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  • MIL-OSI China: ROC (Taiwan) government congratulates Donald Trump and JD Vance on inauguration as 47th president and 50th vice president of United States

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    ROC (Taiwan) government congratulates Donald Trump and JD Vance on inauguration as 47th president and 50th vice president of United States

    • Date：2025-01-21
    • Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    January 21, 2025
    No. 024

    Donald John Trump and James David Vance were sworn into office as the 47th president and 50th vice president of the United States, respectively, on January 20. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) sincerely congratulates President Trump and Vice President Vance on their inauguration. 

    Building on the friendly and solid relations that exist between Taiwan and the United States, and in accordance with the principles of mutual trust, reciprocity, and mutual benefits, the government of Taiwan looks forward to working with the Trump administration to strengthen the close bilateral partnership in such domains as security, the economy and trade, technology, and education so as to enhance the well-being of both peoples and advance peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and the world. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Euro area economic and financial developments by institutional sector: third quarter of 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    28 January 2025

    • Euro area net saving increased to €820 billion in four quarters up to third quarter of 2024, compared with €804 billion one quarter earlier
    • Household debt-to-income ratio decreased to 82.5% in third quarter of 2024 from 86.2% one year earlier
    • NFCs’ debt-to-GDP ratio (consolidated measure) decreased to 67.4% in third quarter of 2024 from 69.1% one year earlier

    Total euro area economy

    Euro area net saving increased to €820 billion (6.8% of euro area net disposable income) in the four quarters up to the third quarter of 2024 compared with €804 billion in the four quarters up to the previous quarter. Euro area net non-financial investment was broadly unchanged at €440 billion (3.7% of net disposable income), due to broadly unchanged net investment in all sectors (see Chart 1 and Table 1 in the Annex).

    Euro area net lending to the rest of the world increased to €418 billion (from €405 billion previously) reflecting the increased net saving and broadly unchanged net non-financial investment. Household net lending increased to €581 billion (4.8% of net disposable income) from €561 billion. Net lending of NFCs decreased to €192 billion (1.6% of net disposable income) from €231 billion while that of financial corporations was broadly unchanged at €132 billion (1.1% of net disposable income). General government net borrowing decreased, contributing less negatively (-4.0% of net disposable income, after -4.3% previously) to euro area net lending.

    Chart 1

    Euro area saving, investment and net lending to the rest of the world

    (EUR billions, four-quarter sums)

    Sources: ECB and Eurostat.
    * Net saving minus net capital transfers to the rest of the world (equals change in net worth due to transactions).

    Data for euro area saving, investment and net lending to the rest of the world (Chart 1)

    Households

    Household financial investment increased at a broadly unchanged annual rate of 2.4% in the third quarter of 2024. Among its components, investment in currency and deposits (2.6%, after 2.3%) and investment in shares and other equity (1.3%, after 0.8%) grew at higher rates – the latter due to investment fund shares – while investment in debt securities increased at a lower rate (15.4%, after 28.4%).

    Households continued to purchase, in net terms, mainly debt securities issued by general government and MFIs. Households were overall net sellers of listed shares, selling predominantly listed shares of non-financial corporations, while buying listed shares issued by the rest of the world (i.e. shares issued by non-euro area residents). Households increased their purchases of euro area investment fund shares, including those issued by MFIs (money market funds) and by non-money market investment funds, and continued to purchase investment fund shares issued by the rest of the world (see Table 1 below and Table 2.2. in the Annex).

    The household debt-to-income ratio[1] decreased to 82.5% in the third quarter of 2024 from 86.2% in the third quarter of 2023. The household debt-to-GDP ratio declined to 51.8% in the third quarter of 2024 from 53.5% in the third quarter of 2023 (see Chart 2).

    Table 1

    Financial investment and financing of households, main items

    (annual growth rates)

    Financial transactions

    2023 Q3

    2023 Q4

    2024 Q1

    2024 Q2

    2024 Q3

    Financial investment*

    1.8

    1.9

    2.0

    2.3

    2.4

    Currency and deposits

    0.3

    0.7

    1.6

    2.3

    2.6

    Debt securities

    58.7

    55.9

    39.4

    28.4

    15.4

    Shares and other equity**

    1.1

    0.3

    0.4

    0.8

    1.3

    Life insurance

    -0.7

    -0.7

    -0.2

    0.0

    0.8

    Pension schemes

    2.3

    2.1

    2.2

    2.2

    2.3

    Financing***

    1.5

    0.8

    1.0

    1.3

    1.3

    Loans

    1.0

    0.5

    0.5

    0.5

    0.9

    Source: ECB.
    * Items not shown include: loans granted, prepayments of insurance premiums and reserves for outstanding claims and other accounts receivable.
    ** Includes investment fund shares.
    *** Items not shown include: financial derivatives’ net liabilities, pension schemes and other accounts payable.

    Data for financial investment and financing of households (Table 1)

    Chart 2

    Debt ratios of households and NFCs

    (percentages of GDP)

    Sources: ECB and Eurostat.
    * Outstanding amount of loans, debt securities, trade credits and pension scheme liabilities.
    ** Outstanding amount of loans and debt securities, excluding debt positions between NFCs
    *** Outstanding amount of loan liabilities.

    Data for debt ratios of households and NFCs (Chart 2)

    Non-financial corporations

    Financing of NFCs increased at an unchanged annual rate of 1.0% in the third quarter of 2024. Issuance of debt securities grew at a lower rate (2.4% after 2.9%) and financing via trade credits increased at a higher rate (2.4% after 1.8%) while financing via shares and other equity (0.7%) and loans (1.3%) increased at unchanged rates. Loans granted by MFIs to NFCs increased at a broadly unchanged rate (1.2%), and loans granted by other NFCs grew at a lower rate (2.6% after 3.1%). Loans granted by other financial institutions declined at a less negative rate (‑0.2% after -0.6%), as did loans granted by the rest of the world (-1.1% after -2.1) (see Table 2 below and Table 3.2 in the Annex).

    NFCs’ debt-to-GDP ratio (consolidated measure) decreased to 67.4% in the third quarter of 2024, from 69.1% in the third quarter of 2023; the non-consolidated, wider debt measure decreased to 138.4% from 141.3% (see Chart 2).

    Table 2

    Financing and financial investment of NFCs, main items

    (annual growth rates)

    Financial transactions

    2023 Q3

    2023 Q4

    2024 Q1

    2024 Q2

    2024 Q3

    Financing*

    1.2

    0.8

    0.8

    1.0

    1.0

    Debt securities

    1.5

    1.3

    1.9

    2.9

    2.4

    Loans

    1.8

    1.6

    1.4

    1.3

    1.3

    Shares and other equity

    0.4

    0.3

    0.4

    0.7

    0.7

    Trade credits and advances

    2.1

    1.1

    0.9

    1.8

    2.4

    Financial investment**

    2.3

    1.7

    1.8

    2.0

    2.0

    Currency and deposits

    -1.2

    -1.2

    0.5

    2.8

    1.8

    Debt securities

    24.9

    20.2

    8.5

    5.8

    1.9

    Loans

    4.7

    4.5

    3.9

    3.9

    3.4

    Shares and other equity

    1.2

    1.0

    1.4

    1.4

    1.6

    Source: ECB.
    * Items not shown include: pension schemes, other accounts payable, financial derivatives’ net liabilities and deposits.
    ** Items not shown include: other accounts receivable and prepayments of insurance premiums and reserves for outstanding claims.

    Data for financing and financial investment of NFCs (Table 2)

    For queries, please use the statistical information request form.

    Notes

    • These data come from a second release of quarterly euro area sector accounts for the third quarter of 2024 by the ECB and Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. This release incorporates revisions and completed data for all sectors compared with the first release on “Euro area households and non-financial corporations” of 13 January 2025. Moreover, it incorporates revisions to the data since the first quarter of 1999, reflecting, amongst others, the impact of the benchmark revision 2024 implemented in the EU. For further information see the related Eurostat webpage.
    • The euro area and national financial accounts data of NFCs and households are available in an interactive dashboard.
    • The debt-to-GDP (or debt-to-income) ratios are calculated as the outstanding amount of debt in the reference quarter divided by the sum of GDP (or income) in the four quarters up to the reference quarter. The ratio of non-financial transactions (e.g. savings) as a percentage of income or GDP is calculated as the sum of the four quarters up to the reference quarter for both numerator and denominator.
    • The annual growth rate of non-financial transactions and of outstanding assets and liabilities (stocks) is calculated as the percentage change between the value for a given quarter and that value recorded four quarters earlier. The annual growth rates used for financial transactions refer to the total value of transactions during the year in relation to the outstanding stock a year before.
    • Hyperlinks in the main body of the statistical release lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data as at the time of the current release.
    • The ECB publishes experimental Distributional Wealth Accounts (DWA) for the household sector. The release of results for the third quarter of 2024 is planned for 28 February 2025 (tentative date).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: January 2025 euro area bank lending survey

    Source: European Central Bank

    28 January 2025

    • Credit standards tightened for firms in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by higher perceived risks and lower risk tolerance
    • Credit standards remained unchanged for loans to households for house purchase but continued to tighten for consumer credit
    • Housing loan demand continued to rebound strongly, while demand for firm loans remained weak

    According to the January 2025 bank lending survey (BLS), euro area banks reported a renewed net tightening of credit standards – banks’ internal guidelines or loan approval criteria – for loans or credit lines to enterprises in the fourth quarter of 2024 (net percentage of banks of 7%; Chart 1). Banks also reported broadly unchanged credit standards for loans to households for house purchase (net percentage of 1%), whereas credit standards for consumer credit and other lending to households tightened further (net percentage of 6%). For firms, the net tightening followed the unchanged credit standards seen in the third quarter and was higher than banks had expected in the previous survey round. It was driven by higher perceived risks related to the economic outlook, the industry-and-firm-specific situation and banks’ lower risk tolerance. For loans to households for house purchase, the stability of credit standards, after three quarters of easing, was in contrast to the strong net easing that banks had expected in the previous quarter. Credit standards tightened further for consumer credit, mainly owing to higher perceived risks. For the first quarter of 2025, banks expect a further net tightening of credit standards for loans to firms and consumer credit, and a small net tightening for loans to households for house purchase.

    Banks’ overall terms and conditions – the actual terms and conditions agreed in loan contracts – remained broadly unchanged for loans to firms and consumer credit, but eased strongly for housing loans. For loans to firms, the contribution to easing from lower lending rates and narrower margins on average loans was broadly offset by stricter collateral requirements and other terms and conditions, such as loan covenants, to compensate for the higher perceived risks. For housing loans, lower lending rates and margins on average loans were the main drivers of the net easing. For consumer credit, lending rates had an easing impact, offset by widening loan margins.

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, demand from firms for loans or the drawing of credit lines increased slightly (Chart 2), while remaining weak overall. Loan demand from firms was supported mainly by declining interest rates, with fixed investment having a still-muted impact after its small positive contribution in the previous quarter. Net demand for housing loans continued to increase strongly, driven mainly by declining interest rates, substantiating still further the signs of a rebound from the strong declines seen in housing loan demand over previous years. Demand for consumer credit and other lending to households increased slightly, supported by declining interest rates, whereas spending on durable goods and consumer confidence, among other factors, dampened demand for consumer credit. In the first quarter of 2025, banks expect loan demand to remain broadly unchanged for firms and to increase further for households, especially for housing loans.

    Euro area banks’ access to funding worsened somewhat for retail funding, money markets and debt securities in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, banks expect access to funding to remain broadly unchanged across all market segments.

    In response to the new regulatory or supervisory requirements in 2024, euro area banks reported a net increase in their required capital as well as increases in their liquid and risk-weighted assets. Banks also reported a net tightening impact on credit standards stemming from the requirements, especially for loans to firms, with further net tightening expected in 2025.

    Euro area banks reported that non-performing loan ratios and other indicators of credit quality had a net tightening impact on their credit standards for loans to firms and consumer credit in the second half of 2024, the largest since the height of the pandemic and the period of balance sheet clean-up in 2014-17. By contrast, for housing loans credit quality had a neutral impact on bank lending conditions. Banks expect these developments to continue in the first half of 2025.

    Banks’ credit standards tightened further in all main economic sectors in the second half of 2024, especially in commercial real estate (CRE), wholesale and retail trade, construction and energy-intensive manufacturing. Banks also reported a net decrease in loan demand in CRE, construction and energy-intensive manufacturing. For the first half of 2025, banks expect a further net tightening of credit standards in most economic sectors, except for services. They expect muted loan demand in all sectors but residential real estate, for which they expect a moderate increase.

    Banks reported that the changes in excess liquidity held with the Eurosystem had a neutral impact on bank lending conditions in the second half of 2024. They expect similar effects in the first half of 2025.

    The quarterly BLS was developed by the Eurosystem to improve its understanding of bank lending behaviour in the euro area. The results reported in the January 2025 survey relate to changes observed in the fourth quarter of 2024 and changes expected in the first quarter of 2025, unless otherwise indicated. The January 2025 survey round was conducted between 10 December 2024 and 7 January 2025. A total of 155 banks were surveyed in this round, with a response rate of 99%.

    Chart 1

    Changes in credit standards for loans or credit lines to enterprises, and contributing factors

    (net percentages of banks reporting a tightening of credit standards, and contributing factors)

    Source: ECB (BLS).

    Notes: Net percentages are defined as the difference between the sum of the percentages of banks responding “tightened considerably” and “tightened somewhat” and the sum of the percentages of banks responding “eased somewhat” and “eased considerably”. The net percentages for “Other factors” refer to an average of the further factors which were mentioned by banks as having contributed to changes in credit standards.

    Chart 2

    Changes in demand for loans or credit lines to enterprises, and contributing factors

    (net percentages of banks reporting an increase in demand, and contributing factors)

    Source: ECB (BLS).

    Notes: Net percentages for the questions on demand for loans are defined as the difference between the sum of the percentages of banks responding “increased considerably” and “increased somewhat” and the sum of the percentages of banks responding “decreased somewhat” and “decreased considerably”. The net percentages for “Other factors” refer to an average of the further factors which were mentioned by banks as having contributed to changes in loan demand.

    For media queries, please contact William Lelieveldt, tel.: +49 69 1344 7316.

    Notes

    • A report on this survey round is available on the ECB’s website, along with a copy of the questionnaire, a glossary of BLS terms and a BLS user guide with information on the BLS series keys.
    • The euro area and national data series are available on the ECB’s website via the ECB Data Portal. National results, as published by the respective national central banks, can be obtained via the ECB’s website.
    • For more detailed information on the BLS, see Köhler-Ulbrich, P., Dimou, M., Ferrante, L. and Parle, C., “Happy anniversary, BLS – 20 years of the euro area bank lending survey”, Economic Bulletin, Issue 7, ECB, 2023; and Huennekes, F. and Köhler-Ulbrich, P., “What information does the euro area bank lending survey provide on future loan developments?”, Economic Bulletin, Issue 8, ECB, 2022.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: warring parties must prioritise civilian protection and humanitarian access amid ‘devastating violence’ in Goma

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s regional and international partners must put pressure on all parties to the conflict in the east of the country — including the Rwandan-backed M23 fighters, the Rwandan and Congolese armies, and their allies — to prioritise the protection of civilians in the aftermath of the recent fighting in Goma, Amnesty International said today.

    Responding to the escalation of violence in the region, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said: 

    “Thousands of Congolese civilians are once again fleeing for their lives, in desperate need of safety and humanitarian aid.

    “Civilians face a grave risk of human rights violations amid this latest escalation. Over the past year, both sides have ramped up their use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, with devastating consequences for civilians.

    “The M23, backed by Rwanda, must comply with international humanitarian law. They must ensure the safety of civilians, including human rights defenders and journalists, and those critical of Rwanda and the M23.

    “Amnesty International calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritise the protection of civilians amid this devastating violence.  With thousands in and around Goma seeking shelter, food, water, sanitation and healthcare, the parties to the conflict must allow the passage of safe and unrestricted humanitarian access to all those in need.”

    Devastating violence

    On Monday (27 January), the M23 declared that it had seized control of Goma, the DRC’s third-largest city and home to nearly two million people. This development occurred despite the UN Secretary General’s call for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC and cease its support for the M23 fighters. Reports from the city described ongoing gunfire and explosions, alongside unverified reports on social media and by journalists of looting, indiscriminate shooting, and shelling in the city. The DRC government has not officially acknowledged losing control of Goma.

    Humanitarian organisations, including Medecins Sans Frontieres, report that over 400,000 people were displaced in January due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Many sought refuge in and around Goma, a city that was already sheltering over 600,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    Reports from Rwandan media indicated that Rwanda has received several civilians seeking refuge, while others fled Goma to Bukavu, provincial capital of South Kivu, via Lake Kivu. Following the capture of Goma, the M23 ordered the suspension of all activities on the lake, which could hinder the movement of people fleeing the fighting in Goma. Certain areas of the city are without access to water and electricity, as the conflict has damaged critical infrastructure.

    Military operation

    On 18 January, the M23, backed by Rwandan forces, launched a military operation to expand its territory, violating a ceasefire agreement between Rwanda and the DRC established through the Luanda Peace Process. On 21 January, the M23 claimed to have captured several cities, including the strategically important supply city of Minova in South Kivu province, located about 20 kilometres from Goma across Lake Kivu.

    On 24 January, heavy fighting was reported near Sake, more than 20 kilometres north-west of Goma, where the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), supported by the Southern African Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIRDRC), UN forces (MONUSCO), and a coalition of militia groups, were seeking to halt the M23’s advance toward Goma. The same day, a spokesperson for the M23, as well as Rwandan media, said the military governor of North Kivu, General Peter Cirimwami, was shot while visiting troops on the frontlines near Sake. His death was later confirmed by Congolese officials.

    According to a statement issued on 25 January by the South African National Defence Force, nine South African soldiers deployed under SAMIRDRC and UN forces were killed in the fighting. Malawi authorities also reported the deaths of three of their soldiers serving in the SAMIRDRC.

     

    The UN Security Council met on 26 January to assess the situation in North-Kivu. The next day, M23 rebels said they had taken control of Goma. In its statement, the Security Council condemned M23’s advances in North-Kivu and called on the armed group to stop its offensive as it gave rise to a major humanitarian crisis and called for the protection of civilians. The Security Council also called for the withdrawal of the external forces from DRC and re-affirmed the sovereignty of the DRC. The Security Council’s decisions should be respected and implemented by all parties.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: Warring parties must prioritize civilian protection and humanitarian access in Goma

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s regional and international partners must exert pressure on all parties to the conflict in the east of the country — including the Rwandan-backed M23 fighters, the Rwandan and Congolese armies, and their allies — to prioritize the protection of civilians in the aftermath of the recent fighting in Goma, Amnesty International said today.

    “Thousands of Congolese civilians are once again fleeing for their lives, in desperate need of safety and humanitarian aid. Amnesty International calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians amid this devastating violence

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

    On 27 January, the M23 declared that it had seized control of Goma, the DRC’s third-largest city, provincial capital of North-Kivu and home to nearly two million people. This development occurred despite the UN Secretary General’s call for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC and cease its support for the M23 fighters. Reports from the city described ongoing gunfire and explosions, alongside unverified reports on social media and by journalists of looting, indiscriminate shooting, and shelling in the city. The DRC government has not officially acknowledged losing control of Goma.

    “Thousands of Congolese civilians are once again fleeing for their lives, in desperate need of safety and humanitarian aid. Amnesty International calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians amid this devastating violence,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

    Serious human rights violations, including killings of civilians, sexual violence, and the targeting of activists and human rights defenders, have often accompanied past conflicts in eastern DRC, such as during the M23’s takeover of Goma in 2012. Some of these violations could amount to war crimes when committed in armed conflict.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: DeepSeek: how a small Chinese AI company is shaking up US tech heavyweights

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Tongliang Liu, Associate Professor of Machine Learning and Director of the Sydney AI Centre, University of Sydney

    Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through the tech community, with the release of extremely efficient AI models that can compete with cutting-edge products from US companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

    Founded in 2023, DeepSeek has achieved its results with a fraction of the cash and computing power of its competitors.

    DeepSeek’s “reasoning” R1 model, released last week, provoked excitement among researchers, shock among investors, and responses from AI heavyweights. The company followed up on January 28 with a model that can work with images as well as text.

    So what has DeepSeek done, and how did it do it?

    What DeepSeek did

    In December, DeepSeek released its V3 model. This is a very powerful “standard” large language model that performs at a similar level to OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5.

    While these models are prone to errors and sometimes make up their own facts, they can carry out tasks such as answering questions, writing essays and generating computer code. On some tests of problem-solving and mathematical reasoning, they score better than the average human.

    V3 was trained at a reported cost of about US$5.58 million. This is dramatically cheaper than GPT-4, for example, which cost more than US$100 million to develop.

    DeepSeek also claims to have trained V3 using around 2,000 specialised computer chips, specifically H800 GPUs made by NVIDIA. This is again much fewer than other companies, which may have used up to 16,000 of the more powerful H100 chips.

    On January 20, DeepSeek released another model, called R1. This is a so-called “reasoning” model, which tries to work through complex problems step by step. These models seem to be better at many tasks that require context and have multiple interrelated parts, such as reading comprehension and strategic planning.

    The R1 model is a tweaked version of V3, modified with a technique called reinforcement learning. R1 appears to work at a similar level to OpenAI’s o1, released last year.

    DeepSeek also used the same technique to make “reasoning” versions of small open-source models that can run on home computers.

    This release has sparked a huge surge of interest in DeepSeek, driving up the popularity of its V3-powered chatbot app and triggering a massive price crash in tech stocks as investors re-evaluate the AI industry. At the time of writing, chipmaker NVIDIA has lost around US$600 billion in value.

    How DeepSeek did it

    DeepSeek’s breakthroughs have been in achieving greater efficiency: getting good results with fewer resources. In particular, DeepSeek’s developers have pioneered two techniques that may be adopted by AI researchers more broadly.

    The first has to do with a mathematical idea called “sparsity”. AI models have a lot of parameters that determine their responses to inputs (V3 has around 671 billion), but only a small fraction of these parameters is used for any given input.

    However, predicting which parameters will be needed isn’t easy. DeepSeek used a new technique to do this, and then trained only those parameters. As a result, its models needed far less training than a conventional approach.

    The other trick has to do with how V3 stores information in computer memory. DeepSeek has found a clever way to compress the relevant data, so it is easier to store and access quickly.

    What it means

    DeepSeek’s models and techniques have been released under the free MIT License, which means anyone can download and modify them.

    While this may be bad news for some AI companies – whose profits might be eroded by the existence of freely available, powerful models – it is great news for the broader AI research community.

    At present, a lot of AI research requires access to enormous amounts of computing resources. Researchers like myself who are based at universities (or anywhere except large tech companies) have had limited ability to carry out tests and experiments.

    More efficient models and techniques change the situation. Experimentation and development may now be significantly easier for us.

    For consumers, access to AI may also become cheaper. More AI models may be run on users’ own devices, such as laptops or phones, rather than running “in the cloud” for a subscription fee.

    For researchers who already have a lot of resources, more efficiency may have less of an effect. It is unclear whether DeepSeek’s approach will help to make models with better performance overall, or simply models that are more efficient.

    Tongliang Liu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. DeepSeek: how a small Chinese AI company is shaking up US tech heavyweights – https://theconversation.com/deepseek-how-a-small-chinese-ai-company-is-shaking-up-us-tech-heavyweights-248434

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Victims of the Holocaust, Sudan & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    – Victims of the Holocaust
    – Sudan
    – US Foreign Assistance
    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Lebanon
    – Syria
    – Secretary-General/Democratic Republic of Congo
    – Democratic Republic of Congo/Humanitarian
    – Senior Personnel Appintment
    – Briefings Tomorrow
    – Honour Roll

    VICTIMS OF HOLOCAUST
    This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly on the Observance of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.
    The Secretary-General said the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas offers hope, as well as much needed relief. He added that the United Nations will do its utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
    The Secretary-General also said that today we mourn the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as they sought to destroy an entire people.
    We grieve the Roma and Sinti also targeted for genocide, the people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people, and all those enslaved, persecuted, tortured, and killed.
    And we renew our resolve never to forget the atrocities that so “outraged the conscience” of humankind.
    The Secretary-General also underscored that remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action. He added that it is our duty to speak up against hate, to stand up for the human rights for all, and to make all those rights a reality.

    SUDAN
    In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the attack that hit the Saudi Teaching Hospital in El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur state on 24 January, in which at least 70 patients and their relatives were reportedly killed, with dozens more wounded.
    This appalling attack which affected the only functioning hospital in Darfur’s largest city comes after more than 21 months of war have left much of Sudan’s health care system in tatters.
    The Secretary-General reiterated that, under international humanitarian law, the wounded and the sick, as well as medical personnel and medical facilities, must be respected and protected at all times. He further recalled that perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable, and that the deliberate targeting of health care facilities may constitute a war crime.
    The Secretary-General renewed his appeal to the parties to immediately cease the fighting and take steps towards the lasting peace that the people of Sudan demand.
    And on Friday night, another statement was issued on the recent escalation of fighting in Sudan, in particular around the al-Jili oil refinery north of Khartoum, as well as in El Fasher.
    The Secretary-General renewed his call for urgent and genuine dialogue between the parties to the conflict, reiterating that a sustainable resolution to the conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process. He added that his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, continues to engage the parties and all relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the conflict and promote a Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue that will bring a sustained end to the war.

    US FOREIGN ASSISTANCE
    In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General noted with concern the announcement of a pause in U.S. foreign assistance. He called for additional exemptions to be considered to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities for the most vulnerable communities around the world, whose lives and livelihoods depend on this support.
    The Secretary-General said that he looks forward to engaging with the new United States administration on the provision of much needed development support to people grappling with the most difficult challenges confronting the developing world. The United States is one of the largest aid providers and it is vital that we work constructively to jointly shape a strategic path forward.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=27%20January%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGdTq2LU_To

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Take survey and help improve your adult social care services

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    NHS England sends the survey to a random selection of people who receive care and support services either in their own home or residential home, or in the local community. Their feedback, whether it is positive or negative, will be used to help improve adult social care services.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Our recent budget consultation found that adult social care services are the top priority for the people of Wolverhampton, and we are determined to ensure that they are the best they can possibly be.

    “It’s really important we capture the views of people who use our services and so we want your feedback – whether you are pleased, or whether you think there are things that could be done differently. So, if you receive the national Adult Social Care User Survey, please take a few moments to fill it in – your views really matter.”

    The survey asks questions about people’s quality of life and the impact that the services they use have on this, and all responses are confidential. Those randomly selected for the survey will be sent a questionnaire by post, including a freepost return envelope.

    The anonymised results will be used by the council, the Care Quality Commission, the Department of Health and Social Care and by NHS Digital to better understand the impact of the adult social care services and help identify what areas need improving or developing.

    Anyone who does not receive the national 2024 to 2025 Adult Social Care User Survey but wishes to share their views on adult social care services provided by the City of Wolverhampton Council is invited to do so at Adult Social Care compliments, suggestions and complaints.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

    The programme showcases the state’s immense potential as a thriving hub for investment and business opportunities: PM

    Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country, Odisha plays a key role in this: PM

    Today, India is moving on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people: PM

    Odisha is truly Outstanding, Odisha symbolises the Optimism and Originality of New India, Odisha is a land of Opportunities, and the people here have always shown a passion to Outperform: PM

    India is focusing on green future and green tech: PM

    For 21st century India, this era is all about connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity: PM

    Odisha holds immense potential for tourism: PM

    With a vast pool of young talent and a massive audience for concerts, India has great possibilities for a thriving concert economy: PM

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 1:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and  Make in Odisha Exhibition in Bhubaneswar, Odisha today. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said this was his second visit to Odisha in the month of January 2025, recalling his visit to inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 event. Noting that this was the biggest business Summit in Odisha till date, Shri Modi said that there were around 5-6 times more investors participating in Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. He also congratulated the people and the Government of Odisha for organising the grand event.

    “Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country and Odisha plays a key role in this”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He added that historic data also reveals that the contributions of Eastern India were remarkable when India played a major role in global growth. Shri Modi noted that there were huge industrial hubs, ports, trade hubs in Eastern India and Odisha’s participation in this was remarkable. “Odisha used to be an important center in South Eastern Asian trade and the ports were a gateway to India”, said the Prime Minister. He added that Bali Yatra is celebrated even today in Odisha. Recalling the recent visit of the President of Indonesia to India, the Prime Minister said that the President’s words that there were probably traces of Odisha in his DNA.  

    The Prime Minister remarked that Odisha celebrates a legacy which connects it with South East Asia. He added that Odisha had now begun to revive the glorious heritage in the 21st century. He noted that the President of Singapore recently visited Odisha and Singapore was very enthusiastic about its relationship with Odisha. He highlighted that ASEAN countries have also shown interest in strengthening trade and traditional connections with Odisha. The Prime Minister emphasized that numerous opportunities were opening up in this region, more than ever before since independence. He called upon all the investors present, stating that now is the right time to invest in Odisha’s development journey and assured that their investment would lead to new heights of success.

    “India is on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people”, remarked Shri Modi and emphasized that AI stands for both Artificial Intelligence and Aspiration of India, which is the country’s strength. He said that aspirations grow when people’s needs are met, and the past decade has empowered crores of citizens, benefiting the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that Odisha represents this aspiration. He described Odisha as outstanding, symbolizing the optimism and originality of New India. He added that Odisha had numerous opportunities, and its people have always shown a passion for outperforming. Sharing his personal experience of witnessing the skills, hard work, and honesty of people from Odisha in Gujarat, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that with new opportunities emerging in Odisha, the state will soon reach unprecedented heights of development. He praised Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi and his team for their efforts in accelerating Odisha’s development. The Prime Minister noted that Odisha is becoming one of India’s leading states in various industries, including food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, edutech, textiles, tourism, mining, and green energy.

    Underscoring that India was rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister said that the milestone of a five trillion-dollar economy was not far away. He added that over the past decade, India’s strength in manufacturing had also become evident. The Prime Minister highlighted that the expansion of India’s economy rests on two major pillars: the innovative service sector and quality products. He emphasized that the country’s rapid progress cannot rely solely on the export of raw materials and therefore, the entire ecosystem was being transformed with a new vision. The Prime Minister mentioned that India was changing the trend of extracting minerals and sending them abroad for product manufacturing and value addition, only to have those products return to India. Similarly, he added that the trend of exporting seafood for processing in other countries was also being changed. Shri Modi stated that the Government was working to ensure that industries related to the resources in Odisha are established within the state. He highlighted that Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 was a means to realize this vision.

    Remarking that the world was increasingly focusing on sustainable lifestyles and moving towards a green future, Shri Modi noted that the potential for green jobs is also growing significantly. He emphasized the need to adapt to the demands and requirements of the times. He highlighted that India was focusing on green technology and a green future, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen, which will power the energy security of a developed India. The Prime Minister mentioned that Odisha had immense potential in this regard and stated that the country had launched national-level Green Hydrogen and Solar Power Missions. Shri Modi noted that significant policy decisions were being made to promote renewable energy industries in Odisha, and several steps were being taken for hydrogen energy production.

    Prime Minister remarked that alongside green energy, initiatives were being taken to expand the petro and petrochemical sector in Odisha. He highlighted that dedicated industrial parks and investment regions were being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur, indicating significant investment potential in this sector. Shri Modi congratulated the Odisha government for making swift decisions and developing a new ecosystem, considering the potential of different regions in the state.

    “21st century is an era of connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity for India”, said Shri Modi and highlighted that the scale and speed at which specialized infrastructure was being developed in India was making the country an excellent investment destination. He noted that dedicated freight corridors were connecting the east and west coastlines, providing faster access to the sea for previously land-locked regions. He mentioned that dozens of industrial cities with plug-and-play facilities were being constructed across the country. Shri Modi emphasized that similar opportunities were being enhanced in Odisha and thousands of crores worth of projects related to railway and highway networks are underway in the state. He added that to reduce logistics costs for industries in Odisha, the Government was connecting ports with industrial clusters and mentioned that both the expansion of existing ports and the construction of new ports are taking place. He stressed that Odisha was set to become one of the top states in the country in terms of the blue economy.

    Urging everyone to recognize the challenges of the global supply chain in a rapidly changing world, the Prime Minister emphasized that India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains. Instead, a robust supply and value chain must be built within India to minimize the impact of global fluctuations, he added. He highlighted that this responsibility lies with both the government and the industry. Shri Modi called on industries to support MSMEs and young startups, stressing the importance of research and innovation for growth. He added that theGovernment was creating a vibrant research ecosystem in the country, with a special fund and a package for internships and skill development. He encouraged industries to actively participate and collaborate with the Government. Emphasising that a strong research ecosystem and a skilled young workforce will directly benefit the industry, Shri Modi urged industry partners and the Odisha government to work together to build a modern ecosystem aligned with Odisha’s aspirations, providing new opportunities for the youth. This, he said, will create more job opportunities within Odisha, leading to prosperity, strength, and progress for the state.

    The Prime Minister remarked that people around the world were eager to understand and learn about India. He highlighted that Odisha was an excellent destination to understand India, with its thousands of years of heritage and history. He added that the state offers a unique blend of faith, spirituality, forests, mountains, and the sea, all in one place. Shri Modi described Odisha as a model of development and heritage and mentioned that G-20 cultural events were held in Odisha, and the Konark Sun Temple’s wheel was made a part of the main event. He emphasized the need to explore Odisha’s tourism potential, with its 500-kilometer coastline, over 33% forest cover, and endless possibilities for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Prime Minister noted that India’s focus was on “Wed in India” and “Heal in India,” and Odisha’s natural beauty and environment were very supportive of these initiatives.

    Highlighting that India had significant potential for conference tourism, the Prime Minister said that venues like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi were becoming major centers for this sector. He also mentioned the emerging sector of the concert economy. He noted that India, with its rich heritage of music, dance, and storytelling, and a large pool of young concert-goers, has immense possibilities for the concert economy. He added that over the past decade, the trend and demand for live events have increased. Pointing out the recent Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as evidence of the scope for live concerts in India, Shri Modi emphasized that major global artists were attracted to India, and the concert economy boosts tourism and creates numerous jobs. He urged states and the private sector to focus on the necessary infrastructure and skills for the concert economy. This includes event management, artist grooming, security, and other arrangements, where new opportunities are emerging.

    Shri Modi remarked that next month, India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time. He highlighted that this significant event will showcase India’s creative power to the world. He emphasized that such events generate revenue and shape perceptions, contributing to the economy’s growth. He noted that Odisha has immense potential for hosting such events.

    “Odisha plays a significant role in building a developed India”, emphasized the Prime Minister. He highlighted that the people of Odisha have resolved to build a prosperous state, and the Union government was providing all possible support to achieve this goal. He expressed his affection for Odisha, noting that he had visited the state nearly 30 times as Prime Minister and has been to most of its districts. He emphasized his trust in Odisha’s potential and its people. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the investments made by all partners will elevate both their businesses and Odisha’s progress to new heights. He extended his best wishes to everyone involved. 

    The Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 is a flagship Global Investment Summit, being hosted by the Government of Odisha, which aims to position the state as the anchor of the Purvodaya vision as well as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India.

    Prime Minister also inaugurated the Make in Odisha Exhibition that highlights achievements of the state in developing a vibrant industrial ecosystem. The two day conclave will be held from 28th to 29th January. It will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to converge and discuss the opportunities Odisha offers as a preferred investment destination. The conclave will host CEOs and Leaders’ Roundtables, Sectoral Sessions, B2B meetings, and Policy Discussions, ensuring targeted engagement with investors across the globe.

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    MJPS/SR/SKS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: To reimagine, reinvent, and reposition ISI as a globally recognized institution: Indian Statistical Institute poised to embrace the transformative vision as it approaches its centenary in 2031

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 1:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Statistical Institute, established in 1931 by the visionary statistician Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, has played a pivotal role in statistical research, education, training and its application. Having been declared as an institution of national importance through the Indian Statistical Institute Act of 1959, the Institute has been a leader in advancing statistical methods and their application across various disciplines. The ISI Council is the governing body of the Institute. In terms of the provision of the ISI Act and ISI Regulations, a newly constituted Council has been set up for the term 2024-26. During the 1stMeeting of the Council held on 26 October 2024, the members of the Council elected Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan, as the Chairman of the ISI, Council. Dr. Radhakrishnan is a Padma Bhushan awardee and an Indian Space Scientist, who headed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as Chairman of the Space Commission and Secretary of the Department of Space, Government of India.

    As per the provisions of the ISI Act, 1959, the Central Government (MoSPI) constitutes Committees at regularintervals for reviewing the performance of the ISI and for making recommendations about its future course. Under this provision, the 4thReview Committee of the Indian Statistical Institutewas constituted in 2020. The Committee submitted its comprehensive report to the Government of India, charting a transformative roadmap for this esteemed Institution of National Importance. Headed by the distinguished scientist and former Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, the Committee, through interactions with multiple stakeholders, conducted an extensive review of ISI’s functioning, achievements and challenges, and arrived at the report culminating in a series of actionable recommendations aimed at rejuvenating the Institute’s role in advancing statistical sciences and its applications in India and globally.

    Based on the theme ‘Reimagine, Reinvent and Reposition’, the Committee proposed 61 recommendations addressing governance, academic programs, research priorities, infrastructure, and financial sustainability of the Institute. The Committeehad extensive Stakeholder Consultations in the online mode due to the raging pandemic, engagingvirtually with faculty, students, alumni, and administrative staff to gather insights into ISI’s functioning, challenges, and aspirations.They also consulted industry experts, government representatives, and other academic institutions to understand and assess the external expectations from ISI. The Committee held virtual meetings to deliberate on findings and draft recommendations and undertook an evidence-basedevaluation of ISI’s performance over the past decade, including its research output, academic programs, infrastructure, and outreach efforts andbenchmarked ISI against leading global institutions to identify gaps and opportunities.

    The Committee proposed a comprehensive set of recommendations to reimagine, reinvent, and reposition ISI as a globally recognized institution. It emphasized the need for governance reforms and strengthening accountability through performance-based evaluations and establishing clear work norms for faculty and staff. The committee recommended expanding academic programs to include cutting-edge fields like data science and machine learning, increasing student intake and faculty numbers to scale the institute’s impact, and promoting interdisciplinary and large-scale research projects with national and international relevance. It called for modernizing administrative processes and research methodologies using advanced digital tools and building world-class computing and laboratory infrastructure to support innovative research.

    The recommendations also included establishing robust partnerships with industry and government to address real-world challenges and generate revenue, establishing more enabling structures like the technology innovation hub, enhancing visibility through targeted outreach and brand-building initiatives, and encouraging resource generation through research grants, industry collaborations, and alumni contributions. The committee stressed the importance of increasing autonomy in managing internal revenue and recruitment processes. Infrastructure development was also a priority, with a focus on upgrading physical facilities, including campuses, laboratories, and student housing, and establishing new centers focused on emerging disciplines and regional outreach.

    The Committee’s recommendations are aimed at reimagining, reinventing, and repositioning ISI as a globally recognized institution and included recommendations in the area of Governance Reforms, Academic and Research Enhancements, Digital Transformation, Industry and Government Engagement, Financial Sustainability and Infrastructure Development.

    ISI has commenced implementation of these recommendations, demonstrating their commitment towards strengthening the Institute’s excellence in addressing the nation’s socio-economic development needs. During the2ndMeeting of the Council held on 23 January 2025, the Council of the Institute under the Chairmanship of Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan reviewed the status of implementation of the recommendations of the 4thReview Committee.The Institute’sCouncil is committed to implement the Committee’s recommendations in a phased manner with focus on:

    1. Short-Term Initiatives: Immediate steps to address critical issues, such as faculty recruitment, infrastructure upgradation, and governance reforms.
    2. Medium-Term Goals: Enhancing academic and research programs, scaling outreach efforts, and improving financial sustainability.
    3. Long-Term Vision: Transforming ISI into a global leader by its centenary year in 2031, with a focus on impactful research, innovative education, and strong industry connections.

    ISI has commenced work on improving its structure, strengthening research and ensuring robust academic and administrative frameworks. Significant restructuring has been undertaken to align the Institute’s various Divisions with contemporary requirements. The Centre for AI and ML (CAIML) has aligned its initiatives with the National AI Policy, emphasizing strategic relevance. Efforts are also underway to operationalize the Interdisciplinary Centre for Applied Statistics and Biostatistics. The Research Centre for Economics and Data Analysis has been invigorated with dedicated leadership assignments, ensuring forward momentum. Faculty recruitment and promotions have been prioritized, with streamlined processes nearing finalization. Formalization of teaching benchmarks highlight ISI’s to academic excellence.

    While certain actions remain under discussion, the groundwork has been laid for transformative changes. ISI has also adopted advanced digital teaching methods, introducing online and hybrid courses as part of a broader academic enhancement strategy. These initiatives are complemented by expedited decision-making processes within the Academic Council, fostering agility in program development and revision. Infrastructure and governance improvements remain a focal point, with e-governance initiatives progressing in alignment with MoSPI. Revenue generation efforts, including consultancy rules and facility usage charges, have been implemented to strengthen financial sustainability.

    While many recommendations have been fully implemented, others are actively in progress. These actions, signal a forward-looking approach and underline the Government’s dedication to strengthen ISI as a global leader in statistical science and related disciplines.The Government recognizes ISI’s rich legacy of excellence and its critical role in supporting India’s economic and social development and is committed to providing the necessary support to realize the 4th Review Committee’s vision and roadmap.

    The Government of India’s support for implementing these recommendations reflects its commitment to empower the ISI as a cornerstone of the nation’s knowledge ecosystem. As the Institute approaches its centenary in 2031, the Institute is poised to embrace this transformative vision and emerge as a beacon of excellence on the global stage.

    *****

    SB/DP

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 76th Republic Day celebrations to come to a close with the melodious Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk

    Source: Government of India (2)

    76th Republic Day celebrations to come to a close with the melodious Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk

    All Indian tunes (30) to be played by the bands of the three Services & CAPF

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 12:54PM by PIB Delhi

    In the majestic backdrop of a setting sun over the Raisina Hills, the iconic Vijay Chowk is set to immerse in the melodies of Indian tunes during the Beating Retreat ceremony, marking the culmination of 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 29, 2025. The bands of the Indian Army (IA), the Indian Navy (IN), the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will play 30 foot-tapping Indian tunes before a distinguished audience, comprising President Smt Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, other Union Ministers, senior officials and the public.

    The ceremony will begin with the massed band’s ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ tune, followed by captivating tunes such as ‘Amar Bharati’, ‘Indradhanush’, ‘Jai Janam Bhumi’, ‘Nati in Himalayan Valley’, ‘Ganga Jamuna’ and ‘Veer Siachen’ by the Pipes & Drums band. The CAPF bands will play ‘Vijay Bharat’, ‘Rajasthan Troops’, ‘Aye Watan Tere Liye and ‘Bharat ke Jawan’.

    ‘Galaxy Rider’, ‘Stride’, ‘Rubaru’ and ‘Millennium Flight Fantasy’ will be the tunes played by the band of IAF, while the IN band will play ‘Rashtriya Pratham’, ‘Nishak Nishpad’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Spread the Light of Freedom’, ‘Rhythm of the Reef’ and ‘Jai Bharati’. It will be followed by IA band which will play ‘Veer Sapoot’, ‘Taqat Watan’, ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’, ‘Dhruv’ and ‘Faulad Ka Jigar’.

    The Massed Bands will, then, play the tunes ‘Priyam Bharatam’, ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon’ and ‘Drummers Call’. The event will come to a close with the ever-popular tune of ‘Sare Jahan se Acha’ to be played by the Buglers.

    The principal conductor of the ceremony will be Commander Manoj Sebastian. The IA Band conductor will be Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bishan Bahadur, while M Antony, MCPO MUS II and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar will be the conductors of IN and IAF respectively. The conductor of CAPF band will be Head Constable GD Mahajan Kailash Madhava Rao.

    The Pipes & Drums band will play under the instructions of Subedar Major Abhilash Singh, while the Buglers will perform under the leadership of Naib Subedar Bhupal Singh.

    ***

    SR/Savvy

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOIL Celebrates 76th Republic Day with Patriotic Fervor at Balaghat Mine

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 11:30AM by PIB Delhi

    Embracing the spirit of unity and patriotism, Manganese Ore (India) Limited celebrated the 76th Republic Day of the nation with immense enthusiasm at its Balaghat mine. The celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL. He was accompanied by Shri Rakesh Tumane, Director (Finance); Shri M.M. Abdulla, Director (Production & Planning); Ms. Rashmi Singh, Director (Commercial), and Smt. Sushma Saxena, w/o Shri Ajit Saxena, as Special Invitee, along with other senior officials.

    The event showcased a grand parade featuring the Guards and school children, with active participation from employees’ families. The highlight of the celebrations was a vibrant cultural program that brought together more than 500 school children and employees performing a captivating array of patriotic and cultural performances.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Saxena emphasized MOIL’s unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in the Constitution and the company’s role in contributing to the nation’s progress.

    In recognition of excellence, CMD Shri Saxena accompanied by Mrs. Saxena awarded accolades to the best employees, best security personnel, and the best hospital management team. Winners of various competitions held as part of the celebrations were also felicitated. On this occasion, various new welfare schemes for especially the contract labour working for MOIL were announced.

    As part of the festivities, a friendly cricket match between CMD XI and DF XI was held at the Dongri Buzurg mine, fostering camaraderie and teamwork among MOIL employees. Smt. Sushma Saxena was the Chief Guest in the function and gave away the trophies.

    ………..

    TPJ

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s speech at NCC Rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 8:08PM by PIB Delhi

    My colleagues in the Union Cabinet, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, Sanjay Seth Ji, CDS- General Anil Chauhan Ji, Chiefs of the three Armed Forces, Defence Secretary Shri, DG NCC, other guests and my dear friends from NCC!  Best wishes to all of you on the occasion of NCC Day. Today, around 150 cadets from 18 friendly countries are also present here among us. I welcome all these cadets. I also congratulate the colleagues of Mera Yuva Bharat, MY Bharat, associated with the country.  

    Friends,

    Being selected for the Republic Day parade is an achievement in itself. This year’s parade was also special because our republic has completed 75 years. Friends, these memories will stay with you for life. In the future, you will definitely remember that when the Republic completed 75 years, we took part in the parade. My heartiest congratulations to those friends who have received the Best Cadet Award. I recently got the opportunity to flag off many NCC missions here. Such efforts of NCC connect India’s heritage with youth aspirations. I wish all the best to the cadets involved in these missions.

    Friends,

    NCC was established during the period when the country got independence. In a way, the journey of your organization started even before the Constitution of the country. In the 75 years of the Republic, the Constitution of India always gave democratic inspiration to the country and explained the importance of civic duties. Similarly, NCC also always inspired the youth of India to build the nation and explained the importance of discipline to them. I am satisfied that in the past years, the government has done a lot of work to increase both the scope and responsibility of NCC. NCC has been expanded in our border areas, the districts adjoining the sea border. 

    Today, NCC has reached more than 170 border talukas and nearly 100 coastal talukas of the country. I would also like to congratulate the three armies. You took the responsibility of specially training the young NCC cadets of these districts. Today thousands of youth living on the border have benefited from this. We are also seeing the result of reform in NCC in the number of cadets. In 2014, the number of NCC cadets was approximately 14 lakh. Today this number has reached 20 lakh. It is a matter of pride that there are more than 8 lakh girl cadets, our daughters. Today our NCC cadets are playing an important role in disaster management. NCC cadets are also flying their flag in the world of sports. I am proud that NCC is the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation.

    Friends,

    You are going to determine the development of India and the world in the 21st century. The youth of India are not only a force for India, but also a force for global good. Today the world is accepting this. Recently a report has been published in the newspapers. What has been told in it is very important. In the last decade, the youth of India have created 1.5 lakh start-ups and more than 100 unicorns. Today more than 200 big companies of the world are led by people of Indian origin. These companies are contributing millions of crores of rupees to the global GDP, helping to change the lives of crores of people. Indian scientists, Indian researchers, teachers of India are also accelerating the progress of the world. That is, be it any sector, it is difficult to imagine the future of the world without the youth power of India, without the talent of India. And that is why I call all of you a force for global good.

    Friends,

    Be it a person or a country, its strength increases when it overcomes unnecessary obstacles. I am satisfied that in the last 10 years, we have worked to remove all the obstacles that the youth of India faced, whatever they were. This has increased the strength of the youth of India, the strength of the country. In 2014, you would have been 10 or 12 or 14 years old, just ask your family what the situation was earlier, for example, attestation of documents. Earlier, whether it was admission, examination, recruitment, filling any form, one had to get the documents attested by a gazetted officer, and there used to be a lot of running around in this. Our government removed this difficulty of the youth, and trusted you, now you can verify your documents by self-attesting. Earlier, the youth used to face a lot of difficulties in applying for scholarships, getting scholarships. There used to be a lot of manipulation in the scholarship money, the money did not go to the children’s accounts. Now the single window system has eliminated all the old problems. Earlier there was another big problem regarding the selection of subjects. If you took a subject while studying after the board, then it was difficult to change it. Now the new National Education Policy gives you the flexibility to change subjects as per your wish.

    Friends,

    There was a time 10 years ago when young people could not get bank loans easily. Banks used to say that if you want a loan, first give some guarantee. In 2014, when the people of the country gave me the opportunity to serve as the Prime Minister, I said, I will take the guarantee for the youth of my country. We started the Mudra Yojana which gives loans without bank guarantee. Earlier, loans up to Rs 10 lakh were available without guarantee. Now in the third term of the government, we have increased it to 20 lakhs. In 10 years, we have given more than 40 lakh crore rupees under Mudra loan. Lakhs of youth like you have started their business by taking help from this loan.

    Friends,

    Another important issue related to the future of the youth is the electoral system of the country. Just two days ago, we celebrated National Voters’ Day. Many of you have become first-time voters. The purpose of Voters’ Day is that the maximum number of voters should participate and use their right. Today, the world’s biggest elections are held in India, but another aspect of this is that elections keep happening in India every few months. After independence, it used to happen for a long time when Lok Sabha and Assembly elections used to be held simultaneously. But then this pattern broke, the country has suffered a lot due to this. In every election, the voting list is updated, a lot of work is done, and you must have seen that our teachers are often put on duty in this, due to which studies are affected, preparations for exams are affected. Due to frequent elections, there are also difficulties in governance. Therefore, a very important debate is going on in the country these days. Everyone is giving their views on this subject and this deliberation is very necessary in democracy, everyone should express their views, this is necessary, and what is debate – One Nation One Election. Lok Sabha and Assembly elections should be held together, and every 5 years when the time is fixed, it should be held. So, there will be relief from the new works that get stopped in between. 

    Today, I especially request the youth of India, I request the NCC cadets, I request the volunteers of MY Bharat, I request the NSS comrades, wherever we are, we should conduct this debate, take the debate forward, lead the debate, we should participate in this debate in large numbers. This is a subject directly related to your future. Even in a country like America, the date of formation of a new government is fixed, there elections are held every four years. In your own college or school also, the student council elections are completed in one go. Just think, if elections keep happening every month, will it be possible to study in a university or college? Therefore, you should lead the debate on One Nation-One Election; there should be a nationwide discussion so that the country can decide to move in the right direction.

    Friends,

    Today, the world of the 21st century is changing very fast. Today, the demand of time is that we also have to move forward at a very fast pace. All of you, the youth of the country, have a big role in this. In every sector, in every field, whether it is the field of art, research, innovation, you have to create new energy with your innovative ideas, creativity. Another such important field is politics. The youth of our country should come in the field of politics as much as possible, come with new suggestions, come with new energy, come with innovative ideas. This is the need of the country today. That is why I have said from the Red Fort that one lakh youth should come into politics. What is the power of youth, we have also seen this during the Vikas Bharat: Young India Dialogue. Lakhs of youth from across the country have given their invaluable suggestions, expressed their views for the creation of a developed India.

    Friends,

    During the freedom struggle, people of every profession in the country had set their only goal – the freedom of the country, and the youth participated in it with great enthusiasm, made sacrifices, and spent their youth in jails. Similarly, in this Amrit Kaal, we have to keep only one goal – developed India. The criterion of every decision of ours, the criterion of every work, should be a Developed India. And for this, we have to always remember our Panch Pranas. Pancha Prana means – we have to make a developed India, we have to get freedom from every thought of slavery, we have to be proud of our heritage, we have to work for the unity of India, and we have to perform our duties honestly. These Panch Pranas are the ones who give direction to every Indian, they are the inspiration of every Indian. The wonderful cultural performances that you have given now also reflect this. The feeling of one India – the best India is a great strength of the country. The Maha Kumbh that is going on in Prayag these days, there too this reflection of the unity of the country is visible. Therefore, this Maha Kumbh is a Maha Kumbh of unity. This unity is necessary for the progress of the country.

    Friends,

    You also have to always keep your duties in mind. A grand and divine developed India will be built on the foundation of duties.

    Friends,

    Today when I have come amongst you, I am seeing your zeal and enthusiasm, I had written some lines at one time, those lines are coming to my mind today, I had written at one time-

    असंख्य भुजाओं की शक्ति है, हर तरफ देश की भक्ति है

    तुम उठो तिरंगा लहरा दो, भारत के भाग्य को फहरा दो

    कुछ ऐसा नहीं जो कर ना सको, कुछ ऐसा नहीं जो पा ना सको

    तुम उठ जाओ, तुम जुट जाओ

    सामर्थ्य को अपने पहचानो, कर्तव्य को अपने सब जानो !

    Friends,

    Once again, I wish you all the best for your bright future and many thanks to you all. Say it with me-

    Bhaarat maata kee jai.

    Bhaarat maata kee jai.

    Bhaarat maata kee jai.

    Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

    Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

    Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

    Vande Mataram

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES is a Dynamic Platform that Aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of Showcasing and Economically Empowering India’s Creative Talents: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES is a Dynamic Platform that Aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of Showcasing and Economically Empowering India’s Creative Talents: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Ministry of I&B Announces Top Awards for Content Creators

    Tourism & Cultural Heritage Promotion Content Challenge also Announced

    Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launch WAVES Bazaar

    Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 8:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting today marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) with the launch of major initiatives at the National Media Centre, New Delhi by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways and Electronics & Information Technology and Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, described India as a vibrant crucible of storytellers, musicians, content creators, and religious diversity. “Our cultural heritage is not just a testament to our past but the backbone of our future on the global stage,” Shri Shekhawat stated. To leverage this rich cultural tapestry, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched WAVES, a dynamic platform that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of showcasing and economically empowering India’s creative talents.

    As India progresses in various sectors—economic, social, and technological—our cultural prowess remains our greatest asset. While expressing gratitude to the Ministry of I&B, he said that through WAVES India’s cultural diversity will gain the global recognition it deserves, positioning the cultural creative economy as an integral part of the world’s formal economy. This initiative underscores the pivotal role that WAVES will play in showcasing and enhancing India’s cultural strength, providing a foundation for our creators to earn respect and recognition worldwide.

    Echoing the Prime Minister’s vision, of establishing the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) as a summit of global repute, akin to the Davos Economic Forum, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, mentioned that this effort is part of a broader strategy to highlight India’s creative economy, which is rich with tradition, storytelling, and cultural significance—elements of what is globally recognized as the ‘Orange Economy.‘

    “Our rich culture, which once resonated in the halls of the Chicago World’s Fair through Swami Vivekananda, is today being carried forward by our Prime Minister on the global stage, through initiatives like yoga, culture, creativity, and Ayurveda,” stated Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw. “WAVES is an extension of this effort, aiming to make India the global capital of the creator economy.”, he added.

    The Union Ministers launched WAVES Bazaar, 3 Create in India Challenges, WAVES Awards and also announced one more Challenge. The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting also announced a new challenge aimed at promoting films that explore India’s rich tourism and cultural heritage. This initiative challenges filmmakers to delve deep into the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry, showcasing it to both national and international audiences. These challenges aim to foster creativity, innovation, and global participation. Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Indian Filmmaker Shri Shekhar Kapur and Sh. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO Prasar Bharati were also present at the launch.

    For more details click- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2096792

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    (Release ID: 2096895) Visitor Counter : 12

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESS RELEASE – Ministry of Customs & Revenue commemorates and celebrates International Customs Day

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    The Ministry of Customs & Revenue commenced its week long commemoration of the International Customs Day with a thanksgiving service on Monday, 27th January 2025.

    The International Customs Day (ICD) is an annual event that was initiated by the World Customs Organization in the year 1983, to recognize the important role that Customs play in ensuring border security. This day is celebrated on the 26th day of January every year, the same date of the inauguaration of the Customs Cooperation Council, now known as the World Customs Organization, in the year 1952. A theme is assigned for every year, and this year is on “Customs delivering on its commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”. The theme highlights on the current Vision and Mission of the Ministry.

    The keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Minister for Customs & Revenue, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio. The Deputy Prime Minister echoed the concerns of the public, members of parliament and those who have shared these concerns, on the growing problems on illicit drugs and weapons, undervaluation of Customs invoices, under-declaration of income and non compliance with requirements of the Tax Invoice Monitoring System (TIMS), among many other issues.

    Furthermore, he reminded the Ministry on the equipment and systems now available for operations that will remove doubt by the public on Customs delivering on its mandate around security. Emphasis was placed by him on the need to utilize the container x-ray scanner to its full capacity. He further re-emphasized on the relevancy of the theme to the work of the Ministry and his challenge put to the CEO, Management and staff of Customs, is to really focus their work, resources and efforts on ensuring “border security”, a critical national concern that needs to be taken seriously.

    The international day for Customs will be celebrated this week with various activities reflecting the theme for this year. The week long program started with an official opening prayer service held at the Customs office this morning. One of the featured program of the opening ceremony is the launch of the Ministry revamped website. The new website has been thoughtfully redesigned on collective efforts with a clear focus on user-friendliness, accessibility, and efficiency.

    There are two new features introduced in the new website. One is the most ground-breaking features of the revamped website is the introduction of the MCR’s AI Technology, CRISA, which stands for Customs and Revenue Information and Support Assistant. Powered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, CRISA is designed to transform the way you interact with the Ministry. The second feature is that of the duty estimator tool, to assist importers in knowing an estimated cost of duties and taxes on their imports before they arrive in country. Hon. Tuala Tevaga I. Ponifasio acknowledged this work by the Ministry’s IT team. He further stated that this has been one of his deliverable for the Ministry and although it has taken about three years for the Ministry to build, it is a great milestone indeed.

    Thirteen Customs officials, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry, were awarded with Certificates of Merit from the WCO for their service rendered to the International Customs community. The thirteen awardees were selected based on the longevity and quality of their services to the government and people of Samoa as well as the international Customs forum for more that twenty (20) years. The awards were given by Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio with a warm congratulatory remark to each awardee.

    The week long program features a range of activities and includes an awareness session on the Container X-ray Machine and the refresher session on the Ministry’s Identity Framework. The operability of the Container X-ray machine is expected to be at full capacity from this week onwards. A media campaign is also set for this week commencing with interview from the Chief Executive Officer on ICD celebration and its significance to the work of the Ministry, communication relative to the new website and operations of the Xray machine, staff capacity building and wellness programs throughout the week.

    The Ministry takes this opportunity to Wish all Staff of MCR, partners and stakeholders of the Ministry, fellow Customs administrations in the Pacific and around the World a “Happy International Customs Day”

    (End)

    SOURCE – Ministry of Customs and Revenue

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: JOINT PRESS RELEASE- Agreement between the Government of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Mutual Visa Exemption

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    [PRESS RELEASE]- The Government of the Independent State of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its joint commitment and partnership to strengthen relations and cooperation between both countries and to facilitate exchange of visits between citizens of both countries including promotion of people to people linkages and sub-national cooperation.

    An Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was signed today (23rd January 2025) between the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Agafili Shem Leo and the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa His Excellency Mr Fei Mingxing during the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival. On conclusion of the signing, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa delivered a few remarks followed by an Address by His Excellency Ambassador Fei . Both the Hon Prime Minister and Ambassador acknowledged that the visa exemption arrangement would benefit both countries substantially through ease of international travel. It was further recognized that this important development would also align with this year’s 50th Anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1975.

    The Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was one of the discussion issues at the bilateral meeting between the Honorable Prime Minister of Samoa and the President of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Xi Jinping during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China from 20-28 November last year.

    Aside from the Mutual Visa Exemption, the culmination of the Bilateral Meetings between the Hon Prime Minister and the Chinese Leaders included the signing of the:

    • Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement

    • MOU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development

    • MOU on Establishing a Working Group on Promoting Unimpeded Trade

    • MOU on the Global Development Initiative

    • MOU on Education Collaboration and Exchanges

    • Handover Certificate for the Fingerprint Testing Laboratory

    The collaborative efforts and cooperation between the Governments of Samoa and China illustrate a shared commitment and mutual trust to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

    The Government of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China will continue to pursue greater collaboration that will deliver on joint interests and agreed commitments to address key national development priorities that are in line with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, and for the benefit of our two Peoples.

    CAPTION- An Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was signed today (23rd January 2025) between the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Agafili Shem Leo and the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa His Excellency Mr Fei Mingxing during the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival.

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Government of Samoa.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: A Steppe Forward: How to Revive Mongolia’s Grasslands and Fight Climate Change

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Mongolia’s rangelands occupy 70% of the country’s territory and are vital for climate mitigation through carbon storage. Research highlights the importance of sustainable grazing practices and collective herder management to restore degraded rangelands and maintain their ecological functions.

    Spanning more than 110 million hectares across 70% of Mongolia’s land territory, and renowned as one of the last remaining natural steppe ecosystems, Mongolian rangelands have a crucial role to play in the country’s climate mitigation efforts.

    If well managed,  rangelands can serve as more stable carbon stores than forests, as they are more resilient to environmental stresses such as drought and fire.

    Effective management practices can boost soil carbon stocks by increasing organic matter input or reducing carbon losses. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. As grasses grow, their dry and dead leaves and stems fall to the ground and decompose.

    Roots, which often have more biomass below ground than above, also grow, and some die and decompose each year. Soil microorganisms aid in decomposing organic matter, and carbon from these sources is incorporated into soil carbon stocks.

    Current carbon estimates for rangelands often focus on the topsoil, but a substantial amount of grassland soil carbon is found in deeper subsoil layers.

    When rangelands degrade, soil carbon is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, scientists advise that climate mitigation efforts should focus on protecting this irreplaceable soil carbon as its restoration is difficult once lost.

    In rangeland management science, this is known as a tipping point where changes in vegetation and soil become impossible to reverse.

    Are Mongolian rangelands close to a tipping point? In the past thirty years, the livestock population in Mongolia has tripled, surpassing the rangelands’ carrying capacity by three times. This has resulted in degradation of 65% of rangelands.

    However, due to traditional rotational grazing practices, most of the degraded rangelands have retained their ability to recover.  Research findings confirm that 85% of degraded rangelands maintain their natural regeneration capacity if the level of degradation has not passed the threshold of no recovery.

    Managed carefully in accordance with the seasonal carrying capacity, rangelands can recover and maintain their carbon sequestration and storage capacity for the benefit of the people, the country, and the world’s climate.

    Mongolia’s first rangeland health report in May 2015 found 65% of rangelands were degraded, but 94% could still recover. By 2018, a second report showed the degraded rangelands had decreased to 57%. According to the third report released in 2022, the percentage of heavily degraded rangelands has declined from 10.2% to 6.6%. 

    Researchers attributed this positive trend to a high capacity for recovery of Mongolian rangelands, reduced grazing pressure, and herders’ commitment to improving rotational grazing practices.

    This suggests the key to maintaining rangeland recovery capacity is resting rangelands during critical vegetation growth periods and adjusting livestock numbers based on seasonal productivity.

    Mongolia’s agencies monitor rangelands at thousands of sites nationwide. Collaborating with international researchers, Mongolian scientists have developed tools like Ecological Site Descriptions and State and Transition Models to assess rangeland health. They’ve identified 22 ecological groups based on vegetation, soil, productivity, landscape, and climate, which guide site-specific grazing and stocking plans.

    In cooperation with herder households, the Mongolian National Federation of Pasture User Groups has carried out several pilot projects testing the length of time different rangelands take to reach new recovery classes. Even rangelands that reached a heavy level of degradation are still able to recover if there is more than 10 years of frugal management. 

    The agriculture sector produces 53% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with land use and land management accounting for 34%, according to the latest Biannual Transparency Report.  As the dominant ecosystem in Mongolia, rangelands have a huge role to play in the nation’s emission reduction targets.

    Research trials conducted to rehabilitate heavily degraded rangelands with a range of modern technologies revealed that this is both difficult and costly. The best method is to revitalize traditional rotational grazing and resting practices. This has to be regulated through the collective control of herder households and supported by a legal framework.

    These findings have led to the formation of pasture user groups among herder households that share customary access to the same seasonal rangelands. Group members define the boundaries of their seasonal rotational grazing areas and regulate their use.

    These plans form the basis for establishing rangeland use agreements between the groups and local government, which are the means to enforce and monitor rotational grazing and rangeland-resting plans.

    When rangelands show signs of degradation, herder households move to the next rangeland to let it regenerate. These are known among herders as the “4 Golden Rules”, followed to manage their grazing areas sustainably: do not exceed the carrying capacity of rangelands; do not deplete the regeneration capacity of plants; give plants time to recover; and practice pre-planned and regulated rotational grazing.

    This nature-based solution offers ample opportunities to restore rangelands. Managed carefully in accordance with the seasonal carrying capacity, rangelands can recover and maintain their carbon sequestration and storage capacity for the benefit of the people, the country, and the world’s climate.

    Across the globe, the rangeland ecosystem services are often undervalued, and much larger efforts are required to create awareness. Not only is it a source of livestock feed but also crucial in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts and provision of generic ecosystem services such as absorbing excess rainfall and releasing water gradually during dry periods, stabilizing soil quality to prevent erosion and desertification.

    By integrating these actions into nationally determined contributions, national adaptation plans, and long-term emission strategies, we can strengthen community and ecosystem resilience and build a future ready to face a changing climate.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bridging the Climate Finance Gap: Unpacking the Global Disparities and Imperatives for Developing Countries

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Kasumigaseki Building 8F, 3-2-5, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6008, Japan

    About ADBI

    The Asian Development Bank Institute was established in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan, to help build capacity, skills, and knowledge related to poverty reduction and other areas that support long-term growth and competitiveness in developing economies in Asia and the Pacific.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: BoBC Auction Results – 28 January 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 5 February 2025.   The summarised results of the auction held on 28 January 2025, are attached below:

    BOBC Results 28 January 2025.pdf

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Amid ceasefire in Gaza, thousands of displaced Palestinians return north | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Palestinians who were forcibly displaced as a result of Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip for more than 15 months seek to return to their homes in the north amid a ceasefire. Many hope to unite with family members they have not seen since the war began, while some can only pay respects and bury their remains.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS8W90zKthQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Democratic Republic of the Congo: Situation is volatile and dangerous – Presser | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Press Conference by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations and Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    ———————-

    Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said the situation on the ground in DRC “remains volatile and dangerous.”

    During a press briefing at the United Nations headquarters today (27 Jan) Lacroix said, “The civilian population in a region that is already massively affected, and where the humanitarian challenges are daunting, certainly the risks of a broader humanitarian disaster are very high. And of course, we also want to avoid the risk of a broader war.”
    To ensure the safety of UN personnel, the mission has begun evacuating staff from Goma “by air and road.”
    Lacroix noted that the safety and security of the UN personnel “is and must be paramount.”

    Despite the challenging environment, MONUSCO continues its efforts to protect civilians and stabilize the region, “and that includes disarming combatants in conformity with international humanitarian law. There are significant numbers of civilians and also disarmed combatants that are currently in various MONUSCO premises,” Lacroix noted.

    Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, “With close to 6.5 million displaced people in the country, including close to 3 million displaced people in North Kivu, over one-third of the population of North Kivu is already displaced,” in addition to the new Goma crisis unfolding.

    Lemarquis described the dire conditions faced by civilians as fighting spreads across Goma. “The humanitarian situation in and around Goma is extremely, extremely worrying, with new thresholds of violence and suffering reached today, as active zones of combat have spread to all quarters of the city—all the neighborhoods of the city. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the escalating hostilities. This morning, heavy artillery fire was directed at the city center,” he reported.

    Hospitals in Goma are struggling to cope. “Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed in spite of the support provided, for example, by MSF and ICRC. They are struggling to manage the influx of wounded people,” Lemarquis said, highlighting that the General Hospital, with a capacity of 146 beds, was treating 259 patients, including 90 civilians, just three days ago.

    Basic services have also been severely disrupted, with water and electricity compromised and Internet service cut as of 1 p.m. Monday. “Phone networks remain operational, but it’s patchy and not helping the humanitarian response and coordination,” Lemarquis explained.

    Amid these challenges, the UN is relocating personnel and their families to safety. “We have taken both our international personnel and national personnel and their dependents to two locations—one in-country, Kinshasa, and the other one in Entebbe, where we have a large UN base,” Lemarquis said.

    Lacroix emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to resolve the crisis. “The recent announcement of an upcoming meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council is very important. We look forward to further engagement by the African Union in the efforts that are currently being made with a view to bringing about the cessation of hostilities. We count on the AU’s involvement in those efforts,” he said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL91oDWbUqc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Holocaust Memorial Ceremony: UN Chief’s remarks | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2025 – International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

    ———
    UN chief said, “The history of the Holocaust shows us what can happen when people choose not to see and not to act.”

    Addressing the annual ceremony in remembrance of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust today (27 jan), Secretary-General António Guterres said, “I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”

    He also said, “The responsibility belongs to every one of us. Remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action. To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future.”

    He continued, “Hatred is being stirred-up across the globe. One of the clearest and most troubling examples is the spreading cancer of Holocaust denial. Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished, and dismissed. Efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators. We must stand up to these outrages.”

    Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly said, “We must never forget that the Holocaust did not begin in the gas chambers; it began in the minds of people, fueled by hate speech, propaganda, and systemic discrimination.”

    Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, said, “On this historic day, we must commit to joining hands to defeat darkness and hatred, and work together to ensure the building of a shared future. This is the vow we must share, all of us, the family of nations: That what happened once, will never happen again.”

    Dumitru Miclescu, Roma survivor of the Holocaust stated, “Even today, in Romania, people do not know this history. Instead of calling it the genocide in Transnistria, they refer to it as the deportations from Transnistria. I want to be clear: what we lived through was a genocide—mass killings and injustice. Just because we were born Roma or Jewish.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQW46p8H_sk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: International Criminal Court Security Council Signatories on Sudan – Security Council Media Stakeout

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Informal comments to the media by Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, on behalf of the members of the Security Council that are State parties to the Rome Statute to the International Criminal Court, on Sudan.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zht290nxd9w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Melodies of Life during the Holocaust

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    For the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony in the UN General Assembly Hall on 27 January 2025, the Lebensmelodien (“Melodies of Life”) project performed music composed or heard or sung during the Holocaust. The project was founded by the third generation Holocaust survivor Nur Ben Shalom, in response to his family history. Lebensmelodien brings the silenced voices and sounds back to life and into memory.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_yTdfpGkY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swiss expert becomes Special Representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office on South Caucasus

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen, has appointed Christoph Späti as the Special Representative of the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship for the South Caucasus. The Swiss expert, who most recently served as programme manager for the South Caucasus in the FDFA’s Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), took up the post of Special Representative on 21 January 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the Russia-Iran Strategic Partnership Agreement on EU-Iran relations – E-000208/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000208/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE)

    The conclusion of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran on 17 January 2025 and its reported focus on trade, investment and defence, as well as regional and international affairs, has potentially far-reaching geopolitical and security implications for the European Union and its relations with Iran.

    • 1.How does the EEAS assess the possible impact of this strategic agreement on the political and economic relations between the European Union and Iran?
    • 2.How does the EU intend to respond to a potential deepening of military and security cooperation between Russia and Iran, in particular with regard to the ongoing acts of war in Ukraine and Iran’s provision of support to Russia?

    Submitted: 20.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Documents required by financial institutions when entering into contracts with clients – E-000321/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000321/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Luděk Niedermayer (PPE)

    My question concerns the practice followed by some financial institutions in the EU, such as insurance companies, banks, investment companies, telecommunications companies, etc. If a financial institution, when concluding insurance, investment, credit, banking or telecommunications contracts, requires more documents or different types of documents from citizens of other EU countries than it requires from citizens of the country in which it operates, does the Commission consider that there is a breach of Article 18 TFEU, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of nationality, or not?

    If so, what course of action should be taken by EU citizen clients in respect of whom financial institutions are applying such practices?

    Submitted: 24.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call goes out to traders and charities to be part of Tall Ships spectacular

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Local traders and charities are invited to be part of a huge outdoor market on Port of Aberdeen quayside that will be at the vibrant heart of the spectacular Tall Ships Races extravaganza this July.

    Curated on the Quayside will run for four days from Saturday 19 July – Tuesday 22 July, and is being organised by the Council and Aberdeen Inspired, supported by north-east children’s charity Charlie House. Applications to become a stallholder are now open.

    The colourful market will feature traders and charities across 60 stalls in prime position along Regent Quay, Upper Dock and Blaikie’s Quay. The market will be there for the duration of the world-class maritime festival, which is expected to attract around 50 ships and some 400,000 visits.

    The quayside market – inspired by Curated In The Quad, the popular festive market held in Marischal College’s quadrangle over the Christmas season – will help raise funds for Charlie House.

    Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Organising Committee, said: “Curated on the Quayside is a fabulous addition to our Tall Ships festivities. This is an additional opportunity for businesses and charities to get involved in what will be the city’s biggest event in decades.

    “The quayside venue is at the heart of a massive influx of visitors. This is an excellent chance for organisations to raise their profiles and their incomes right at the centre of the fun.”

    Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Curated in the Quad helps bring the magic of Christmas to the city centre and I am sure Curated on the Quayside will help add even more excitement and vibrancy to the already spectacular Tall Ships celebrations.

    “It’s a chance for local traders and charities to be centre stage at an event that will put Aberdeen – and them – in the international spotlight, while adding to the unforgettable experience that visitors to the Tall Ships will enjoy and talk about for years.”

    John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House, said: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with many fantastic traders and charities at our various Curated markets over the years, and we’re delighted to expand on this by supporting the Tall Ships partners with the Curated on the Quayside application process.

    “With applications now open, we’re excited to discover both new and familiar talent eager to join us for this vibrant four-day market as part of The Tall Ships Races.”

    Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “Curated on the Quayside will be an excellent addition to the Tall Ships programme and we look forward to welcoming a wide range of local traders and charities into the port.”

    Applications for Curated on the Quayside are open, with priority given to local businesses and groups – including nautical organisations – who reflect the Tall Ships event connection to Aberdeen’s maritime heritage.

    Successful traders will attend all four days, while charities will be allocated one day each to allow more good causes to take part. This means 55 traders and 17 charities will be involved Curated on the Quayside.

    Applications are welcomed up until the deadline of 5pm on Friday 28 March with shortlisted applicants being notified by email during the week beginning Monday 21 April.

    To find out more about applying visit the Charlie House website

    For more on Tall Ships 2025 visit the Tall Ships website

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU-Mercosur agreement – E-000324/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000324/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Regina Doherty (PPE)

    The Commission assures citizens that EU food safety standards will be respected for imported products under the proposed EU-Mercosur agreement, even if sanitary and phytosanitary checks have been reduced and customs procedures simplified.

    What specific assurances can the Commission provide in terms of respect for EU production standards and product quality?

    There are currently significant discrepancies between the two parties in terms of production standards, which is impacting exposed sectors, with EU producers having to respect a greater number of regulations, with less support at their disposal and higher labour costs and standards. These discrepancies may also have implications for the level playing field for farmers, as well as for the guarantee of quality, safety and sustainability standards expected by consumers.

    Submitted: 24.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Applying the Digital Services Act to German public service broadcasters – E-000228/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000228/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    Germany’s public service broadcasters have massively expanded their online activities. Executives stress the growing importance of the internet for public service broadcasting and see the need for a greater online presence. They are therefore planning, for example, a big streaming push. The development of an ARD-wide streaming network in cooperation with ZDF is in the pipeline. The public broadcasters’ extensive on-demand services and numerous websites provide a wide range of information. Many of these platforms – such as Funk, which is aimed at young people – also allow users to contribute their own content. Platforms often also have integrated comment sections. They also organise online discussions and are making increasing use of interactive formats, with a view to reaching young audiences in particular. However, this also raises questions about the distinction with private media providers, which are also highly represented in the digital sphere.

    • 1.Does the Commission consider that the online platforms of public service broadcasters fall within the scope of the DSA?
    • 2.Does the Commission know whether the Bundesnetzagentur (German Federal Network Agency), which is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Services Act in Germany, has undertaken relevant regulatory efforts?
    • 3.Will the Commission instruct the Bundesnetzagentur to regulate the online platforms of German public service broadcasters?

    Submitted: 20.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –