crimes. Further administrative advancements include the amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission Service Rules, 2022, and the approval of special grades for various ranks within the police department, including constables, head constables, and ASIs. The cabinet also granted one-time recruitment relaxations for contractual ANM and nursing officers, enabling their absorption on a seniority basis and advancing career growth for healthcare workers. Source: Times of India

Andhra Pradesh Government Partners with Meta to Drive Digital Governance

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On October 22, 2024, the Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meta Platforms Inc. to advance digital governance. This collaboration aims to leverage Meta’s WhatsApp Business Solution and generative AI technologies, such as Llama, to enhance e-governance services across the state. The MoU was signed in New Delhi at 1, Janpath. The partnership seeks to improve citizen-centric services by enabling direct communication between the government and its citizens through WhatsApp. In addition to facilitating governance-related updates, Meta’s AI technologies will initially focus on education and skilling, with the potential to expand to other domains. “This partnership aligns with our vision of making governance easier and improving the quality of life for all citizens. With Meta’s innovative technology, we aim to enhance the efficiency of our public services and ensure that governance is just a click away,” said Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh. Meta India Vice President Sandhya Devanathan highlighted the open access to AI models and the WhatsApp API, stating, “By making openly available AI models and WhatsApp API features accessible to all, we’re fostering innovation and democratizing access.” In a similar move, Meta also partnered with the Telangana government in September 2024 to enhance e-governance and citizen services through AI technologies, reflecting Meta’s growing role in India’s digital governance landscape.

Australia Reaches Agreement with World Aquatics on Governance Reform

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Swimming Australia (SA) has reached an agreement with World Aquatics to resolve governance issues that could have led to its suspension by the global governing body. The agreement, announced on Monday, introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing athlete and club representation in decision-making processes. Key Outcomes of the Agreement: Enhanced Voting Rights for Athletes and Clubs: The new agreement involves an updated SA constitution, which will allocate 50% of voting rights at future annual general meetings to athletes and clubs. This move ensures greater involvement of those directly engaged in the sport, fostering a more inclusive governance model. Positive Reception from SA: Hayden Collins, co-chair of the SA Board, expressed gratitude for the support from member organizations and emphasized the significance of the resolution. “We are delighted to have been able to reach this outcome today and thank the member organisations for their support in bringing this to a resolution,” Collins stated. The finalization of the revised constitution is expected by Christmas, marking a new chapter for Swimming Australia. Global Recognition from World Aquatics: Brent Nowicki of World Aquatics praised the outcome, highlighting the importance of giving the swimming community more control. “We are pleased that 50% of the voting rights now sit with the community the sport is there to serve, the athletes and clubs,” Nowicki said. He added that this governance model is likely to set a global standard for best practices across other sports organizations. This agreement between Swimming Australia and World Aquatics represents a significant step toward more inclusive governance, ensuring that athletes and clubs have a stronger voice in shaping the future of the sport. With these reforms, Swimming Australia moves forward with a governance structure that prioritizes those it serves, establishing a model that may influence similar reforms worldwide.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Leads Discussions on Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024

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Governance reforms, athlete welfare, and transparency in administration were the main points of discussion during a consultation meeting on the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024. The meeting, chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, took place on Thursday and involved key stakeholders, including Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P. T. Usha, representatives from National Sports Federations (NSFs), and National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs). Mandaviya emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, “The Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 is a milestone in our mission to build a robust and transparent sports governance structure in India that aligns with international standards, including the Olympic and Paralympic Charter. The active involvement of stakeholders and the public is essential for shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of our sports community.” The minister outlined the key reforms proposed in the draft, which include empowering athlete-centric federations, introducing a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes’ rights, and establishing an Appellate Sports Tribunal to address disputes. These measures aim to elevate athletes and strengthen India’s global position in the sporting world. The consultation saw active participation from various NSFs, NSPOs, and the IOA, with many appreciating the proposal to relax age and tenure caps for sports administrators. The draft bill proposes that office bearers of NSFs, including presidents, secretaries, and treasurers, can continue in their roles beyond the age of 70 if they have not completed their tenures. This move was widely regarded as a positive step toward improving the governance of Indian sports. “The minister said it’s a proactive and good step from our side to work in close coordination with all for the good of Indian sports,” a source at the meeting revealed. Other key issues discussed included safeguarding athlete rights, streamlining the operations of sports bodies, and enhancing India’s standing on the global sports stage. Mandaviya assured stakeholders that their suggestions would be carefully considered in refining the draft bill. The proposed reforms signal a significant shift toward a more transparent and athlete-friendly sports governance model in India. However, the ministry did not disclose the specific suggestions made by the stakeholders during the meeting. This consultation marks an important step in shaping the future of sports governance in the country, with the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 expected to have far-reaching impacts on Indian sports. Source: Business Standard

AI Governance Market to Reach USD 2761.3 Million by 2032 Driven by Ethical AI Practices and Regulatory Compliance

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The AI governance market is set to experience remarkable growth, projected to reach USD 2761.3 million by 2032, up from USD 160.4 million in 2023, according to a recent report by SNS Insider. This expansion, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.21% between 2024 and 2032, is largely fueled by the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence across various sectors and the need for robust frameworks that ensure ethical practices and regulatory compliance. Organizations worldwide are recognizing the importance of AI governance frameworks to address challenges such as data privacy, security, bias, and algorithmic transparency. Key industries like healthcare, finance, and government, where AI decisions have a direct impact on people and society, are leading the charge in implementing governance solutions. The rise of public-private partnerships is expected to further standardize governance practices, ensuring both accountability and transparency. As countries introduce regulations surrounding AI, companies are increasingly adopting AI governance solutions to stay compliant and minimize risks associated with AI technology deployment. According to the report, 80% of global organizations are actively monitoring regulatory developments related to AI, with many citing regulatory compliance as a key driver of their governance initiatives. Major players in the market, including IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), are at the forefront of developing AI governance solutions across industries. Startups and large enterprises alike are exploring ways to integrate governance frameworks that address the complexities of AI technology, contributing to the market’s rapid growth. North America leads the AI governance market, with Europe following closely due to its focus on ethical AI practices and data privacy regulations, such as the GDPR and the proposed AI Act. As AI continues to expand across industries, the demand for governance solutions is expected to rise, making the market a critical area of focus for businesses globally. Source: globenewswire.com

UK Set to Create 38,000 Jobs Following Record £63 Billion Investment

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Nearly 38,000 jobs will be created across the UK following the announcement of a record-breaking £63 billion in investments around the International Investment Summit. This total more than doubles last year’s £29.5 billion commitment at the Global Investment Summit and will drive growth and innovation in key sectors like infrastructure and technology. Among today’s new announcements are investments from DP World, Associated British Ports (ABP), and Imperial College London, totalling over £1 billion. The UK’s stable governance has attracted tens of billions in new investments, reinforcing the government’s focus on delivering economic growth. These investments demonstrate global confidence in Britain as a prime investment destination, with a particular focus on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centre expansion, and renewable energy. Tech Firms Invest £6.3 Billion in Data Centres Four major US-based tech firms have announced £6.3 billion investments in UK data centres, which are essential for enhancing AI capabilities. These data centres will power AI systems and store the vast amount of information generated, providing the infrastructure for future AI development and economic growth. Key Infrastructure Investments: ABP, Imperial College London ABP, the UK’s largest port operator, will invest over £200 million alongside Stena Line to develop a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham, creating around 900 jobs during construction and operation. Additionally, Imperial College London has announced a £150 million investment to expand its R&D campus in West London, contributing to the growing deep tech ecosystem and boosting job creation. Government’s Commitment to Economic Growth Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the UK’s leading position as an investment hub, stating: “The record-breaking investment total secured at today’s Summit marks a major vote of confidence in the UK and our stability dividend across industry and innovation.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impact of these investments on businesses across the UK, from large corporations to small enterprises, all contributing to job creation and economic prosperity. Other Major Investments Announced: Iberdrola: Doubling its UK investment to £24 billion, including £4 billion for the East Anglia 2 wind farm. Blackstone: £10 billion investment in Northumberland for Europe’s largest artificial data centre, creating 4,000 jobs. Amazon Web Services: £8 billion investment, supporting 14,000 jobs annually. CCUS Investors (Eni, BP, Equinor): Unlocking £8 billion for carbon capture clusters, creating 4,000 jobs. Orsted and Greenvolt: Offshore wind projects unlocking £8 billion (Orsted) and £2.5 billion (Greenvolt), creating thousands of jobs. These investments solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in innovation and economic growth, with the government’s Industrial Strategy providing further certainty for future global business ventures. Source : Gov.UK