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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Communique of the Twenty-Eight ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (28th ALMM)

    Source: ASEAN

    The 28th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM) was held on 30 October 2024 in Singapore. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower of Singapore, and attended by representatives of ASEAN Member States, Secretary-General of ASEAN and their respective accompanying delegations. The representatives of Timor-Leste attended as observers.As ALMM commemorates its 50th year since the ALMM first met in Jakarta, April 1975, and guided by Singapore’s 28th ALMM Chairmanship theme “Strengthening Resilience and Promoting Innovation,” we exchanged views on fundamental labour issues in the face of the rapidly changing world of work. Technological advancement, digital and green economy, demographic changes, and intensifying labour mobility present challenges and opportunities to the labour markets of ASEAN Member States. We affirmed the remarkable progress of cooperation under the ALMM over the past 50 years and looked forward to sustained regional cooperation to build a resilient and dynamic ASEAN workforce.

    Download the full statement here.
    The post Joint Communique of the Twenty-Eight ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (28th ALMM) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Strong winds are expected in the capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The weather in the capital will worsen in the coming hours. According to weather forecasters, the wind will increase, its gusts can reach 14 meters per second.

    Citizens are asked to be careful on the street. It is important not to take shelter under trees or park cars near them. In addition, such weather is unfavorable for high-rise and construction and installation work.

    In case of emergency, call 101 or 112.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145964073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Construction update on new 45-unit residence in downtown Whitehorse

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    This news release has been updated to correct a mathematical error. 

    The Government of Yukon is investing in a new 45-unit residence at 6095 6th Avenue in downtown Whitehorse in response to the community’s housing needs. The building’s 45 units will comprise studios and units ranging from one to three bedrooms, with 12 designated accessible units.

    This development will give people a place to call home once completed and help reduce the housing waitlist.

    • Read more about Construction update on new 45-unit residence in downtown Whitehorse
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on Saskatchewan election

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party on their success in yesterday’s provincial election.

    “I also want to congratulate the Saskatchewan NDP on their historic surge in support as they continue as Saskatchewan’s official opposition.

    • Read more about Statement from Premier Pillai on Saskatchewan election
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on British Columbia election

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Premier David Eby and the British Columbia New Democratic Party on their success in the B.C. provincial election.

    • Read more about Statement from Premier Pillai on British Columbia election
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: CSW Industrials Reports Record Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CSW Industrials, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSWI or the “Company”) today reported record results for the fiscal 2025 second quarter period ended September 30, 2024.

    Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Highlights (comparisons to fiscal 2024 second quarter)

    • Total revenue increased 11.9% to an all-time quarterly high of $227.9 million, driven by organic growth of 6.2% and inorganic growth of 5.7% from the recent acquisitions of Dust Free and PSP Products
    • Net income attributable to CSWI increased 20.0% to $36.1 million, compared to $30.1 million
    • Earnings per diluted share (“EPS”) increased 17.1% to $2.26, compared to $1.93
    • EBITDA grew 14.8% to $60.8 million, including margin expansion of 70 bps to 26.7%
    • Cash flow from operations increased 49.5% to $66.8 million, compared to $44.7 million
    • Issued and sold 1.265 million shares of stock at $285 per share in a successful follow-on equity offering, resulting in net proceeds of $347.4 million
    • Paid down $115.0 million, or all outstanding debt on the revolver following the equity offering, further improving the strength of the balance sheet

    Fiscal 2025 First Half Highlights (comparisons to fiscal 2024 first half)

    • Total revenue increased 11.6% to $454.1 million, of which 7.0%, or $28.3 million was organic growth, and $18.8 million, or 4.6%, was inorganic growth from recent acquisitions
    • Net income attributable to CSWI increased 23.0% to $74.6 million, as compared to $60.7 million
    • EPS improved 21.5% to $4.73, compared to $3.90
    • EBITDA increased 17.4% to $126.1 million, including margin expansion of 140 bps to 27.8%
    • Cash flow from operations increased 36.4% to $129.5 million, compared to $94.9 million
    • Invested $32.3 million in acquisitions and $8.6 million in organic capital expenditures, while returning total cash of $15.4 million to shareholders through share repurchases of $8.9 million and dividends of $6.5 million

    Comments from the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

    Joseph B. Armes, CSW Industrials’ Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am pleased to announce these outstanding results for the fiscal second quarter of 2025. CSWI’s record revenue for the quarter was driven by organic volume growth, pricing actions, and our strategic acquisitions of Dust Free and PSP Products. The team also achieved all-time record operating cash flow and record fiscal second quarter net income, earnings per diluted share, and EBITDA for the quarter.”

    Armes continued, “During the second fiscal quarter 2025, CSWI issued equity to the public for the first time in our history. Strong investor demand, after the public announcement of our follow-on equity offering, allowed the Company to issue a total of 1.265 million shares of common stock proving that our track record of building long-term shareholder value is attractive to both pre-existing and new shareholders, while also being accretive to our earnings due to the full repayment of our debt and investment in interest-bearing accounts. In addition, our disciplined capital allocation philosophy led us to acquire PSP Products in the quarter, adding innovative products within the profitable electrical end market for CSWI. Subsequent to quarter end, the Company announced a mid-year, 14% increase in our quarterly cash dividend, reflecting our strong balance sheet, cash flows, and profitability.”

    Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Consolidated Results

    Fiscal second quarter revenue was $227.9 million, a $24.3 million or 11.9% increase over the prior year period. Total revenue growth included $12.7 million of organic growth contributed from all operating segments (6.2% of the total 11.9% growth) due to increased volume and pricing actions, with the remainder contributed by the Dust Free and PSP acquisitions, which are both reported in the Contractor Solutions segment.

    Gross profit in the fiscal second quarter was $103.9 million, representing 14.2% growth over $91.0 million in the prior year period. Gross profit margin expanded 90 bps to 45.6%, compared to 44.7% in the prior year period. The gross profit margin increase was primarily a result of volume leverage and pricing actions.

    Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 23.0% in the current period, which was below the prior year period of 24.0%. Operating expenses were $52.4 million in the current year period, compared to $49.0 million in the prior year period and we were able to leverage our revenue growth while absorbing additional expenses related to the recent acquisitions, spending on business development and integration, and investing in team members.

    Operating income in the current period was $51.5 million, compared to $42.0 million in the prior year period. Operating income as a percentage of revenue was 22.6% in fiscal 2025 second quarter, compared to 20.6% in the prior year period. The 200 bps improvement in operating income margin was a result of the previously mentioned improvement in the gross profit margin and leverage on operating expenses.

    Interest expense was $1.3 million, compared to interest expense of $3.3 million in the prior year period. The decrease of $2.0 million was a result of a lower debt balance throughout the quarter and paying off the outstanding balance borrowed against our revolver and interest income earned from the net proceeds of the equity offering.

    Other expense was $0.7 million, compared to other income of $1.9 million in the prior year period. The change in other expense of $2.6 million was primarily related to a gain of $1.4 million reported in the previous period in connection with the sale of a property previously held for investment that did not recur, in addition to losses arising from transactions in currencies other than functional currencies.

    Net income attributable to CSWI (net of non-controlling interest in the joint venture) increased 20.0% to $36.1 million, compared to the prior year period of $30.1 million, and EPS increased 17.1% to $2.26, compared to $1.93 in the prior year period.

    Fiscal 2025 second quarter EBITDA increased 14.8% to $60.8 million, up from $53.0 million in the prior year period. EBITDA margin expanded 70 bps to 26.7%, compared to 26.0% in the prior year period.

    During the fiscal second quarter 2025, the Company issued equity to the public for the first time. On September 4, 2024, CSWI announced the commencement of an underwritten public offering of one million shares of common stock. The following day, the Company announced the upsize of the public offering to 1.1 million shares of common stock at a price of $285 per share, plus an option for the underwriters to purchase up to an additional 165 thousand shares. In the aggregate, CSWI was able to issue and sell 1.265 million shares of common stock at $285 for proceeds of approximately $347.4 million, net of underwriting discount and expenses incurred directly related to the offering. The follow-on equity offering increased the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding, used in determining the diluted EPS, by 336 thousand for the fiscal 2025 second quarter and 169 thousand for the first half of fiscal 2025.

    During the fiscal second quarter, the Company paid down $115.0 million of debt, resulting in no borrowings outstanding under the revolving line of credit at quarter end, utilizing the record quarterly cash flows from operations of $66.8 million and the cash received from our follow-on equity offering. Cash flows from operations benefited from a $16.8 million tax payment deferral from fiscal first half 2025 to fiscal third quarter 2025 under a temporary federal tax relief related to the severe storms and flooding in Texas in early 2024.

    Following quarter-end, the Company announced its twenty-third consecutive regular quarterly cash dividend. This dividend was increased by $0.03, or 14.3%, from the prior quarter to $0.24 per share due to our strong balance sheet, cash flows and profitability, and will be paid on November 8, 2024, to shareholders of record on October 25, 2024.

    The Company’s effective tax rate for the fiscal second quarter was 26.1%. The third quarter GAAP tax rate may be lower than average, due to a potential $3.6M release of uncertain tax position reserves upon statue expiration of several pre-acquisition tax returns for TRUaire and Falcon.

    Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Segment Results

    The Contractor Solutions segment revenue was $158.8 million, an $18.9 million or 13.5% increase over the prior year period, comprised of organic growth of $7.3 million (5.2% of the total 13.5% growth) driven by increased organic unit volumes and pricing actions, and inorganic growth of $11.6 million from the recent acquisitions of Dust Free and PSP Products. As compared to the prior year period, net revenue growth was driven by the HVAC/R, electrical, and plumbing end markets. Segment operating income improved to $46.3 million, compared to $39.0 million in the prior year period. The incremental profit resulted from revenue growth, gross profit leverage, and the inclusion of recently acquired businesses and was partially offset by increased spending on business integrations, strategic development activities, and employee compensation. Segment operating income margin in the fiscal second quarter was 29.1%, compared to 27.9% in the prior year period. Segment EBITDA in the fiscal second quarter was $53.7 million, or 33.8% of revenue, compared to $46.6 million, or 33.3% of revenue in the prior year period.

    The Specialized Reliability Solutions segment revenue was $38.5 million, a $1.9 million or 5.2% increase from the prior year period. The increased net revenue was driven by growth in the energy, rail transportation, and mining end markets. Segment operating income improved to $5.8 million, as compared to $4.8 million in the prior year period, an increase of 20.5%. Segment operating income margin in the fiscal second quarter improved to 15.1%, compared to the prior year period of 13.2% as a result of manufacturing efficiencies. Segment EBITDA improved by 13.2% to $7.1 million in the fiscal second quarter, with an EBITDA margin of 18.4% as compared to 17.2% in the prior year period.

    The Engineered Building Solutions segment revenue was a record $32.7 million, or 11.9% increase compared to $29.2 million in the prior year period, driven by strength in the backlog converting to revenue and market expansion. Segment operating income was $6.1 million, or 18.6% of revenue, compared to the prior year period of $5.2 million, or 17.9% of revenue, due to the management of operating expenses. Segment EBITDA and EBITDA margin also improved to $6.6 million and 20.1% in the fiscal second quarter, compared to $5.7 million and 19.5% in the prior year period.

    Fiscal 2025 First Half Consolidated Results

    Fiscal first half revenue was $454.1 million, representing 11.6% growth from $407.0 million in the prior year period, with growth in all three reporting segments. Of the $47.1 million total growth, $28.3 million (7.0% of the 11.6% total growth) resulted from organic growth, with the remainder ($18.8 million) contributed by the Dust Free and PSP acquisitions.

    Gross profit in the fiscal first half was $211.3 million, representing $28.2 million (15.4%) growth from $183.1 million in the prior year period, with the incremental profit resulting predominantly from revenue growth driven by increased unit volumes, a slight increase from pricing actions, and recent acquisitions. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 46.5%, compared to 45.0% in the prior year period. Gross margin improvement was a result of leveraging the volume increase, favorable product mix and pricing actions.

    Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 23.1%, compared to 23.6% in the prior year period, as the increase in revenue growth outpaced operating expenses. Operating expenses in the current year period were $104.7 million, compared to $95.9 million in the prior year period. The additional expenses were related to employee compensation, expenses related to recent acquisitions including amortization of intangible assets, business development expenses, and integration costs.

    In the current period, operating income was $106.6 million, compared to $87.2 million in the prior year period. The incremental operating income resulted from the gross profit increase, partially offset by the operating expense increase as discussed above. Operating income margin in the current period improved to 23.5%, compared to the prior year period of 21.4%. During the comparative periods, the enhanced operating income margin was due to the improvement in gross profit margin combined with the management of operating expenses.

    Interest expense was $3.9 million, compared to interest expense of $7.3 million in the prior year period. The decrease of $3.4 million was a result of a lower debt balance throughout the first half of the year, then paying off the outstanding balance borrowed against our revolver and interest income earned from the net proceeds of the equity offering.

    Other expense was $0.4 million, compared to other income of $2.2 million in the prior year period. The change in other expense of $2.6 million was primarily related to the aforementioned gain of $1.4 million, in addition to losses arising from transactions in currencies other than functional currencies.

    In the current period, reported net income attributable to CSWI improved to $74.6 million, or $4.73 per diluted share. In the prior year period, reported net income attributable to CSWI was $60.7 million, or $3.90 per diluted share.

    Fiscal 2025 first half EBITDA increased 17.4% to $126.1 million from $107.4 million in the prior year period. EBITDA as a percentage of revenue improved 140 bps to 27.8%, compared to 26.4%, in the prior year period.

    Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal 2025 first half was a record $129.5 million, compared to $94.9 million in the prior year’s first half, as improved profit, and the tax payment deferrals led to a 36.4% increase compared to the prior year period. The Company paid down all $166.0 million of debt in the first half utilizing our record cash flow from operations and net proceeds from the follow-on equity offering.

    The Company’s effective tax rate for the fiscal first half was 26.2% on a GAAP basis.

    Fiscal 2025 First Half Segment Results

    Contractor Solutions segment revenue was $319.3 million, a $39.4 million or 14.1% increase from the prior year period. Revenue growth was comprised of inorganic growth from Dust Free and PSP acquisitions ($18.8 million, or 6.7%, of growth), and organic growth of $20.6 million (7.4% of the total 14.1% growth) due to increased unit volumes and a slight increase from pricing actions. As compared to the prior year period, net revenue growth was driven primarily by the HVAC/R, plumbing, and electrical end markets. Segment operating income in the current year period was $96.1 million, compared to $78.7 million in the prior year period. The incremental profit resulted from the increased unit volumes, favorable product mix, and the inclusion of recent acquisitions, partially offset by increased expenses related to employee compensation and business integrations as the segment builds the infrastructure to support continued growth, and increased expenses related to the inclusion of Dust Free and PSP in the current period, including amortization of intangible assets. Segment operating income margin was 30.1%, compared to 28.1% in the prior year period, driven primarily by increased operating leverage from the additional volume, favorable product mix and pricing actions, combined with the management of operating expenses. Segment EBITDA in the current period was $112.0 million, or 35.1% of revenue, compared to $93.4 million, or 33.4% of revenue in the prior year period.

    Specialized Reliability Solutions segment revenue grew to $75.3 million, a $1.0 million or 1.3% increase from the prior year period of $74.3 million, primarily due to pricing actions and increased unit volumes, with growth in the rail transportation end market and a decrease in mining. In the current year period, Segment operating income improved by 10.0% to $13.0 million, or 17.2% of revenue, compared to the prior year period of $11.8 million, or 15.9% of revenue. Improved segment operating income resulted primarily as a result of a favorable inventory adjustment in the first quarter as well as the increased volume. Segment EBITDA in the current period was $15.6 million, or 20.7% of revenue, compared to $14.7 million, or 19.8% of revenue in the prior year period.

    Engineered Building Solutions segment revenue was $63.6 million, a $6.8 million or 11.9% increase over the prior year period, primarily due to the conversion of backlog into revenue and market expansion. Segment operating income increased 24.4% to $11.8 million, or 18.6% of revenue, compared to the prior year period of $9.5 million, or 16.7% of revenue, due to the increased net revenue, improved gross margin as a result of operating leverage, and management of operating expenses. Segment EBITDA in the current period was $12.8 million, or 20.1% of revenue, compared to $10.4 million, or 18.3% of revenue in the prior year period.

    All percentages are calculated based upon the attached financial statements. Share count used in determining the diluted EPS is based on a weighted average of outstanding shares throughout the measurement period.

    Conference Call Information

    The Company will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results, followed by a question-and-answer session for the investment community. A live webcast of the call can be accessed at https://cswindustrials.gcs-web.com/. To access the call, participants may dial 1-877-407-0784, international callers may use 1-201-689-8560, and request to join the CSW Industrials earnings call.

    A telephonic replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and until Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Participants may access the replay at 1-844-512-2921, international callers may use 1-412-317-6671 and enter access code 13749338. The call will also be available for replay via webcast link on the Investors portion of the CSWI website www.cswindustrials.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “could,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “predicts” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, earnings forecasts, effective tax rate, statements relating to our business strategy and statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies and anticipated developments concerning our industry, business, operations, and financial performance and condition.

    The forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on our current expectations, projections, estimates, and assumptions. These statements are only predictions, not guarantees. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from what is forecast in such forward-looking statements, and include, without limitation, the risk factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

    All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release includes an analysis of adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to CSWI, adjusted net income attributable to CSWI, adjusted operating income and free cash flows, which are non-GAAP financial measures of performance. Attributable to CSWI is defined to exclude the income attributable to the non-controlling interest in the Whitmore JV.

    CSWI utilizes adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) as an additional consolidated, non-GAAP financial measure, which consists of consolidated net income including income attributable to the non-controlling interest in the Whitmore JV, adjusted to remove the impact of income taxes, interest expense, depreciation, amortization and impairment, and significant nonrecurring items.

    For a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures and for a discussion of why we consider these non-GAAP measures useful, see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” section of this release.

    About CSW Industrials, Inc.

    CSW Industrials is a diversified industrial growth company with industry-leading operations in three segments: Contractor Solutions, Specialized Reliability Solutions, and Engineered Building Solutions. CSWI provides niche, value-added products with two essential commonalities: performance and reliability. The primary end markets we serve with our well-known brands include: HVAC/R, plumbing, electrical, general industrial, architecturally-specified building products, energy, mining, and rail transportation. For more information, please visit www.cswindustrials.com.

    Investor Relations

    Alexa Huerta
    Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer
    214-489-7113
    alexa.huerta@cswindustrials.com

    CSW INDUSTRIALS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    September 30,
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues, net   $ 227,926     $ 203,653     $ 454,103     $ 407,013  
    Cost of revenues     (124,025 )     (112,694 )     (242,781 )     (223,887 )
    Gross profit     103,901       90,959       211,322       183,126  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses     (52,352 )     (48,966 )     (104,712 )     (95,927 )
    Operating income     51,549       41,993       106,610       87,199  
    Interest expense, net     (1,341 )     (3,306 )     (3,861 )     (7,315 )
    Other income (expense), net     (677 )     1,926       (418 )     2,240  
    Income before income taxes     49,531       40,613       102,331       82,124  
    Provision for income taxes     (12,910 )     (10,431 )     (26,859 )     (20,885 )
    Net income     36,621       30,182       75,472       61,239  
    Less: Income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest     (570 )     (127 )     (828 )     (572 )
    Net income attributable to CSW Industrials, Inc.   $ 36,051     $ 30,055     $ 74,644     $ 60,667  
                     
    Net income per share attributable to CSW Industrials, Inc.                
    Basic   $ 2.27     $ 1.93     $ 4.75     $ 3.91  
    Diluted     2.26       1.93       4.73       3.90  
                     
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding:                
    Basic     15,866       15,544       15,701       15,532  
    Diluted     15,941       15,588       15,770       15,568  
    CSW INDUSTRIALS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (unaudited)
    (Amounts in thousands, except for per share amounts)   September 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
    ASSETS        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 273,220     $ 22,156  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses of $1,127 and $908, respectively     135,265       142,665  
    Inventories, net     183,731       150,749  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     17,281       15,840  
    Total current assets     609,497       331,410  
    Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $109,891 and $103,515, respectively     95,128       92,811  
    Goodwill     255,899       247,191  
    Intangible assets, net     333,326       318,819  
    Other assets     65,446       53,095  
    Total assets   $ 1,359,296     $ 1,043,326  
             
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable   $ 63,191     $ 48,387  
    Accrued and other current liabilities     96,259       67,449  
    Total current liabilities     159,450       115,836  
    Long-term debt     —       166,000  
    Retirement benefits payable     1,093       1,114  
    Other long-term liabilities     148,404       125,298  
    Total liabilities     308,947       408,248  
    Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)        
    Redeemable noncontrolling interest     20,183       19,355  
    Equity:        
    Common shares, $0.01 par value     177       164  
    Additional paid-in capital     494,535       137,253  
    Treasury shares, at cost (982 and 952 shares, respectively)     (106,636 )     (95,643 )
    Retained earnings     651,145       583,075  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (9,055 )     (9,126 )
    Total equity     1,030,166       615,723  
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity   $ 1,359,296     $ 1,043,326  
    CSW INDUSTRIALS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (unaudited)
        Six Months Ended
    September 30,
    (Amounts in thousands)     2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Net income   $ 75,472     $ 61,239  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation     7,045       6,613  
    Amortization of intangible and other assets     13,214       11,730  
    Provision for inventory reserves     840       2,490  
    Provision for doubtful accounts     723       227  
    Share-based compensation     6,891       5,556  
    Net gain on disposals of property, plant and equipment     (39 )     (1,446 )
    Net pension benefit     33       33  
    Impairment of assets     —       91  
    Net deferred taxes     1,516       411  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Accounts receivable     11,301       (3,917 )
    Inventories     (25,282 )     7,739  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (2,085 )     (5,478 )
    Other assets     153       (466 )
    Accounts payable and other current liabilities     39,626       8,975  
    Retirement benefits payable and other liabilities     61       1,139  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     129,469       94,936  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Capital expenditures     (8,587 )     (7,785 )
    Proceeds from sale of assets held for investment     —       1,665  
    Proceeds from sale of assets     43       42  
    Cash paid for investments     (500 )     —  
    Cash paid for acquisitions     (32,305 )     (2,623 )
    Net cash used in investing activities     (41,349 )     (8,701 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Borrowings on line of credit     32,723       38,681  
    Repayments of line of credit and term loan     (198,723 )     (118,681 )
    Purchase of treasury shares     (12,287 )     (3,928 )
    Proceeds from equity issuance     347,407       —  
    Dividends     (6,523 )     (5,900 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     162,597       (89,828 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents     347       (1,016 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     251,064       (4,609 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     22,156       18,455  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 273,220     $ 13,846  

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

    We use adjusted earnings per share attributable to CSWI, adjusted net income attributable to CSWI, adjusted operating income, and adjusted EBITDA, together with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as revenue, cost of revenue, operating expense, operating income and net income attributable to CSWI, to assess our historical and prospective operating performance and to enhance our understanding of our core operating performance. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. We also believe these measures are useful for investors to assess the operating performance of our business without the effect of non-recurring items. In the following tables, there could be immaterial differences in amounts presented due to rounding.

    CSW Industrials, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to CSWI to EBITDA
    (unaudited)
                     
    (Amounts in thousands)   Three months ended
    September 30,    		   Six Months ended
    September 30,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net Income attributable to CSWI   $ 36,051     $ 30,055     $ 74,644     $ 60,667  
    Plus: Income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest     570       127       828       572  
    Net Income   $ 36,621     $ 30,182     $ 75,472     $ 61,239  
                     
    Adjusting Items:                
    Interest expense, net     1,341       3,306       3,861       7,315  
    Income tax expense     12,909       10,431       26,859       20,886  
    Depreciation & amortization     9,951       9,045       19,883       17,960  
    EBITDA   $ 60,823     $ 52,964     $ 126,075     $ 107,399  
    EBITDA % Revenue     26.7 %     26.0 %     27.8 %     26.4 %
    CSW Industrials, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Segment EBITDA
    (unaudited)
               
    (Amounts in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2024
      Contractor
    Solutions    		 Specialized
    Reliability
    Solutions    		 Engineered
    Building
    Solutions    		 Corporate
    and Other    		 Consolidated
    Revenue, net $ 158,835   $ 38,535   $ 32,673   $ (2,115 ) $ 227,927  
               
    Operating Income $ 46,254   $ 5,819   $ 6,082   $ (6,606 ) $ 51,550  
    % Revenue   29.1 %   15.1 %   18.6 %     22.6 %
               
    Adjusting Items:          
    Other income (expense), net   (543 )   (121 )   (12 )   (2 )   (678 )
    Depreciation & amortization   8,002     1,409     494     45     9,951  
    EBITDA $ 53,713   $ 7,108   $ 6,564   $ (6,562 ) $ 60,823  
    % Revenue   33.8 %   18.4 %   20.1 %     26.7 %
               
    (Amounts in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2023
      Contractor
    Solutions    		 Specialized
    Reliability
    Solutions    		 Engineered
    Building
    Solutions    		 Corporate
    and Other    		 Consolidated
    Revenue, net $ 139,902   $ 36,614   $ 29,211   $ (2,075 ) $ 203,653  
               
    Operating Income $ 39,025   $ 4,829   $ 5,233   $ (7,095 ) $ 41,993  
    % Revenue   27.9 %   13.2 %   17.9 %     20.6 %
               
    Adjusting Items:          
    Other income (expense), net   575     (54 )   3     1,402     1,926  
    Depreciation & amortization   7,045     1,505     453     42     9,045  
    EBITDA $ 46,645   $ 6,280   $ 5,690   $ (5,651 ) $ 52,964  
    % Revenue   33.3 %   17.2 %   19.5 %     26.0 %
               
    CSW Industrials, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Segment EBITDA
    (unaudited)
               
    (Amounts in thousands) Six Months ended September 30, 2024
      Contractor
    Solutions    		 Specialized
    Reliability
    Solutions    		 Engineered
    Building
    Solutions    		 Corporate
    and Other    		 Consolidated
    Revenue, net $ 319,252   $ 75,327   $ 63,566   $ (4,041 ) $ 454,104  
               
    Operating Income $ 96,138   $ 12,970   $ 11,806   $ (14,304 ) $ 106,610  
    % Revenue   30.1 %   17.2 %   18.6 %     23.5 %
               
    Adjusting Items:          
    Other income (expense), net   (147 )   (183 )   (19 )   (68 )   (418 )
    Depreciation & amortization   15,985     2,832     979     87     19,883  
    EBITDA $ 111,976   $ 15,619   $ 12,766   $ (14,285 ) $ 126,075  
    % Revenue   35.1 %   20.7 %   20.1 %     27.8 %
               
    (Amounts in thousands) Six Months ended September 30, 2023
      Contractor
    Solutions    		 Specialized
    Reliability
    Solutions    		 Engineered
    Building
    Solutions    		 Corporate
    and Other    		 Consolidated
    Revenue, net $ 279,857   $ 74,326   $ 56,798   $ (3,967 ) $ 407,014  
               
    Operating Income $ 78,692   $ 11,794   $ 9,493   $ (12,780 ) $ 87,199  
    % Revenue   28.1 %   15.9 %   16.7 %     21.4 %
               
    Adjusting Items:          
    Other income (expense), net   747     (91 )   11     1,573     2,240  
    Depreciation & amortization   13,940     3,035     895     90     17,960  
    EBITDA $ 93,380   $ 14,738   $ 10,398   $ (11,117 ) $ 107,399  
    % Revenue   33.4 %   19.8 %   18.3 %     26.4 %
               
    CSW INDUSTRIALS, INC.
    Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow to Free Cash Flow
    (Unaudited)
                   
    (Amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		   Six Months ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 66,814     $ 44,679     $ 129,469     $ 94,936  
    Less: Capital expenditures   (5,486 )     (2,814 )     (8,587 )     (7,785 )
    Free cash flow $ 61,328     $ 41,865     $ 120,882     $ 87,151  
    Free cash flow % EBITDA   100.8 %     79.0 %     95.9 %     81.1 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Biodiversity: No country is immune to devastation inflicted by climate change – UN Chief at COP16

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the opening of the High-Level Segment of the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Cali, Colombia.

    “President Petro,

    Thank you for hosting this important session, here in Cali – a microcosm of our planet’s rich biodiversity.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Nature is life.

    And yet we are waging a war against it.

    A war where there can be no winner.

    Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher.

    Every day, we lose more species.

    Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes.

    Make no mistake.

    This is what an existential crisis looks like.

    No country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.

    These environmental crises are intertwined. They know no borders.

    And they are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods, threatening human health and undermining sustainable development.

    The drivers of this destruction are embedded in outdated economic models, fueling unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

    They are multiplied by inequalities – in wealth and power.

    And with each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement, and armed conflicts.

    We have already altered 75% of the Earth’s land surface and 66% of its ocean environments.

    Dear friends,

    Biodiversity is humanity’s ally.

    We must move from plundering it to preserving it.

    As I have said time and again, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

    That is the spirit of today’s Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature:

    A call for action to enhance national and international efforts towards a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature – protecting nature and conserving, restoring and sustainably using and sharing our global biodiversity.

    A call to recognize the vital knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous people, people of African descent, farmers and local communities.

    A call for life.

    Excellencies,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity…”

    Full remarks: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-10-29/secretary-generals-remarks-the-high-level-segment-of-cop16-biodiversity-trilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiM2kUkGPOU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Middle East on the verge of another serious escalation – Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

    Tor Wennesland, warned the Security Council of the implications of two laws on UNRWA adopted by the Israeli Knesset on 28 October 2024.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAjR3I05iwM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: House Calls | Ada Limón: How Can Poetry Help Us Make Sense Of The World?

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    For Ada Limón, the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, poetry is her way of connecting — to others, to ourselves, to our natural world. Ada’s work is deeply personal, inspired by gratitude for loved ones, awe and nature, and her struggles with scoliosis and infertility. In this conversation with the Surgeon General, she reflects on her process for writing, which she says often starts with the simple act of seeing what’s around her. When Ada shares her poems, she finds joy in other people seeing their own feelings and life experiences in her writing. In the course of this conversation she beautifully recites two of her poems. “The Raincoat” was written for her mother. The other, “In Praise of Mystery,” is shooting through outer space right now on a NASA aircraft bound for Jupiter’s moon Europa.

    (07:36) Can poetry help keep us grounded?
    (10:33) How does poetry help when language fails us?
    (12:35) Ada shares her poem “The Raincoat”
    (17:50) What are some unexpected ways poetry opens people up?
    (22:40) What if we don’t “get” poetry?
    (26:42) What is it like to live the life of a poet?
    (31:38) How Ada gets herself in the mindset to write
    (38:08) On staying present
    (44:02) How life challenges shaped her creativity
    (52:14) How does Ada define success at this point in her life?
    (59:36) A reading of her poem “In Praise of Mystery.”
    (01:03:08) What gives Ada Limón hope?

    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAfZ5R8g7fU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Forum “Youth Initiative”: a journey into the world of good deeds

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The fifth anniversary forum of leaders “Youth Initiative” was held in the estate of the first director of the Polytechnic Institute Prince Andrei Gagarin. Its mission is to strengthen the community of socially active students who create significant projects and develop volunteerism and charity. Volunteer students of the Dobro.Center SPbPU and the campaign gathered at the site of the historical estate

    “Youth Initiative” has always been a special event for active Polytechnic students. The number of student leaders (organizers, heads of volunteer and public activities at the university, authors of grant projects and winners of all-Russian and international competitions), successful Polytechnic graduates who began their journey with this forum, is already in the tens. It is not without reason that “accordionists” consider Kholomki a place of power. Three intense days in a wonderful atmosphere of history, inspiration and creative opportunities are incredibly motivating for both experienced guys (mentors) and first-year students. Moreover, both undergraduate and graduate students, including even foreign students, – said Tatyana Nam, Director of the Dobro.Center “Harmony”.

    The architecture of the forum program consists of educational, practical and cultural-creative parts. The first director of the Polytechnic Institute, Prince Andrei Gagarin, said that the institute was created not only to teach, but also to form a comprehensively developed personality.

    The first day began with an interactive program on the bus. On the way to Kholomki, the students not only met, learned interesting facts and useful information, but also made travel collages as a keepsake. Upon arrival at the estate, the participants went on an excursion with immersion in the history of the Polytechnic University, and also solemnly laid flowers at the memorial to Prince Andrei Gagarin.

    At the Youth Initiative forum, participants learned about the possibilities

    We worked on the script for the literary salon with great interest, enthusiasm and dedication in order to convey not only creativity but also the atmosphere of the era. The performance turned out to be fascinating, many viewers later shared that the performance impressed them to the point of goosebumps, which means we succeeded! I am very glad that the actors and viewers enjoyed it and I hope that together with the talented guys from the PolyNova author’s club of the Polytechnic’s Dobro.Harmony Center, we will be able to make a full-length performance based on this artistic sketch, – shared a 2nd year student, head of the cultural and creative direction

    The Polytechnicians’ vigorous morning on the second day of the forum began with health-improving wushu in the fresh air. They plunged into a volunteer quest consisting of five stations with particular zeal. Creating T-shirts with an individual design of the campaign

    Getting to know volunteerism is impossible without overcoming stereotypes and debunking myths. The Dobro.Center “Harmony” team introduced the participants to the SPbPU volunteer ecosystem and proved that if everyone helps to the best of their ability, the possibilities for good will become limitless. Then the participants learned about serendipity (the ability to draw deep conclusions from random observations) and learned why luck is not just a coincidence, but attentiveness and the ability to use opportunities. They mastered time management skills and even became real detectives by attending a master class on fingerprinting. There, everyone learned how to take prints and create a fingerprint card.

    After a short break, the participants were treated to a mini-course on first aid and psychological training, which helped them better understand and express their experiences through creativity and imaginative thinking. As part of the campaign

    The Youth Initiative Forum is warmth, happiness and the most eventful weekend of autumn. Together with the Harmony team, we were able to organize useful trainings, intensive courses and interesting master classes. In three days, we managed to show the real life of a volunteer. We managed to charge the guys with kindness and set them up for positivity. I am very pleased to be part of such a large-scale event, it is a great experience and inspiration, – shared a second-year student, an activist of the headquarters

    At the end of the evening, the participants got acquainted with the brightest and largest events of the SPbPU Dobro.Center, and also took part in the evening reflection, where everyone could speak about their emotions and impressions, thank each other for communication and the joint experience of participating in the volunteer forum.

    Thanks to the team of organizers for your work, thanks to all the participants! Without their openness, sincerity, readiness to trust new people, the trip would not have been so heartfelt! Thanks to Tatyana Anatolyevna Nam for her care for everyone, for showing us how cool it is to do what you love. Thanks to all the lecturers who spoke about their experience with love and professionalism. It was a trip after which I returned home filled with only bright feelings, motivated, with very pleasant impressions and memories! Well, and the most important thing is the people! We are all so different, but I am sure that after the off-site forum we became a little closer, – shared her impressions the head of the school of GI elders Ksenia Kopylova.

    The next day, the polytechnicians gathered for the ceremonial closing of the forum. All participants, volunteers and organizers were awarded certificates and letters of gratitude. And so, the road back to St. Petersburg, all charged and happy, but with a little sadness in their eyes because of the imminent farewell.

    Mikhail Lomonosov once said: “A nation that does not know its past has no future.” In my opinion, this phrase perfectly describes the purpose of our trip to the estate of the first director of the Polytechnic University, Andrei Gagarin. The forum was filled with educational lectures, the speakers spoke in a very interesting and accessible way about how to subjugate creativity, how to prevent emotional burnout, and much more. I would like to separately highlight the high-quality work of the entire Dobro.Center team. It is evident how they try to make every minute spent at the forum happier. After the “Youth Initiative”, absolutely every participant wanted to join the ranks of the best volunteer headquarters to help all those in need. In general, it was a great cultural and educational forum, where the participants rested their souls and developed their personal skills! – Kirill Grishin, a first-year student of the Institute of Economics and Technology, shared his impressions.

    The Youth Initiative Forum is held by the Dobro.Harmony Center of SPbPU with the support of the Polytechnic University Endowment Fund, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Director of the Humanitarian Institute Natalia Chicherina, and the educational and historical reserve “Prince A.G. Gagarin’s Estate “Kholomki”.

    Photographer: Sofya Ryabinina

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Expands Mpox Appeal to Reach Migrants and IDPs Across Africa 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva, 30 October 2024 – In response to the escalating number of people affected by the mpox outbreak, spreading across parts of Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 27.8 million to protect and support migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and mobile populations, from the disease, as well as the communities they interact with.  

    Since August 2024, the number of confirmed cases across Africa has risen sharply from over 2,800 in 12 countries to more than 9,300 in 34 countries as of 20 October 2024.  This appeal comes after an initial USD 18.5 million dollar request for funding for countries affected in East, Horn and Southern Africa, was issued in August 2024.  

    IOM has expanded the East, Horn and Southern Africa’s plan into a Multi-country mpox Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa, covering the period from September 2024 to February 2025. The Plan aims to address the health needs of migrants and IDPs by providing health screenings, risk communication and community engagement within affected communities, supporting cross-border coordination between governments and local communities, and supporting countries to strengthen response at key borders and points of entry in high-risk areas across Africa.   

    “By mobilizing support for this Plan, IOM will be able to support response and readiness measures from our Member States and partners to contain the outbreak and strengthen preparedness.” Said Dr Poonam Dhavan, IOM Director for Migration Health.  

    The virus, which spreads through close contact with infected persons, is disproportionately affecting IDPs, migrants, and highly mobile populations living in cross-border communities due to the absence of disease prevention, detection and control measures available to them. The risk is further heightened by their overcrowded and poor living and working conditions.   

    IOM has been responding to mpox since the recent outbreak and spread of the disease in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Over 1,047,900 health screenings have been conducted in the DRC, Guinea, and Uganda for over four months. Nearly 2,300 border officials and community health workers have been trained in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe on early detection and case management.  In DRC, Mozambique, and Uganda, IOM has reached more than 27,500 individuals with mpox awareness messages since June 2024.  

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the continent’s most affected country, IOM is strengthening mpox control in high-risk areas by supporting risk communication and community engagement in IDP camps and trained over 80 community health workers and community leaders to sensitize the camps.  

    IOM response plan seeks to address pressing health vulnerabilities exacerbated by high mobility across the continent. However, despite the work of IOM, the funding gap remains significantly low, with only USD 1 million secured from the USD 18.5 million. Without additional support, crucial activities at points of entry are likely to face disruptions. IOM appeals to international donors, governments, and partners to support the mpox response to protect the health and well-being of migration-affected communities.   

     

    Note to Editor  

    The IOM response plan is developed in coordination with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  

    The latest situation report is accessible here.  

      

    For more information, please contact:   

    Dorothy Njagi, dnjagi@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Minister of State Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh Highlights India’s Commitment to Global Biodiversity Conservation at COP16 in Colombia

    Source: Government of India

    Minister of State Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh Highlights India’s Commitment to Global Biodiversity Conservation at COP16 in Colombia

    India Advocates for Global Conservation with ‘Plant4Mother’ Campaign at COP16 in Colombia

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh delivered the national statement regarding the conservation of biological resources in the High Level Segment of the ongoing 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in Cali, Colombia on 29th October 2024.

    MoS Shri Singh congratulated Ms. Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment of Colombia on taking over the COP Presidency from the longest serving COP President Mr. Huang Runqiu of China.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Singh said that India has a rich culture and tradition of worshipping Mother Earth and of living in harmony with Nature. India is one of the world’s 17 Mega-diverse rich Nations housing four out of the 36 globally recognised biodiversity Hotspots. He said, “To honour Mother Earth as we honour our own Mothers, our Prime Minister this year launched a nation-wide tree plantation campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ or ‘Plant4Mother’ on the occasion of World Environment Day in our collective efforts to restore and protect our biodiversity.”

    The Minister highlighted that ‘Peace with Nature’ has been part of India’s rich cultural heritage since ancient the Vedic age. The theme resonates with India’s mission of ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)” an India led Global mass movement for adopting environment friendly lifestyles.

    India has taken significant step in global wildlife conservation by establishing the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) aimed at protecting the world’s seven major big cat species, as their presence is indicative of a healthy ecosystems and rich biodiversity, Shri Singh informed.

    The Minister said that India’s efforts in rejuvenating our sacred river Ganga through ‘Namami Gange’ Mission was duly recognized by United Nations as one of the top 10 World Restoration Flagships to revive the riverine ecosystem. He informed that India’s Ramsar sites has risen from 26 to 85 since 2014 and this number is shortly going to reach 100.

    Shri Singh reiterated that India adopted a ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach while updating the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with its targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). He said that the Ministry would be releasing updated NBSAP on 30.10.2024 at Cali.

    The Minister said that it is necessary to provide means of implementation including financial resources, as laid down in target 19 of the KMGBF as well as from DSI, for implementation of the NBSAP. Lot of ground needs to be covered in providing easily accessible means of implementation i.e. financial resources, technology and capacity building needs with the requisite Speed, Scope and Scale.  

    Shri Singh concluded by re-iterating India’s commitment towards protecting its own as well as global biodiversity for the present and future generations, in the true spirit of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutubakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

    *****

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2069563) Visitor Counter : 33

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025 Fellows announced

    Source: State Library of NSW

    Tonight the State Library celebrated the 50th anniversary of its prestigious research program by unveiling its largest-ever cohort of Fellows, awarding a total of $186,000 across eight categories.

    Highlights include the announcement of the inaugural creative writing fellowship, a new Summer Fellows program and two artists-in-residence.  

    The 2025 Fellows are: 

    Inaugural IMAGO Fellow – Dr Sheila Ngoc Pham for ‘Fantasia: On Anne Spencer Parry and Australian fantasy and science fiction in the late 20th century’

    Australian Religious History Fellow – Dr Zac Roberts for ‘Changing Representations of Indigenous Peoples in the NSW Jewish Press’

    CH Currey Memorial Fellow – Dr Dominic Kelly for ‘From Cold War to Culture War: Quadrant and Australian conservatism’ 

    Nancy Keesing AM Fellow – Dr Clara Sitbon for ‘Piecing the Puzzle: Mapping the literary works of Carter Brown’ 

    Dr AM Hertzberg AO Fellow – Dr Luciano Cardellicchio for ‘From Caravans to Schools, from Airplanes to Houses: Plywood innovation in the post-war construction sector of Australia’ 

    Ross Steele AM Fellow – Dr Ruth Pullin for ‘From Sketchbook to Canvas: Eugene von Guérard’s sketchbooks and the making of pictures’ 

    Merewether Fellow – Dr Nicholas Pitt for ‘Benevolent Cattle? A more-than-human history of the Hawkesbury Benevolent Society and the place of benevolence in the colonial project of NSW’ 

    DS Mitchell Memorial Fellow – Dr Shirleene Robinson AM for ‘Mapping the Contribution, Strategies and Networks of Women in Australia’s First LGBTIQ+ Rights Groups, 1969–1974’

    The Library also launched its new Summer Fellows Program with support from the Library Foundation. These nine tertiary students and creative practitioners will receive $1,000 each and the opportunity to acquire essential archival research skills for their future careers: 

    • Phillip Bartlett: ‘A Possible Narrative of the Macquarie Chest’s Bottom Drawer’ 
    • Ira Friedberg: ‘Bad Times in Red Brick Flats’ Anita Gowers: ‘Pictures Frames in the State Library of NSW Picture Collections‘ 
    • Moon Kerr: ‘George Goodman’s Daguerreotypes of the Lawson Family’ 
    • Annabelle McEwen: ‘How the Body is Defined and Usurped via Visual Mediation’ 
    • Hamish McPherson: ‘Transgender Liberation in NSW 1950–2000’ 
    • Eloise Reddy: ‘1980–90s Cultural Planning and Contemporary Placemaking Discourse’ 
    • Bronwyn Rennex: ‘Ralph Clark and the Birds’
    • Suzanne Smith: ‘The Save Our Sons Movement during the Vietnam War’ 

    The reinvigorated artist-in-residence program will see Michelle Arnott create a set of images of the Library and its surrounds using synthetic polymer paint, and Sarah Randall will produce a series of still-life paintings based on letters and diaries held within the Library’s collections.

    Learn more about the Library’s Fellowship program

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Civil Aviation Reaffirms Commitment to Unity and Accessibility on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

    On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), the Ministry of Civil Aviation came together to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, honoring his visionary efforts in unifying the nation. Leading the commemoration, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, along with senior officials and ministry staff, gathered at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan to take a pledge to uphold the values of unity and integrity.

     

    Following the pledge ceremony, a ‘Run for Unity’ was organised, with ministry officials and staff participating enthusiastically. The event symbolized the Ministry’s dedication to national integration and collective progress.

     

     

    The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains steadfast in its commitment to promote national unity by ensuring that every citizen, regardless of region, culture, or language, has equal access to affordable and efficient air travel across India

     

    PSF/DK

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: When it comes to innovation and technology, Indian youth are among the best: PM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today quoted GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke, who lauded India for being the fastest growing developer population on the planet, calling the country’s rise as a global tech titan “inexorable”.

    Shri Modi hailed the youth of India for their accomplishments in innovation and technology.

    The Prime Minister posted on X:

    “When it comes to innovation and technology, Indian youth are among the best!”

     

     

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    MJPS/RT

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi pays homage to Shri Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Shri Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on the occasion of his Guru Pooja today. 

    Shri Modi hailed his thoughts and teachings, adding that he always worked to to uplift society. 

    The Prime Minister posted on X:

    “Paying homage to the widely respected Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Ji on the occasion of his Guru Pooja. Countless people derive strength from his thoughts and teachings. He devoted himself to making our society better, with a focus on poverty alleviation, spirituality and welfare of farmers. We will keep working to realise his vision.”

     

     

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    MJPS/RT

    (Release ID: 2069528) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Campaign 4.0 is in full swing in Department of Personnel & Training to achieve efficiency in decision making and disposal of pending items.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s National vision to institutionalize Swachhata and enhance workplace efficiency, Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT), along with its Attached/ Sub- ordinate organizations, is actively participating in the main phase of Special Campaign 4.0. This campaign, which commenced on 2nd October and will continue through 31st October 2024, aims to make impactful, focused and significant improvements in Cleanliness and reducing pendency in office matters.

    Enthusiastic participation has been witnessed from all the Attached and Subordinate offices functioning under the administrative control of DoPT across the country. Till date, more than 250 cleanliness sites have been covered.

    Large scale awareness and Campaign advocacy through Social Media with several Tweets and posts on other platforms like X and Facebook leading to #SpecialCampaign4 has been gaining lot of attraction on Social Media.

    During the campaign, focused attention has been accorded for bringing about overall improvement in working environment and improve office experience for the staff.

    Records are being reviewed for digitization, preservation and weeding out. Secretary, DOPT visited the Record Room & Store Rooms of the Department and issued instructions for review and weeding out of records/stores in a time bound manner.

    Records Management

    Since the beginning of the Special Campaign 4.0 on 02nd October, 2024, more than 31,000 physical files and more than 4800 e-files have been reviewed. Approx. 10,000 files have been identified for weeding out, 3500 filed weeded out and 90 files have been sent to National Archives of India. More than 1500 e-files have been closed so far.

    Besides the above parameters, overall cleanliness of government offices with special focus on space management and enhancing work place experience of field offices was undertaken. 258 cleanliness campaign were conducted for cleaning of the offices in DoPT along with its Attached and Subordinate offices. The revenue of Rs. 96,516/- was generated by disposal of waste/scrapes. About 1400 Sq ft space has been freed due to scrap disposal and weeding of files.

    Disposal of pendency

    245 Public Grievances, 12 MP References, 3 IMC References (Cabinet Proposals), 68 State Government References, 2 PMO References, 57 Public Grievance Appeals have been disposed of during this period.

    Special Activities / Events during the Special Campaign 4.0

    Following activities have also been undertaken by this Department so far during the Special Campaign 4.0 for cleanliness and speedy disposal of the pendency:

    1. Secretary, DoPT led the swachhtadrive on Swachh Bharat Diwas, 2nd October, 2024 at Grih Kalyan Kendra, Lodhi Road, New Delhi with all the officers and staff of DoPT, GKK and CCSCSB. He also led a plantation drive on this occasion. All the officers planted a tree under the special campaign-Ek Ped Maake Naam. All safaimitras and school children received gifts on this occasions.
    2. A workshop on Cyber Security was organized in DoPT during the preparatory phase of Special Campaign 4.0 on 30/09/2024 to spread Cyber Swachhta Awareness for the employees.
    3. A Workshop for CISOs on Cyber Awareness/Security for various offices under the DoPT was conducted as part of Special Campaign 4.0 on 7th October, 2024.
    4. A workshop was conducted on 10th October, 2024 by DoPT in coordination with ISTM on RTI Act, 2005.

    The Special Campaign 4.0 is helping to bring about greater degree of awareness to maintain clean office environment and the need for overall environmental protection. Department of Personnel & Training is committed to achieve the targets identified during the preparatory phase.

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    NKR/KS/AG

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Second train with 840 metric tonnes of onion arrives in Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Second train with 840 metric tonnes of onion arrives in Delhi

    Onions to be released in Azadpur Mandi to augment availability, part stock to retail for Rs 35 per kg

    Train carrying another 840 metric tonnes of onion from Nashik to reach Guwahati

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 2:49PM by PIB Delhi

    Today another 840 MT of onions procured by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) under the price stabilization fund of Department of Consumer Affairs has arrived at Kishanganj Railway Station of Delhi for disposal in Delhi-NCR. This is the second bulk transportation of onions by train to Delhi-NCR after NCCF brought 1,600 MT of onions to Kishanganj Station on 20th October, 2024 by Kanda express. Most of the onions will be released in Azadpur Mandi to augment overall availability in the market while part of the stock will go for retail sale at Rs 35 per kg.

    The impact of bulk disposal of onion at Azadpur Mandi may be seen at graph given below:

    Bulk transportation of onions by rail rake has been adopted, for the first time, for a timely, reliable and cost-effective delivery of onions to various regions. NAFED had earlier transported 840 MT of onions by rail rake from Nashik which arrived at Chennai on 26th October, 2024. Another rail rake from Nashik to Guwahati has left Nashik early this morning with 840 MT of onions procured by NCCF. Bulk shipments by rail augments the continuous transportation of onions by trucks across the country.   

    The government had procured 4.7 lakh tons of rabi onion for the price stabilization buffer this year, and started the release from 5th September, 2024 through retail sale at Rs 35 per kg and also through bulk sales in major mandis across the country. Till date over 1.40 lakh tonnes of onion in the buffer have been dispatched from Nashik and other source centres to consuming centres through trucks by road transport. As on date, NCCF has covered 104 destinations in 22 States and NAFED covered 52 destinations in 16 States in their onion disposal. The agencies have also partnered with retail chains such as SAFAL, Kendriya Bhandar and Reliance Retail for distribution of onions to retail consumers at Rs 35 per kg. In addition, 86,500 MT of onion has been allotted to 9 States Governments/Cooperative Societies for retail distribution.

    Since the start of onion disposal till date, the retail prices of onion have substantially stabilized in major States such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. All-India average retail prices remained largely stable during October. The onion shipment by rail to Guwahati will enhance availability in North-eastern States and is expected have dampening impact on prices in the region and also on the all-India average. Mandi prices in Nashik mandi also declined from the peak of Rs.47 per kg on 24th September and is currently at 40 kg on 29th October, 2024.

     

     

     

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    AD/AM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rajasthan CM calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 3:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma called on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. 

    The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on X:

    “Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri @BhajanlalBjp, met Prime Minister @narendramodi.”

     

     

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    MJPS/RT

    (Release ID: 2069513) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary chaired the inter-ministerial meeting to bolster support for the Ministry of Rural Development’s Nayi Chetna 3.0 Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

    Source: Government of India

    Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary chaired the inter-ministerial meeting to bolster support for the Ministry of Rural Development’s Nayi Chetna 3.0 Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

    Campaign to be launched on 25 November 2024, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

    The month long campaign will run across all Indian States and Union Territories until December 23, 2024

    The initiative will be led by DAY-NRLM’s Self-Help Group network

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 2:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development convened an inter-ministerial meeting yesterday to outline the strategic roadmap for ‘Nayi Chetna 3.0’ – the third edition of its National Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence.

    Chaired by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Rural Development, the meeting brought together representatives from seven line ministries to discuss collaboration and action plans to raise awareness and reinforce response mechanisms against gender-based violence nationwide.

    Smt. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, Rural Development, commenced the meeting by presenting key findings from previous editions of the Nayi Chetna Campaign emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts, followed by an overview of the goals and structure for Nayi Chetna-3.0.

    The month-long campaign will launch on November 25, 2024 and will run across all Indian States and Union Territories until December 23, 2024. The initiative will be led by DAY-NRLM’s Self-Help Group (SHG) network, embodying the spirit of Jan Andolan (people’s movement)

    Led by the Ministry of Rural Development, the meeting saw participation from line ministries including the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Information and Broadcasting, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Youth Affairs, Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Justice. Discussions focused on fostering convergence to strengthen preventive efforts, improve access to support systems, and leverage each ministry’s expertise to drive the campaign’s objectives. A draft joint advisory delineating each ministry’s role was discussed and reviewed. The discussion threw light on the different forms of violence that could be prioritized and steps that could be taken to address these barriers.

    In his remarks, Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Development, commended the suggestions made during the meeting and called for formalizing the advisory to drive the campaign in mission mode.

    In his closing remarks, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh emphasized the necessity for a united approach across ministries to combat gender-based violence, fostering widespread social change.

    The Nayi Chetna Campaign seeks to amplify awareness and drive informed action to address gender-based violence through grassroots initiatives. Since its inception, Nayi Chetna has mobilized millions nationwide, creating a substantial movement for gender equality and women’s empowerment. In its first year, the campaign reached 3.5 crore people, supported by multiple line ministries, while the second edition, Nayi Chetna 2.0, involved 5.5 crore participants across 31 States and Union Territories, with over 9 lakh awareness activities on gender-based violence conducted nationwide.

     

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    SS

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Stroke Day 2024 celebrated by organizing Nation-wide programmes at National Institutes and Regional Centres under DEPwD

    Source: Government of India (2)

    World Stroke Day 2024 celebrated by organizing Nation-wide programmes at National Institutes and Regional Centres under DEPwD

    Objective – Raise Awareness on Stroke and reduce restorant Disability and Mortality Rates

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 2:15PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of World Stroke Day (29th October 2024), National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) organized various programmes, to raise awareness about the severity of stroke, its prevention, and treatment. This year’s objective is to reduce disability and mortality rates caused by stroke.

    According to statistics, stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and the third leading cause of disability. Every year, nearly 1.8 million people are affected by stroke. In light of this critical issue, awareness programs were organized nationwide by DEPwD to address the impact of stroke.

    The National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD) in Kolkata conducted street plays and awareness sessions aimed at educating the public about stroke. In these sessions, experts discussed the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures associated with stroke.

    The Composite Regional Center (CRC) in Nellore held an awareness session where they discussed the importance of World Stroke Day, causes of stroke, and its effects. Experts highlighted that timely response and proper treatment can save many lives. Additionally, the CRC provided information on services available for those affected by stroke.

    Other CRCs in Kullu, Bolangir, Rajnandgaon, and other locations also organized awareness programmes, focusing on educating people about recognizing early symptoms of stroke and seeking timely medical help.

     

    Through these initiatives, the DEPwD aims to increase awareness about stroke and emphasize that with the right knowledge and vigilance, the risks associated with stroke can be significantly reduced. Through the World Stroke Day programs, the department reaffirms its commitment to making the public more aware of stroke and its implications.

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    VM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor finds construction contractors failed to protect rigger from fatal 30-story fall at Fort Lauderdale high-rise

    Source: US Department of Labor

    FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found two contractors could have prevented a crane collapse at a Fort Lauderdale residential construction site in April 2024, which caused a 27-year-old rigger to suffer fatal injuries after falling approximately 30 stories.

    Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration learned that two workers employed by Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC were installing a section on a tower crane to increase its height when a support cable failed and the platform on which they stood became displaced. One worker, who was wearing the required fall protection and tied off, was rescued. Another worker, whose lanyard was not connected to an anchor point was fatally injured.

    OSHA cited Phoenix Rigging & Erecting in Mableton, Georgia, for three serious violations for failing to do the following: 

    The agency also cited a Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, crane rental company, Maxim Crane Works LP, for two serious violations for failing to do the following:

    • Observing deficiencies to significantly corroded and cracked pins and bolts, and improperly applying end connections.
    • Allowing employees to start work without conducting pre-inspections of crane components, including but not limited to U-bolt clamps, bolts, pins, thimbles and wire ropes, to ensure those were inspected adequately by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear.

    “Neglecting workplace safety requirements can be a matter of life or death,” said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “If these companies had made safety a priority, a young man’s family, friends, and co-workers wouldn’t be facing this preventable loss. Construction employers are responsible for ensuring that workers use fall protection in hazardous situations, and we will hold all employers accountable for failing to provide safe working conditions.”

    OSHA cited the construction contractors for five serious violations and proposed $61,299 in penalties, the maximum amount that OSHA can legally recommend. 

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 1,056 construction workers were fatally injured on the job in 2022, with 423 of those fatalities related to falls from elevation, slips or trips.  

    Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC conducts crane assembly and dismantling. Maxim Crane Works LP rents heavy-lift equipment, including hydraulic truck cranes, rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes, tower cranes, conventional truck cranes and boom trucks at more than 50 locations nationwide.

    The contractors have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

    Visit OSHA’s website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards. 

    Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit OSHA’s website to learn more. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Campaign 4.0 – 2nd October, 2024 to 31st October, 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The objective of this campaign is to minimize pendency, institutionalize swachhata, and strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms, digitization of physical records and monitoring mechanisms for swachhata. Sanitization and cleanliness is going on priority basis under Swachhata Campaign 4.0.

    On 2nd October, 2024 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas a Shramdaan event has been organized in the premises of Shastri Bhawan led by Shri Udaya Kuamara, Additional Secretary, Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Joint Secretary/Nodal Officer, Dr. K.V. Kumar, Joint Secretary and other senior officers and staff including Safai Karmacharis of this Department and attached offices. In addition to that Shri Udaya Kumara, Additiaonal Secretary and Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Joint Secretary/Nodal Officer have also visited all the Sections and corridors/toilets etc. and reviewed the ongoing campaign.

    On 3rd October, 2024 Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary Legislative Department along with Shri R.K. Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer, Smt. Rakhi Biswas, Under Secretary, Shri Prashant Bhardwaj, Section Officer, Shri Sushil Kumar, Dealing Head visited Record Room, Digitization Unit and Sectons to review progress of the Campaign. 57,988 files/office records were digitized and 32 files were reviewed and weeded /shredded. 

    On 12th October, 2024 Admn. II Section has been renovated and open up space and Cleanliness drive has been undertaken by the Department in corridors and sections. During the Campaign, One of the best practices viz beautification of walls (wall art) in the corridors/premises housed by Legislative Department was carried out.

    The internal mechanized cleanliness in workplace on 15th October, 2024, were made such as cleaning activities, dusting, sanitizing surfaces, and proper waste disposal to ensure a hygienic workspace, to identification of unwanted records and article in sections for weeding out, preparing a list of obsolete items for auction under the supervision of Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Nodal Officers/JS&LC in the Legislative Department were also made.

    During the Campaign, on 20th October, 2024 the Legislative Department organized a shramdaan event at a black spot i.e. Ghazipur, round about, East Delhi which was identified by the Department for cleanliness drive and to spread the message of cleanliness and hygiene.  The event of sharmdaan was led by Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary Legislative Department along with other senior officers of the Legislative Department namely Shri Udaya Kumara, Additional Secretary, Shri R.K. Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer, Dr. K.V. Kumar, JS&LC and Shri Dhruv Kumar Singh, CCA along with several officers and staff of the Department including attached offices and the Department of Legal Affairs. On the occasion, Secretary (LD) distributed Swachhata Kit/ T-Shirt/ Cap to the Safai Karamchari and emphasized upon the importance of the Campaign, the overall benefit of the society and the nation.

    On 22nd October 2024, Legislative Department has successfully completed e-Auction for old and obsolete items in presence of Auction Committee and earned revenue of Rs. 5,01,000/- and cleanliness drive undertaken by the Department under the supervision of Shri R.K Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer.

    On 26th October, 2024 experts hired by the department for weeded/shredded out of unwanted files/records of the Legislative Department in the supervision of Shri R.K. Pattanayak, JS&LC/Nodal Officer.

    On 28th October 2024, circular has been issued to all sections of the Legislative Department including attached offices i.e. Official Language Wing and Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan for providing information reducing pendency of the Department and thereafter all sections have been instructed to dispose of pending matters of Special Campaign 4.0.

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    SB/DP/ARJ

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ​​​​​​​National Internet Exchange of India unveils new office at World Trade Centre, New Delhi along with its new initiatives

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ​​​​​​​National Internet Exchange of India unveils new office at World Trade Centre, New Delhi along with its new initiatives

    MeitY Secretary unveils NIXI’s latest digital initiatives for a Secure and Inclusive Internet; Festive Offer for .in Accredited Registrars, to drive adoption of .in domain

    NIXI and TCIL sign Strategic Agreement to bolster user trust with SSL Certificates

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) today celebrated the grand inauguration of its new office at the World Trade Centre, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi. The event was presided over by Sh. S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Chairman, NIXI along with Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY, Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, MeitY, and Shri Rajesh Singh, Joint Secretary and Financial Adviser, MeitY. This event marked a significant step in NIXI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s internet infrastructure and foster digital growth.

    As part of the event, Secretary MeitY also unveiled a few of the initiatives undertaken by NIXI, such as a Festive Offer for .in Accredited Registrars, aimed at accelerating the adoption of the .in domain across the users. He mentioned that NIXI has a very important role to play in the field of Internet, not just at national level but also globally. NIXI is ready to make a difference in this field as its role is being redefined right now, he added.

    NIXI’s CSR Impact Report for FY 23-24

    The ceremony also featured the launch of NIXI’s CSR Impact Report for FY 23-24, highlighting the organization’s achievements in the realm of corporate social responsibility. The report showcased NIXI’s work in promoting digital literacy, expanding internet accessibility, and contributing to community development. It also outlined future goals, reaffirming NIXI’s commitment to supporting India’s digital economy and social empowerment initiatives.

    Strategic Agreement with TCIL

    The event was also marked by the signing of a strategic agreement with M/s Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL) for the implementation of NIXI SSL Certificate Authority (SSL CA). This partnership will enhance internet security across India by providing trusted SSL certification services, ensuring safe online transactions and bolstering user trust.

    On this occasion, Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO NIXI said that as of now we have booked 41 lakh domains and our next target is to reach 50 lakh which will be a very significant target. We have 77 exchange points across the country which have proven helpful in keeping our data within the country. We are also planning to bring a new scheme to increase these exchange points.

    About NIXI

    Set up on 19th June 2003, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. It is tasked with increasing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating various infrastructure aspects to enable the internet ecosystem to be managed and used by the masses.

    The four services under NIXI include: Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) for building Internet Exchange Points, .IN Registry for building the .in domain digital identity, IRINN for IPv4 and IPv6 addresses adoption, and Data Centre services under NIXI-CSC for data storage services.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRAI releases Consultation Paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorizations for provision of Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Consultation Paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorizations for provision of Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023’.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) through a letter dated 25th July 2024, sent a reference to TRAI informing that the Telecommunications Act, 2023 has been published in the Official Gazette of India. Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which is yet to be notified, provides for obtaining an authorization by any entity/ person intending to provide telecommunication services, subject to such terms and conditions, including fees or charges, as may be prescribed.

    In respect of the broadcasting services, the reference has apprised that many broadcasting platforms (which employ radio waves and spectrum for offering services) viz. DTH, HITS, IPTV, Uplinking/Downlinking of television channels (including teleports), SNG, DSNG, Community Radio, FM Radio etc. are issued license/ permission/ registration by MIB under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which is replaced by the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

    The Ministry also shared a background note providing the details of the policy guidelines of various licenses/ permissions/ registrations issued by MIB and the relevant sections of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 that may have a bearing on the terms and conditions of authorizations.

    MIB, through the said letter dated 25.07.2024, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, requested TRAI to provide its recommendations on the terms and conditions, including fees or charges; for authorization to provide broadcasting services, with the objective of aligning it to the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and harmonizing the terms and conditions across various service providers, so that the terms and conditions for the authorizations of broadcasting services may be notified as Rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

    Accordingly, a Consultation Paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorizations for provision of Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023’ has been placed on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in) for seeking comments/ counter comments from the stakeholders. Written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper are invited from stakeholders by 20th November 2024 and counter-comments by 27th November 2024, respectively.

    The comments/ counter-comments may be sent, preferably by email to  advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvisor-bcs@trai.gov.in. For any clarification/ information, Shri Deepak Sharma, Advisor (Broadcasting & Cable Services), TRAI may be contacted at Tel. No. +91-11- 20907774.

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    SB/DP/ARJ

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign gains Global Momentum with Plantation Drive in Colombia

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign gains Global Momentum with Plantation Drive in Colombia

    Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh leads Plantation Drive in Colombia to promote ‘#Plant4Mother’ Initiative

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

    On the side lines of the 16th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, led a plantation drive under the framework of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (#Plant4Mother)’ Campaign in University of Valle, Cali, Colombia on 29th October 2024. The plantation drive was graced by His Excellency Mr. Vanlalhuma, Ambassador of India to Colombia; Ms. Mónica García Solarte, Vice Rector, University of Valle; and Mr. Guillermo Murillo Vargas, Rector, University of Valle, along with the participation of faculty members and students. A sapling was also planted in the University on the name of mother of Shri Tanmay Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
    During the plantation drive, the Rector; Vice Rector and Director of International Cooperation of the University of Valle, also planted saplings on the name of their mother. 

    On the occasion, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh interacted with the faculty members and students of the University and encouraged them to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives and emphasized on involvement of youth in environmental conservation. More than 30 students and faculty members enthusiastically participated the plantation drive.

    The campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (#Plant4Mother)’ was launched on Word Environment Day this year, by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. It is a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. This campaign was inaugurated with the planting of a Peepal tree by the Prime Minister. 

    During the launch of this Campaign, Shri Modi emphasized on the involvement of citizens worldwide and importance of collective efforts to improve the environment and spoke of India’s strides in increasing forest cover over the past decade. This campaign aligns with the Nation’s quest for sustainable development.

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    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2069475) Visitor Counter : 28

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Model developed to understand equatorial ionospheric processes important for GNSS-based navigation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 12:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Scientists tracking a very narrow band of intense electric current in the earth’s ionosphere called Equatorial ElectroJet through ground-based magnetometers in India’s southern tip have developed an empirical model to understand the equatorial electrodynamical processes that can impact satellite orbital dynamics, Global Positioning Systems and other satellite communication links as well as electrical power grids.

    Earth’s geomagnetic equator passes very close to the southern tip of India, where a unique and very strong current of the order of 100 kA known as Equatorial ElectroJet (EEJ), flows at around 105-110 km height in the upper atmosphere. Due to this intense current jet, the geomagnetic field near the equator is uniquely enhanced by a few tens to a few hundreds of nano tesla (nT). 

    Measuring this current intensity through the geomagnetic field enhancement provides an important understanding of the variation of ionospheric electric field.  Therefore, understanding and modelling of EEJ variations would have important applications in assessing the satellite orbital dynamics, Global Positioning Systems and other satellite communication links, electrical power grids, etc.

    IIG regularly measures this EEJ current using ground-based magnetometers located at an equatorial station Tirunelveli, very close to the southern tip of India. 

    Understanding the EEJ variations from long-term observations for more than two decades, scientists from Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) Navi Mumbai, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology, have developed an empirical model that can predict the EEJ current very accurately. The research has been published in the journal Space Weather.

    This model, named “Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model” is the first empirical model that can accurately predict the Equatorial Electrojet over the Indian sector and has been made publicly available.  The model’s web interface facilitates the user to simulate the EEJ for any given date and solar activity conditions; and enables to obtain output in ASCII and/or PNG graphical formats. 

    The model can be used to understand the unique equatorial ionospheric processes and can have applications in GNSS-based navigation/positioning, transmission lines, and the oil/gas industry that uses long-distance pipelines.

    The web-portal for the Indian Equatorial Electrojet Model (IIGM), https://iigm.res.in/system/files/IEEJ_model.html

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    NKR/KS/AG

    (Release ID: 2069472) Visitor Counter : 62

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RAJBHASHA PRIZE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 7:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Naval Headquarters conducted Rajbhasha Prize Distribution Ceremony – 2024 on 24 October 2024 at NCS Delhi auditorium, Chanakya Bagh. V Adm Vineet McCarty, Controller Personnel Services graced the occasion as Chief Guest and gave away prizes to the winners. This ceremony marks the culmination of Hindi Fortnight activities which were held from 18 – 30 Sep 24 this year. Over 200 personnel from different directorates attended the event which saw presentation of 60 awards in different categories. Renowned poet Rear Admiral Khurram Shehzad Noor (Retd) participated in the event as Guest of Honour and enthralled the audience with his poems. The coveted Rajbhasha Rolling Trophies were awarded to the Directorate of Naval Design (Submarine Design Group), Directorate of Logistics Support and Directorate of Aircraft Acquisition and for doing maximum work

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anti-counterfeiting ink developed using luminescent nanomaterials can curb document duplication

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 12:37PM by PIB Delhi

    A novel ink with enhanced security features developed with luminescent nanomaterials can help stop counterfeiting in currency, certificates, branded goods and medicines.

    Counterfeiting is a growing problem worldwide and researchers are trying to find unique ways to prevent it. Luminescent properties of rare earth ions and the characteristic emissions of bismuth have long been known.

    Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology, have used this property of rare earth materials, to synthesis a first of its kind security ink based on luminescent nanomaterials with rare earth doping, enabling excitation dependent luminescence (Under both UV and NIR light it gives Visible emission).

    The ink can overcome the limitations of current covert tags, which are security features usually visible only under UV light and can be easily duplicated.

    The new ink offers enhanced security features through its ability to display different colours under various light wavelengths. Specifically, the ink appears vibrant blue under 365 nm light, pink under 395 nm light, and orange-red under 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) light and remains effective under a range of light, temperature, and humidity conditions.

    The luminescent nanomaterial was synthesised using a simple co-precipitation method at 120°C. After synthesis, the nanomaterials were dispersed into commercially available PVC ink using sonication (process of dispersing nanoparticles into solvent by applying sound energy).

    This mixture was then used to create patterns and letters through a screen-printing technique. These printed patterns, when exposed to different wavelengths of light, clearly showed the desired colour changes, proving the effectiveness of the ink.

    By combining rare earth ions with well-known luminescent properties and bismuth with characteristic emissions the team was able to enhance the encryption and decryption capabilities of the ink, improving its security potential.

    The luminescent ink made from these nanomaterials has significant potential to combat counterfeiting. It can be applied to fake-proof various items, including currency, certificates, medicines, and branded products. This allows both consumers and manufacturers to easily verify the authenticity of their items, providing a simple yet powerful tool to detect counterfeits.

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    NKR/KS/AG

    (Release ID: 2069470) Visitor Counter : 55

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda Leads Pledge for National Unity

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 30 OCT 2024 10:50AM by PIB Delhi

    On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, led a gathering of officials and staff from the Union Health Ministry in a pledge to strengthen the unity and integrity of India, here in Nirman Bhawan today. Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare and Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary were also present. The event aimed to honour the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose vision and leadership played a pivotal role in unifying the nation.

    During the ceremony, the Union Health Minister emphasized the importance of national unity in fostering a cohesive and progressive society. He stated, “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of unity and integrity that Sardar Patel championed. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our actions and policies reflect the spirit of inclusiveness and diversity that makes India unique.”

    The event included a reading of the pledge, where all participants vowed to work towards strengthening the bonds of unity among the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of India.

    The Union Health Ministry remains committed to its mission of improving public health and ensuring that the principles of unity and equality are upheld in all its initiatives.

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    HFW/ HFM Unity Pledge /30th October 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2069446) Visitor Counter : 60

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