馃嚥馃嚭MauritiusEast Africa
Avinash Ramtohul, ICT Minister, states AI transforms government operations
via Le Mauricien2 min read
Avinash Ramtohul, the Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, asserts that artificial intelligence AI is more than just a technological innovation; it is a philosophy requiring vision and leadership focused on national well-being. He states that AI is transforming how governments operate, businesses compete, and citizens learn, work, and communicate, impacting all societal sectors. Ramtohul emphasizes that the question is not whether AI will transform Mauritius, but whether Mauritius is prepared for this transformation, and he believes the current budget confirms the country's readiness. While many countries are just beginning AI discussions, Mauritius has already taken concrete steps. For the past 18 months, his ministry has systematically built foundations for a reliable, inclusive, and responsible AI ecosystem, addressing data needs for effective AI implementation. He notes that the Blueprint, developed after re-examining the legacy of the previous government, committed to modernizing public services, strengthening digital infrastructure, developing skills, fostering an innovation-based economy, and preparing Mauritius for the digital era. Ramtohul highlights concrete results achieved in a year and a half, which he claims the opposition leader has overlooked. He criticizes the opposition leader and his MSM team for not believing in technology and technological development, citing their alleged decision to cut off internet access on November 1, 2024, as evid
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
A heated debate erupted in the National Assembly following the Private Notice Question PNQ by Leader of the Opposition, Joe Lesjongard, concerning foreign labor. The discussion escalated into a verbal altercation between Minister of Labour, Reza Uteem, and Member of Parliament Joanna B茅renger, over allegations of connections between a recruitment agency seeking a license and political figures. The Speaker, Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, ultimately left the chamber after repeated attempts to restore order amidst a tense atmosphere marked by interruptions and simultaneous interventions from several MPs. The tension began when Joe Lesjongard questioned Minister Uteem about Lexus Recruitment Agency, alleging that the company's shareholders were spouses of two of the minister's close collaborators, and asked if this constituted a conflict of interest. Reza Uteem denied these accusations, stating that license allocation is independently reviewed based on established criteria. The exchanges then shifted to Joanna B茅renger when the minister alluded to alleged ties between a license-seeking company and certain political figures. Ms. B茅renger immediately challenged these claims and demanded substantiation. The Speaker intervened to caution the minister, noting it was the second time he had addressed Ms. B茅renger as "Miss B茅renger" instead of "Honourable Member," and instructed him to cease using the informal address. The situation further deteriorated as multiple MPs from both sides began
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Must ReadNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that the country's military is in the process of "equipping the navy with nuclear weapons" and plans to build 10,000-ton military vessels. Kim made these remarks on Tuesday in Nampo during the commissioning ceremony of the Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-ton warships launched by North Korea last year. He stated that the program to equip the navy with nuclear weapons is proceeding as planned, calling it a "strategic direction of crucial importance" for maintaining the state's nuclear force for varied and effective operations. Pyongyang had previously indicated that the Choe Hyon is equipped with "the most powerful weapons," and Kim inspected it this year, including overseeing a cruise missile test from the vessel in April. Kim also announced that after the Choe Hyon, the destroyer Kang Kon will soon be commissioned, followed by the launch of 10,000-ton strategic warships. According to Choi Gi-il, a professor of military studies at Sangji University in South Korea, reaching the 10,000-ton mark would be symbolic for North Korea, demonstrating Pyongyang's determination not to fall further behind Seoul's maritime power. South Korea possesses more than ten ships over 5,000 tons, while North Korea has two. North and South Korea remain technically at war, as their 1950-1953 conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Kim Jong Un declared that the era of their navy being solely a coastal defense force is over. During a recent Workers' Pa