India's delegation, led by Sumita Dawra, showcased the country's achievements in promoting labour welfare, social justice and quality employment generation globally. India has doubled its social protection coverage to 48.8 percent, increasing the average global coverage by over 5 percent. The country's flagship institutions, such as EPFO, ESIC, e-Shram Portal, PM Jan Arogya Yojana, and Targeted PDS, were highlighted for their contributions. India also reiterated its support for well-managed migration pathways, given its status as a major source of migrant workers and recipient of high remittances.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/india-ilo-discuss-fair-wages-gig-workers-welfare-and-decent-work-conditions/Deepa Malik, India's Paralympic queen, has written a book about her life, which is described as "no less sparkling" than her battle for life. She suffered a major head concussion and a broken neck in a car accident in 1983, resulting in her becoming a quadriplegic.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/booksart/book-review-indias-paralympic-queen-tells-her-story-1866989Indonesia plans to lift its decade-long ban on sending citizens to work in Saudi Arabia, following assurances of improved labor protections from the Saudi government. The agreement, set to be signed later this month, includes measures such as a minimum monthly wage and health insurance for migrant workers. Indonesia's Migrant Workers Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding said President Prabowo Subianto has approved the lifting of the moratorium, which was imposed in 2015 due to concerns about mistreatment of Indonesian workers. The Saudi government is offering over 600,000 job openings, including 400,000 for domestic workers and 200,000 for formal sector jobs.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/03/15/indonesia-set-to-lift-ban-on-sending-workers-to-saudi-arabia/Indonesia's Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized the need for women's participation in artificial intelligence (AI) development to prevent bias reproduction. She highlighted the challenges of AI adoption, particularly for women workers whose jobs are threatened by automation. To address this, the government is strengthening collaboration with academicians, industry players, and international organizations to ensure equal access and opportunities for women in the AI industry. The government has implemented policies such as the Personal Data Protection Law and an AI Ethics Circular to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and non-discrimination in AI technology development.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/348593/ri-govt-encourages-womens-participation-in-ai-ecosystem-ministerThe United Nations has accused Iran of using digital technology, surveillance, and "state-sponsored vigilantism" to suppress dissent following the 2022 protests in response to Mahsa Amini's death. The investigation, led by chair Sara Hossain, found that Iran is making concerted efforts to stifle dissent, perpetuating a climate of fear and impunity. The country has increased policing and prosecution against women who defy the mandatory hijab, with the UN describing this as "deeply worrying".
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1291928-iran-turns-to-tech-to-crush-dissent-un-probeIranian security officials are using drones and digital technology to enforce its strict dress code on women, with a strategy of "state-sponsored vigilantism" that encourages people to report alleged violations through phone apps. The country has installed facial recognition software at Amirkabir University's entrance gate to monitor hijab compliance, while drones and security cameras are used in Tehran and southern Iran to monitor hijab adherence. Women who defy the laws face severe consequences, including arrest and beating in custody, as seen in the case of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurd who died in custody after being beaten by morality police during her arrest.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/world/2025-03-14-iran-using-drones-and-apps-to-enforce-womens-dress-codeIraqi security forces have killed Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, a senior Daesh group leader responsible for foreign operations, according to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Al-Rufayi was considered one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world, according to the prime minister. US President Donald Trump later stated that his "miserable life was terminated" after learning about the news.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/iraq-kills-senior-daesh-leader?utm_source=most-popular-worldJames Van Der Beek, a "Dawson's Creek" actor, has revealed that his Stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis has taken a toll on his marriage, leaving him feeling unable to provide for his wife and six children. In an Instagram video shared on his 48th birthday, he described the past year as the hardest of his life, discussing how the diagnosis has affected him emotionally.
https://nypost.com/2025/03/14/entertainment/how-james-van-der-beeks-stage-3-cancer-has-affected-his-marriage/Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo has announced plans to increase recruitment at premier healthcare centers in the region due to rising patient loads at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar, amid a shortage of staff.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/health/jk-to-increase-recruitment-in-premier-healthcare-centres-1/