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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Preservation of Indigenous Languages and Cultural Heritage

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:07PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India, through its autonomous institutions under the Ministry of Culture is actively engaged in promoting and preserving India’s indigenous languages and cultural heritage. Sahitya Akademi recognizes contributions to unrecognized and tribal languages through the Bhasha Samman and supports them via writer exchanges, publications, book exhibitions, and the Annual All India Tribal Writers’ Meet. It also operates centers for folk and tribal literature and conducts outreach programs like Loka: The Many Voices and Gramalok. The details of programs from 2021-2024 are at Annexure.

Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) imparts training to individuals in 100 dying art forms through the Kala Deeksha program and the Guru-Shishya Parampara. It maintains a National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), and 15 elements from India are inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of ICH of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.

IGNCA undertakes documentation, digitization, research, and awareness programs to safeguard India’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Key initiatives include Bharat Vidya Pariyojana (BVP) for Indigenous knowledge systems, the Vedic Heritage Archive for Vedic texts, and Loka Parampara for oral traditions and folklore. The Adi Drishya Programmestudies Indigenous languages and rock art, while the Kala Nidhi Digital Library preserves rare manuscripts and ethnographic records. The North-East India Documentation Project records oral histories and linguistic structures of communities like the Nagas, Bodos, Mizos, and Khasis. Additionally, the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) is documenting regional languages, art forms, and customs while mapping 6 lakh villages nationwide.

The Sahitya Akademi (SA) collaborates with State-level institutions to organize local and regional programs, including seminars and workshops to promote indigenous languages and literature.

The Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) focuses on tribal visual arts through exhibitions, art camps, and workshops, providing a platform for tribal artists to showcase their talents at national and international levels. It also offers gallery spaces to connect artists with buyers and collectors. Recently, under its Public Art of India (PARI) Project, LKA featured folk and tribal artists from across the country during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) conference in Delhi.

The Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) actively collaborate with State Governments to conduct cultural programs. During the Republic Day Parade 2025, Ministry of Culture, through Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), presented one of the largest dance choreographies featuring 5,000 folk and tribal artists selected from across the country.

Other major initiatives include the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) for preserving ancient manuscripts focusing on the unique linguistic and cultural heritage. Additionally, the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) is systematically documenting regional languages, art forms, rituals, and customs across India’s villages, reinforcing the government’s dedication to cultural preservation.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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ANNEXURE

Details of programs conducted by Sahitya Akademi between 2021 and 2024

S.No.	Name of Event	Date of Event	Place of Event
1	All India Bodo Women Writers’ Meet	30 June 2021	Online
2	Symposium on the Present Status of Tiwa Poetry	19 July 2021	Online
3	Symposium on Tribal Language and Literature	29 July 2021	Online
4	Conference on Exploring Indigenous Poetry	9-11 August 2021	Online
5	Symposium on Story Telling Tradition in Tribal Odisha	31 October 2021	Koraput, Odisha
6	Symposium on Tribal Consciousness in the Odia Short Stories	28 November 2021	Balasore, Odisha
7	Symposium on Tribal Language and Culture (Gothra Languages)	11 March 2022	Wayanad, Kerala
8	Seminar on Tribal Literature in Western region	27 March 2022	Mumbai, Maharashtra
9	Symposium on Darrangi Folk Culture and Folk Literature	8 January 2022	Guwahati, Assam
10	Gramalok: Folk Literature-Culture-Lecture	3 February 2022	Kalaburgi, Karnataka
11	Literary Forum: “Folk Languages of North Odisha”	15 August 2022	Balasore, Odisha
12	National Seminar in Maithili: “Contribution of Folk Songs and Folk Epics to the Enrichment of Maithili Literature”	20-21 November 2022	Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
13	Symposium: Present Scenario of Rajasthani Folk Literature	18 January 2023	Udaipur, Rajasthan
14	Marathi Seminar: Tribal Folk Literature of Maharashtra	16-17 February 2023	Palghar, Maharashtra
15	Literary Forum on “Folk Elements in Bengali Literature”	23 February 2023	Kolkata, West Bengal
16	Gramalok: Folklore in Creative Literature	27 June 2023	Puducherry
17	Loka: The Many Voices (Konkani Siddi Folk Dances)	6 August 2023	Mangalore, Karnataka
18	Saora Language Convention	22-23 April 2023	Odisha
19	Kurmali Language Convention	6-7 December 2023	Ranchi, Jharkhand
20	Kharia Language Convention	5-6 July 2024	Ranchi, Jharkhand
21	Korku Language Convention	15-16 July 2024	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
22	Baigani Language Convention	23-24 August 2024	Raipur, Chhattisgarh
23	Nyishi Language Convention	27-28 September 2024	Doimukhi, Arunachal Pradesh

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2101347) Visitor Counter : 47

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Culture implements a “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s rich cultural heritage

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:07PM by PIB Delhi

To organize cultural programmes of India at International level, Ministry of Culture signs Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) for disseminating Indian art and culture across the globe. The Cultural Exchange programmes promote India’s soft power for developing and strengthening India’s inter-cultural relations with other countries. The CEPs facilitate cultural exchanges with other countries in different areas like music and dance, theatre, museums & science museums, libraries, archives, protection and conservation of historic monuments and archaeological sites, literature, research and documentation, festival, among others.

Ministry of Culture also implements a scheme titled “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s rich cultural heritage and enhance India’s image in the global arena in a concerted manner. The objective of the Scheme is to provide artists practicing Indian art forms, an opportunity to perform abroad under the banner of ‘Festival of India’. Under the Scheme, artists from diverse cultural fields such as Folk Art including Folk Music, Folk Dance, Folk Theatre & Puppetry, Classical and Traditional Dance, Experimental/ Contemporary Dance, Classical/ Semi Classical Music, Theatre etc. perform in the ‘Festivals of India’ abroad. Ministry of Culture has empanelled 627 artists/groups under various art forms for performing in the Festivals of India abroad.

Besides, Ministry of Culture promotes Indian folk art, culture and music abroad through Grant-in-aid to Indo-foreign Friendship Cultural Societies in Foreign countries for organizing different cultural programmes and activities. Ministry of External Affairs has a programme called Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora (PCTD) under which limited amount of funds are extended to Indian Missions/Posts abroad to encourage the Indian Diaspora overseas to organise cultural programmes with a view to connect them to their roots. The scheme aims to nourish and strengthen the cultural bonds between India and its Diaspora and to reinforce the cultural identity of the persons of Indian origin.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous organization under Ministry of External Affairs, promotes Indian culture worldwide through its Cultural Centres and Missions/ Posts abroad. Activities conducted by them include inter-alia, teaching of Yoga, Dance, Music (vocal and instrumental), Sanskrit and Hindi; organising/ supporting Conferences/ Seminars/ Workshops in different fields of Indian culture; supporting Chairs of Indian Studies in foreign universities; gifting of busts/ statues of Mahatma Gandhi and other national icons, exchanging visual arts exhibitions, celebrating International Day of Yog, Ayurveda Day and Indian festivals, promoting Indian films, hosting visitors under various Visitors Programmes (Academic/ Distinguished/ Important/ Gen. Next Democracy Network) and sponsoring scholarships to foreign students under different scholarship schemes. ICCR has also concluded MoUs with various State Governments to promote their culture abroad and to facilitate cultural exchanges with foreign countries. ICCR also hosts incoming foreign cultural troupes to enable Indians to discover various foreign countries.

To organize cultural programmes at national level and to protect, preserve & promote various forms of folk art and culture, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. These ZCCs organize various cultural activities and programmes like Shilpgram Utsav, Orange City Craft Mela, Octave-Festival of North East, Salangai Naadam, Geeta Jayanti Mahotsav, National Crafts Fair, Rashtriya Shilp Mela, Fete-de-Puducherry, Chandigarh National Crafts Mela, Sindhu Darshan Festival, Purbanchalia Lok Mohotsav etc. throughout the country on regular basis.

In addition, the Ministry of Culture also organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs (RSMs) in the country and since 2015, the Ministry has organized 14 RSMs and 04 Zonal Level RSMs through its ZCCs up till now. These RSMs aim at bringing together the cultural diversity of India and reconnecting the younger generation to their roots and also make them aware about cultural heritage and ancient cultural values of the country by way of providing an effective platform to a large number of artists from all over India who display their talents during these programmes.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2101346) Visitor Counter : 51

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Religious Institutions Benefitted Under Seva Bhoj Yojana

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:06PM by PIB Delhi

Seva Bhoj Yojana was launched by the Ministry of Culture in August, 2018. Under the Seva Bhoj Yojana, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid on purchase of specific raw food items by the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions for distributing free food to at least 5000 people in a calendar month are reimbursed to these organizations by the Government of India through the concerned GST Authority. The State-wise details of the charitable and religious institutions that have been benefitted under the Seva Bhoj Yojana as of January, 2025 are Annexed.

As per the guidelines of Seva Bhoj Yojana, a Certificate from District Magistrate indicating that the Charitable/Religious Institution is involved in Charitable/Religious activities and is distributing free food to public/devotees etc. since last three years at least on daily/monthly basis is mandatorily required, as one of the eligibility criteria, for these institutions in order to get enrolled on the CSMS Portal of the Ministry of Culture. However, the details of individuals benefitted indirectly through the free meals are not sought by the Ministry while providing the benefit of reimbursement, as mentioned at Sl. No. (a) above under the Seva Bhoj Yojana from Charitable /Religious Institutions.

Under the Seva Bhoj Yojana, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid on purchase of specific raw food items by the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions for distributing free food to public are reimbursed to these organizations by the Government of India through the concerned GST Authority. The following procedure is adopted to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds granted under the Seva Bhoj Scheme: –

(i) Upon registration with NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog, the Charitable/Religious Institutions enrol and submit their application in CSMS Portal of the Ministry of Culture.

(ii) After enrolment with the Ministry of Culture, the applicant submits its application along with a copy of the registration certificate issued by the Ministry of Culture to the Nodal Central Tax Officer in their concerned State/UT.

(iii) The Nodal Central Tax Officer on receipt of the application and registration certificate generates a Unique Identity Number (UIN).

(iv) Thereafter, the concerned GST Authority forward the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) claims verified and passed by them in respect of the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions to the Ministry for releasing the same.

(v) The Ministry provides fund to the concerned GST Authority who further reimburses to these Charitable/Religious Institutions.

It has been the constant endeavour of the Ministry to promote all the schemes including Seva Bhoj Yojana and raise its awareness through various platforms viz. website of the Ministry, social media platforms etc. so that benefit of the scheme reaches to various types of eligible Charitable/Religious organizations situated across the country thereby leading to equitable representation of all religions and communities as the beneficiaries of the scheme.

The application and reimbursement process as mentioned at Sl. No. (c) above already ensures ease and faster reimbursement to the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

***

Annexure

(Rs.in lakhs)

Sl. No.	Financial Year	Name of Organizations	State	Fund Released
	2019-2020	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar	Punjab	171.00
		Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati	Andhra Pradesh	19.63
		Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust, Tirupati	Andhra Pradesh	5.27
	2020-2021	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	159.39
		Dreams & Beauty Charitable Trust, Ludhiana		1.22
		Durgiana Temple, Amritsar		8.84
	2021-2022	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	149.83
		Dreams & Beauty Charitable Trust, Ludhiana		0.28
		Durgiana Temple, Amritsar		4.81
	2022-2023	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	140.44
		Dreams & Beauty Charitable Trust, Ludhiana		0.80
		Durgiana Temple, Amritsar		1.76
	2023-2024	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	142.12
	2023-2024	Durgiana Temple, Amritsar	Punjab	3.88

***

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2101345) Visitor Counter : 48

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kalagram at Mahakumbh
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Culture has set up a cultural village viz. Kalagram in Sector-7 of Maha Kumbh district through North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) located at Prayagraj, an autonomous organization of the Ministry. The main features of Kalagram are:
- Main Entrance: 635 ft wide, 54 ft high, depicting 12 Jyotirlingas and the story of Lord Shiva consuming Halahal, a confluence of art and spirituality.
- A stage 104 feet-wide & 72 feet-depth on the theme of Char-Dham.
- Artist and Performance: 14,632 artists will perform on various stages including Kalagram.
- Anubhut Mandapam: 360° immersive experience narrating Ganga descent from heaven to earth.
- Aviral Shashwat Kumbh: Digital display by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National Archives of India (NAI) and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
- Food Zone: Satvik cuisine from all Zonal Cultural Centres apart from the local cuisine of Prayagraj.
- Sanskriti Angans: Display and sale of traditional Indian handicrafts and handlooms in the courtyards by 98 artisans of the seven Zonal Cultural Centres.
For the performance, 45 artists belonging to 03 art forms and for stalls 06 artisans from Karnataka have been deputed to Kalagram at Maha Kumbh-2025 by South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), Thanjavur, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture.The Kalagram has been set up at Maha Kumbh-2025 on the request of Government of Uttar Pradesh. A Kalagram, though on a smaller scale had been set up during 2019 Kumbh Mela too.To make these experiences accessible to audiences who cannot attend in person, Ministry of Culture alongwith NCZCC, Prayagraj is uploading the content on their various social media handles like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram etc.

North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), Prayagraj and South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur organize a number of cultural programmes at various venues in their member States including Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh) as decided by their Programme Committees. Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, invited two major theatre groups from Sidhi viz. Rangdoot and Indravati Natya Samiti for a performance in Amrit Yuva Kalotsav held at Bhopal and Lucknow.

SCZCC, Nagpur had also invited artists from Indravati Natya Samiti, Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh) during organization of theatre presentation of Eklavya-Bagheli Theatre at Shilpgram, Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

***

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2101344) Visitor Counter : 49

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Acting Chief Executive meets Director-General of Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, met with the visiting Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr Qu Dongyu, today (February 10). The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, also attended the meeting.

     Mr Chan welcomed Dr Qu’s visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. Mr Chan said that the FAO has 194 Member Nations launching work worldwide, leading international efforts to eradicate hunger. It plays a pivotal role in global food security, promoting the development of distinctive agricultural products in various countries and regions, advancing the development of fisheries and aquaculture, and preventing and controlling major animal diseases. Its achievements are widely recognised.

     Mr Chan said that Hong Kong is promoting the upgrading and transformation of the overall agriculture and fisheries industry towards modernisation and sustainable development. The Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries formulated in Hong Kong earlier has also set out specific work targets in this regard. In addition, Hong Kong has consistently engaged in various collaborations with the FAO. For example, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department earlier participated in the drafting of a series of FAO guidelines on African Swine Fever (ASF) to assist smallholder pig farmers in the Asian region to respond to ASF, and the relevant guidelines have now been widely adopted by Asian countries/regions.

     Mr Chan further said that he looks forward to greater co-operation between Hong Kong and the FAO to strengthen knowledge exchange, promote regional co-operation, and make further contributions to global food security and sustainable development. Dr Qu thanked the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s support of the FAO and said he looks forward to engaging in closer collaboration in the future.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Labour & Employment and FoundIt Signs MoU in Presence of Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Labour & Employment and FoundIt Signs MoU in Presence of Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

MoU with FoundIt to Bring 10 lakh Job Opportunities Annually on NCS portal: Dr. Mandaviya

NCS Portal has become a crucial gateway, connecting millions of job seekers with employers at national and international levels – Union Minister

Partnership to Boost International Job Opportunities on NCS Portal

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move to enhance job creation and expand opportunities for young job seekers, the Ministry of Labour & Employment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FoundIt (Formerly Monster), a leading job portal in New Delhi today. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and aims to enhance international & domestic employment opportunities for job seekers registered on NCS portal.

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the NCS Portal’s transformative role in bridging the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities, both within India and abroad. “The NCS Portal has become a crucial gateway, connecting millions of job seekers with employers at the national and international levels. With the addition of 3,000 to 4,000 job postings daily, this MoU is expected to bring 1.25 lakhs international vacancies and over 10 lakhs domestic vacancies to NCS each year, significantly boosting employment prospects for Indian youth,” he stated.

He further emphasized the NCS Portal’s role as a robust employment-generation platform, connecting job seekers across diverse industries. “With over 40 lakh employers registered, the portal has facilitated the mobilization of more than 4.40 crore vacancies since its inception. At any given time, nearly 10 lakh job vacancies are available, ensuring a steady flow of opportunities for the youth,” he added.

Expanding its global reach, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the NCS Portal’s integration with the e-Migrate platform, under which more than 500 active Recruitment Agencies (RAs) registered with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have been onboarded. “This initiative has opened doors for Indian professionals to secure jobs with credible, verified employers abroad,” he noted.

Calling the NCS Portal a vital resource for job seekers, Dr. Mandaviya urged the youth to register on the platform and take full advantage of the numerous career opportunities available. He mentioned that NCS portal is integrated with My Bharat, SIDH portal which is bridging the skill gap among the youth to make them more employable.

NCS पोर्टल हो रहा सशक्त!

युवाओं को रोजगार के और अधिक अवसर प्रदान करने के लिए @NCSIndia पोर्टल और @foundit_India के बीच आज MoU किया गया है। इससे NCS पोर्टल पर ही युवाओं को प्रतिवर्ष 10 लाख से अधिक नौकरियों के अवसर प्रदान होंगे।

प्रधानमंत्री श्री @NarendraModi जी के नेतृत्व में… pic.twitter.com/sUPkyKdVyA

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) February 10, 2025

Secretary MoLE, Smt. Sumita Dawra stated that countries like Germany, Finland, and nations across the Middle East are actively seeking skilled workers for both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. This MoU will enable NCS to facilitate these vacancies and enhance career prospects for Indian job seekers, she added.

V. Suresh, CEO of FoundIt, lauded the partnership, stating that it aligns with the Modi Government’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ by fostering inclusive employment opportunities. “Employment is the key to economic growth, and the government’s commitment to creating better career prospects is reflected in the continued success of the NCS Portal, which connects millions of job seekers with opportunities in India and abroad,” he said.

Benefits of the MoU between MoLE and FoundIt:
1. Expanded Job Opportunities: Job seekers registered on the National Career Service (NCS) Portal will gain access to vacancies not only within India but also in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, significantly broadening their employment prospects.
2. Seamless Job Integration: FoundIt will post job opportunities on the NCS Portal, enhancing employment prospects for job seekers. It will gather job demand from employers across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia looking to hire in both the formal and informal sectors. Relevant job listings will be integrated into the NCS Portal via APIs for seamless access.
3. Inclusive Hiring Practices: The NCS Portal is committed to providing employment opportunities for women and persons with disabilities. This partnership with FoundIt will promote a fair and inclusive hiring process, ensuring equal job opportunities for underrepresented groups.
4. Access to a Diverse Talent Pool: Through this MoU, FoundIt will gain access to a large and diverse pool of candidates from the NCS Portal, including women and persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Labour & Employment will facilitate database integration, enabling FoundIt to connect with a broad talent base via a seamless technology interface, accessible both online and offline.
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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2101338) Visitor Counter : 85

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Listen to the Beat – Heart Health Month at NHB

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Take heart.

There are several heartfelt static displays, informative presentations and knowledge-based exhibitions throughout Naval Hospital Bremerton acknowledging February as Heart Health Month.

Whether it’s operational readiness or household responsibilities, from the deckplate to the domestic, cardiovascular endurance is a must.

At any age.

“Take steps now to adopt a healthier lifestyle to keep your heart healthy and avoid heart disease,” said Patricia Skinner, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton’s Health Promotion and Wellness coordinator. “While heart disease is often viewed as something to worry about when you get older, about six in 10 preventable heart disease and stroke deaths happen to people under age 65.”

There is a crucial need to remind every age group on having a healthy heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., with one person dying every 33 second from cardiovascular disease, with over 700,000 fatalities in 2022.

“Heart disease is a topic for adults of any age, including young adults,” Skinner continued. “Take steps now to reduce the risk of developing this disease which can negatively affect someone’s military career and compromise mission readiness,”

Although cardiologists note that there are a number of factors which can lead to heart disease, there are overlapping lifestyle indicators which are the usual suspects, such as tobacco usage, excessive alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and carrying extra weight. All puts a stress on the heart and entire cardiovascular system.

Skinner is helping lead the educational cardiovascular charge tailored for all age groups, advocating that everyone should choose a healthy eating plan, be physically active and learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke.

“Take care of your heart whatever age you are,” stressed Skinner, “Each age group is impacted differently by heart disease and can be prevented by establishing health habits early, like getting in regular physical activity in childhood, maintaining healthy weight, monitoring cholesterol levels and blood pressure in middle age and managing any chronic medical conditions to ensure a healthy lifestyle across all stages of life.”

Health Promotion and Wellness recommends the following for each age group:

In the 20s, people should find a doctor and ensure they have regular health [and dental] wellness exams. They also need to avoid nicotine products and steer clear of secondhand smoke.

“Smoking impacts the cardiovascular system in a number of ways from narrowing and thickening the arteries to raising blood pressure and heart rate to reducing oxygen supply,” Skinner said.

In the 30s, goals towards improved health should be to manage stress, be aware of family medical history and make heart-healthy living a family affair.

“There are a number of simply and effective ways to manage stress which include getting eight hours of sleep [preferably uninterrupted], daily exercise and focusing on nutritious eating habits,” stated Skinner.

In the 40s, people need to [continue to] watch their weight, find a workout routine they enjoy, and have their blood sugar level checked.

In the 50s, people need to get smart on warning signs. Heart attack symptoms in women can be different than a man. People also need to follow their treatment plan regarding lifestyle and diet change(s) and medication needs.

“Women can feel dizziness, upper back pressure, check discomfort, shortness of breath, feeling of indigestion, occasional neck, teeth or jaw discomfort, and fainting or extreme fatigue,” explained Skinner. “Men can feel a cold sweat, chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath or dizziness and pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw and abdomen.”

In the 60s, people need to watch their blood pressure, cholesterol and other related numbers closely. They also need to continue to exercise on a regular basis, consume smaller portions of nutrient-rich foods to maintain a healthy weight.

Health Promotion and Wellness is based upon the three foundational principles of nutrition, wellness and fitness. Food consumption plays a sizable role in heart health. In accentuating the nutritional aspect, Machinist’s Mate, Nuclear Power 2nd Class Grace McCracken created a display showcasing a variety of multicolored foods, each offering a wide range of nutrients.

Red colored foods, such as strawberry and apples are considered good for the heart.
Orange colored foods like carrots and tangerines help eyesight.
Yellow foods like a yellow pepper can help a body heal cuts.
Brown fruits and vegetables give the body energy.
Blue foods – like blueberries – have nutrients and antioxidants to help reduce high blood pressure.
Green foods from kiwis to peas to broccoli help to combat germs.

Skinner noted that even though February is designated as heart health month and some New Year resolutions for getting back into shape include developing healthy heart habits, that enthusiasm can fade.

“It’s a concern all year,” exclaimed Skinner.

Skinner gave heart in summing up their campaign theme, “Bringing awareness about heart disease to those who are concerned about their health is gratifying, especially when those same individuals share their progress in losing weight, reducing their cholesterols levels, or getting their blood pressure under control. It’s a step in the right direction for those who take their heart health seriously and maintain consistent healthy habits throughout the year.”

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Tells GOP: Hands Off Medicaid

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
02.10.25
Cantwell Tells GOP: Hands Off Medicaid
House Republicans recently revealed proposal to cut $2.3 trillion from Medicaid to pay for Trump policy priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Committee on Finance and ranking member of the Commerce Committee, joined a letter with 46 Senators calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson to reject any legislation or budget proposals that would make cuts to Medicaid.
“Republicans are proposing cuts to the Medicaid program from hundreds of billions to multiple trillions of dollars,” the Senators wrote. “States simply cannot absorb these massive funding cuts without hurting children, seniors, people with disabilities, tribal populations, patients with chronic illnesses, and many other Americans who rely on Medicaid.”
“Given that levels of abuse and waste within Medicaid are not commensurate to cutting billions from the program, President Trump and Congressional Leadership should uphold this commitment to enhance, rather than gut, Medicaid. The American people should be assured that Medicaid will be protected. We urge you to reject proposals that use Medicaid as a piggy bank for partisan priorities and continue to defend the importance of this vital program,” the Senators concluded.
More than 1.8 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Medicaid (Apple Health). One in six adults, two in five children, three in five nursing home residents, and three in eight people with disabilities in Washington are covered by Medicaid. Any cuts in federal Medicaid funding would not only reduce the number of enrollees, it would potentially exacerbate Washington state’s budget deficit as states would have to make up for the shortfall by lowering coverage levels or cutting services.
Sen. Cantwell is a longtime advocate for expanding and protecting Medicaid and Medicare. Rather than cutting Medicaid payments, Sen. Cantwell has introduced legislation to generate cost savings for American taxpayers. Sen. Cantwell has championed the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act to crack down on PBMs and ban “spread pricing,” the PBM practice of charging a health insurance plan more to process a prescription than it reimburses the pharmacy and pocketing the difference – the spread. According to a recent CBO report, eliminating spread pricing in just the Medicaid program would result in approximately $900 million in savings over 10 years.
Sen. Cantwell has also introduced legislation to expand Medicaid payments for low-barrier fentanyl treatment programs and rural hospitals’ labor and delivery units.
The full text of the letter is HERE and below.
Dear Majority Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson,
As we begin a new Congress, we seek to pursue policies that improve the lives of Americans across this country. However, we are deeply concerned about recent reporting on Republican plans to use the budget reconciliation process to advance President Trump’s reckless agenda. While we disagree on these costly and misguided policies, we are hopeful that there is bipartisan understanding of Medicaid’s importance for millions across the country, that the Medicaid program should be enhanced rather than cut, and that Republican policies should not be paid for at the expense of working-class Americans losing their health care.
Medicaid is a lifeline for communities across the country. Nearly 80 million Americans get their health insurance through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provide services Americans rely on to remain healthy, go to school, and thrive at work. Medicaid pays for nearly half of all births in the U.S., provides health insurance coverage to nearly half of all of America’s children, provides care to 3 in 5 nursing home residents, and provides peace of mind to 17 million women of reproductive age. Medicaid is also a lifeline for rural communities, with children and non-elderly adults in rural areas more likely to be covered by Medicaid compared to those in urban areas.
Republicans are proposing cuts to the Medicaid program from hundreds of billions to multiple trillions of dollars. [1] Cuts to Medicaid through drastically changing the program’s financing structure or imposing additional barriers to coverage are dangerous to the millions of people who rely on the program. These proposals will also force states to make difficult decisions that will result in millions getting kicked off their coverage and providers struggling to keep their practices open. States simply cannot absorb these massive funding cuts without hurting children, seniors, people with disabilities, tribal populations, patients with chronic illnesses, and many other Americans who rely on Medicaid.
Speaking about Medicaid last week, President Trump said, “We’re not going to do anything with that, unless we can find some abuse or waste. The people won’t be affected. It will only be more effective and better.”[2]
Given that levels of abuse and waste within Medicaid are not commensurate to cutting billions from the program, President Trump and Congressional Leadership should uphold this commitment to enhance, rather than gut, Medicaid. The American people should be assured that Medicaid will be protected. We urge you to reject proposals that use Medicaid as a piggy bank for partisan priorities and continue to defend the importance of this vital program.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lee to Chair Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement upon taking the gavel as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights:
I am honored to reclaim the gavel from my colleague Senator Klobuchar and resume my role as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights for the 119th Congress. Antitrust and competition policies are fundamental to maintaining dynamic markets and ensuring the strength of our American economy. Capitalism thrives on competition, which fuels innovation, efficiency, and consumer benefits.
As Chairman, I remain committed to holding Big Tech accountable for anticompetitive conduct and advancing critical legislation, such as the AMERICA Act, to break up monopoly power in the advertising technology sector and unlock competition. In addition to big tech—sectors such as healthcare, media, and airlines have seen increased consolidation and raise competitive concerns. I look forward to examining solutions to reinvigorate competition for the benefit of consumers.
Additionally, across many industries government regulations can create entry barriers that stifle innovation and entrench dominant players. Ensuring that consumers benefit from innovation and competitive economy call for evaluating and removing regulatory obstacles that prevent new entrants from challenging entrenched incumbents.
The goal is to ensure that the free market remains a vibrant arena, where competition thrives, ideas flourish, and innovation prospers, benefiting consumers. I am eager to work with my colleagues on both sides to accomplish these goals for the American people.
***
For more information on the Judiciary Committee and the Antitrust Subcommittee, please click HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group President Calviño in Kyiv on first official visit outside EU to announce new major projects for critical energy infrastructure, basic services for citizens and investment in SMEs across Ukraine
Source: European Investment Bank
- The EIB President is leading the EIB delegation to Ukraine on her first visit outside the EU since taking up office last year.
- Calviño stressed the EIB Group’s long-term commitment to Ukraine in talks with the government and business leaders in Kyiv.
- The projects announced under EU’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility include €420 million in investment for the public sector to restore and protect energy supplies, and for water, heating, housing and other critical infrastructure.
- The support also includes new loan and guarantees for SMEs, unlocking almost €500 million of new finance.
- The EU 112 emergency call system will be rolled out in Ukraine with EIB backing.
- A €16.5 million grant provided by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to an EIB International Climate Initiative Trust Fund has been signed for renewable energy in Ukraine.
- There are plans for close cooperation to advance social housing in the country.
On her first official visit outside the European Union since taking up office a year ago, European Investment Bank (EIB) Group President Nadia Calviño is visiting Kyiv today to meet top Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The objective of the visit is to agree on new financing operations for Ukraine and stress Europe’s long-term commitment to the country. President Calviño is leading the delegation that also features EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová.

The package – part of the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility – includes €420 million for new public-sector projects to restore and protect energy supplies, heating systems and other critical infrastructure that has been damaged since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The EIB and the European Commission are set to finalise the approval of a €2 billion EIB contribution under the Facility.

The latest round of European funding announced today will also benefit Ukraine’s private sector, with the aim of bolstering thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the country’s economy. It combines a €100 million loan and guarantees aimed at unlocking around €400 million in lending to SMEs through key Ukrainian banks – including Ukreximbank, ProCredit Bank and Ukrgasbank – with which the EIB has signed agreements today.

Another element of the package is the planned rollout of the European Union’s common 112 emergency number and call system across Ukraine to enhance public safety. President Calviño visited an operating centre in Kyiv that will run the new system to mark the signing of a €40 million EIB loan for the initiative, which is complemented by a €12 million EU grant and funding from Member States under the EU for Ukraine Fund.

“This is my first official visit outside the European Union since taking up office as President of the EIB Group last year. Support for Ukraine is a top priority and that is why I am so pleased to be here to announce new major projects for SMEs, energy, water and other essential services that will help people to continue with their daily lives and support the country’s economic resilience, while also laying the foundation for a stronger Ukraine on its path to EU membership,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño.”

“The financing package that we have announced reflects our ongoing and unwavering commitment, since the very first day of this war, to help Ukraine recover, rebuild, and thrive despite the immense challenges it faces. This is a joint effort of Team Europe made possible through close collaboration with the European Commission and EU Member States,” added EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Ukraine.

“This support package, developed with the EIB, further demonstrates the European Union’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. With the Ukraine Facility, we are restoring vital infrastructure and helping businesses grow – crucial projects as Ukraine defends itself against Russian aggression. Together, we will continue to support Ukraine, working on key areas, such as energy, housing, and public safety to build a stronger and more sustainable future,” said EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová.

Today, four projects worth €420 million were announced under the EU’s Ukraine Facility. They will help to restore critical infrastructure and services and ensure a stable energy supply. The projects include the €100 million “Ukraine Recovery III”, €100 million “Ukraine Water Recovery”, and the €100 million “Ukraine District Heating”, which will be channelled through Ukreximbank. These initiatives aim to ensure that millions of Ukrainians in more than 100 communities across the country have access to heating, water, hospitals, schools and housing for internally displaced people. The €120 million “Support of Ukrhydroenergo Stability and Recovery” loan to the largest hydropower generating company in Ukraine will help to restore hydropower plants and thus reinforce the Ukrainian energy system.

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine — Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba said: “We deeply value the strong cooperation with the European Investment Bank, in particular under the recovery programmes, which are playing, since 2014 a key role in supporting more than 100 communities across the country. We are grateful for the support to the communities that are de-occupied or close to the front line. The provision of social, medical, logistical, educational and other infrastructure is essential to ensuring our communities remains strong and resilient. Today we sign €100 million of the multi-sector Ukraine Recovery III loan for the restoration and modernization of critical infrastructure, such as heating, hospitals and housing for IDPs and we sign €100 million of Ukraine Water Recovery dedicated to water and wastewater. Our collaboration on social housing is another key component, reflecting our shared commitment to providing essential infrastructure and stability for those in need. The grant for renewable energy, which we also signed today, will play a vital role in ensuring that critical buildings, like hospitals, can continue serving the population amidst power cuts. Together, these initiatives not only accelerate our recovery but also help us build a more resilient and sustainable future for our country.”

The financing provided for the 112 call system in Ukraine will expand data centres across the country and upgrade their technological capacity, ensuring that critical services are reliable and efficient.

“Implementing and developing the 112 emergency call system has become a crucial component in enhancing public safety in Ukraine and in aligning our infrastructure to European standards. Thanks to the EIB loan and support from European partners, we will be able to improve cooperation between emergency services, particularly through the automatic detection of the caller’s geolocation. We will strengthen our ability to assist individuals with hearing and speech impairments, as well as foreign citizens. This project is about enhancing the safety of our citizens and providing timely assistance to those in need,” said Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko.

The EIB is also signing a €16.5 million grant from the German government with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine to promote renewable energy. The grant comes through the EIB’s International Climate Initiative Fund and is part of the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan announced by the EIB in October 2024.

The grant will help integrate renewable energy systems into public buildings undergoing renovation works under EIB municipal loans. This will upgrade social infrastructure and make energy more reliable, cleaner and less costly. The grant will also help to decentralise energy generation, ensuring that critical public buildings in towns and villages are less reliant on electricity supplies from large power stations, making them less vulnerable to blackouts in the event of an airstrike.

Berthold Goeke, Director-General for Climate Action, German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) said: “Through the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme, the International Climate Initiative (IKI) is helping smaller Ukrainian communities — those most affected by the war and in urgent need — to implement climate-friendly technologies. This support enables Ukraine to reduce energy costs and modernize outdated infrastructure in public buildings, laying the foundation for a stable and renewable energy future. In this way, the German government is addressing two critical challenges in Ukraine’s energy system. First, we are supporting the development of a decentralized and resilient energy supply, particularly for essential public infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and kindergartens. Given the ongoing Russian aggression and the destruction of central energy infrastructure, this is vital for ensuring stability and security. Second, our initiative contributes to Ukraine’s long-term energy transition by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, paving the way for a climate-neutral energy system.”

Social housing is one of the most pressing issues in Ukraine, with 10% of the country’s housing stock damaged as a result of the war. The EIB is supporting the government in drafting a new housing code and exploring the possibility of financing the construction of homes that are publicly owned.

Background information

EIB in Ukraine

The EIB Group has been supporting Ukraine’s resilience, economy and efforts to rebuild since the very first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion. In 2024, we supported projects aimed at securing Ukraine’s energy supply, repairing critical infrastructure that has been damaged, and ensuring that essential services continue to be delivered across the country. This brings the total amount of aid we have disbursed since the start of the war to over €2.2 billion. This funding has played a crucial role in ensuring that vital services continue to be delivered to people in Ukraine. For example, this year we inaugurated the water supply facility in Bucha that was rebuilt, and which provides clean water to 9 000 residents. We also opened five new schools in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Ternopil Oblasts, helped build a department for children’s infectious diseases at a hospital in Zhytomyr Oblast, and significantly improved sanitation through the upgraded sewerage collector in Vinnytsia Oblast. Furthermore, our investments have helped modernise street lighting in Dnipro, benefitted the reclamation of the Hrybovychi landfill in Lviv, and helped to upgrade water infrastructure in Mykolaiv. We have also strengthened Ukraine’s transport networks to ensure resilient and sustainable mobility for businesses and residents. With our support, cities such as Lviv, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, and Sumy have purchased new buses, trolleybuses, and trams. In addition, we have funded the reconstruction of the M01 Kyiv-Chernihiv-Novi Yarylovychi section of road that had been damaged in the war. To enhance Ukraine’s energy resilience, we have launched the Energy Rescue Plan, securing €600 million in EU-backed financing, including €86 million to build anti-drone shelters to protect critical electricity transmission infrastructure. These measures are crucial to maintaining stable power supply across the country amid ongoing challenges. In 2024, we signed over €250 million in new investment for projects to further enhance social infrastructure and support businesses that are the backbone of Ukraine’s economy.

The EU for Ukraine Fund (EU4U) was established in 2023 as part of a larger EU for Ukraine initiative. The fund aims to accelerate EIB Global’s support for Ukraine’s most urgent infrastructure needs and help sustain its economy. The Fund supports both public and private sector projects to rebuild critical municipal infrastructure and improve access to finance for entrepreneurs.

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) Fund was established in 2019 in partnership with the government of Germany, with the aim of catalysing investment for ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation projects in developing and emerging countries. The IKI Fund seeks to do this by providing investment grants, financial instruments and technical assistance to public and private sector beneficiaries, as well as advisory services to central banks and financial institutions.
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting citizens from the devious practices of news networks – E-000387/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-000387/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

A number of news networks have been accused of presenting different content in the EU and their countries of origin, with the intention of manipulating Europeans. Studies have identified differences in political tone between Al Jazeera’s English-language and Arabic-language channels, as well as between Arabic and non-Arabic speakers. These differences are evident in terms of content selection, presentation and editorial position. For example, studies comparing the network’s coverage of the US-Al Qaeda conflict found that the Arabic-language website often presented more critical views, while the English-language website adopted a rather neutral tone.

In addition, Al Jazeera English takes a different approach to the Arabic-language channel, with differences in tone, topic selection and overall coverage. These differences suggest that Al Jazeera adapts its content to meet the distinct needs of its English-speaking and Arab-speaking audiences, resulting in variations in political tone and coverage. Similar complaints have been made about the Turkish broadcaster TRT, which the Turkish Government is trying to use as a tool of social and political manipulation on Turkish people located in the EU.

Does the Commission have a strategy to effectively address these differences and to enhance the accountability of large news networks operating within the EU?

Submitted: 28.1.2025

Last updated: 10 February 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Presence of British Bases in the Republic of Cyprus – E-000388/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000388/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

The United Kingdom (UK) appears to be pursuing an institutional rapprochement with the EU. We must be the ones to define the negotiating framework.

The British Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) in Cyprus were created in 1960 with the Zurich-London Agreements, for the independence of the Republic of Cyprus (RC), on the agreement that the UK would be a guarantor power for the RC, a role it completely failed to fulfil in 1974 when it ignored the illegal Turkish invasion. In contrast, the UK has used the SBAs for military operations in Iraq, Syria and Somalia, which is completely incompatible with its presence there. It does not even inform the Republic of Cyprus about these operations. At the same time, Türkiye often confirms its expansionist attitude towards the RC[1] and increases its military presence in the – illegally – occupied Cypriot territories.[2] In the debate on strengthening the EU’s European military role[3] there have been no references to the protection of the RC, despite the Turkish occupation/threat.

In view of the above, can the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following:

1.How many times and in what circumstances has she raised the issue of the withdrawal of British troops from Cyprus, in discussions with the UK?

2.Does she plan to call for the replacement of the British military presence in Cyprus with a European military force to defend the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus?

Submitted: 28.1.2025

[1] https://gr.euronews.com/2024/03/19/proklitiki-anafora-erdogan-gia-tin-kypro-an-eixame-piesei-pros-ton-noto-kypros-diki-mas

[2] https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/turkey-expands-military-presence-in-cyprus-with-bases-and-radar-installations/

[3] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/europe%E2%80%99s-demosthenes-moment-putting-defence-centre-eu-policies_en
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The ongoing conflict in Sudan – E-002569/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The implementation of the arms embargo is the responsibility of Member States. T he export (outside of the EU) of military technology and equipment is subject to the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP[1], revised in 2019, which is binding for all Member States.

The competent authorities of Member States take the final decision on a case-by-case basis whether to authorise or deny an individual export or transit license of military equipment in accordance with the criteria of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP.

These criteria cover inter alia the risk of violations of human rights and humanitarian law, the risk of diversion (notably via unauthorised re-export), and the behaviour of the recipient country with regard to terrorism, the nature of its alliances and the respect of international law.

Where licences are granted, conditions are generally attached to them, for instance on end-use, storage and on re-exportation. The conditions can be adjusted to the level of risk of the recipient countries.

The EU has maintained an arms embargo on the whole of Sudan since 1994, prohibiting the sale, supply, transfer, or export of arms and related materiel to the entire country[2].

Thus, the EU has already implemented the recommendation of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission[3] to expand the United Nations arms embargo (currently applying only to Darfur) to the entire country and will continue encouraging others to follow suit.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/compos/2008/944/oj/eng

[2] See current EU legislation in Council Decision 2014/450/CFSP (OJ L 203 11.7.2014, p. 106).

[3] See the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan (A/HRC/57/CRP.6), https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session57/A-HRC-57-CRP-6-en.pdf
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protection of European maritime interests in the Red Sea – E-002807/2024(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

On 19 February 2024, the EU deployed its Naval Force Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea, with a mandate to protect ships under attack, to accompany vessels and to reinforce maritime situational awareness, in cooperation with international partners.

Between 19 February 2024 and 19 January 2025, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has contributed to uphold the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and beyond by protecting and monitoring more than 500 merchant vessels and their crews during their transits under missiles and drones threats. In addition, it has established in a record time a network of cooperation with the shipping industry.

Over 2024, more than 25 meetings in Brussels and more than 8 trips to the region ensured that the activities of the operation were understood by EU partners and that the defensive posture would fit in the complex regional environment.

The diplomatic outreach has facilitated the political regional buy-in, the necessary daily logistics and the informal clearance of ad hoc access to partners’ infrastructures in case of emergency.

When the Houthis hit MV Sounion, risking a large oil spill, the European External Action Service reached out to all regional actors to allow the removal of the vessel and avoid a major environmental catastrophe.

The Commission provides maritime surveillance and situational awareness services through the integrated maritime services hosted by the EU Maritime Safety Agency.

These efforts support the ongoing monitoring of safety, security, and pollution prevention in the affected areas. Additionally, the Commission closely monitors economic impacts, such as increased rerouting costs and reduced traffic to Mediterranean ports and stays in close contact with relevant industry stakeholders.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Farmland bought by private investment funds – P-000546/2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000546/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D), Cristina Maestre (S&D), Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D)

The number of large foreign investment funds buying up farmland has shot up in recent years, increasing the cost of land of that kind in many regions, in both Spain and other Member States.

As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult for small and medium-sized farms to access land and extremely difficult for young people to join the industry. This new model for land ownership in rural areas may pose a threat to the family farming model that underpins our rural areas and may undermine those areas’ future.

In the light of this state of affairs:

1.What can the Commission do to prevent a substantial portion of farmland from being bought up by large investment funds?

2.When does it intend to launch the land price observatory it announced and what other measures is it considering taking to curb rising prices?

Submitted: 5.2.2025
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Air quality in Italy – E-000385/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000385/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Mario Furore (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE)

The European Environment Agency estimates that, in 2022, air pollution from fine particulate matter caused 239 000 premature deaths in Europe, including 48 600 in Italy[1].

Directive 2008/50/EC, which Italy transposed by means of Legislative Decree No 155/2010[2], lays down that the limit value of 50 μg/m³ of PM₁₀ may not be exceeded more than 35 times a year[3]. However, many sampling points in Italy recorded a much higher number of exceedances of PM₁₀ limits than that[4]. Those breaches come after the Court of Justice of the European Union, in its judgments of 10 November 2020 in case C-644/18[5] and of 12 May 2022 in case C-573/19[6], had already established that Italy had violated Directive 2008/50/EC by exceeding the PM₁₀ and nitrogen dioxide limit values and had taken action in that regard.

In view of the above, what further steps does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Italy keeps to the limits established in Directive 2008/50/EC?

Submitted: 28.1.2025

[1] EEA, Europe’s air quality status 2024, https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/europes-air-quality-status-2024.

[2] Legislative Decree of 13 August 2010, No 155, https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2010-08-13;155.

[3] Annex XI, point B, Directive 2008/50/EC, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02008L0050-20150918

[4] For example, Lazio’s regional environmental protection agency, ARPA Lazio recorded 68 exceedances at the Frosinone Scalo monitoring point, 54 in Cassino and 77 in Ceccano. ARPA Lazio, weekly bulletins: https://www.arpalazio.net/main/aria/sci/basedati/bollettini/bs.php?year=2024.

[5] Judgment of the Court of 10 November 2020 – European Commission v Italian Republic (Case C-644/18), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:62018CJ0644.

[6] Judgment of the Court of 12 May 2022 – European Commission v Italian Republic (Case C-573/19), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:62019CA0573.
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament
42 Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 10 February 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 14:00 44 Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 10 February 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 14:00 45 Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 10 February 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 14:00 27 Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – Motions for resolutions Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 11:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 12:00 – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 19:00 50 Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – Motion for a resolution Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 19:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 20:00 – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 16:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 7 February 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament
29 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize DP910521 – Amendments Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00 28 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 95275 – Amendments Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00 42 Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 10 February 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 14:00 44 Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 10 February 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 14:00 45 Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 10 February 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 7 February 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Tuesday, 11 February 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

Agenda

Strasbourg

Monday, 10 February 2025 – Thursday, 13 February 2025

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Version: Monday, 10 February 2025, 17:33

12:00 – 12:30 Formal sitting

Address by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada

09:00 – 11:50 Debates

Council (including replies)

20′

Commission (including replies)

20′

“Catch the eye” (2×5′)

10′

Members

104′

13:30 – 22:00 Debates (or at the end of the votes)

Council (including replies)

50′

Commission (including replies)

65′

Author (committee)

5′

“Catch the eye” (7×5′)

35′

Members

239′

32		Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression
17		European Central Bank – annual report 2024 Anouk Van Brug (A10-0003/2025)
	–	Amendments	Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00
50		Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
	–	Motion for a resolution	Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00
	–	Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions	Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 19:00
	–	Amendments to joint motions for resolutions	Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 20:00
	–	Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes	Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 16:00
Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes
Texts put to the vote on Tuesday			Friday, 7 February 2025, 12:00
Texts put to the vote on Wednesday			Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00
Texts put to the vote on Thursday			Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 19:00
Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150)			Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Monday, 10 February 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

17 European Central Bank – annual report 2024
Anouk Van Brug (A10-0003/2025)

– Amendments Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00

Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 7 February 2025, 12:00

Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00

Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 19:00

Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 19:00

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support from the Horizon Europe programme for Israeli companies involved in the ongoing genocide in Palestine – E-001930/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. Any research and innovation activities carried out under Horizon Europe[1] must have an exclusive focus on civil applications, as set forth in applicable rules and in particular in the Horizon Europe Regulation[2]. During the execution of the Horizon Europe projects, all beneficiaries must ensure that the activities under the action comply with these rules.

At the level of implementation of Horizon Europe, several mechanisms have been put in place to prevent that EU funds are used for activities that could be contrary to international law. All projects are monitored by the Commission to verify in particular the use of EU funds and compliance with the contractual obligations. Any non-compliance may trigger corrective or contractual measures as provided for in the grant agreement (e.g. the recovery of EU funding or termination of the participation).

2. According to the relevant Horizon Europe framework, excluding participants from a Horizon Europe project on the sole grounds of their nationality would amount to discrimination. Pursuant notably to Article 2 (2) of the Association Agreement to Horizon Europe, Israeli entities participate in the Horizon Europe programme under terms and conditions equivalent to those applicable to legal entities established in the EU[3].

3. The EU-Israel Association Agreement[4] is the legal basis of the EU’s ongoing dialogue with Israeli authorities on all sectoral cooperation matters. It provides mechanisms to discuss issues and advance the EU point of view. The EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to the application of international human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory and in the Gaza Strip; at the same time the EU is working actively to revive a political process leading to a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution. A decision to suspend the Association Agreement lies with the Council and would require unanimity.

[1] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32021R0695, OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1-68.

[3] Article 2(2) of the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and Israel, of the other part, on the participation of Israel in the Union programme Horizon Europe — the framework Programme for Research and Innovation, OJ L 95, 23/03/2022, p. 143-157.

[4] OJ L 147, 21/06/2000.
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on New Portal for Whistleblowers to Bring Attention to Potential Lawlessness Under Trump Administration

US Senate News:

Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) have created a new portal for federal employees who want to disclose information about wrongdoing, abuses of power, and threats to public safety:

“In just three weeks, President Trump has shown New Mexicans that his administration is willing to disregard the rule of law, recklessly terminate civil servants, and disband government agencies that Americans depend on. Senate Democrats are committed to holding the Trump administration accountable and courageous whistleblowers will be invaluable to the mission of providing a check on the Executive Branch. I commend Leader Schumer and Senator Peters for leading this effort to bring attention to any wrongdoing, and I remain committed to protecting New Mexico values and exposing any lawlessness that occurs under this administration.”

Today, in a public letter to federal civil service employees and public servants, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) wrote that Senate Democrats have launched a new portal for individuals interested in reporting wrongdoing, abuses of power, and threats to public safety. In the first three weeks of his administration, President Trump has shown a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a callousness for New Mexicans and the American people. From the DOGE takeover of the Treasury Department to the federal funding freeze, this administration has wreaked havoc on programs that thousands of New Mexico families, seniors, students, veterans, and others have come to depend upon.

The new portal for whistleblowers can be accessed here.

Leader Schumer and Senator Peters’ letter can be seen here.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European Commission measures to support farmers with low yields due to extreme weather events – E-002828/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan Regulation[1] already includes a number of interventions that may help farmers to perform preventive actions especially to prevent crises and build on medium and long-term resilience. For mitigating short-term impacts, the available tools include direct payments, which represent the biggest share of the CAP budget and support farmers’ incomes, risk management tools helping farmers manage production risks due to adverse weather events, as well as sectoral interventions supporting replanting or restocking, and investments in the restoration of production potential. Under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP)[2], in addition to direct payments, Greece envisages also support for investments to restore agricultural and forestry potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic or catastrophic events.

2. Moreover, on 19 December 2024[3] the Commission’s proposal amending Regulation (EU) 2020/2220[4] was adopted by the co-legislators to allow Member States to provide liquidity support to beneficiaries affected in 2024 by natural disasters and a destruction of at least 30% of the relevant production potential. It will be up to the Member States to decide if they will use this new support possibility under their Rural Development Programmes 2014-2022.

The design of the future Multiannual Financial Framework and its instruments lies ahead. The Common Agricultural Policy must become simpler and more targeted and find the right balance between incentives, investments and regulation. The priority will be to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A435%3ATOC&uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.435.01.0001.01.ENG

[2] https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/

[3] Regulation (EU) 2024/3242 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2020/2220 as regards specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R3242&qid=1735899275178

[4] Regulation (EU) 2020/2220 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 December 2020 laying down certain transitional provisions for support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) in the years 2021 and 2022 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013, (EU) No 1306/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013 as regards resources and application in the years 2021 and 2022 and Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 as regards resources and the distribution of such support in respect of the years 2021 and 2022 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/2220/oj/eng
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Russian Government disinformation interference with national governments – E-001958/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The High Representative/Vice-President is aware of the intentions of the Russian government, its modus operandi and have detected and exposed several foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) operations coming from Russian state or pro-Kremlin actors.

The European External Action Service coordinates closely with Member States and EU institutions on such FIMI activity in the context of the Rapid Alert System, including regarding Social Design Agency and other entities with links to such operations.

The exposure and response to Russia’s FIMI operations and restrictive measures are part of the FIMI toolbox[1], endorsed by the European Council in December 2023[2], and developed to reinforce EU situational awareness, resilience and response, as well as international partnerships to tackle this threat to security and democracy.

The EU’s response to FIMI evolves in close cooperation with the EU Member States and international partners to take account of new operations and malign activity patterns.

Furthermore, Regulation 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act ‘DSA’)[3] along with the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation[4] provide a number of tools to address the spread of disinformation, while fully upholding fundamental rights including the freedom of expression.

Political advertising can be a vector of disinformation and foreign interference. Once it fully enters into application in October 2025, Regulation 900/2024 on transparency and targeting of political advertising will ensure that political advertisements are labelled and subject to strict targeting requirements.

Sponsoring political advertisements by third country actors will be prohibited in the three months before elections or referenda.

[1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/tackling-disinformation-foreign-information-manipulation-interference_en

[2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/68967/europeancouncilconclusions-14-15-12-2023-en.pdf

[3] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (OJ L 277, 27.10.2022).

[4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/code-practice-disinformation
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Hybrid War: protection of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea – Committee on Security and Defence

Source: European Parliament

SEDE_undersea cables.jpg © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

On 18 February, SEDE organises a public hearing on ‘Hybrid War: protection of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea’ from 11.30 to 13.00hrs in Brussels (room SPINELLI 3G2) with external experts.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Hybrid War: protection of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea – 18-02-2025 – Committee on Security and Defence

Source: European Parliament

SEDE_undersea cables.jpg © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

SEDE organises a public hearing on ‘Hybrid War: protection of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea’ on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 from 11.30 to 13.00hrs in Brussels (room SPINELLI 3G2) with external experts.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Extending sanctions packages, procedure for discontinuing sanctions packages and voting arrangements in the Council under the Treaties – E-000427/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000427/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rada Laykova (ESN)

EU sanctions, such as those aimed at the Russian Federation and its residents, must be renewed by the Council every six months. Sanctions packages are then extended not individually but in blocks, with extensions requiring a unanimous vote in the Council.

1.What is the exact procedure followed by the Commission and the Union if at least one Member State does not agree to extending a block of sanctions and the extension therefore cannot be adopted?

2.Is it in any way permitted, under the EU Treaties in force, to repeat or cancel such votes in the Council until the result favoured by the majority of Council members can be reached unanimously?

Submitted: 30.1.2025
Last updated: 10 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: President Karin Keller-Sutter and DDPS head Viola Amherd to take part in the Munich Security Conference

Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

President Karin Keller-Sutter, Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), and Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), will be attending the 61st Munich Security Conference, which is taking place at the end of the week. The conference, which will be opened on Friday, 14 February by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will focus on global security challenges such as democratic resilience.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Daily attendance dashboard is live

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the new daily attendance dashboard is now live.

“The attendance dashboard will facilitate the daily recording and publication of student attendance,” says Mr Seymour.

“This is an example of Phase 2 of the government’s Attendance Action Plan to ensure that schools, the Ministry of Education, wider government, family, and caregivers are doing everything they can to get students back to school.

“The attendance dashboard will provide New Zealanders with up-to-date data about attendance in state and state-integrated schools across the country. That data will enable us to monitor truancy patterns, raise awareness and understanding of truancy and associated problems, and support effective interventions.

“On January 27 I announced that schools were required to record attendance daily for publication when the dashboard goes live. Today that data is available on the dashboard.

The interactive dashboard will show how many students were at school on any given day with data being published the day after attendance was recorded. The data will include a breakdown of reasons students were not attending school.

Visitors can filter the total number of students by region, type of school and Schooling Equity Index group (this measure has replaced deciles for schools), or day, to understand shifts in attendance over time.

“This will not create extra work for schools as daily recording of student attendance is already a requirement when a school is open for instruction, the Government is now compiling the data and making it readily available,” says Mr Seymour.

“To support schools to provide more accurate data we have also reviewed and reduced the number of attendance codes that schools need to use when recording attendance, from 26 to 15.

“This government is working hard to reach our student attendance target of 80 per cent of students being present for more than 90 per cent of the term by 2030. Tracking attendance daily through the attendance dashboard is integral to achieving this target.

“With more reliable and timely data being made available, the next phase of improving student attendance will be further understanding why students don’t attend.

“If this issue isn’t addressed there will be an 80-year long shadow of people who missed out on education when they were young, are less able to work, less able to participate in society, more likely to be on benefits. That’s how serious this is.”

Notes to editors: The dashboard can be accessed via Daily attendance | Education Counts

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPARCS: Suppression and Planning Actions for Restoring Communities and Species in the Southern California Ecoregion

Source: US Geological Survey

Title: SPARCS: Suppression and Planning Actions for Restoring Communities and Species in the Southern California Ecoregion

Date: February 14, 2025, at 2:00-2:30 pm Eastern/11:00 -11:30 am Pacific

Speaker: Austin Parker, Biologist, USGS Western Ecological Science Center

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025

Blog

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Ministry of Labour & Employment and FoundIt Signs MoU in Presence of Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

MoU with FoundIt to Bring 10 lakh Job Opportunities Annually on NCS portal: Dr. Mandaviya