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MIL-OSI: Royalty Pharma Reports Q4 and Full Year 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Portfolio Receipts of $742 million in Q4 2024 and $2,801 million for FY 2024
Royalty Receipts growth of 12% in Q4 2024 and 13% for FY 2024
Net cash provided by operating activities of $743 million in Q4 2024 and $2,769 million for FY 2024
Full year 2025 guidance: Portfolio Receipts expected to be $2,900 to $3,050 million excluding future transactions

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 and introduced full year 2025 guidance for Portfolio Receipts.

“We had an incredibly successful 2024, delivering double-digit growth in Royalty Receipts, which was significantly above our initial guidance, and deploying $2.8 billion of capital on value-enhancing royalties” said Pablo Legorreta, Royalty Pharma’s founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very excited for the opportunities ahead as the fundamentals of our business have never been stronger. Additionally, we have already taken two major steps at the start of 2025 to enhance shareholder value, announcing the acquisition of our external manager, which is expected to result in multiple financial and strategic benefits, and a new $3 billion share repurchase program, which highlights the confidence we have in our business and the attractive value we see in our shares. With a robust transaction pipeline and significant financial flexibility, I am confident that Royalty Pharma is well positioned to deliver attractive, compounding growth over the long term.”

Strong Royalty Receipts growth; Portfolio Receipts growth impacted by a high base of comparison

Royalty Receipts grew 12% to $729 million in the fourth quarter and 13% to $2,771 million for full year 2024, driven by strong performance from Evrysdi, the CF franchise, Trelegy, Tremfya and new royalty acquisitions.
Portfolio Receipts increased 1% to $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024; Portfolio Receipts decreased 8% from $3,049 million to $2,801 million for full year 2024, largely reflecting $525 million in Biohaven-related milestone payments received in 2023.

Capital Deployment of $2.8 billion in 2024 with royalties on eight new therapies added to the portfolio

Record year for synthetic royalty transactions for Royalty Pharma with $925 million announced in 2024.
Significantly expanded development-stage portfolio by acquiring royalties on four potential new therapies.

Exciting new product launches expected across the royalty portfolio in 2025

Royalty Pharma to benefit in 2025 from new product launches, including Servier’s Voranigo, Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy, Ascendis’ Yorvipath, Syndax and Incyte’s Niktimvo and Geron’s Rytelo.

Financial guidance for full year 2025 (excludes contribution from future transactions)

Royalty Pharma expects 2025 Portfolio Receipts to be between $2,900 million and $3,050 million, representing expected growth of 4% to 9%.

Financial & Liquidity Summary

	Three Months Ended December 31,			Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
*($ and shares in millions)*	2024	2023	Change	2024	2023	Change
Portfolio Receipts	742	736	1%	2,801	3,049	(8)%
Net cash provided by operating activities	743	773	(4)%	2,769	2,988	(7)%
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)*	669	682	(2)%	2,565	2,806	(9)%
Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP)*	678	687	(1)%	2,452	2,708	(9)%
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares outstanding – diluted	589	598	(1)%	594	603	(1)%

*See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section. Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures calculated in accordance with the credit agreement.

Portfolio Receipts Highlights

			Three Months Ended December 31,
			(unaudited)
*($ in millions)*			2024	2023	Change
Products:	Marketers:	Therapeutic Area:
Cystic fibrosis franchise	Vertex	Rare disease	237	207	14%
Trelegy	GSK	Respiratory	74	60	23%
Tysabri	Biogen	Neuroscience	61	68	(11)%
Evrysdi	Roche	Rare disease	56	20	182%
Xtandi	Pfizer, Astellas	Cancer	46	38	20%
Imbruvica	AbbVie, J&J	Cancer	46	50	(10)%
Promacta	Novartis	Hematology	44	44	(1)%
Tremfya	Johnson & Johnson	Immunology	39	35	11%
Cabometyx/Cometriq	Exelixis, Ipsen, Takeda	Cancer	20	18	11%
Spinraza	Biogen	Rare disease	15	17	(13)%
Orladeyo	BioCryst	Rare disease	11	8	36%
Trodelvy	Gilead	Cancer	11	10	10%
Erleada	Johnson & Johnson	Cancer	11	9	25%
Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret	Pfizer	Neuroscience	7	5	49%
Other products⁽⁵⁾			54	63	(14)%
Royalty Receipts			729	651	12%
Milestones and other contractual receipts			13	84	(85)%
Portfolio Receipts			742	736	1%

Results for full year 2024 and 2023 are shown in Table 5. Amounts shown in the table may not add due to rounding.

Royalty Receipts was $729 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 12% as compared to $651 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by strong growth from Evrysdi, the cystic fibrosis franchise, Trelegy, Xtandi and Tremfya. Royalty receipts from Evrysdi included the benefit of the additional royalties acquired in October 2023 and June 2024.

Portfolio Receipts was $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 1% as compared to $736 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the same Royalty Receipts increases noted above, offset by a decrease in milestones and other contractual receipts, which reflected a $50 million payment related to the oral formulation of zavegepant in the prior period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Royalty Pharma’s liquidity and capital resources are summarized below:

As of December 31, 2024, Royalty Pharma had cash and cash equivalents of $929 million and total debt with principal value of $7.8 billion.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately two million Class A ordinary shares for $50 million. For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately eight million Class A ordinary shares for $230 million. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 589 million as compared to 598 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for full year 2024 was 594 million as compared to 603 million for full year 2023.

In January 2025, Royalty Pharma’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which Royalty Pharma may repurchase up to $3.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares. Royalty Pharma intends to repurchase $2.0 billion of its shares in 2025, subject to market conditions. The total value of shares repurchased will depend on the discount to the intrinsic value at which its Class A ordinary shares are trading. This new share repurchase program replaces the unused $465 million of the company’s original $1.0 billion share repurchase program that was announced in March 2023.

Liquidity Summary

	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
*($ in millions)*	2024	2023	2024	2023
Portfolio Receipts	742	736	2,801	3,049
Payments for operating and professional costs	(72)	(54)	(236)	(243)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	669	682	2,565	2,806
Interest received/(paid), net	8	5	(113)	(98)
Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP)	678	687	2,452	2,708

Amounts may not add due to rounding.

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $669 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs.
Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) was $678 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Portfolio Cash Flow is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. This measure reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases, or utilized for other discretionary investments.

Refer to Table 4 for Royalty Pharma’s reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net cash provided by operating activities.

Capital Deployment was $522 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, consisting primarily of the acquisitions of royalties on Niktimvo and Rytelo. Capital Deployment reflects cash payments during the period for new and previously announced transactions. Capital Deployment was $2.8 billion for full year 2024.

The table below details Capital Deployment by category:

Capital Deployment

	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
*($ in millions)*	2024	2023	2024	2023
Acquisitions of financial royalty assets	(496)	(1,002)	(2,506)	(2,116)
Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone	—	—	—	(50)
Development-stage funding payments – ongoing	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Purchases of available for sale debt securities	—	—	(150)	—
Milestone payments	(25)	—	(75)	(12)
Investments in equity method investees	—	(2)	(11)	(13)
Acquisitions of other financial assets	—	—	(18)	—
Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D	0	0	1	1
Capital Deployment	(522)	(1,005)	(2,761)	(2,192)

Amounts may not add due to rounding.

In January 2025, Royalty Pharma announced the sale of the MorphoSys Development Funding Bonds for $511 million in upfront cash (press release). This payment, combined with payments previously received, results in total cash proceeds of $530 million on the $300 million investment that was made in September 2022. The proceeds strengthen Royalty Pharma’s balance sheet and provide added flexibility to pursue its disciplined capital allocation strategy.

Royalty Transactions

For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma announced new transactions of up to approximately $2.8 billion. The announced transactions amount reflects the entire amount of capital committed for new transactions during the year, including potential future milestones.

Recent transactions include:

In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Rytelo from Geron Corporation for an upfront payment of $125 million (press release). Rytelo is approved for the treatment of certain adult patients with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes with transfusion-dependent anemia. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive tiered royalties on U.S. net sales on Rytelo.
In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Niktimvo from Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for an upfront payment of $350 million (press release). Niktimvo is approved for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease and will be co-commercialized by Incyte. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive royalties on U.S. net sales on Niktimvo.

The information in this section should be read together with Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the SEC at www.sec.gov and the reader is also encouraged to review all other press releases and information available in the Investors section of Royalty Pharma’s website at www.royaltypharma.com.

Internalization Transaction

In January 2025, Royalty Pharma agreed to acquire its external manager, RP Management, LLC (the “Manager”) (press release). This transaction to simplify Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure is expected to result in multiple benefits for shareholders. On a financial basis, the acquisition is expected to reduce costs and enhance economic returns on investments. Specifically, the acquisition will generate cash savings of greater than $100 million in 2026, rising to greater than $175 million in 2030 and driving cumulative savings of greater than $1.6 billion over ten years. The acquisition also increases shareholder alignment, enhances corporate governance, ensures management continuity and simplifies Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure.

The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion⁽⁷⁾ consists of approximately 24.5 million shares of Royalty Pharma equity that will vest over five to nine years, approximately $100 million in cash⁽⁸⁾, and the assumption of $380 million of the Manager’s existing debt.

The closing of the internalization transaction is subject to shareholders’ approval of the issuance of the share consideration and other customary closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals. The transaction is estimated to close during the second quarter of 2025.

Key Developments Relating to the Portfolio

The key developments related to Royalty Pharma’s royalty interests are discussed below based on disclosures from the marketers of the products.

TEV-‘749	In January 2025, Teva announced that TEV-‘749 (olanzapine LAI) achieved Phase 3 targeted injections without PDSS (post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome), and the full safety presentation is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
Cystic fibrosis franchise	In December 2024, Vertex announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the new triple-combination modulator Alyftrek (vanzacaftor triple) for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in people ages 6 and older with at least one responsive mutation. In November 2024, Vertex announced that it had completed regulatory submissions for the vanzacaftor triple in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, and reviews are underway.
Skytrofa	In December 2024, Ascendis announced the U.S. FDA accepted for review its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) in adult growth hormone deficiency for Skytrofa. The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of July 27, 2025.
aficamten	In December 2024, Cytokinetics announced that the FDA accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for aficamten for the treatment of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The FDA has assigned the NDA a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of September 26, 2025. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency validated the Marketing Authorization Application for aficamten, and it will now be reviewed by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP).
Trodelvy	In November 2024, Gilead announced plans to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval of Trodelvy for use in pre-treated adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, following the results of the Phase 3 TROPiCS-04 trial.
Airsupra	In October 2024, AstraZeneca announced that positive high-level results from the BATURA Phase 3b trial showed Airsupra met the primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of a severe exacerbation when used as an as-needed rescue medication in response to symptoms compared to as-needed albuterol. These positive results triggered a milestone payment from AstraZeneca, of which Royalty Pharma received its pro rata portion of $27 million in January 2025.
MK-8189	In October 2024, Merck updated its public disclosures to remove MK-8189 from its pipeline chart and Royalty Pharma does not anticipate making a further investment in this program.
pelabresib	In October 2024, Novartis announced that based on its review of 48-week data from the Phase 3 MANIFEST-2 study, longer follow-up time is needed to determine the regulatory path for pelabresib in myelofibrosis. Novartis will continue to follow patients in MANIFEST-2 and evaluate the potential for additional studies to support registration.
trontinemab	In October 2024, Roche presented its latest Phase 1b/2a interim results for trontinemab at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, which demonstrated rapid and robust amyloid plaque depletion after 12 to 28 weeks of treatment and an overall favorable safety profile with very limited amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA-E) observed.

2025 Financial Outlook

Royalty Pharma has provided guidance for full-year 2025, excluding new transactions and borrowings announced after the date of this release, as follows:

	Provided February 11, 2025
Portfolio Receipts	$2,900 million to $3,050 million (Growth of ~+4% to 9% year/year)
Payments for operating and professional costs	Approximately 10% of Portfolio Receipts⁽¹⁾
Interest paid	$260 million

The above Portfolio Receipts guidance represents expected growth of 4% to 9% in 2025. Royalty Pharma’s full-year 2025 guidance reflects a negligible estimated foreign exchange impact to Portfolio Receipts, assuming current foreign exchange rates prevail for the rest of 2025.

2025 guidance for payments for operating and professional costs and interest paid does not reflect the impact of the internalization transaction announced on January 10, 2025 and will be updated following the closing of the internalization transaction, which is expected to be in the second quarter of 2025.

Total interest paid is based on the semi-annual interest payment schedule of Royalty Pharma’s existing notes and is anticipated to be approximately $260 million in 2025. Interest paid is anticipated to be approximately $138 million in the first quarter of 2025, which includes the first interest payment on the $1.5 billion notes issued in June 2024. Interest paid in the third quarter of 2025 is anticipated to be $119 million. De minimis amounts are anticipated in the second and fourth quarter of 2025. These projections assume no additional debt financing in 2025, including no drawdown on the revolving credit facility. In 2024, Royalty Pharma collected interest of $46 million on its cash and cash equivalents.

Royalty Pharma today provides this guidance based on its most up-to-date view of its prospects. This guidance assumes no major unforeseen adverse events or changes in foreign exchange rates and excludes the contributions from transactions announced subsequent to the date of this press release.

Financial Results Call

Royalty Pharma will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results today at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time. Please visit the “Investors” page of the company’s website at https://www.royaltypharma.com/investors/events to obtain conference call information and to view the live webcast. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the company’s website for at least 30 days.

About Royalty Pharma plc

Founded in 1996, Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and a leading funder of innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with innovators from academic institutions, research hospitals and non-profits through small and mid-cap biotechnology companies to leading global pharmaceutical companies. Royalty Pharma has assembled a portfolio of royalties which entitles it to payments based directly on the top-line sales of many of the industry’s leading therapies. Royalty Pharma funds innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry both directly and indirectly – directly when it partners with companies to co-fund late-stage clinical trials and new product launches in exchange for future royalties, and indirectly when it acquires existing royalties from the original innovators. Royalty Pharma’s current portfolio includes royalties on more than 35 commercial products, including Vertex’s Trikafta, GSK’s Trelegy, Roche’s Evrysdi, Johnson & Johnson’s Tremfya, Biogen’s Tysabri and Spinraza, AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson’s Imbruvica, Astellas and Pfizer’s Xtandi, Novartis’ Promacta, Pfizer’s Nurtec ODT and Gilead’s Trodelvy, and 14 development-stage product candidates.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information set forth herein does not purport to be complete or to contain all of the information you may desire. Statements contained herein are made as of the date of this document unless stated otherwise, and neither the delivery of this document at any time, nor any sale of securities, shall under any circumstances create an implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time after such date or that information will be updated or revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or changes occurring after the date hereof.

This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements that express the company’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results, in contrast with statements that reflect historical facts. Examples include discussion of Royalty Pharma’s strategies, financing plans, growth opportunities, market growth and plans for capital deployment, plus the benefits of the benefits of the internalization transaction, including expected accretion, enhanced alignment with shareholders, increased investment returns, expectations regarding management continuity, transparency and governance, and the benefits of simplification to its structure. In some cases, you can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “seek,” “project,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could” or “should,” the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to the company. However, these forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of Royalty Pharma’s performance, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and other variable circumstances, and other factors. Such risks and uncertainties may cause the statements to be inaccurate and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Many of these risks are outside of the company’s control and could cause its actual results to differ materially from those it thought would occur. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date hereof. The company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

Certain information contained in this document relates to or is based on studies, publications, surveys and other data obtained from third-party sources and the company’s own internal estimates and research. While the company believes these third-party sources to be reliable as of the date of this document, it has not independently verified, and makes no representation as to the adequacy, fairness, accuracy or completeness of, any information obtained from third-party sources. In addition, all of the market data included in this document involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and there can be no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of such assumptions. Finally, while the company believes its own internal research is reliable, such research has not been verified by any independent source.

For further information, please reference Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Portfolio Receipts

Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that is deployed to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts includes variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma.

Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts, milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures that exclude the impact of certain items and therefore have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are important non-GAAP measures used to analyze liquidity because they are key components of certain material covenants contained within Royalty Pharma’s credit agreement. Royalty Pharma cautions readers that amounts presented in accordance with the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow may not be the same as similar measures used by other companies or analysts. These non-GAAP liquidity measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for the analysis of Royalty Pharma’s results as reported under GAAP.

The definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow used by Royalty Pharma are the same as the definitions in the credit agreement. Noncompliance with the interest coverage ratio, leverage ratio and Portfolio Cash Flow ratio covenants under the credit agreement could result in lenders requiring the company to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. If Royalty Pharma cannot satisfy these covenants, it would be prohibited under the credit agreement from engaging in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends, making certain payments, and acquiring and disposing of assets. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are critical to the assessment of Royalty Pharma’s liquidity.

Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are used by management as key liquidity measures in the evaluation of the company’s ability to generate cash from operations. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow when considering available cash, including for decision-making purposes related to funding of acquisitions, debt repayments, dividends and other discretionary investments. Further, these non-GAAP liquidity measures help management, the audit committee and investors evaluate the company’s ability to generate liquidity from operating activities.

The company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP liquidity measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, being net cash provided by operating activities in Table 4.

Royalty Pharma Investor Relations and Communications

+1 (212) 883-6772
ir@royaltypharma.com


Royalty Pharma plc Condensed Consolidated Operations (unaudited) Table 1

	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
*($ in millions)*	2024	2023	2024	2023
Income and other revenues
Income from financial royalty assets	562	523	2,149	2,198
Other royalty income and revenues	32	73	114	157
Total income and other revenues	594	596	2,264	2,355
Operating expense/(income)
Provision for changes in expected cash flows from financial royalty assets	164	(77)	732	561
Research and development funding expense	1	1	2	52
General and administrative expenses	68	59	237	250
Total operating expense/(income), net	232	(17)	971	862
Operating income	362	613	1,292	1,492
Other (income)/expense
Equity in earnings of equity method investees	(32)	(0)	(30)	(29)
Interest expense	66	47	226	187
Other income, net	(7)	(152)	(234)	(366)
Total other expense/(income), net	27	(105)	(38)	(208)
Consolidated net income before tax	334	718	1,331	1,700
Income tax expense	—	—	—	—
Consolidated net income	334	718	1,331	1,700
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	126	223	472	565
Net income attributable to Royalty Pharma plc	208	494	859	1,135

Amounts may not add due to rounding.


Royalty Pharma plc Selected Balance Sheet Data (unaudited) Table 2

*($ in millions)*	As of December 31, 2024	As of December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents	929	477
Total current and non-current financial royalty assets, net	15,911	14,827
Total assets	18,223	16,382
Current portion of long-term debt	998	—
Long-term debt, net of current portion	6,615	6,135
Total liabilities	7,880	6,298
Total shareholders’ equity	10,342	10,084


Royalty Pharma plc Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Table 3

	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
*($ in millions)*	2024	2023	2024	2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash collections from financial royalty assets	777	747	2,983	3,201
Cash collections from intangible royalty assets	0	0	15	1
Other royalty cash collections	30	75	109	159
Distributions from equity method investees	—	—	13	19
Interest received	9	8	46	72
Development-stage funding payments – ongoing	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone	—	—	—	(50)
Payments for operating and professional costs	(72)	(54)	(236)	(243)
Interest paid	(1)	(3)	(160)	(169)
Net cash provided by operating activities	743	773	2,769	2,988
Cash flows from investing activities:
Distributions from equity method investees	3	5	24	44
Investments in equity method investees	—	(2)	(11)	(13)
Purchases of equity securities	—	—	(63)	—
Proceeds from equity securities	—	—	99	—
Purchases of available for sale debt securities	—	—	(150)	—
Proceeds from available for sale debt securities	13	1	20	1
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities	—	—	—	24
Acquisitions of financial royalty assets	(496)	(1,002)	(2,506)	(2,116)
Acquisitions of other financial assets	—	—	(18)	—
Milestone payments	(25)	—	(75)	(12)
Other	—	(2)	2	(2)
Net cash used in investing activities	(506)	(1,000)	(2,678)	(2,073)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts	(81)	(92)	(362)	(377)
Distributions to continuing non-controlling interests	(31)	(24)	(125)	(120)
Dividends to shareholders	(94)	(89)	(376)	(358)
Repurchases of Class A ordinary shares	(53)	(30)	(230)	(305)
Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D	0	0	1	1
Contributions from non-controlling interests – other	1	1	4	7
Cash acquired in connection with purchase of non-controlling interest	—	5	—	5
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	—	350	—	350
Repayment of revolving credit facility	—	(350)	—	(350)
Repayment of long-term debt	—	—	—	(1,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount	—	—	1,471	—
Debt issuance costs and other	0	(2)	(13)	(2)
Other	0	—	(9)	—
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(258)	(232)	361	(2,149)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(21)	(459)	452	(1,234)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	950	936	477	1,711
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	929	477	929	477

Amounts may not add due to rounding.


Royalty Pharma plc GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (unaudited) Table 4

	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
*($ in millions)*	2024	2023	2024	2023
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)	743	773	2,769	2,988
Adjustments:
Proceeds from available for sale debt securities⁽⁶⁾	13	1	20	1
Distributions from equity method investees⁽⁶⁾	3	5	24	44
Interest (received)/paid, net⁽⁶⁾	(8)	(5)	113	98
Development-stage funding payments – ongoing	1	1	2	2
Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone	—	—	—	50
Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts⁽⁶⁾	(81)	(92)	(362)	(377)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	669	682	2,565	2,806
Interest received/(paid), net⁽⁶⁾	8	5	(113)	(98)
Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP)	678	687	2,452	2,708

Amounts may not add due to rounding.


Royalty Pharma plc Fourth Quarter and Full Year Portfolio Receipts Highlights (unaudited) Table 5

	Three Months Ended December 31,			Twelve Months Ended December 31,
*($ in millions)*	2024	2023	Change	2024	2023	Change
Products:
Cystic fibrosis franchise	237	207	14%	857	771	11%
Trelegy	74	60	23%	284	203	40%
Tysabri	61	68	(11)%	262	279	(6)%
Imbruvica	46	50	(10)%	191	210	(9)%
Evrysdi	56	20	182%	174	66	163%
Xtandi	46	38	20%	169	146	15%
Promacta	44	44	(1)%	158	161	(2)%
Tremfya	39	35	11%	140	116	20%
Cabometyx/Cometriq	20	18	11%	73	66	10%
Spinraza	15	17	(13)%	45	45	1%
Trodelvy	11	10	10%	43	33	30%
Erleada	11	9	25%	39	27	42%
Orladeyo	11	8	36%	39	29	32%
Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret	7	5	49%	26	18	39%
Other products⁽⁵⁾	54	63	(14)%	273	277	(1)%
Royalty Receipts	729	651	12%	2,771	2,449	13%
Milestones and other contractual receipts	13	84	(85)%	31	599	(95)%
Portfolio Receipts	742	736	1%	2,801	3,049	(8)%

Amounts may not add due to rounding.

Royalty Pharma plc
Description of Approved Indications for Select Portfolio Therapies
Table 6

Cystic fibrosis franchise	Cystic fibrosis
Trelegy	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
Tysabri	Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Evrysdi	Spinal muscular atrophy
Xtandi	Prostate cancer
Imbruvica	Hematological malignancies and chronic graft versus host disease
Promacta	Chronic immune thrombocytopenia purpura and aplastic anemia
Tremfya	Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis
Cabometyx / Cometriq	Kidney, liver and thyroid cancer
Spinraza	Spinal muscular atrophy
Orladeyo	Hereditary angioedema
Trodelvy	Breast and bladder cancer
Erleada	Prostate cancer
Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret	Acute and preventative treatment of migraine

Notes

⁽¹⁾Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that Royalty Pharma can deploy to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts include variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma (“Royalty Receipts”). Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts and milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

⁽²⁾Adjusted EBITDA is defined under the credit agreement as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs. Operating and professional costs reflect Payments for operating and professional costs from the GAAP statements of cash flows. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4.

⁽³⁾Portfolio Cash Flow is defined under the credit agreement as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4. Portfolio Cash Flow reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases or utilized for other discretionary investments.

⁽⁴⁾Capital Deployment is calculated as the summation of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Investments in equity method investees, Purchases of available for sale debt securities, Acquisitions of financial royalty assets, Acquisitions of other financial assets, Milestone payments, Development-stage funding payments – ongoing, Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone less Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D.

⁽⁵⁾Other products primarily include Royalty Receipts on the following products: Cimzia, Crysvita, Emgality, Entyvio, Farxiga/Onglyza, IDHIFA, Lexiscan, Nesina, Prevymis, Soliqua and distributions from the Legacy SLP Interest, which is presented as Distributions from equity method investees on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

⁽⁶⁾The table below shows the line item for each adjustment and the direct location for such line item on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

Reconciling Adjustment	Statements of Cash Flows Classification
Interest received/paid, net	Operating activities (Interest paid less Interest received)
Distributions from equity method investees	Investing activities
Proceeds from available for sale debt securities	Investing activities
Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts	Financing activities

⁽⁷⁾ The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion is based on the closing price of Royalty Pharma plc common stock of $26.20 on January 8, 2025.

⁽⁸⁾ Consists of $200 million in cash less the amount of the management fees paid to the Manager from January 1, 2025 through the closing of the transaction.

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – B10-0133/2025

Source: European Parliament

Adam Bielan, Carlo Fidanza, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Cristian Terheş, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska
on behalf of the ECR Group

B10‑0133/2025

European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

(2025/2553(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

– having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the security situation, including the human rights situation, is deteriorating even further in the DRC, especially in the eastern parts of the country and specifically in the provinces of North and South Kivu; whereas North and South Kivu have endured long-lasting conflicts for over two decades; whereas severe human rights violations have been committed in the region;

B. whereas the Rwandan-backed Tutsi rebel group M23 launched a military operation on 18 January 2025 to expand its territory in North and South Kivu; whereas this attack violates a ceasefire agreement concluded between Rwanda and the DRC as part of the Luanda Peace Process; whereas on 21 January 2025, M23 claimed to have captured several towns, including the strategically important trading town Minova;

C. whereas on 24 January 2025, intense fighting occurred near Sake, where the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), supported by the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), UN forces (MONUSCO) and a coalition of militia groups, attempted to prevent M23 from advancing towards and capturing Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu; whereas FARDC Major General Peter Cirimwami, who was also the military governor of North Kivu, was fatally shot on the same day; whereas several South African and Malawian soldiers have reportedly been killed in the recent conflict while serving with SAMIDRC; whereas numerous UN peacekeepers have been killed in the DRC and many more have been injured;

D. whereas on 30 January 2025, Goma fell under M23 control after several days of fighting in the city; whereas M23 has vowed to ‘march all the way to Kinshasa’; whereas M23 is advancing towards Bukavu in South Kivu; whereas on 3 February 2025, M23 declared a ceasefire for ‘humanitarian reasons’; whereas Goma Airport remains closed, leaving no entry point for humanitarian aid; whereas Goma is experiencing a total blackout, with no access to running water, electricity or the internet; whereas M23 is illegally occupying Goma; whereas M23 is deliberately destroying vital infrastructure;

E. whereas M23’s occupation of Goma will have severe humanitarian consequences for civilians; whereas the Congolese authorities have reported a high risk of a cholera outbreak; whereas bombs and artillery are being used in densely populated areas; whereas statements by Congolese officials indicate that the streets of Goma are filled with rotting bodies; whereas doctors in Goma are overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care; whereas M23 has already carried out multiple summary executions, used forced labour and forcibly recruited civilians to join it and commit atrocities on its behalf; whereas both M23 and the FARDC have used rape as a weapon of war; whereas the UN reports that more than 100 female prisoners were raped and burned alive during a jailbreak in Goma; whereas this conflict has significantly increased gender-based violence; whereas M23 is deliberately targeting refugee camps full of displaced civilians, including women and children, which constitutes a war crime; whereas the exact number of displaced people in North Kivu is unconfirmed, but is estimated to be at least 2.4 million;

F. whereas it is widely known that M23 is backed by Rwanda and its forces; whereas this conflict has its roots in the Rwandan civil war; whereas medical staff can only access Goma through Rwanda; whereas Rwanda has never sent medical experts to Goma; whereas Rwanda is benefiting from this conflict, particularly economically;

G. whereas the DRC is rich in various minerals and other natural resources; whereas M23 is illegally mining these resources and exporting them to Rwanda; whereas M23 is exploiting forced and child labour in the process; whereas this conflict can also be viewed as an economic war driven by these resources; whereas, in the current geopolitical climate, a number of actors are seeking access to resources in other countries; whereas the potential escalation of the conflict in the DRC could pose a serious threat to the entire African continent, given the current geopolitical situation in the region;

H. whereas in February 2024, the EU and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding on sustainable raw materials value chains; whereas critics say that the deal facilitates the smuggling of conflict minerals from the DRC, further fuels the conflict and helps to finance armed groups in the eastern DRC;

1. Expresses deep concern about the escalation of violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the DRC, caused by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group; strongly condemns the brutal atrocities committed by M23 in the DRC and Rwanda’s support for the group; demands that Rwanda and all other potential state actors in the region cease their support for M23; demands that M23 withdraw from the territories it has unlawfully gained and return them to the DRC; reminds all parties that territorial integrity must be upheld; demands that M23 immediately stop illegally mining Congolese minerals and resources and sending them to Rwanda; demands the disarmament and dismantling of M23; urges all state parties involved to ensure that any political settlement does not include pardons for individuals who are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity;

2. Deplores the fact that millions of civilians have been affected by this conflict, leaving them displaced and in need of humanitarian aid; expresses deep concern over the number of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the DRC;

3. Demands that the safety of civilians be ensured; demands that medical staff be granted full access to Goma; emphasises the need for a thorough investigation into the crimes committed by M23 and its supporters;

4. Underlines its support for the DRC in its legitimate fight against M23 and other armed groups, and calls on the international community to increase pressure on Rwanda and M23;

5. Insists that all EU-funded humanitarian aid must be directed towards helping the most vulnerable people in the eastern DRC, such as women and children, who have suffered the most; stresses that North and South Kivu should be given higher priority for the allocation of EU-funded development aid;

6. Urges the EU and its Member States to adopt sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against all the Rwandan officials and authorities responsible for supporting M23; calls for the sanctions against M23 commanders to be maintained and extended further to include those newly found responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity;

7. Calls for the EU, its Member States and other democratic Western countries to increase their diplomatic visibility and strengthen their economic and strategic influence in the region, which has large quantities of crucial minerals and other vital resources, to ensure that other authoritarian actors cannot further destabilise the area; calls for the EU to guarantee the traceability of minerals imported from Rwanda and to ensure that there is no trade in conflict minerals from the eastern DRC;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the African Union, the Joint Council of Ministers and Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the EU, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the governments and parliaments of Rwanda, the DRC and the other countries of the East African Community.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – B10-0114/2025

Source: European Parliament

Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell, Petr Bystron, Tomasz Froelich, Petar Volgin, Stanislav Stoyanov
on behalf of the ESN Group

B10‑0114/2025

European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

(2025/2522(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its resolution of 25 April 2024 on attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society [1],

– having regard to the statement by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell with the European Commission of 15 May 2024 on the adoption of the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ in Georgia,

– having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2024 on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia [2],

– having regard to the final report of 20 December 2024 of the international election observation mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on the Georgian parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024,

– having regard to the statement by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the European Commission of 27 October 2024 on the parliamentary elections,

– having regard to the statement by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell of 29 October 2024 on the latest developments following the parliamentary elections,

– having regard to Georgia’s sovereignty as recognised in international law,

– having regard to the Charter of the United Nations and to the principles of non-interference in domestic affairs,

– having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Georgia is a sovereign state under international law, with full authority to determine its political system, conduct elections and govern itself without interference from foreign actors or international organisations;

B. whereas the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 were conducted in broad compliance with national and international legal standards and the Georgian people have made a clear and democratic choice regarding the composition of their new government;

C. whereas the new Georgian Government remains committed to European integration, continuing its aspiration for EU membership while ensuring respect for national sovereignty and democratic processes;

D. whereas according to Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), a Sweden-based political science research institute, Georgia is among the top performers across Europe and worldwide in the field of freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom from governmental attacks on judicial justice, and equal protection across societal groups; notes that Georgia has attained a historic high ranking in the Index of Public Integrity of the European Research Centre for Anti-Corruption and State-Building;

E. whereas the Georgian Parliament has signalled its willingness to engage in dialogue with the EU on legislative matters and to negotiate solutions to contested legal provisions in a constructive manner;

F. whereas Georgia is of significant strategic value to the EU, particularly in areas such as energy cooperation, logistics, security and economic development, which should be recognised and supported rather than undermined by political disputes;

G. whereas the EU’s continued interference in Georgia’s internal affairs – including its refusal to recognise the legitimacy of the Georgian elections and its continued support for opposition movements – risks damaging trust and weakening the EU’s credibility in the region;

H. whereas the principle of non-intervention in sovereign states’ affairs is enshrined in Articles 2(1) and 2(7) of the UN Charter, and the EU’s failure to respect Georgia’s democratic choices constitutes a breach of international law;

I. whereas the Georgian Government has expressed its readiness to engage in constructive negotiations with the EU, yet certain EU institutions have refused to acknowledge this openness, preferring instead to impose unilateral demands on the country;

J. whereas the EU’s insistence on disregarding regional and cultural considerations – such as the Georgian Parliament’s decision on laws related to foreign influence and public morality – ignores the will of the majority of Georgian citizens and undermines political pluralism;

K. whereas continued EU pressure on Georgia, including threats of sanctions and the potential suspension of financial aid, constitutes an unjustified punitive approach that alienates a key strategic partner in the region;

1. Deplores the EU’s refusal to recognise the legitimacy of the parliamentary elections in Georgia and its ongoing interference in Georgia’s domestic political affairs;

2. Reaffirms that the choice of political leadership and governance in Georgia is solely a matter for the Georgian people, and should be made free from external coercion or pressure;

3. Calls for the EU institutions to respect the Georgian Parliament’s willingness to engage in open dialogue, rather than imposing unilateral demands that disregard Georgia’s political realities;

4. Urges the EU to engage in constructive dialogue with the new Georgian Government and to recognise that continued political pressure will only serve to push Georgia away from European cooperation rather than fostering integration;

5. Calls for the EU to take a pragmatic and strategic approach towards Georgia, emphasising mutual benefits in key sectors such as energy security, trade and regional stability rather than focusing on ideological disagreements;

6. Warns that the EU’s policy of intervention and political pressure in Georgia risks weakening the EU’s standing in the wider Caucasus region, harming its ability to build sustainable partnerships based on mutual respect;

7. Warns that the EU’s constant interference in Georgia’s internal affairs could fuel strong anti-EU sentiment within Georgian society;

8. Demands that the EU stop supporting opposition movements that do not represent the will of the majority of Georgian citizens, and instead focus on fostering institutional dialogue with the legitimately elected government;

9. Reiterates that sovereignty and democracy cannot be applied selectively, and that international law requires all states and organisations – including the EU – to respect the principles of self-determination and non-intervention;

10. Calls for the EU to adopt a forward-looking policy towards Georgia, recognising the country’s strategic importance and its legitimate democratic processes rather than pursuing a confrontational approach;

11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the President, Government, and Parliament of Georgia.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

Source: European Parliament

Statement of the Conference of Presidents on continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression.

Three years have passed since the Russian Federation launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, violating international law, the United Nations Charter, and undermining European and global security. The European Parliament Conference of Presidents again strongly condemns Russia’s ongoing war of aggression with deliberate targeting of civilian and critical infrastructure, and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population, all serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

We reaffirm our steadfast solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The European Union must remain united in its commitment to support Ukraine that includes political, military, economic, humanitarian and financial assistance. We commend the efforts of Member States, institutions, civil society organisations, companies and citizens who have mobilised resources and provided refuge to millions of displaced Ukrainians. At the same time, we call on the EU and its Member States to increase and speed up the delivery of its support, in particular of its military support and establish a legal regime allowing for the confiscation of Russian-owned assets frozen by the EU.

We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during this war of aggression. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

We call for continued and enhanced military support to Ukraine, including the provision of defence equipment, training, and strategic assistance necessary to uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

We reaffirm the EU’s commitment to sustainable and long-term financial and economic support to Ukraine, including macro-financial assistance, support for reconstruction and economic and social recovery, and measures to ensure the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and critical infrastructure.

We call for the full implementation and a significant expansion of sanctions, including effective measures to prevent circumvention, against Russia and its accomplices, aimed at definitively undermining its capacity to wage war and holding accountable those responsible for aggression and human rights violations.

We express full support for Ukraine’s European integration aspirations. The European Parliament remains committed to advancing Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, recognising its significant progress in reforms under the most challenging circumstances.

In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine and countering Russian disinformation. We also highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on the consequences of this war and on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula

As we mark three years of this brutal aggression, the European Parliament Conference of Presidents honours the resilience of the Ukrainian people and pays tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – B10-0109/2025

Source: European Parliament

B10‑0109/2025

European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

(2025/2553(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

– having regard to the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 25 January 2025 on the latest escalation in eastern DRC,

– having regard to the statement by G7 foreign ministers of 2 February 2025 on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,

– having regard to the press statement of the UN Security Council of 26 January 2025 on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

– having regard to the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

– having regard to the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 28 January 2025 on the recent developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,

– having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of 18 December 1979,

– having regard to the Partnership Agreement of 15 November 2023 between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part [1],

– having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas in January 2025, the armed rebel group M23, backed by Rwandan forces, further advanced in the eastern DRC and seized the regional capital city of Goma; whereas violence between rebel groups and the Congolese army increased sharply, causing a high number of civilian casualties; whereas an estimated 3 000 deaths occurred during the offensive on Goma;

B. whereas M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire to begin on 4 February 2025; whereas fighting has continued nonetheless; whereas there are reports that the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu has been captured by M23; whereas M23 leaders have declared their intention to continue advancing in the DRC;

C. whereas the latest advances of M23 mark an alarming escalation of the devastating conflict in the eastern DRC and have further destabilised the country; whereas the region has been plagued by decades of cyclical violence, causing a security and humanitarian crisis; whereas a ceasefire brokered in 2024 did not hold;

D. whereas there are estimated to be around 100 separate armed groups operating in eastern DRC; whereas the largest of the foreign armed groups is the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR);

E. whereas the seizing of Goma has led to significant displacement of civilians; whereas an estimated 700 000 people have been displaced since early January 2025; whereas thousands of Congolese people had previously fled to the city to escape violence and have been further driven from camps for internally displaced people into makeshift tents or forced to sleep out in the open; whereas the safety of internally displaced people is now seriously threatened, with women and girls suffering disproportionately;

F. whereas eastern DRC was already the centre of one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world; whereas thousands of people are facing shortages of food, medicine and drinking water; whereas hospitals are overwhelmed and there is limited electricity and running water in Goma; whereas there are rapidly growing levels of malnutrition, particularly among children; whereas access for humanitarian assistance is restricted and Goma airport remains closed;

G. whereas sanitary conditions, notably in camps for internally displaced people, are extremely concerning; whereas experts are warning of the risks of widespread outbreaks of diseases, including cholera and mpox; whereas in January 2025 the Commission announced an increase of EUR 60 million in EU humanitarian assistance to the DRC;

H. whereas instances of gender-based and sexual violence, including the use of rape as a weapon of war, are staggeringly high; whereas the UN reported that more than 165 women were raped and that most were later burned alive during a jailbreak in Goma following the M23 advance on the city; whereas the current spike in rape and assault in eastern DRC follows decades of widespread sexual violence perpetuated against generations of Congolese women;

I. whereas the seizure of Goma triggered violent protests in Kinshasa, with dozens of protesters attacking embassies and calling on the international community to halt the advancement of M23;

J. whereas the UN mission Monusco has been deployed in the DRC since 2010; whereas President Tshisekedi announced a deadline of December 2024 for all Monusco peacekeeping troops to leave the DRC; whereas this withdrawal was put on hold and the mandate of the mission extended to December 2025;

K. whereas the conflict in the DRC is at risk of regional spillover; whereas a peacekeeping deployment from the East African Community Regional Forces (EACRF) withdrew in 2023; whereas the Southern African Development Community deployed a peacekeeping mission to the DRC in December 2023 with troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi; whereas at least 20 peacekeepers were killed during the M23 advance on Goma; whereas on 6 February 2025, Malawi announced the withdrawal of its troops from this mission;

L. whereas it is widely acknowledged that Rwanda is active in the conflict in eastern DRC, including through its de-facto control of M23, to which it supplies weapons, logistical support and troops; whereas UN experts estimate there are between 3 000 and 4 000 Rwandan troops operating with M23;

M. whereas North Kivu is a resource-rich region, with vast supplies of critical raw materials including cobalt, gold and tin, which are necessary for the global digital and energy transition; whereas Goma is a major transport and trading hub for the export of minerals; whereas the UN estimates that around 120 tonnes of coltan is being moved by M23 to Rwanda each month; whereas UN experts further estimate that M23 is financed by around EUR 288 000 per month generated through its control of the mineral trade in the DRC;

N. whereas the EU has formed raw materials partnerships with several countries, including the DRC and Rwanda; whereas the EU signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on sustainable raw materials value chains with Rwanda on 19 February 2024 to promote sustainable and responsible production of critical minerals; whereas the MoU is underpinned with a roadmap for joint action; whereas the Rwanda-EU roadmap has not yet been developed, and roadmaps are not made public; whereas parliamentary scrutiny of the development and implementation of the MoU is lacking;

O. whereas the MoU commits Rwanda to aligning with international standards by joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; whereas Rwanda has not done so to date; whereas under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, the Commission is currently assessing applications for strategic projects with partner countries to increase EU capacity and supply;

1. Expresses deep concern at the alarming escalation of violence and the seizure of Goma; deplores the loss of life and the sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls; expresses its sympathy with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

2. Underlines the urgent need for the stabilisation of the country and the implementation of an immediate ceasefire; calls on M23 to halt its territorial advances, notably to refrain from any further advancement into South Kivu and to withdraw from the territory of the DRC, and for all parties to observe a cessation of violence;

3. Calls on all state actors, including the governments of the DRC and Rwanda, to cease any cooperation with armed groups, including M23 and FDLR;

4. Is extremely concerned by the critical humanitarian situation in the country; calls for the creation of a humanitarian corridor and for all parties, including armed groups operating in eastern DRC, to allow and facilitate humanitarian access; emphasises that humanitarian workers must be able to operate safely to deliver life-saving assistance to Congolese civilians; stresses that this is a central obligation under international humanitarian law, and that perpetrators violating these obligations should be held to account;

5. Welcomes the increased humanitarian support pledged by the EU, but notes that this still falls far short of satisfying the basic needs for food, water, medical assistance and shelter in eastern DRC, especially in the light of the recent termination of support from the United States Agency for International Development; calls on the Commission and the international community to significantly step up financial support for urgent and life-saving assistance;

6. Urges the Government of the DRC to work with the international community to address the displacement crisis and provide shelter, sanitation and support for internally displaced people, including increased protection for the safety of all displaced people, notably women and girls;

7. Deplores the endemic sexual and gender-based violence committed against women and girls in the region; underlines that abuse of women and girls escalates into conflict, and that sexual violence is used as a weapon of war; reiterates that sexual violence is a war crime, and those responsible must be held accountable; urges the European External Action Service (EEAS), Member States and the Government of the DRC to take immediate action to prevent sexual violence and improve care for survivors, including by adapting the national legal framework to guarantee access to medical abortion care;

8. Draws attention to the health needs of pregnant women, notably those who are displaced and out of reach of medical support; calls on the EEAS and Member States to further prioritise the disbursement of humanitarian support for women and girls in the region;

9. Calls on M23 to allow the immediate reopening of Goma International Airport; underlines that this is essential for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the evacuation of injured people;

10. Recognises the contribution made by peacekeeping forces from Monusco and the Southern African Development Community mission, as well as the past contribution by the EACRF; offers its condolences for the peacekeepers who have lost their lives; reiterates its support for the continuation of Monusco’s mandate;

11. Underlines that a lasting peace must be found through a return to political processes and cooperation; calls on the Government of the DRC and all armed groups to commit to the Nairobi Process for resumed national dialogue;

12. Regrets that there has long been a lack of accountability for human rights violations in eastern DRC; urges the UN Human Rights Council to create an independent mandate for the investigation of human rights abuses in the region; considers that this should contribute to efforts to hold perpetrators of human rights violations to account;

13. Calls on the President and Government of Rwanda to respond to calls from the international community to withdraw their support for M23 and prevent any further destabilisation in the DRC; urges Rwanda to ensure that the advance of M23 is halted and that all M23 and Rwandan troops are withdrawn from eastern DRC; underlines that the territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the governments of the Member States to raise these urgent concerns with Rwanda at the highest levels;

14. Calls on the Commission to suspend the MoU on sustainable raw materials and value chains; further calls on the Commission to undertake an immediate assessment of the feasibility of implementing the MoU in the light of the widespread evidence of illegal mineral smuggling and financing of M23; calls for the conclusions of such an assessment to be presented to Parliament as soon as possible; notes that parliamentary oversight and civil society involvement in the signing and implementation of raw material MoUs and roadmaps is essential for an inclusive process with adequate scrutiny, and must become part of the MoU;

15. Stresses that effective implementation of the MoU with Rwanda can only be made in good faith if both parties commit to increasing due diligence and traceability, and tackling illegal trafficking; stresses that this is currently not the case; urges Rwanda to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative as an essential first step towards implementing the commitments outlined in the MoU;

16. Calls on the Commission to suspend any proposals for strategic projects with Rwanda that are currently under consideration in the framework of the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Global Gateway initiative; notes that strategic projects must be implemented sustainably and in compliance with human rights and due diligence standards, something which cannot be guaranteed currently;

17. Stresses the importance of a return to regional dialogue to deescalate the conflict; urges the authorities of the DRC and Rwanda to resume the Luanda peace process;

18. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community, the President, Government and Parliament of Rwanda, and the President, Government and Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – European Parliamentary Week 2025 – 17-18.02.25 – Committee on Budgets

Source: European Parliament

On the occasion of the European Parliamentary Week 2025, organised by the European Parliament and the Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland, the Committee on Budgets will hold an Inter-Committee Meeting on Monday 17 February at 16.20-19.20.

The first session will focus on EU competitiveness and a debate on how to increase the synergies between the EU and national financial support. Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for budget, anti-fraud and public administration will give a keynote speech.

The second session will focus on European public goods in particular how to identify and finance them. On this matter, the audience will have the opportunity to hear from Professor Armin Steinbach, Jean Monnet Professor of Law and Economics at HEC Paris, non-resident fellow at Bruegel and Research Affiliate at the Max Planck Institute for Research and Collective Goods.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and Banco Santander join forces to boost Europe’s wind energy manufacturers
Source: European Investment Bank
- The EIB provides a €500 million counter-guarantee enabling Santander to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment to support wind energy manufacturers in Europe.
- The agreement is part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package to boost Europe’s wind power manufacturing sector and accelerate the energy transition.
- The operation is backed by InvestEU, the EU programme aiming to mobilise investment of more than €372 billion by 2027.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Santander have signed a €500 million counter-guarantee agreement that Santander will use to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment to support wind energy equipment manufacturing companies in Europe.

The guarantees will back investment by companies manufacturing wind energy and grid interconnection equipment, as well as key components for the wind sector. This will enable the manufacturers to receive advance payments as well as to provide performance guarantees when taking on new wind projects. The guarantees scheme also enables manufacturers to pay their suppliers in advance for the supply of wind farms and the related wind value chain components, which include turbines, grid connection infrastructure, cables and transformer stations.

The leverage effect of the EIB counter-guarantee is expected to mobilise additional funding from other investors to support increasing production and accelerate wind energy development, helping to stimulate investment in the real economy.

The deal forms part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package launched in 2023, a dedicated package of counter-guarantees to improve access to finance for wind power sector and support increasing newly installed wind energy generation capacity by 32GW. This EIB financing scheme is being activated through agreements with the sector’s main lenders like Santander. It is a key component of the European Wind Power Package launched by the European Commission, and is designed to further accelerate a just and swift transition to net zero, while boosting home-grown industrial innovation.

“Wind energy will play a significant role in achieving the EU’s renewable-energy target. To unveil its full potential, the EIB together with Santander is putting in place de-risking instruments that will allow manufacturers to overcome some of the challenges impacting the sector such as supply chain disruptions, high costs or intense international competition,” said EIB Director of Financial Institutions Gemma Feliciani. “This new framework sponsored by the EIB wind package will accelerate the energy transition in Europe while strengthening its industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy.”

Ricardo Gamazo, Santander Global Trade Finance team added: “The program has been very welcome by our clients in the wind equipment industry which face a large backlog of orders to meet the energy transition demand. This in turn creates large guarantee issuance requirements and this extra capacity goes a long way in securing credit lines in the market. We believe this agreement is another decisive step in buttressing energy security for the EU in a sustainable fashion”

Background information

About the EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute towards EU policy goals. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

About Banco Santander

Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. At the end of 2024, Banco Santander had €1.3 trillion in total funds, 173 million customers, 8,000 branches and 207,000 employees.
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland files indictment on charges of insider dealing involving millions of francs

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has indicted a Swiss citizen in the Federal Criminal Court on charges of insider dealing in transactions worth millions of francs. The indictment alleges that in five cases in the period from 2018 to 2020, the accused exploited confidential and price sensitive information about ongoing or planned takeovers. By doing so, he is believed to have made an unlawful profit of around CHF 10.6 million. He is alleged to have obtained the confidential information from an acquaintance of many years standing who worked for an investment bank.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: DPG Media signs new loan agreement with EIB

Source: European Investment Bank

DPG Media Group has signed a new lending agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Built around financing eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that support EU policy goals, including digitalisation. After a first loan signed in 2022 to support the Group’s digitalisation of media platforms, DPG has now signed a further €120 million in the framework of further digitalisation and innovation of its media.

DPG Media plans to spend a total of €392 million in this regard over the period 2024-2026, of which 30% will be financed with an EIB loan. This financing will allow DPG Media to accelerate its digital transformation and continue to play a leading role in digital innovation as a local player. As part of the project, DPG Media expects to increase its knowledge and expertise in artificial intelligence and content distribution, in alignment with the objectives of the Digital Europe Programme.

EIB vice-president Robert de Groot: “Digitalisation and the development of advanced technologies play a key role in Europe’s competitiveness. These technologies must be an intrinsic part of the broad support for European entrepreneurs and companies. DPG’s investments to digitise its offering and services are in line with European ambitions. EIB loans are meant to foster this type of development.”

Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DPG Media: “We are delighted with this new long-term loan from the European Investment Bank for our investments in our further digital transformation. We deem this necessary to be able to successfully offer independent and strong media as a local media player in a rapidly changing market that is increasingly dominated by global players. With this loan, the group diversifies its debt financing, both in terms of creditors and tenors. We regard the support of the European Investment Bank primarily as a quality stamp, not only for the creditworthiness of DPG Media, but especially for our digital efforts.”

Looking ahead, DPG will invest to further develop its digital platform for end-users and advertisers, including with AI and text-to-speech applications.

In recent years the investments in DPG’s advertising platform ‘Trusted Web’ marked a crucial and unique step to reduce dependence on big tech: advertisers no longer need to use third-party big tech purchasing platforms and tools to buy advertising campaigns at DPG Media.

Furthermore, DPG invested heavily in audio technology, the digitalisation of its magazines and improvement of its streaming platforms on smart TVs, and the platform now also serves multiple users (besides VTM GO, Streamz and RTL Play also use the same platform). DPG Media has also implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to ensure its platforms remain resistant to emerging threats.

Background information

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, it finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the EU, and the Capital Markets Union.  

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

DPG Media Group’s mission is to inform, entertain and inspire people. The headquarters of the international media group, which is active in the Belgian, Dutch and Danish markets, are in Antwerp. DPG Media Group has a workforce of 5,396 employees and a portfolio of 90 strong publishing, broadcasting and services brands. Every day, the DPG Media Group brands reach a total of 15 million media users, both online and offline.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: International Day of Women and Girls in Science: A seat at the table for women scientists

Source: Switzerland – Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

Research thrives on diversity of thought, new perspectives, talent and creativity. By involving and supporting female researchers, today’s greatest challenges can be addressed and solved. To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, four Empa researchers whose contributions have shaped science at the national and international level share their stories and motivations.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Egypt: Military trials of fishermen an affront to justice

Source: Amnesty International –

gyptian authorities must stop trying civilians in military courts, said Amnesty International and the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights, ahead of an expected verdict on 12 February in the military trials of five civilians in relation to fishing in a lake in North Sinai controlled by a development agency operating under the ministry of defence.

On 6 and 7 January, a military police unit from the Egypt’s Future Sustainable Development Agency (EFSDA) arrested five fishermen at Lake Bardawil. Military prosecutors investigated the men on charges of fishing during “prohibited periods” as well as being in a military area without permission. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had placed the lake, a fishing spot for around 3,500 fishermen, under military jurisdiction in 2019, according to presidential Decree No. 294 of 2019.

“It is a travesty that a group of fishermen have found themselves facing military trial for fishing in a lake without authorization. Trying civilians in military courts is a flagrant violation of Egypt’s international human rights obligations. Military authorities must immediately drop the charges against the five men and release them. They must be tried by independent and impartial civilian courts in proceedings meeting international standards of due process and fair trial,” said Ahmed Salem, Executive Director of the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights (SFHR).

It is a travesty that a group of fishermen have found themselves facing military trial for fishing in a lake without authorization.

Ahmed Salem, Executive Director of the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights

“Egypt’s military courts have a notorious history of handing down unjust convictions and sentences, including death sentences, following grossly unfair trials. The authorities must overhaul legislation to ensure that military courts have no jurisdiction over civilians in any case,” said Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

The fishermen, who are in their twenties, are facing two separate military trials. Amnesty International and the SFHR reviewed copies of the arrest reports, prosecution reports, and charge sheets for both trials. The organizations also spoke with a lawyer who attended the hearings, two employees of an official body responsible for lake management, and relatives of detainees.

The trials were marred by violations of fair trial guarantees. According to a lawyer who attended hearings for both cases on 28 January the defendants’ lawyers made a request to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses, but the court ignored their request. The court also held two hearings on 5 and 6 February without any of the defendants present.

All five detainees are currently held by Central Security Forces, operating under the ministry of interior, in Ismailia Security Forces Camp, which is not officially recognized as a detention facility.

The five defendants are tried under Law No. 146 of 2021 on the Protection and Development of Lakes and Fisheries, which stipulates that Lake Protection and Fish Wealth Development Authority (LPFWDA), affiliated with the cabinet, is responsible for determining areas in or periods during which fishing is banned. According to the law, fishing during prohibited periods or in banned areas is a crime punishable by six months to two years imprisonment and/or a fine between 10,000 EGP to 100,000 EGP.

In 2022, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi established the EFSDA by a decree No. 591 of 2022, which was never made public. Since then, the government has assigned several large projects to the agency including development projects in South Egypt and North Sinai, according to local media.

On 31 October 2024, the spokesman of the government announced that the EFSDA will begin development works in Lake Bardawil aiming at achieving

“the economic development of the lake”, according to an official statement by the Council of Ministers. The lake was previously under the supervision of LPFWDA, which by law supervises lakes across the country. Two employees at the LPFWDA told Amnesty International and SFHR that, since the government’s announcement EFSDA has taken full control of the lake supervision.

Military trials of civilians in Egypt are inherently unfair because all personnel in military courts, from judges to prosecutors, are serving members of the military who report to the Minister of Defence and do not have the necessary training on rule of law or fair trial standards. Verdicts by military courts are subject to appeal before higher military courts as well, and ratification by the President.

On 28 January 2024, the Egyptian parliament approved new amendments to Law No. 25 of 1966 on the Military Code of Justice that further expand the jurisdiction of military courts to prosecute civilians. The new amendments added to the military jurisdiction include “crimes committed against public and vital facilities and public properties, and other comparable things, that are protected by the armed forces”. Presidential ratification of the amendments was never published in the official gazette.

These amendments coincided with the enactment of Law No. 3 of 2024, ratified by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on 5 February 2024, which expanded military jurisdiction over civilians for even more crimes than in the parliament’s previously mentioned amendments to the Military Code of Justice. The law authorizes the military to assist the police in safeguarding public and vital facilities and “services,” as well as addressing crimes committed against them, including crimes that “undermine the basic needs of society, including food commodities and essential products.”

Background

Egypt has a long track record of trying civilians before military courts. Most recently, in December 2024 a military court sentenced 62 residents of North Sinai governorate to prison terms ranging from three to 10 years on charges of damaging military vehicles and using force against public officials.

The trial followed a sit-in in October 2023 by residents of Sheikh Zuwayed city, who had been forcibly evicted by the authorities demanding to return to their homes. The sit-in was forcibly dispersed by the military. On 24 December 2024, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued a presidential pardon for 54 of them.

For over a decade, Egyptian armed and security forces have engaged in military operations against armed groups in North Sinai. In April 2023, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared the end of ongoing military operations in North Sinai. However, the region remains as a de facto military zone, with the Egyptian authorities continuing to maintain a strict media blackout on the security situation in North Sinai. They have for years prevented media, human rights organizations and independent observers from accessing the region. Several presidential decrees, including Decree No. 444 of 2014 and Decree No. 420 of 2021, have placed large areas of North Sinai under military jurisdiction, further militarizing the region and hampering independent reporting.

MIL OSI NGO –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: India: Authorities must uphold human rights and end violence in Manipur following Biren Singh’s resignation

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to the resignation of N Biren Singh as the Chief Minister of the state of Manipur in India yesterday, Aakar Patel, chair of the board at Amnesty International India, said:

“Biren Singh’s resignation presents in Manipur the opportunity for the authorities to uphold and ensure human rights for everyone, break with the violence and impunity of the past and work towards ending the ethnic violence in the state which has claimed the lives of more than 250 people in the last two years. The (BJP)-led governments at both state and central level have utterly failed to end the violence in Manipur, impunity of vigilante groups, and the divisive rhetoric that has flamed the ethnic violence. Their actions have led to repression of dissenting voices and an abject humanitarian crisis in the state.

“By the continued failure to hold to account those suspected to be responsible for serious human rights violations, the government risks sending the message that the impunity for these violations will continue. This in turn will fuel further violations. Unlike the emblematic cases taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation, like the case of the gang-rape of two Kuki women in May 2023 that found the Manipur police complicit – many lesser-known ones continue to struggle for attention of the state and central governments. This must change.”

Biren Singh’s resignation presents in Manipur the opportunity for the authorities to uphold and ensure human rights for everyone, break with the violence and impunity of the past…

Aakar Patel, chair of the board at Amnesty International India

Background:

Since May 2023, more than 60,000 people have been displaced in Manipur due to the ongoing violence between the dominant ethnic community, the Meities and the other minority ethnic communities including the Kukis. Homes, business, villages and places of worship have been burnt down, attacked, looted and vandalised.

The resignation of Biren Singh comes after the Supreme Court of India earlier this month ordered for a sealed-cover report from the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory into audio tapes that allegedly had him saying that the ethnic violence in the state had been instigated at his insistence.

In July 2024, Amnesty International documented the ongoing violence and impunity in Manipur state.

MIL OSI NGO –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Response to the Smart Machines Strategy 2035: letter from Lord Patrick Vallance

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Letter from Lord Patrick Vallance to David Lane and Paul Clarke, Co-Chairs of the Robotics Growth Partnership regarding the Smart Machines Strategy 2035.

Documents

Response to the Smart Machines Strategy 2035: letter from Lord Patrick Vallance

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Details

Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation wrote to David Lane and Paul Clarke, Co-Chairs of the Robotics Growth Partnership, welcoming the Smart Machines 2035 Strategy.

The Smart Machines 2035 Strategy provides a roadmap to position the UK as a global leader in robotics and Smart Machines. It highlights their transformative potential to address pressing societal challenges, enhance economic productivity, and establish national leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Updates to this page

Published 11 February 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening Address by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the AI Action Summit, Paris

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:41PM by PIB Delhi

Excellencies,

Friends,

Let me begin with a simple experiment.

If you upload your medical report to an AI app, it can explain in simple language, free of any jargon, what it means for your health. But, if you ask the same app to draw an image of someone writing with their Left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with their Right hand. Because that is what the training data is dominated by.

It shows that while the positive potential of AI is absolutely amazing, there are many biases that we need to think carefully about. That is why I am grateful to my friend, President Macron, for hosting this summit. And for inviting me to co-chair it.

Friends,

AI is already re-shaping our polity, our economy, our security and even our society. AI is writing the code for humanity in this century. But, it is very different from other technology milestones in human history.

AI is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed. And being adopted and deployed even faster. There is also a deep inter-dependence across borders. Therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards, that uphold our shared values, address risks, and build trust.

But, Governance is not just about managing risks and rivalries. It is also about promoting innovation, and deploying it for the global good. So, we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance.

Governance is also about ensuring access to all, especially in the Global South. It is where the capacities are most lacking – be it compute power, talent, data, or the financial resources.

Friends,

AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to Sustainable Development Goals becomes easier and faster.

To do this, we must pool together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets, free from biases. We must democratise technology and create people-centric applications. We must address concerns related to cyber security, disinformation, and deep fakes. And, we must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful.

Friends,

Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption. But, history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. Its nature changes and new types of jobs are created. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future.

Friends,

There is no doubt that the high energy intensity of AI needs to be looked into. This will require green power to fuel its future.

India and France have worked together for years through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance to harness the power of the sun. As we advance our partnership to AI, it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future.

At the same time, Sustainable AI does not only mean using clean energy. AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs and resource requirements. After all, the human brain manages to compose poetry and design space ships using less power than most lightbulbs.

Friends,

India has successfully built a Digital Public Infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network. It has regulations, and a wide range of applications to modernize our economy, reform governance and transform the lives of our people.

We have unlocked the power of data through our Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture. And, we have made digital commerce democratic and accessible to all. This vision is the foundation of India’s National AI Mission.

That is why, during our G20 Presidency, we built a consensus on Harnessing AI Responsibly, for Good, and for All. Today, India leads in AI adoption, and techno-legal solutions on data privacy.

We are developing AI applications for public good. We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools. India is building its own Large Language Model considering our diversity. We also have a unique public-private partnership model for pooling resources like compute power. It is made available to our start-ups and researchers at an affordable cost. And, India is ready to share its experience and expertise to ensure that the AI future is for Good, and for All.

Friends,

We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the course of humanity. Some people worry about machines becoming superior in intelligence to humans. But, no one holds the key to our collective future and shared destiny other than us humans.

That sense of responsibility must guide us.

Thank you.

***

MJPS/SR

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration

Source: Government of India

Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration

Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products are conducted by FSSAI through its regional offices and State/ UTs; penal action taken against defaulting Food Business Operators

Mobile food testing labs “Food Safety on Wheels” (FSWs) provided to extend the reach of basic testing facilities in remote areas

Pan-India Surveillance of food products conducted by FSSAI, especially on staple foods and commodities prone to adulteration

Mechanisms for receiving and addressing food adulteration complaints by consumers in place through the FSSAI helpline or Food Safety Connect mobile app

Mandatory registration certification and licensing by FSSAI for food businesses; regular reviews of the certification process and improvement based on the stakeholder feedback in place

Various campaigns launched by FSSAI to raise consumer awareness about food adulteration

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:38PM by PIB Delhi

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) through its regional offices and State/ Union Territories conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products. In cases where food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations.

To extend the reach of basic testing facilities even in remote areas, FSSAI has provided mobile food testing labs called Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs). FSSAI also conducts periodic Pan-India Surveillance of food products especially on staple foods and commodities that are prone to adulteration.

FSSAI has also established mechanisms for receiving and addressing complaints related to food adulteration. Consumers can lodge complaints through the FSSAI helpline or Food Safety Connect mobile app, which are promptly investigated and acted upon as per FSS Act, Rules and Regulations. Further, FSSAI has launched various campaigns to raise consumer awareness about food adulteration.

Details of samples analysed, found non-conforming and penal action taken during last 4 years are as below:

Year	No. of Samples Analysed	No. of Samples found non-conforming	No. of Civil Cases launched	No. of Criminal Cases launched
2020-21	1,07,829	28,347	24,195	3,869
2021-22	1,44,345	32,934	28,906	4,946
2022-23	1,77,511	44,626	38,053	4,817
2023-24	1,70,513	33,808	33,750	4,737

As per the FSS Act 2006, no person can commence a food business without holding a license under the Act. Accordingly, petty food businesses such as petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors or temporary stall holders, etc with a turnover of less than 12 lakhs per annum have to take a registration certificate before starting any food business whereas food businesses having an annual turnover of more than 12 lakh need FSSAI license.

A Food Business Operator (FBO) submits an online application through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, providing necessary documents, undergoing an inspection by FSSAI officials at their premises, and upon approval, receiving a registration certificate or license depending on their business type and turnover.

FSSAI regularly reviews the certification process and improves it based on stakeholder feedback.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

Source: Government of India

Update on the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

As of 6th February 2025, more than 73.98 Crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) created; over 49.06 Crore health records linked with ABHA

Over 3.63 Lakh health facilities registered on health facility registry (HFR)

More than 5.64 Lakh healthcare professionals are registered on the healthcare professional registry (HPR)

Over 1.59 Lakh health facilities use ABDM-enabled software

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:36PM by PIB Delhi

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has been launched with the aim to enable interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem and creating longitudinal electronic health records of every citizen. ABDM comprises key registries such as the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), healthcare professional registry (HPR), health facility registry (HFR), and drug registry.

As of 6^thFebruary 2025, a total of 73,98,09,607 ABHA have been created, 3,63,520 health facilities have registered on HFR, 5,64,851 healthcare professionals have registered on HPR, 1,59,020 health facilities are using an ABDM-enabled software and 49,06,02,540 (~49.06 Cr) health records have been linked with ABHA.

The total 73,98,09,607 ABHA correspond to 36 States/UTs spanning 786 districts across the country meaning that the entire country is being covered, including rural areas. Similarly, the 1.59 lakh health facilities that use an ABDM-enabled software correspond to 36 States/UTs and 786 districts.

Inclusion is one of the key principles of ABDM. The digital health ecosystem created by ABDM supports continuity of care across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare in a seamless manner. It aids the availability of health care services, particularly in remote and rural areas through various technology interventions like telemedicine etc.

Various steps have been taken to ensure that the benefits of the Mission reach every citizen. The ABHA portal [abha.abdm.gov.in] and the government PHR (personal health record) applications such as the ABHA app and Aarogya Setu app have been made multi-lingual and intuitive to use, with a view to address the lack of digital literacy. The mission provides for assisted and offline mode for the creation of ABHA for areas with limited internet connectivity or hardware or both.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MV

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken by the Government to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol and tobacco products near educational institutions

Source: Government of India

Steps taken by the Government to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol and tobacco products near educational institutions

Selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institute prohibited under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA), 2003

Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 enacted to prohibit the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes and similar devices

Revised Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) released by the Ministry for enacting Section 6(b) of COTPA, 2003 in 2019

Tobacco Free Youth Campaign is conducted every year by the Ministry for creating mass awareness at the grassroot level, since 2023

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:35PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been actively working to reduce the tobacco use among the youth. Under Section 6 of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 a provision has been made to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to an individual below 18 years of age. Under this Act, selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institute is prohibited. In addition to this, the Ministry released a revised Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) in 2019.

To create mass awareness at the grassroot level, the Ministry conducts Tobacco Free Youth Campaign every year, since 2023.

The Ministry enacted Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019 to prohibit the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes and similar devices, which are harmful and has potential for initiating tobacco use amongst youth.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued ToEFI Guidelines for enacting Section 6(b) of COTPA, 2003 which restrict the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutes.

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education has also released ToEFI Manual to implement nine anti-tobacco activities. Compliance of the Manual is monitored by the respective State/UT Nodal Officers.

As per the Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 enacted by Ministry of Women and Child Development, giving intoxicating liquor (e.g. alcohol) or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance to a child under 18 years of age, except by a doctor’s order, is prohibited and punishable.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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HFW/ Steps taken by the Govt to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol & tobacco products near educational institutions/11 February 2024/2

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on the Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK)

Source: Government of India

Update on the Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK)

From FY 2014-15 till FY 2023-24, 160.84 crore screenings conducted for children through Mobile Health Teams (MHTs); 11.90 crore children identified with selected health conditions and 5.64 crore children provided secondary/tertiary care under RBSK

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) provides technical and financial support for Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission (NHM) based on the Annual Program Implementation Plan (APIP). The support is given for infrastructure, essential equipment, and human resources including capacity building and treatment at secondary and tertiary care hospitals. The screening services for children are provided through 11821 dedicated Mobile Health Teams (MHTs) at the block level and 430 District Early Intervention Centre (DEICs) to provide comprehensive management to children. State/UT wise MHTs and DEICs details for FY 2023-24 are placed at Annexure.

As reported by States/UTs, 160.84 crore screenings for children have been conducted through Mobile Health Teams (MHTs), 11.90 crore children have been identified with selected health conditions and 5.64 crore children have been provided secondary/tertiary care from FY 2014-15 till FY 2023-24 under RBSK.

For effective implementation and increased coverage of RBSK across India, the program is regularly monitored through review of quarterly reports, field visits, periodic meetings with State Nodal Officers, and Common Review Missions (CRM).

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) also supports the States/UTs through technical and financial guidance based on Annual Programme Implementation Plans (APIP) submitted by the State/UTs.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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HFW/ Update on the RBSK/11 February 2025/1

Annexure

State-wise number of Mobile Health Team (MHT)

and District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) in F.Y. 2023-24

(As reported by State/UTs)

S. No.	States/UTs	Number of Mobile Health Team	Number of DEIC Operational
1	Andaman & Nicobar	6	0
2	*Andhra Pradesh	NA	34
3	Arunachal Pradesh	42	3
4	Assam	305	18
5	Bihar	734	9
6	Chandigarh	12	1
7	Chhattisgarh	328	7
8	Dadra & Nagar Haveli and DD	6	2
9	**Delhi	NA	2
10	Goa	15	2
11	Gujarat	992	28
12	Haryana	211	21
13	Himachal Pradesh	150	9
14	Jammu & Kashmir	216	22
15	Jharkhand	290	8
16	Karnataka	430	14
17	***Kerala	1054	14
18	Ladakh	17	2
19	Lakshadweep	10	0
20	Madhya Pradesh	650	51
21	Maharashtra	1196	35
22	Manipur	36	9
23	Meghalaya	78	3
24	Mizoram	25	2
25	Nagaland	22	1
26	Odisha	630	32
27	Puducherry	8	1
28	Punjab	258	5
29	Rajasthan	502	17
30	Sikkim	20	1
31	Tamil Nadu	805	35
32	Telangana	300	18
33	Tripura	48	3
34	Uttar Pradesh	1578	8
35	Uttarakhand	147	5
36	West Bengal	700	8
Total		11,821	430
Andhra Pradesh screens children with the support of Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) medical officers, Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) in place of Mobile health team. Delhi screen children under School Health Scheme (State Initiative). **Kerala screen children with the support of Junior Public Health Nurse in place of Mobile health team.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific”

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” is being organized in New Delhi during February 12-14, 2025. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 14^th AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

The 14^th AFAF brings together key players from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) has a strong legacy of fostering global collaboration in the sector. Since its inception, the forum has been successfully hosted in multiple countries across Asia. Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 18 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive government policies, and significant scientific advancements, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Today, India occupies 2nd position in total fish production and also aquaculture production globally. The forum will provide a platform to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen international partnerships, and promote innovative approaches for sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.

The forum will be inaugurated by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India on at 10.00 AM on 12th February 2025 ( WEDNESDAY) at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Dr. Himansu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR; Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of World Fish, Malaysia will also be present. The event will include over 20 Lead Presentations by internationally acclaimed experts from India and overseas.

On the second day a Symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness” will be held at 09.00 AM on 13 February 2025 at A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Govt. of India has consented to inaugurate the symposium.

On the third day, the Academia-Industry-Government Meet on ‘De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness’ at 9.00 am at Parijat Lecture Hall, Ground Floor, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi on 14 February 2025. Dr B. Mastan Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) has consented to inaugurate the Meet.

Closing Ceremony of 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held at 4.30 pm on 14^th February, 2025 at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.

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MG/ KSR

(Release ID: 2101732) Visitor Counter : 50

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Uniform Software for PACS

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:21PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India is implementing the Project for Computerization of functional PACS with a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore, which entails bringing all the functional PACS onto an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common national software, linking them with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs). The National Level Common Software for the project has been developed by NABARD and 50,455 PACS have been onboarded on ERP software as on 27.01.2025.

Computerization of PACS project aims to provide a comprehensive ERP solution for entailing more than 25 economic activities prescribed under the Model Bye-Laws for PACS covering various modules such as financial services for short, medium & long term loans, procurement operations, Public Distribution Shops (PDS) operations, business planning, warehousing, merchandising, borrowings, asset management, human resource management, etc.

So far, proposals for computerization of 67,930 PACS from 30 States/ UTs have been sanctioned, for which Rs. 741.34 Cr. has been released as GoI share to the States/UTs concerned. All the participants States/UTs can customize the ERP software as per the needs & functional requirements of the concerned States/UTs.

The ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common national software brings about efficiency in PACS performance through Common Accounting System (CAS) and Management Information System (MIS). Further, governance and transparency in PACS also improves, leading to speedy disbursal of loans, lowering of transaction cost, reduction in imbalances in payments, seamless accounting with DCCBs and StCBs. It will enhance trustworthiness in the working of PACS among farmers, thus contributing towards realizing the vision of “Sahakar se Samridhi”.

This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2101726) Visitor Counter : 83

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PACS Plan for Sale of Petroleum Products

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:20PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has allowed Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Retail Petrol/ Diesel outlets and LPG Distributorships. In this regard, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued revised guidelines for selection of dealers for regular & rural retail outlets, as well as unified guidelines for selection of LPG distributorships.

As per the revised guidelines, PACS have been included under Combined Category 2 (CC-2) for retail Petrol/ Diesel dealership and Combined Category (CC) for LPG Distributorship for which they can apply online as per the advertisements issued by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Further, PACS have also been given one-time option to convert their wholesale consumer pumps into Retail Outlets for which Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has released detailed guidelines.

The eligibility criteria have also been defined in the guidelines which inter alia, include submission of documents related to registration, land availability, finance, etc. by the applicant PACS for Retail Petrol/ Diesel Outlets and LPG Distributorship.

As informed by OMCs, 286 PACS from 25 States/UTs have submitted online applications to establish retail petrol/diesel outlets, out of which 26 PACS have been selected by OMCs. Under conversion of PACS Wholesale Consumer Pumps into Retail Outlets, OMC reports indicate that 116 PACS from 5 States have agreed to this conversion, and 56 PACS have been commissioned. For LPG distributorship, 2 PACS have applied for the 2 advertised locations in the State of Jharkhand.

This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for dealing with and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for dealing with and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for dealing with and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)
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Two incoming male passengers were sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, and three months’ imprisonment with a fine, respectively, at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (February 11) for dealing with and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes, and for failing to declare to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). Customs officers intercepted the two incoming male passengers, aged 29 and 26, at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (February 10). About 11 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $47,000 and a duty potential of about $38,000, and 8 600 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $35,000 and a duty potential of about $28,000, were seized respectively from their personal baggage. They were subsequently arrested. Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en/).

Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 18:00

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sh Jayant Chaudhary Inaugurates New Hostel Building at NSTI Bengaluru

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:15PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and safe infrastructure for skill development, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship today inaugurated a newly constructed hostel building at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) (General), Bengaluru. The facility aims to provide a secure and comfortable residential environment for trainees and reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering the youth.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India said, “As skilling takes centre stage in our resolve of ViksitBharat@2047, investments in high-quality training infrastructure are essential to equipping our youth with future-ready skills. The inauguration of the hostel today at NSTI Bengaluru, is a step towards providing an encouraging and inclusive space where trainees can learn, innovate, and prepare for Industry 4.0 without barriers. I saw the passion and commitment of the learners during my interaction with the candidates of the institute and we only hope to inspire them further with such initiatives.”

Built at a cost of ₹11.06 crores, the newly constructed hostel spans 3,423.23 square meters and features 30 twin-sharing rooms across three floors that could accommodate 60 trainees. Designed to ensure comfort, security, and accessibility, the facility includes essential amenities such as study rooms, communal areas, and recreational spaces. Its modern, energy-efficient design aligns with the government’s vision of expanding world-class skill development infrastructure, enabling a conducive learning environment for all trainees.

The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Smt. Trishaljit Sethi, Director General (Training), DGT, MSDE, Government of India, Dr. Ragapriya R, Commissioner, Department of Industrial Training & Employment, and other distinguished dignitaries, including Shri N.N.S.S. Rao, ADG Bangalore, CPWD and Shri Anil Kumar, Deputy Director General (South Zone), DGT and Shri. N R Aravindan, Regional Director, RDSDE Karnataka, DGT.

NSTI Bengaluru, a premier institution under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), MSDE, plays a vital role in imparting advanced vocational training across key industry sectors. The addition of this hostel is expected to attract trainees from across the country, further strengthening India’s Skill India Mission. This milestone reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a robust skill development ecosystem that equips India’s youth with the competencies needed for emerging job opportunities, ultimately enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.

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PSF/DK

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Budget 2025-26 Strengthens Gender-Focused Allocations: Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi Highlights Key Measures for Women and Child Development
Source: Government of India (2)

Union Budget 2025-26 Strengthens Gender-Focused Allocations: Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi Highlights Key Measures for Women and Child Development

Transforming Lives, Strengthening India: MoWCD’s Revolutionary Steps in Budget 2025-26

From Nutrition to Entrepreneurship: MoWCD Unveils Comprehensive Vision for Women & Children

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, addressed the media today in New Delhi, outlining the key provisions of the Union Budget 2025-26 and introducing new initiatives aimed at enhancing child and maternal nutrition while fostering women entrepreneurship.

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Union Minister of Finance, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, reflects a significant rise in gender-focused allocations. The Gender Budget now constitutes 8.86% of the total budget, increasing from 6.8% in FY 2024-25. Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized that the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) plays a key role in advancing these efforts, with a considerable share of its budget dedicated to empowering women and girls through various targeted initiatives. This reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women-led development.

A record allocation of ₹4.49 lakh crore has been designated for women’s welfare, reflecting a 37.25% increase from the previous year. Ministry of Women and Child Development remains at the forefront, allocating 81.79% of its budget towards gender-focused programs.

Highlighting the Government’s vision for economic and social empowerment of women, Smt. Annpurna Devi stated, “Women entrepreneurs are a driving force behind India’s economic progress. By providing targeted financial support and skill-building programs, we are fostering an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The Union Minister also announced the 7^th Poshan Pakhwada, to be observed from 18th March to 2nd April 2025, with outcome-based activities around four key themes:
- Focus on First 1000 Days of Life
- Popularization of Beneficiary Module
- Management of Malnutrition through implementation of the CMAM module
- Healthy Lifestyle to Address Obesity in Children
Furthermore, continued sensitization activities for communities will be conducted from Poshan Pakhwada 2025 until the announcement of 1000 Suposhit Gram Panchayats in late 2025.

As part of its commitment to tackling malnutrition, the Ministry introduced the Suposhit Panchayat Scheme during the national event for Veer Baal Diwas on 26^th December, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam. The initiative aims to identify and award the Top 1000 Gram Panchayats across the country as ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayats’ for their exceptional efforts in improving nutrition and health indicators at the grassroots level.

Under the 100-day campaign to celebrate ten years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, over 1,342 programmes have been conducted nationwide, engaging more than 13 lakh participants, including 1,410 public representatives. The activities encompassed a diverse range of initiatives, including:
- Sensitization programs on menstrual hygiene and the PC/PNDT Act
- Plantation drives promoting environmental sustainability
- Recognition of meritorious girl students to encourage academic excellence
The campaign has been instrumental in furthering gender equality, fostering awareness, and strengthening the resolve to ensure the well-being and empowerment of young girls across the country.

Further showcasing the Ministry’s initiatives, the Union Minister referenced the Ministry’s award-winning tableau from the Republic Day parade, which beautifully illustrated the life-cycle continuum approach of its schemes and reinforced the theme of Women-Led Development, demonstrating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to empowering women and children.

The tableau prominently featured key MWCD schemes such as One Stop Centre, Women Helpline (181), Child Helpline (1098), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Saksham Anganwadi, and Poshan Abhiyaan. It also celebrated the 10^th anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the 50^th anniversary of the Anganwadi Scheme while showcasing women’s growing participation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, technology, and various professional sectors.

Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi reiterated the government’s dedication to women and child development by highlighting key initiatives such as the Chintan Shivir, held from January 10-12, 2025, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The event brought together delegations from 32 States and Union Territories, including 16 State Ministers from Women and Child Development Departments, to deliberate on important issues relating to the welfare and development of women and children.

The Chintan Shivir provided a platform for the exchange of innovative ideas, shared experiences, avenues for policy improvements, and the dissemination of best practices across states to ensure the effective implementation of these missions.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development honoured over 200 field functionaries from across the nation as Special Guests at the Republic Day Ceremony on 26^th January 2025. These dedicated individuals, including Anganwadi Workers, Child Development Project Officers, and District Programme Officers, were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the empowerment of women and children.

Further highlighting its commitment to women’s empowerment, the Ministry has also curated a digital exhibition at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. This exhibition presents a compelling narrative of India’s progress in women-led development, showcasing various schemes, policies, and programs through an engaging and interactive experience.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development remains resolute in its mission to promote holistic development, nutritional security, and economic empowerment for women and children. In alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, MoWCD continues to drive forward its agenda of building a healthier, stronger, and more empowered India.

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SS/MS

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February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIA- EGYPT JOINT SPECIAL FORCES EXERCISE CYCLONE-III COMMENCES IN RAJASTHAN

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:10PM by PIB Delhi

The 3^rd edition of Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan yesterday. The exercise is being conducted from 10^th to 23^rd February 2025. Exercise CYCLONE is an annual event conducted alternatively in India and Egypt. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted in Egypt in January 2024.

The Indian contingent comprising 25 personnel will be represented by troops from two Special Forces Battalions. Egypt contingent also comprising 25 personnel will be represented by Special Forces Group and Task Force of Egyptian Special Forces.

Aim of Exercise CYCLONE is to promote military to military relationship between the two countries through enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise will focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

Drills/ aspects to be rehearsed during the exercise will include advanced special forces skills and various other tactics, techniques and procedures as per the current operational paradigm.

The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour long validation exercise to rehearse and validate the tactical drills for counter terrorism operations in desert/ semi-desert terrain. The exercise will also include a display of indigenous military equipment and an overview of the defence manufacturing industry for the Egyptian side.

Exercise CYCLONE will enable the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations. The exercise will also facilitate developing bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both the sides.

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SC

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February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM urges everyone to watch all the episodes of Pariksha Pe Charcha

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today urged everyone to watch all the episodes of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 and encourage our Exam Warriors.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“This year, Pariksha Pe Charcha consists of 8 episodes, each covering different aspects of exams.

So, do watch all the episodes and encourage our #ExamWarriors.”

This year, Pariksha Pe Charcha consists of 8 episodes, each covering different aspects of exams.

So, do watch all the episodes and encourage our #ExamWarriors. pic.twitter.com/jDIggnX9pT

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2025

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MJPS/SR/SKS

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tuen Mun Swimming Pool to be reopened

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 11) that Tuen Mun Swimming Pool in Tuen Mun District, closed earlier due to urgent maintenance works, will reopen at 6.30am tomorrow.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 45 Crore Devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025

Source: Government of India (2)

45 Crore Devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025

Maha Kumbh 2025 Witnesses Record-Breaking Footfall

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has become one of the largest religious gatherings in history, with over 450 million (45 crore) devotees participating in the bathing rituals as of February 11, 2025. The state government was expecting the number of devotees to reach 45 crore in 45 days but this number has already been achieved within one month, with 15 days still remaining for the Maha Kumbh to conclude. With its blend of spiritual significance, grand rituals, and cutting-edge technological interventions, this Kumbh Mela has set new benchmarks in crowd management, sanitation, and digital facilitation.

With the number of visitors surpassing 45 crore, crowd management has been a major focus. The next Amrit Snan is on February 12, 2025, Magh Purnima Snan, which is renowned for its connection with the veneration of Guru Brahaspati and the belief that the Hindu deity Gandharva descends from the heavens to the sacred Sangam. To ensure smooth crowd management during the Magh Purnima Snan, the state government has designated the mela area as a ‘no vehicle zone’ from the morning of February 11, 2025, allowing only essential and emergency services.

Indian Railways is also operating at full capacity to manage the Maha Kumbh 2025 crowd. On February 9, around 330 trains transported 12.5 lakh pilgrims, with 130 more departing by 3 PM on February 10. Preparations for the upcoming Amrit Snan on February 12, 2025 were reviewed by the officials and the Union Minister. All eight stations, including Prayagraj Junction, are fully operational, while Prayagraj Sangam station is temporarily closed around major bathing dates for crowd management.

The state government, in collaboration with various agencies, implemented a multi-tier security and monitoring system. A network of AI-powered CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and real-time analytics ensured the safe movement of pilgrims across designated sectors. The administration also introduced a digital token system to streamline access to bathing ghats, reducing overcrowding. Special provisions were made for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees, ensuring that the Kumbh remained an inclusive spiritual experience.

Adding to the historical significance of Maha Kumbh 2025, the honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu participated in the religious festivities on February 10, 2025. Her visit included a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, reinforcing the event’s spiritual importance at the highest levels of governance. The President also paid homage at key religious sites, and interacted with saints and devotees. Apart from President Murmu, several union ministers, chief ministers, and governors, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have also taken a holy dip in the Sangam. Celebrities from Bollywood and the Indian sports fraternity have also marked their presence, engaging in religious rituals and public interactions. The participation of revered saints and spiritual leaders has further amplified the sanctity and grandeur of the event.

Kalpavas, a period of fasting and spiritual discipline, holds deep significance during Maha Kumbh. This year, over 10 lakh devotees observed Kalpavas at the Triveni Sangam, concluding on Magh Purnima, with a final holy dip, pujan, and daan. As per tradition, Kalpvasis will perform Satyanarayan Katha, Havan Puja, and offer donations to their Tirthpurohits. The barley sown at the start of Kalpavas is immersed in the Ganga, and the Tulsi plant is taken home as a divine blessing. The twelve-year Kalpavas cycle culminates in Maha Kumbh, followed by a community feast in their villages.

Over 7 lakh pilgrims have received medical care through extensive healthcare services. This includes treatment of more than 4.5 lakh individuals at 23 allopathic hospitals, with over 3.71 lakh undergoing pathology tests, and the successful completion of 3,800 minor and 12 major surgeries. Additionally, 20 AYUSH hospitals have provided Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy treatments to over 2.18 lakh pilgrims. The integration of specialists from AIIMS Delhi, IMS BHU, and international experts from Canada, Germany, and Russia has ensured world-class healthcare. Services such as Panchakarma, yoga therapy, and the distribution of health awareness materials have been well-received, enhancing the overall well-being of attendees.

Aiming to make this the cleanest Kumbh Mela ever, authorities have enforced a stringent waste management plan. Over 22,000 sanitation workers have been deployed, ensuring that the premises remain free of litter. A large-scale water treatment initiative has also been implemented to keep the river water clean and suitable for the sacred dips. Eco-friendly practices, such as banning plastic and using biodegradable cutlery, have been strictly enforced. The Swachh Bharat Mission’s influence is evident in the installation of thousands of bio-toilets and automated garbage disposal units across the Kumbh grounds.

Throughout the event, cultural programs featuring classical dance performances, folk music, and spiritual discourses take center stage, captivating devotees and visitors alike. Renowned artists, including Padma awardees and folk troupes from various states, showcase the diverse traditions of India through Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and traditional folk dances like Lavani and Bihu. The Kumbh Mela is also hosting various literary gatherings, where scholars discuss ancient scriptures, Vedic philosophy, and the relevance of Sanatan Dharma in contemporary times. Artisans set up stalls displaying handicrafts, handloom products, and religious artifacts, turning the mela into a vibrant cultural confluence.

Maha Kumbh 2025 is not just a religious gathering; it is a monumental example of meticulous planning, cultural preservation, and technological innovation. With over 45 crore devotees already participating and more expected before its conclusion, this Kumbh stands as a testament to India’s ability to blend tradition with modernity, ensuring a spiritually enriching and seamless experience for all.

References

Department of Information & Public Relations (DPIR), Government of Uttar Pradesh

https://kumbh.gov.in/en/bathingdates

Maha Kumbh Series: 23/Feature

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

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February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report in New Delhi on 13th February 2025

Source: Government of India (2)

Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report in New Delhi on 13th February 2025

Panchayat Devolution Index to Evaluate How ‘Free’ Panchayats Are; Highlight State Rankings on Rural Local Bodies Autonomy and Empowerment

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 2:07PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move to further strengthen the rural local self-governance in India, Minister of State, Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel will release the comprehensive Devolution Index Report on 13^th February, 2025, at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi. This report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking 2024” marks a milestone in India’s journey towards empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and realizing the vision of “Local Self Government” of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. The event will be attended by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and other senior officials of the Ministry and faculty members of IIPA, New Delhi.

The Devolution Index, a result of meticulous research and empirical analysis, provides insights into the progress of decentralization across States and Union Territories. Going beyond conventional metrics, the Index evaluates six critical dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability of the Panchayats. The Index specifically examines how ‘free’ Panchayats are to make and implement independent decisions, reflecting the true spirit of Article 243G of the Constitution. This article empowers State legislatures to devolve powers and responsibilities to Panchayats across 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

The Devolution Index serves as a tool for strengthening cooperative federalism and local self-governance, enabling States to identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices for more empowered and effective Panchayats. What sets this Devolution Index apart is its practical utility for multiple stakeholders. For citizens, it provides transparency in tracking Panchayat functioning and resource allocation. For elected representatives, it offers data-driven insights for advocacy and reform. For government officials, it serves as a roadmap for implementing effective decentralization policies. Policymakers can use the Devolution Index to assess the overall health of local governance and identify where reforms are most urgently needed. The initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat, where विकसित and सशक्त Panchayats serve as the foundation for rural transformation, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

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Aditi Agrawal

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February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: Scholarships For Young Achievers Scheme

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:54PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment provides scholarship to Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Divyangjan namely:

Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers (SHREYAS) for Scheduled Castes (SC): This is a Central Sector Umbrella Scheme of Department of Social Justice and Empowerment which comprises 04 sub-schemes namely: (a) Top Class Education for SC students (TCS), (b) National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste students (NFSC), (c) National Overseas Scholarship for Scheduled Castes etc. (NOS) and (d) Free Coaching for SC and OBC Students (FCS). Out of these four sub-schemes the first three are scholarship schemes.
Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers (SHREYAS) for (OBC) and others: This is a Central Sector Umbrella Scheme of Department of Social Justice and Empowerment which comprises two sub-schemes namely: (a) National Fellowship for OBC (b) Dr.Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs). Out of these two sub-schemes only the first is scholarship scheme.
The Department of Persons with Disabilities does not implement any Scheme under the name of Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers (SHREYAS). However, the Department is implementing an Umbrella Scheme namely ‘Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Divyangjan)’ which comprises six sub-schemes viz. (a) Pre-Matric (b) Post-Matric (c) Top Class Education (d) National Overseas Scholarship (e) National Fellowship for PwDs and (f) Free Coaching Scheme.

All the above-mentioned Schemes are Central Sector Schemes, therefore, funds are not allotted to States/Districts. These Schemes are implemented on pan India basis and students from any State can avail benefit under the Schemes.

The number of students availing scholarship under the three Schemes during last five years are as under:

SHREYAS for SC

Financial Year	Expenditure (in Crore)	Male beneficiaries	Female beneficiaries	Total beneficiaries
2019-20	272.3	3938	2450	6388
2020-21	218.89	4778	2372	7150
2021-22	261.64	5720	2628	8348
2022-23	306.33	5320	2557	7877
2023-24	372.22	5470	2779	8249

SHREYAS for OBCs

Financial Year	Expenditure (in Crore)	Male Beneficiaries	Female Beneficiaries	Total Beneficiaries
2019-20	52.50	582	610	1192
2020-21	33.00	623	610	1233
2021-22	55.55	691	647	1338
2022-23	51.32	846	724	1570
2023-24	89.70	1095	914	2009

Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

Financial Year	Expenditure (in Crore)	Total number of beneficiaries
2019-20	114.57	42972
2020-21	91.77	26067
2021-22	131.43	42136
2022-23	131.43	44162
2023-24	145.2	29374

To ensure wider awareness of the Scheme, the Ministry has taken various steps such as advertisements in National and Regional Newspapers, running Social Media campaigns, Scheme Guidelines details uploaded on Website, follow up with States/UTs for popularizing the Scheme.

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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(Lok Sabha US Q1236)

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February 12, 2025

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Measures taken by the government to stop food adulterationRegular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products are conducted by FSSAI through its regional offices and State/ UTs; penal action taken against defaulting Food Business Operators

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Steps taken by the Government to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol and tobacco products near educational institutions Selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institute prohibited under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA), 2003

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45 Crore Devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025Maha Kumbh 2025 Witnesses Record-Breaking Footfall

Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report in New Delhi on 13th February 2025Panchayat Devolution Index to Evaluate How ‘Free’ Panchayats Are; Highlight State Rankings on Rural Local Bodies Autonomy and Empowerment

Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration

Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products are conducted by FSSAI through its regional offices and State/ UTs; penal action taken against defaulting Food Business Operators

Update on the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

As of 6th February 2025, more than 73.98 Crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) created; over 49.06 Crore health records linked with ABHA

Steps taken by the Government to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol and tobacco products near educational institutions

Selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institute prohibited under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA), 2003

Union Budget 2025-26 Strengthens Gender-Focused Allocations: Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi Highlights Key Measures for Women and Child Development

Transforming Lives, Strengthening India: MoWCD’s Revolutionary Steps in Budget 2025-26

45 Crore Devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025

Maha Kumbh 2025 Witnesses Record-Breaking Footfall

Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report in New Delhi on 13th February 2025

Panchayat Devolution Index to Evaluate How ‘Free’ Panchayats Are; Highlight State Rankings on Rural Local Bodies Autonomy and Empowerment