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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Latest Alberta investment – bringing in the dough

    Crust Craft’s new $51-million high-capacity baking facility in Edmonton will serve local and surrounding markets while boosting our province’s agriculture and food manufacturing sectors. This 120,000 to 150,000 square feet facility will create 55 new, permanent jobs and 25 temporary jobs for hard-working Albertans.

    To support this expansion, Alberta’s government will provide $2 million through the Investment and Growth Fund, a deal-closing program designed to attract high-impact, private sector investments to the province. This $2-million provincial investment helped incentivize Crust Craft’s Alberta investment, highlighting a $25.5 return on investment for every provincial dollar invested.

    At a time of great external economic uncertainty, Alberta was competing with a U.S. jurisdiction for Crust Craft’s investment. The Investment and Growth Fund helped close the deal, keeping these jobs and investment right here at home.

    “Alberta’s government is proud to work with Crust Craft to establish its new facility in Edmonton. Crust Craft choosing to expand its business in Alberta is further proof that our investment-friendly policies and programs, like the Investment and Growth Fund, have a significant impact on retaining and attracting business to Alberta. Looking to the future, the opportunities are endless for Alberta and Crust Craft’s partnership.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Crust Craft’s products are helping to grow the province’s agri-processing and food manufacturing sectors while providing a local, high-quality option for customers.

    “Alberta-made bakery products are an attractive option for Canadian retail and hospitality businesses and support interprovincial market diversification. I am pleased that Crust Craft is helping to provide Albertans and Canadians with an Alberta option for their crusts, flatbreads and doughs.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    “We are thrilled to be growing and expanding this locally owned company in the province where it started 35 years ago. We will be able to provide not only employment opportunities and growth for our people, but also a larger local market for our farming families and vendor partners. Our goal of ‘Bringing Real Bread to Life’ is being realized with this expansion by introducing our brand of Panaji naan breads to even more people.”

    Paul Flesher, president, Crust Craft Inc.

    As an intake partner, Edmonton Global worked closely with Crust Craft and Alberta’s government to help facilitate the Investment and Growth Fund grant for the new facility, which will help grow and diversify Edmonton’s economy.

    “Crust Craft’s expansion demonstrates how the Edmonton region offers the right mix of talent, infrastructure and government support to help businesses scale. The support from the Investment and Growth Fund was instrumental in ensuring that Crust Craft continues to thrive right here in our region. We’re thrilled to see a homegrown company like Crust Craft investing in its future here, creating new jobs and further cementing the Edmonton region as a leader in food manufacturing.”

    Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global 

    Alberta remains the best place in Canada to invest due to its low tax environment, red tape reduction efforts and business-friendly policies. The Alberta government’s efforts are attracting record investment, creating thousands of jobs and further diversifying the economy for many years to come.

    Alberta’s government continues to support the Investment and Growth Fund. If passed, in Budget 2025, the provincial government is investing $45 million over the next three years to expand opportunity and attract investment across Alberta.

    Quick facts

    • Since fall 2021, 13 Investment and Growth grants have been announced that will create more than 1,250 permanent, full-time jobs and more than 1,000 temporary jobs, with a total capital investment of more than $820 million.

    Related information

    • Crust Craft

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: INVESTOR SUMMIT SPEECH

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Ka nui te mihi kia kotou, kia ora, and good morning everyone. 
    To those of you visiting us from overseas, can I extend a very special welcome to each and every one of you. 
    Welcome to New Zealand, welcome to the best country on planet Earth, and welcome to our stunning Auckland waterfront. 
    And to all those Kiwis I see in the room today, thank you for being here and showcasing some of the extraordinary businesses and talent that exists in our business community. 
    And it was a real pleasure to meet many of you informally last night, and my Ministers and I are really looking forward to spending much more time with you over the next two days. 
    I meant it before when I said this is the best country on planet Earth. 
    Because what makes New Zealand so very special and unique is our Kiwi Spirit which is exemplified in the qualities, character, and attitude of New Zealanders.  
    For us, it‘s about resilience and determination, ingenuity and innovation, adventure and exploration, creativity and practical problem-solving, humility and mateship, fairness, and a deep care for our land and community. 
    It’s no surprise that growing up in New Zealand, our heroes are Kiwi trailblazers and pioneers, people who have dared to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and leave a lasting mark on the world.
    From our early Māori explorers navigating vast oceans guided by the stars, to modern-day adventurers like Sir Edmund Hillary conquering Everest.   
    To Ernest Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics, who split the atom and revolutionised our understanding of science. To Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck and his groundbreaking developments in rocket technology launching satellites into space. 
    And Kate Shepperd, who secured New Zealand women the right to vote – the very first country in the world to do so. 
    And our phenomenal athletes who show the world what determination and talent can achieve. Or the stunning world of The Lord of the Rings created by one of our most creative storytellers – Peter Jackson.
    We may be a small country, but time and again, we have proven that size is no barrier to greatness. From the peaks of Everest to the frontlines of social progress, from scientific breakthroughs to arts and sporting legends, Kiwis have led the way.
    And we’re living in an age when New Zealand has never been closer to the action – right in the middle of the booming Indo-Pacific with direct connections to Asia and North America. 
    With the weight of global economic activity shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific and digital connections breaking down barriers, New Zealand has never been closer to the world.  
    But for all our spirit and hard work, we also know New Zealand can’t do it alone. 
    We’re a small country of around five million people like Ireland, Singapore, and Denmark. 
    Just as those countries have prospered by tapping into larger markets, building stronger international connections, and fostering trade and investment, New Zealand needs to do the same. 
    If we want our country to thrive, we need to work even harder to compete on the world stage – and, in particular, to unlock the commercial partnerships that will supercharge the next generation of growth in the New Zealand economy. 
    That means the Government will work more with Industry to deliver much of the infrastructure and projects that will be showcased over the next two days. 
    Many of your organisations will have extensive experience delivering outstanding world-class infrastructure to national and regional governments worldwide.
    I want New Zealand to seize every opportunity to partner with the private sector and deliver a fresh generation of infrastructure investment to unleash economic growth.  
    But it’s not just infrastructure. 
    I want to develop closer ties between outstanding New Zealanders and their companies based here, with investors and organisations based offshore.  
    I also want to unlock more partnerships between indigenous Iwi Māori organisations and commercial investors, whether they are based in Auckland or Abu Dhabi, Dunedin or Denver.  
    I want start-ups based in Christchurch and Hamilton fighting for seed capital in San Francisco and London – winning their share of global influence and success. 
    Breaking perceptions about the New Zealand economy is critical to that. 
    Yes, we have globally competitive dairy, film, and tourist industries, but our space industry is also operating at the cutting edge, ranking fourth in the world for launches behind the US, China, and Russia. 
    Over the next two days, you will hear more about our plan to unleash growth and ensure New Zealand reaches its full potential. 
    We want you to join us on that journey, and we will have several opportunities on display. 
    That will include the opportunity to deliver infrastructure in partnership with the Crown – both in the form of immediate opportunities and the pipeline of projects going forward. 
    It will include working with Iwi Māori organisations to grow their businesses as they make a multigenerational investment in their people. 
    It will include opportunities in a range of specific sectors where we believe New Zealand has a unique role to play and where we expect the Government to focus its efforts on growth. 
    In the very short term, we have made good economic progress in our first year in Government, although there’s still a long way to go. 
    New Zealand is now in the early stages of a cyclical economic recovery, with growth beginning to pick up and unemployment expected to peak around its current rate. 
    Inflation has fallen and now sits comfortably anchored within the Reserve Bank’s target band at 2.2%. 
    Annual tourism expenditure was up 23% last year, and services and manufacturing activity have returned to growth after extended periods of contraction. 
    Business confidence is at around its highest level in a decade. As confidence has risen, retail trade has picked up, and growth is expected to rise, hitting 3% in 2026. 
    So, there’s now cause for optimism in the New Zealand economy that the recovery is underway and better days lie ahead. 
    For policymakers here in New Zealand, that poses an opportunity – not just to watch the economic recovery, but to shape it. 
    Step-changing economic productivity, lifting incomes, creating jobs, and unleashing the investment New Zealand needs to become much more prosperous.  
    Which brings us to today. 
    I know the only way we will raise incomes, lift New Zealanders’ standard of living, and fund the quality public services we rely on is by unlocking more investment, more innovation, and more entrepreneurship.
    Having broken inflation last year, our collective focus has now turned to shaping the economic recovery – ensuring we take every possible step to lift New Zealand’s economic performance. 
    That renewed energy and effort forms the backdrop of this Summit. 
    My Government is working around the clock to make New Zealand an outstanding place to do business. 
    But before I highlight some of those reforms and my economic priorities as Prime Minister, I want to make a more fundamental point about New Zealand as an investment destination. 
    New Zealand has been and will continue to be a poster child for social and political stability in a more volatile and challenging world. 
    That reputation is long-standing, but in challenging times, it has come into sharper focus. 
    We stand up for our values and live by them, too. That means respecting civil liberties, private property and private life, and the democratic and social institutions that underpin them. 
    We consistently advocate for a rules-based international order that allows small countries like New Zealand to thrive. Free trade isn’t just an idea in New Zealand; it’s the bedrock of our prosperity. 
    For farmers and growers living in rural New Zealand, it has allowed a modern economic miracle: the opportunity to not just collectively operate one of the most efficient agricultural sectors in the world but to live in some of the most stunning parts of the world while they do it. 
    Finally, we might disagree sometimes – but we’re not disagreeable. Over the next two days, you will hear from various political leaders.
    You will hear from senior Ministers representing each of the three political parties in our Coalition Government, as well as Barbara Edmonds, the Labour Party’s Opposition Finance Spokesperson.  
    It’s pretty normal in New Zealand for political parties to disagree with each other – often loudly, and sometimes even with my own Coalition colleagues. 
    But I believe the broad political representation that is here demonstrates that most New Zealanders share the same motivations – higher incomes and more financial freedom, quality public services, and a long-standing belief that our best days lie ahead of us. 
    When you look at all the tension, volatility, and strife in the world today, I think that makes us pretty special, and a very attractive destination for anyone looking to take shelter from the global storm. 
    Political stability, however, is not an excuse for a lack of ambition. 
    You should be under no illusions about my commitment to the Government’s growth agenda and the reforms we are pushing through to unleash investment in the New Zealand economy. 
    Last month, Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis published our Government’s Going for Growth Agenda – we have copies for you here – which outlines a range of actions we are taking to get the New Zealand economy moving and realising its vast potential. 
    Each of those actions fits into one of five pillars we have identified as critical to lifting economic growth and improving New Zealanders’ standard of living:

    Developing talent,
    Encouraging innovation, science, and technology,
    Introducing competitive business settings,
    Promoting global trade and investment,
    And delivering infrastructure for growth. 

    Across each of those pillars, we have Ministers from across the Government working day and night to drive through reform – in transport,  tourism, aquaculture, construction, advanced aviation, mining, energy, agriculture, and horticulture. 
    Over the next two days, you will hear much more about our work programme in those areas that will play a critical role in the next phase of New Zealand’s growth story – with more information on a series of specific investable propositions available in the private sector. 
    Among that reform programme are some significant changes designed to achieve a profound step change in the New Zealand economy that I would like to touch on today. 
    For a start, we are clearing away decades of broken planning law – brick by brick. 
    We have introduced the Fast Track regime, which streamlines the consenting process for projects that are regionally and nationally significant. 
    In short, instead of seeking different permissions under different laws, under Fast Track, it’s all done in one place, with a faster process and fewer hurdles to getting underway. 
    That regime is now up and running, and I know a number of projects have already submitted applications since it became operational last month. 
    In short, if you want to build a wind farm, a highway, a quarry, hundreds of new homes, or any other regionally or nationally significant projects, we are busting down the doors to make it happen faster and cheaper. 
    149 projects have already been listed in legislation, but nothing prevents new projects from applying for referral into the scheme. 
    And it doesn’t stop with Fast Track. 
    Further planning reforms are also on the way, including a total replacement of the Resource Management Act. 
    We are also eliminating the barriers to more significant investment in energy and generation to unleash abundant, affordable energy. 
    The impact of unaffordable and unreliable energy on economic growth has been brought into the spotlight in recent years following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 
    Industries in Europe that had historically relied on access to low-cost natural gas came under tremendous strain, putting pressure on growth and household incomes. 
    In New Zealand, we are lucky that 85% of electricity generation is already renewable, thanks to decades of investment in hydro, wind, solar, and geothermal.  
    But we can’t risk falling short in the years to come. So, as a Government, we are tearing down the barriers to fresh energy investment. That means introducing more permissive rules for renewables.
    But it also means ending restrictions on offshore oil and gas exploration – and providing certainty for market participants by confidently saying that gas has to be part of New Zealand’s energy mix going forward.  
    At the same time, we are making it easier to invest in New Zealand from offshore.  
    That started last year, with fresh directives to our Overseas Investment Office, which slashed processing times and made applications more predictable. 
    Today, an application for offshore investment is approved within 18 days on average, compared to 28 days prior to those changes.
    And two weeks ago, we announced upcoming changes to legislation designed to further improve the timeliness and reliability of our overseas investment regime. 
    We also announced just last month that, from April 1 this year, individuals who invest at least $5 million in New Zealand will be eligible for an Active Investor Visa, with a pathway to residency after three years. 
    I know that for many of you from offshore in this room, that will be positive news. But as a New Zealander, I have to say it’s an even bigger deal for the sharp, ambitious Kiwis here and all around the country, who are hungry for capital and hungry to grow. 
    We know the impact foreign investment has on local businesses. It’s not just the capital investment; it’s the skills, connections, and linkages into new markets. 
    That translates into higher wages, more jobs, more money in Kiwi wallets, and more resilient businesses that make an even greater contribution in the community. 
    We need more of it, especially for a small country hungry to grow like New Zealand, which is why I have invited many of you here today. 
    I believe New Zealand’s best days are ahead of us—and we can make them happen if we get serious about partnering with commercial expertise to solve some of our biggest economic challenges and seize on the huge economic opportunities ahead of us. 
    Helping to end New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit through private sector partnership.
    Fattening out our capital markets and opening up new sectors for growth.
    Strengthening our connections to the world, enhancing technology, lifting productivity, and opening new markets for our products and services. 
    Over the next two days, you will hear from a range of leaders—cabinet Ministers, business leaders, and Iwi Māori leaders—who I know are committed to responding to our challenges and opportunities. 
    There will also be plenty of time across both days for closer interactions and to discuss the opportunities and challenges that you are confronting in your own businesses. 
    While you’re here, please also enjoy our hospitality and culture. We’re not just here to do business—we’re here to build relationships and make the case for New Zealand as an outstanding country to invest in, to visit, and to establish roots in. 
    So once again, and on behalf of the New Zealand Government and the New Zealand people, welcome to this year’s Summit. 
    I’m excited to get stuck in – and I can’t wait to hear more from you over the next two days about your approach to business and the difference you could make for growth, investment, jobs, and opportunity for us here in New Zealand. 
    Thank you. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures to Curb Air Pollution in Tourism Industry

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    As informed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Air pollution in Delhi is a collective result of multiple factors including high level of anthropogenic activities in the high-density populated areas in NCR, arising from various sectors viz. Vehicular Pollution, Industrial Pollution, Dust from Construction & Demolition Project activities, Road and Open Areas Dust, Biomass Burning, Municipal Solid Waste burning, Fires in Landfills, air pollution from dispersed sources, etc.

    During post-monsoon and winter months, lower temperature, lower mixing heights, inversion conditions and stagnant winds lead to trapping of the pollutants resulting in high pollution in the region. This is further aggravated due to the emissions from episodic events like firecrackers and stubble burning in NCR States.

    Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand. It transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature and colour.

    The web-based system is designed to provide AQI on real time basis. It is an automated system that captures data from continuous monitoring stations without human intervention, and displays AQI based on running average values. For manual monitoring stations, an AQI calculator is developed wherein data can be fed manually to get AQI value.

    The AQI values ranges from 0 to 500. There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe which are mentioned below:

    AQI Categories

    AQI value

    Good

    0–50

    Satisfactory

    51-100

    Moderate

    101-200

    Poor

    201-300

    Very Poor

    301-400

    Severe

    >400

    Various initiatives have been taken for control of pollution from different sources (transport, C&D activities, industries etc.) in Delhi-NCR, which has resulted in overall improvement in air quality. However, effectiveness of each of these actions can’t be evaluated in absolute terms as meteorological parameters like wind speed and mixing height which are variable factors also play crucial role in governing overall air quality.  Various measures taken by the Government to reduce Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR from different sources, are enclosed as Annexure-I.

    Due to the concerted efforts made by all stakeholders, gradual improvement has been observed in Delhi air quality. The number of days of Good-Moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) categories has increased to more than 200 for consecutive two years i.e. 2023 and 2024 in comparison of 110 days in 2016. Further, 2024 has recorded maximum number of days (209) in Good-Moderate AQI categories since 2016, except for COVID year 2020. The details of AQI of Delhi from 2016-2024 are enclosed as Annexure-II.

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

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    ANNEXURE-I

    Steps taken by the Government for abatement of Air Pollution in Delhi NCR:

    1. National Clean Air Programme:
    • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019 with an aim to improve air quality in 130 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States by engaging all stakeholders.
    • There are total 06 Non-attainment cites (NACs) in Delhi NCR, out of which 03 cities – Delhi, Alwar and Noida are funded under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and 03 cities- Ghaziabad, Meerut and Faridabad are funded under Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC).
    • City Action Plans for improvement in air quality have been rolled out for implementation in all the 06 identified cities in Delhi NCR.
    1. Regulatory Actions in Delhi-NCR:
    • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was formulated for Delhi-NCR to tackle the issue of sudden rise in air pollution levels. The revised GRAP was published by CAQM in December 2024 and further directions were issued for its implementation. Actions listed for different AQI levels under GRAP are invoked from time to time by a sub-committee constituted by CAQM.
    • For air pollution abatement and control in Delhi / NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has devised a comprehensive policy for air pollution abatement in NCR in July 2022, stipulating sector-specific action points quantifying targets along with timelines and implementation plan by various agencies in NCR States. The policy framework details sector-wise interventions, quantified targets and timelines for various sectors contributing to air pollution.
    • Directions prescribing measures for control of pollution from various sources such as implementation of RECD system/ dual fuel kits in DG sets, use of cleaner fuels in industries, shift to EV/ CNG/ BS VI diesel fuel in transport sector, implementation of dust control measures at C&D sites etc., have been issued by CAQM. Further, policy to curb air pollution in NCR has also been formulated.
    1. Measures for control of emissions from Stubble Burning in Delhi-NCR:
    • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) in 2018 launched scheme for providing subsidy for purchase of crop residue management machinery and establishment of custom hiring centres (CHCs) in NCT of Delhi and the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for in-situ management of paddy straw. During the period from 2018-19 to 2024-25 (as on 28.02.2025), Rs. 3698.45 crores have been released by MoA&FW (Punjab – Rs. 1756.45 crores, Haryana – Rs. 1081.71 crores, Uttar Pradesh – Rs. 763.67 crores, NCT of Delhi – Rs. 6.05 Crores, ICAR- Rs. 83.35 crores & others Rs. 7.22 Crores). The states have distributed more than 3.00 lakhs machines to the individual farmers and to more than 40000 CHCs in these 4 States, which also include more than 4500 Balers & Rakes which are used for collection of straw in the form of bales for further ex-situ utilization. MoA&FW in 2023 revised guidelines under the scheme to support establishment of crop residue/paddy straw supply chain, by providing financial assistance on the capital cost of machinery and equipment.
    • An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Special Secretary, MoA&FW for convergence of scheme of Schemes/Initiatives supporting Ex-situ management of paddy straw.
    • CAQM has provided a Framework to the states concerned for control / elimination of crop residue burning and directed these to draw up detailed state-specific action plans based on the major contours of the framework. Directions have also been issued by CAQM to State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to strictly and effectively implement revised action plan to eliminate and control stubble burning.
    • CAQM has issued directions permitting use of PNG or biomass as industrial fuel in NCR except Delhi where only PNG is permitted as industrial fuel. CAQM has also issued directions for co-firing of 5-10% biomass with coal in thermal power plants located within 300 kms of Delhi, and, in captive power plants of industrial units located in NCR.
    • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has framed Guidelines for grant of one-time financial support under Environment Protection Charge funds for establishment of pelletization and Torrefaction plants to promote utilisation of paddy straw. So far, 15 plants have been sanctioned with utilization capacity of 2.7 lakh tonnes of paddy straw per annum.
    • During stubble burning season of 2023 (10.11.23 onwards), 33 scientists of CPCB were deployed as flying squads for assisting CAQM in NCR and adjoining areas for intensifying monitoring and enforcement actions towards prevention of paddy stubble burning incidents in 22 districts of Punjab and 11 districts of Haryana. The flying squads coordinated with state govt/nodal officers/officers from respective districts and sent their daily report to CAQM.
    • CPCB has deployed 26 teams (in 16 districts of Punjab and 10 districts of Haryana) for the period 01st October – 30th November, 2024 to intensify monitoring and enforcement actions regarding stubble burning. These teams are coordinating with concerned authorities/ officers deployed at the district level by the State Govt. and reporting to CAQM.
    • MoA&FW had deputed 31 Central Teams, which have conducted Quality Survey work w.e.f. 1-15th September, 2024 in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and the Teams had visited 275 manufacturers and conducted quality audit of 910 agricultural machines. Further, 10 Central Teams have conducted survey on utilization of machines in States of Punjab and Haryana during 15th October – 31st October 2024. A Team comprising members from DA&FW, CAQM and ICAR and other stakeholders had visited to the State of Punjab to witness the activities of paddy straw management on 14th November, 2024.
    1. Measures for control of vehicular emissions:
    • Directions issued by CAQM to Government of NCT of Delhi and State Governments of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for migration of public transport services, especially buses in NCR to cleaner modes. All state govt. bus services between Delhi and any city/town in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to be operated only through EV /CNG/BS-VI diesel w.e.f. 01.11.2023.
    • Installation of VRS system at 3256 petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR in compliance with orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble NGT.
    1. Measures for control of industrial emission:
    • Installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) in red category air polluting industries in Delhi-NCR
    • Industrial units in Delhi have shifted to PNG/cleaner fuels and, operational units in NCR have shifted to PNG/Biomass.
    • Directions issued for conversion of brick kilns to zig-zag technology in Delhi and NCR. Brick kilns not converted to zig-zag technology are not permitted to operate in Delhi-NCR.
    • In order to control DG set emissions, CPCB also provides funds for retrofitment/ upgradation of DG sets in Govt. hospitals in Delhi-NCR and guidelines have been issued in this regard.
    • Ban on use of pet coke and furnace oil as fuel in NCR States since October 24, 2017.
    • An approved fuel list is in force in Delhi-NCR w.e.f. 01.01.2023. Industries operating on only PNG or biomass are permitted in NCR, except for specific requirement of other fuels by specific industries owing to technical, technological and process requirements. The industries not operating on approved fuels are not allowed to operate in Delhi-NCR.
    • Stringent PM emission norms for biomass based boilers have been prescribed for compliance in NCR.
    1. Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste:
    • Directions issued to DPCC and NCR SPCBs to enforce installation of anti-smog guns and other dust control measures at C&D sites.
    • Directions issued for setting up of a “Dust Control and Management Cell” by road owning/ maintaining/ construction agencies for monitoring and effective implementation of dust control measures in the NCR.  
    • Online monitoring mechanism (through web portal) introduced for monitoring compliance of dust mitigation measures for construction sites.
    1. Close Monitoring & Ground level implementation in Delhi-NCR:
    • 40 teams have been deputed by CPCB since December 2021, to assist CAQM, for conducting incognito inspections of air polluting industries, C&D sites, DG sets in Delhi-NCR to check implementation status of pollution control measures and compliance of other provisions of the Air (P&CP) Act,1981.

    Annexure-II

    Comparative Status of AQI- Delhi from 01 January to 31 December, 2016-2024

    Category

    Year

    2016

    2017

    2018

    2019

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2016

    2017

    2018

    2019

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    No. of days

    354

    365

    365

    365

    366

    365

    365

    365

    366

    Good (0–50)

    0

    2

    0

    2

    5

    1

    3

    1

    0

    110

    152

    159

    182

    227

    197

    163

    206

     209

    Satisfactory (51–100)

    24

    45

    53

    59

    95

    72

    65

    60

    66

    Moderate (101–200)

    86

    105

    106

    121

    127

    124

    95

    145

    143

    Poor (201–300)

    120

    115

    114

    103

    75

    80

    130

    77

    70

    244

    213

    206

    183

    139

    168

    202

    159

    157

    Very Poor (301–400)

    99

    89

    72

    56

    49

    64

    66

    67

    70

    Severe (>401)

    25

    9

    20

    24

    15

    24

    6

    15

    17

    *******

    (Release ID: 2114403) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Takes to the Air to Study Wildflowers

    Source: NASA

    For many plant species, flowering is biologically synced with the seasons. Scientists are clocking blooms to understand our ever-changing planet.
    NASA research is revealing there’s more to flowers than meets the human eye. A recent analysis of wildflowers in California shows how aircraft- and space-based instruments can use color to track seasonal flower cycles. The results suggest a potential new tool for farmers and natural-resource managers who rely on flowering plants.
    In their study, the scientists surveyed thousands of acres of nature preserve using a technology built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The instrument — an imaging spectrometer — mapped the landscape in hundreds of wavelengths of light, capturing flowers as they blossomed and aged over the course of months.
    It was the first time the instrument had been deployed to track vegetation steadily through the growing season, making this a “first-of-a-kind study,” said David Schimel, a research scientist at JPL.

    For many plant species from crops to cacti, flowering is timed to seasonal swings in temperature, daylight, and precipitation. Scientists are taking a closer look at the relationship between plant life and seasons — known as vegetation phenology — to understand how rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns may be impacting ecosystems.
    Typically, wildflower surveys rely on boots-on-the-ground observations and tools such as time-lapse photography. But these approaches cannot capture broader changes that may be happening in different ecosystems around the globe, said lead author Yoseline Angel, a scientist at the University of Maryland-College Park and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
    “One challenge is that compared to leaves or other parts of a plant, flowers can be pretty ephemeral,” she said. “They may last only a few weeks.”
    To track blooms on a large scale, Angel and other NASA scientists are looking to one of the signature qualities of flowers: color.

    Mapping Native Shrubs
    Flower pigments fall into three major groups: carotenoids and betalains (associated with yellow, orange, and red colors), and anthocyanins (responsible for many deep reds, violets, and blues). The different chemical structures of the pigments reflect and absorb light in unique patterns.
    Spectrometers allow scientists to analyze the patterns and catalog plant species by their chemical “fingerprint.” As all molecules reflect and absorb a unique pattern of light, spectrometers can identify a wide range of biological substances, minerals, and gases.
    Handheld devices are used to analyze samples in the field or lab. To survey moons and planets, including Earth, NASA has developed increasingly powerful imaging spectrometers over the past 45 years.
    One such instrument is called AVIRIS-NG (short for Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation), which was built by JPL to fly on aircraft. In 2022 it was used in a large ecology field campaign to survey vegetation in the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve and the Sedgwick Reserve, both in Santa Barbara County. Among the plants observed were two native shrub species — Coreopsis gigantea and Artemisia californica — from February to June.
    The scientists developed a method to tease out the spectral fingerprint of the flowers from other landscape features that crowded their image pixels. In fact, they were able to capture 97% of the subtle spectral differences among flowers, leaves, and background cover (soil and shadows) and identify different flowering stages with 80% certainty.
    Predicting Superblooms
    The results open the door to more air- and space-based studies of flowering plants, which represent about 90% of all plant species on land. One of the ultimate goals, Angel said, would be to support farmers and natural resource managers who depend on these species along with insects and other pollinators in their midst. Fruit, nuts, many medicines, and cotton are a few of the commodities produced from flowering plants.
    Angel is working with new data collected by AVIRIS’ sister spectrometer that orbits on the International Space Station. Called EMIT (Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation), it was designed to map minerals around Earth’s arid regions. Combining its data with other environmental observations could help scientists study superblooms, a phenomenon where vast patches of desert flowers bloom after heavy rains.
    One of the delights of researching flowers, Angel said, is the enthusiasm from citizen scientists. “I have social media alerts on my phone,” she added, noting one way she stays on top of wildflower activity around the world.
    The wildflower study was supported as part of the Surface Biology and Geology High-Frequency Time Series (SHIFT) campaign. An airborne and field research effort, SHIFT was jointly led by the Nature Conservancy, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and JPL. Caltech, in Pasadena, manages JPL for NASA.
    The AVIRIS instrument was originally developed through funding from NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office.
    News Media Contacts
    Andrew Wang / Jane J. LeeJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 818-354-0307andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov
    Written by Sally YoungerNASA’s Earth Science News Team
    2025-041

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: CBED Program Awards Grant to INPEACE to Support Native Hawaiian Businesses at 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: CBED Program Awards Grant to INPEACE to Support Native Hawaiian Businesses at 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival

    Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

    KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMOHALA PĀʻOIHANA, ʻIMI WAIWAI A HOʻOMĀKAʻIKAʻI

     

    BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    DENNIS T. LING

    ADMINISTRATOR

    CBED PROGRAM AWARDS GRANT TO INPEACE TO SUPPORT NATIVE HAWAIIAN BUSINESSES AT 2025 MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 24, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) Center for Entrepreneurship. The funding will support nine Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses in participating as vendors at the Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market, taking place April 24-26, 2025 at Sangha Hall in Hilo, Hawai‘i, in conjunction with the Merrie Monarch Festival.

    “The CBED Program is committed to fostering economic opportunities that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s small business community, particularly those that align with cultural preservation and sustainability,” said DBEDT Business Support Division Branch Chief Mark Ritchie. “By supporting Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs at the Merrie Monarch Festival, we are investing in the long-term success of local businesses while celebrating and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.”

    As one of Hawai‘i’s premier cultural events, the Merrie Monarch Festival attracts thousands of attendees, including residents, visitors and cultural practitioners. The Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market, which runs alongside the festival, provides a unique opportunity for local artisans, food vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, increase brand recognition and generate revenue.

    “This funding allows us to provide critical support for Native Hawaiian small businesses – helping them grow their brands, expand their customer base and contribute to the local economy,” said Lisa Pakele, program director of the INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship. “We are grateful to the CBED Program for its commitment to community-based economic development.”

    The grant funding will cover vendor booth fees, travel expenses and marketing efforts to enhance visibility for participating businesses. The selected cohort includes:

    • Bujo Bae: Island-inspired stationery, paper goods, scrapbooking materials and journals. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • Honolulu Baby Company: Keiki apparel and accessories that are comfy, conscious and cute. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • Kākou Collective: Stationery, greeting cards, notebooks and apparel featuring hand-drawn artwork by Native Hawaiian artist Kea Peters. (‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu)
    • Kaulana Mahina: A research-based resource promoting Hawaiian culture and language through mahina workshops, moon calendars, maps, keiki books and more. (Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island)
    • Keha Hawai‘i: A blend of classic and contemporary fashion for men and women that pays homage to the ʻāina, kānaka, ʻōlelo and moʻolelo of Hawaiʻi. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • The Keiki Dept: A lifestyle brand for the ‘ohana that encourages families to have conversations about the plants and animals featured on their products. (ʻAiea, O‘ahu)
    • Mahina Made: A Hawaiʻi lifestyle brand of apparel, accessories and home goods. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
    • Pawniolo Pets: Offering high-quality pet food and snacks rooted in the traditions of its family cattle ranch on Hawaiʻi Island. (Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island)
    • Sweetheart Farm: Farm-fresh products ranging from microgreens and chili pepper jelly to baked goods and lilikoi butter. (Hilo, Hawai‘i Island)

    The CBED Program supports initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency and sustainable business development in Hawaiʻi. By investing in community-driven projects, DBEDT aims to strengthen local industries, enhance job creation and foster long-term economic resilience.

    For more information about the CBED Program and its initiatives, visit https://invest.hawaii.gov/business/cbed/. To learn more about INPEACE and its programs, visit https://inpeace.org/.

    About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)

    DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation-sector job growth.

    About the Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program

    The CBED Program is dedicated to supporting the economic growth and sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s communities. By providing grants, loans and technical assistance, CBED empowers local businesses and organizations to thrive and contribute to a vibrant local economy.

    About the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE)

    INPEACE is a nonprofit organization committed to the education, culture and economic development of Native Hawaiians. Through a range of programs and initiatives, INPEACE strives to create opportunities that promote self-sufficiency and enhance the quality of life for Native Hawaiian communities. The INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship supports new family-owned businesses and start-ups on the Leeward Coast of O‘ahu to increase their capacity to succeed. The center provides intensive individual support, personal and business finance training, 1-on-1 coaching, access to business micro loans, peer networking, business equipment, administrative back-office support, specialized services and expert mentors.

    # # #

     

    Media Contacts:

     

    Laci Goshi

    Communications Officer

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
    Cell: 808-518-5480

    Email: [email protected]

    Mark Ritchie

    Branch Chief, Business Support Division

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    Phone: 808-586-2355

    Email: [email protected]

    Lisa Pakele

    INPEACE Program Director

    Center for Entrepreneurship

    Phone 808-693-7222 ext. 116

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release: APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 LĀNAʻI MOUFLON SHEEP SEASON OPEN MARCH 31

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release: APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 LĀNAʻI MOUFLON SHEEP SEASON OPEN MARCH 31

    Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

     

    APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 LĀNAʻI MOUFLON SHEEP SEASON OPEN MARCH 31

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    March 24, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Applications for the 2025 Lānaʻi mouflon sheep hunting season will be available on March 31, 2025.

     

    Lānaʻi’s mouflon sheep season will consist of four hunts: an archery hunt, a youth hunt, a muzzleloader hunt, and a general rifle hunt. All four hunts may be subject to a lottery drawing.

     

    Depending on application levels, standby hunting opportunities may be offered for the general rifle season. If application numbers are higher or lower than anticipated for the general rifle season, one or more weekends may be added or eliminated.

     

    For more information and to apply, go to: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/. Click on “Apply for Hunts” and select 2025 Lānaʻi Mouflon Sheep Season.

     

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video Courtesy: DLNR)

     

    Photograph – attached

     

    Additional hunt details are available at the link below or by calling DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife offices.

     

    https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2025/03/2025-Mouflon-Sheep-Season-Public-Notice_Hunting-Webpage.pdf  

     

     

    O‘ahu: 1-808-587-0166                                  Maui: 1-808-984-8100

    Hawai‘i: 1-808-974-4221 (Hilo)                    Moloka‘i: 1-808-553-1745

    Kaua‘i: 1-808-274-3433                                 Lāna‘i: 1-808-565-7916

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396 

    Email: [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Using Renure and applying a derogation to reduce dependence on imported fertilisers – E-001077/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001077/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Wouter Beke (PPE)

    In its Competitiveness Compass for the EU, the Commission proposes that additional tariffs be introduced on chemical fertilisers from Russia and Belarus. That risks increasing prices for farmers and lowering competitiveness, even though the agricultural and horticultural sector is a strategic partner as a supplier of food, fibre, agricultural commodities and energy. Reducing dependence on imported chemical fertilisers and boosting agricultural sector competitiveness should therefore be priorities for the Commission.

    Under the new vision for agriculture and food, the use of low-carbon fertilisers and recycled nutrients, such as recovered nitrogen from manure (Renure) and digestate after appropriate treatment, is regarded as a win-win solution to environmental and circular economy challenges. Allowing some derogations from the Nitrates Directive enables farmers to replace expensive chemical fertilisers with processed livestock manure.

    • 1.Will the Commission make a specific proposal to use on-farm-processed livestock manure (Renure) as a substitute for chemical fertilisers? If so, what is the exact timetable for the proposal?
    • 2.Will the Commission also put forward a proposal to ensure structural use of more livestock manure, including on grassland (derogation)? If so, what is the intended timetable for the measure?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters and Senate Committee Ranking Members Demand Immediate Review by Agency Inspectors General of Trump Administration’s Mass Dismissals of Federal Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led 16 Senate Committee Ranking Members in a letter to the Inspectors General of 23 federal agencies, pressing for details on the impact of President Trump’s sweeping and unprecedented dismissal of tens of thousands of federal employees. The senators asked the Inspectors General to review the Trump Administration’s actions, citing potential violations of federal laws and procedures, which the senators warn could harm Americans’ access to vital government services and increase waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars.

    “The decision to terminate thousands of employees across multiple federal agencies will impose undue hardship on millions of Americans who rely on their services,” wrote the senators. “The loss of experienced agency staff may risk causing serious disruptions to nearly 73 million Americans who rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to administer retiree and disability benefits and 9.1 million veterans who depend on the Department of Veteran Affairs (V.A.), many of which rely on the V.A. for life saving medical treatments and care.”  

    Highlighting the devastating consequences of these mass firings, the senators underscored the Trump Administration’s layoffs have already disrupted critical operations at agencies that millions of Americans depend on for survival. 

    “Among the 2,400 employees fired from the V.A. since Mr. Trump’s inauguration are workers who purchase medical supplies, schedule appointments and arrange rides for patients to see their doctors,” wrote the senators, citing a NY Times report. “Additionally, taxpayers seeking in-person assistance as they navigate the 2025 filing season may find the support centers they previously relied on completely relocated or shuttered. That risk is a direct consequence of the Administration’s mass dismissals and decision to terminate over 100 IRS offices with Tax Assistance Centers (TAC) – which provide free, in-person assistance for those seeking it.”

    The senators are requesting that IGs examine whether these dismissals violated agency policies and assess the damage to agency missions, public safety, and national security, calling for an initial review to be completed within 60 days, with findings made available to the public to ensure transparency and accountability.  

    In addition to Peters, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators and Ranking Members Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Special Committee on Aging, Patty Murray (D-WA), Committee on Appropriations, Jack Reed (D-RI), Committee on Armed Services, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Committee on Environment and Public Works, Ron Wyden (D-OR), Committee on Finance, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Committee on Foreign Relations, Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Committee on the Judiciary, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Committee on the Budget and Ed Markey (D-MA), Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

    The full text of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIA HAS IMMENSE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SELF-RELIANT IN OILSEED PRODUCTION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER SHRI OM BIRLA

    Source: Government of India

    INDIA HAS IMMENSE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SELF-RELIANT IN OILSEED PRODUCTION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER SHRI OM BIRLA

    INDUSTRY LEADERS MUST COLLABORATE WITH FARMERS AND SCIENTISTS TO STRENGTHEN OILSEEDS SECTOR IN INDIA: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    START-UP CULTURE AND VOCAL FOR LOCAL INITIATIVES CAN DRIVE INNOVATION IN OILSEEDS INDUSTRY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES 45th RABI ALL INDIA OILSEEDS SEMINAR IN AGRA

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

    Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today called upon all stakeholders — farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and industry leaders — to unite with determination and play a pivotal role in making India self-reliant and a global leader in oilseed production.

    Noting that India’s demand for edible oil far exceeds its domestic supply, Shri Birla called upon industry leaders and oil millers to innovate and find solutions to reduce import dependency, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. He asserted that India is undergoing transformation, and it is imperative that our farmers become key drivers of this change, empowered with fair prices for their produce.

    यूपी ऑयल मिलर्स एसोसिएशन द्वारा आगरा में आयोजित “45वें रबी ऑल इंडिया तिलहन सेमिनार” में सम्मिलित होकर देशभर से आए तिलहन व्यवसायियों को संबोधित किया।

    भारत खाद्य तेल के क्षेत्र में आत्मनिर्भर बने, इसके लिए आवश्यक है कि हमारे किसान और ऑयल प्रोसेसिंग सेक्टर से जुड़े लोग सम्मिलित… pic.twitter.com/maIK7aXXZY

    — Om Birla (@ombirlakota) March 23, 2025

    Shri Birla was addressing the 45th Rabi All India Oilseeds Seminar, organized by the UP Oil Millers Association in Agra today.

    He stressed that our farmers and the oil processing industry must work hand-in-hand and emphasized that high-quality oilseed production backed by advanced research and innovation is essential. Shri Birla urged agricultural scientists and the Oil Millers Association to collaborate proactively for excellence and self-reliance. The Speaker also urged scientists to focus on developing climate-resilient, high-yield seed varieties, contributing to sustained growth in oilseed production. He emphasized the importance of research collaborations with renowned universities and institutions, and the need to educate the public on the health benefits of Indian oils, supported by scientific studies. Underlining that Central India’s soil and climate are highly conducive to oilseed cultivation, often requiring minimal irrigation, he noted that government initiatives have improved irrigation infrastructure and enhanced agriculture production potential.

    Highlighting the nutritional value of Indian oilseed crops, Shri Birla emphasized the need to promote these indigenous oils to boost both economic and nutritional security. He reaffirmed the importance of the philosophy to embrace indigenous oils reminding that what grows naturally in our soil and climate is most beneficial to health. He also linked the oilseeds sector’s growth with the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, encouraging farmers to adopt modern technologies, receive proper training, and utilize government schemes for better yields and higher incomes. Shri Birla called for entrepreneurial participation in organic farming, processing, packaging, and distribution of oilseed products, highlighting the immense opportunities Start-Up culture has brought to even smaller regions.

    He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the 45th Rabi All India Oilseeds Seminar would chart a new direction for India’s oilseeds industry and help achieve the goal of self-reliance. Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and dairying and  Panchayti Raj and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

    ***

    AM

    (Release ID: 2114480) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley to Host Sixth Federal Judiciary Youth Summit for Iowa High School Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will host his sixth Federal Judiciary Youth Summit on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the U.S. Courthouse in Cedar Rapids. The summit allows students and educators to learn more about the federal judiciary system and their constitutional freedoms.

    Grassley has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee throughout his time in the U.S. Senate and continually advocates for civic engagement and appreciation of the nation’s system of checks and balances. 

    “As the first farmer to ever chair the Judiciary Committee, I know how important it is for people of all backgrounds to gain an understanding of the judicial process,” Grassley said. “Participants will be able to learn and ask questions about a branch of government that can often seem complex and unapproachable. The courts interpret the law and defend the constitutional freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis. Learning how these decisions are made and upheld will provide a valuable experience for these students. I’m pleased to host this opportunity once again.”

    The summit will feature Chief Judge C.J. Williams, a Senate-confirmed judge for the Northern District of Iowa, as the speaker. The event will start with a welcome reception followed by a question-and-answer session. 62 area high schools have been invited to participate. Each school is allowed to bring four juniors or seniors, accompanied by one teacher.

    Attendees from last year’s summit praised the experience:

    “I really enjoyed the session,” said Madelyn Gobble of Fort Madison High School. “[It was] interesting to hear a real-life perspective from both [Judge Locher] and Senator Chuck Grassley, as well as getting that perspective of being from such a small town and being able to go on and be something larger.”

    “I thought this was a very beneficial experience. We got to learn about our judicial system and speak with some very influential people in our society,” said Jack Hoffman of Clinton High School.

    Learn more about Grassley’s role and responsibilities as Judiciary Chairman HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foot and Mouth disease controls amended in Germany

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Foot and Mouth disease controls amended in Germany

    Import ban amended following outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Germany.

    As of 24 March 2025, the import ban currently in place due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease on cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, buffaloes and their products such as meat, and dairy from Germany will be amended.

    This decision follows rigorous technical assessment of the measures applied in Germany and the current situation. If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity.

    Great Britain has officially recognized regionalisation for FMD in Germany at the containment zone level, which covers a 6km radius around the outbreak. Consequently, the export of affected commodities can resume from areas outside this zone, provided all other import requirements are satisfied.

    Personal imports of packaged and unpackaged meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants will remain in place at a country level.

    FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.

    Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:  

    • 03000 200 301 in England   

    • 0300 303 8268 in Wales   

    • your local  Field Services Office in Scotland

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    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Seven Appointments to Various Boards

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 24, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced seven appointments to various boards.

    Mason Bell, of Williamsville, was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Dr. Bell currently serves as the chief financial officer and veterinarian at Bell Veterinary Services, LLC DBA Hillcrest Animal Hospital. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Beef Cattle Practitioners, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Society for Theriogenology. Dr. Bell earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Mark Ellebracht, of Excelsior Springs, was appointed to the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.

    Mr. Ellebracht is a principal partner at The Injury Council, a personal injury law firm in Clayton, Missouri. Ellebracht formerly served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023 for District 17 and later worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Clay County. He also served as a squad leader for the United States Army. Mr. Ellebracht earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from William Jewell College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia.

    Marcy Hammerle, of Troy, was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Dr. Hammerle is an associate veterinarian at Elm Point Animal Hospital. She previously served as board chair and president of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and is an active member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation, Therapeutic Horsemanship Board, and the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Hammerle earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Jeremy Manley, of Springfield, was appointed to the State Board of Mediation.

    Mr. Manley is the president and business representative of Teamsters Local 245. From 2017 to 2019, Manley served as a Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education (DRIVE) representative for International Brotherhood of Teamsters in Washington, D.C. Prior to working with Teamsters, Manley worked as a delivery driver for the United Parcel Service.

    Michael Pfander, of Clever, was reappointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Dr. Pfander is a small animal veterinarian at Cottage Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He has served on the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board since 2012. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Pfander also worked as an adjunct professor at Drury University from 1996 to 2012. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Southwest Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association. Dr. Pfander earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

    Christopher Rohlfing, of Fayette, was reappointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

    Mr. Rohlfing is the owner and operator of Production Agriculture. He has been a public member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board since 2014. Prior to starting his own business, Rohlfing worked as the member services manager at Boone Electric Cooperative before retiring after 33 years. He’s also worked as an independent crop insurance agent since 1983. Mr. Rohlfing is as a member of the Deans Strategic Advisory Committee for the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Veterinary Medicine and is the president of the Howard County Farm Bureau. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his Master of Business Administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri.

    Rodney Schad, of Versailles, was appointed to the State Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority.

    Mr. Schad is the owner and operator of Schad Farm where he raises cattle, corn, soybeans, and wheat. He formerly represented the 115th District in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005 to 2012 and later as the Morgan County Commissioner from 2012 to 2020. Schad is an active member of the First Christian Church of Versailles and the Missouri Farm Bureau. He also serves as a board member for several organizations, including Quality Industries, Show Me Christian Youth Home, Highland Mutual Insurance Company, and the Missouri Public Defender Commission.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Missouri Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Missouri of the April 23, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 19–27, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Stone, Texas, Wayne and Wright in Missouri, as well as Benton, Clay, Carroll, Fulton and Randolph counties in Arkansas, Alexander County in Illinois, Fulton County in Kentucky, and Lake County in Tennessee.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than April 23.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week 10 Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

    Ten weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session, we reached several major milestones, delivering real results for our farmers, job creators and hardworking Georgians.

    One of the most significant victories was the final passage of Senate Bill 68 through both chambers of the General Assembly, a major step forward in tort reform, which has been a top priority for Governor Brian Kemp. After extensive debate and deliberation in both chambers, this bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval. SB 68 cracks down on lawsuit abuse, prevents bad actors from double-dipping on litigation expenses and shields small businesses from predatory legal tactics. With excessive verdicts and frivolous lawsuits running rampant in our state, this legislation will provide real relief for families and business owners alike.

    We also took action to cut taxes and put more money back into your pockets. The Senate passed House Bill 111, which lowers the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19% beginning in 2025. The bill ensures additional tax cuts annually until the rate reaches 4.99%, delivering long-term relief for Georgia taxpayers. Additionally, House Bill 112 provides a one-time tax credit of $250 for individuals, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. Both bills are now on their way to Governor Kemp’s desk, fulfilling yet another promise to ease the financial burden on Georgia families.

    Meanwhile, work continues on the state budget as Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearings move us closer to finalizing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. As the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Chairman, I led discussions on aid allocations to rural communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our hearing helped ensure that our budget remains fiscally responsible while prioritizing the needs of our state.

    On the legislative front, I’m proud that my bill, Senate Bill 35, passed unanimously through the House this week. SB 35 is my nonrenewal policy legislation, increasing the days’ notice required to be given to a policyholder before their homeowners’ insurance policy is not renewed. By providing more time for consumers to find alternative coverage or successfully manage concerns with their provider, this bill ensures that more Georgians maintain uninterrupted insurance coverage. Having passed both the Senate and House, SB 35 now awaits the Governor’s approval before it becomes law.

    Additionally, my bill to enhance our skilled workforce, SB 125, passed through the House Committee on Regulated Industries. Historically, our future engineers have completed their academic pathway but had to wait until they had worked in the field to take the professional engineering exam and earn their accreditation. This bill decouples the sequential order of experience and examination requirements for professional engineers, allowing them to take their professional engineering exam directly after their studies. SB 125 will encourage more skilled workers to come to Georgia and improve pass rates for the professional engineering exam, ultimately improving the field on the whole in our state. I am confident that the House will show SB 125 the same bipartisan support it received in the Senate. 

    Finally, I am carrying House Bill 579, which will revise provisions for professional licensing in Georgia. This bill empowers the professional licensing boards division to review and grant applications for the issuance, renewal or reinstatement of licenses on behalf of the profession’s licensing board. Notably, HB 579 also allows the division director to license an individual before taking an examination, encouraging the growth of their profession, business, or trade. With this legislation, we are streamlining professional licensing standards to protect all Georgians’ safety and welfare. I will always support legislation that allows qualified, trained workers to properly function without excessive red tape.

    With just two weeks remaining in this legislative session, I encourage everyone to stay engaged and visit the Gold Dome to see the legislative process in action. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Serving the 20th Senate District under the Gold Dome is an honor.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways cannabis can contribute to a green future

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julyan Levy, PhD Candidate, Social Sciences, Coventry University

    24K-Production/Shutterstock

    Cannabis legalisation could raise £1.5 billion for the UK economy, according to a recent report from the charity Transform. But aside from this plant’s economic benefits, cannabis also has many ecological advantages.

    My research into the potential role of cannabis in shaping a fairer and healthier world never fails to excite me. Cannabis flowers became legally allowed as a medicine in the UK in 2018, but its origins as a medicinal herb in Britain dates back to at least Anglo-Saxon times. Its popularity is evident in the many place names scattered across the country, from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire to Littlehempston in Devon.

    Hemp is a colloquial term for the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa. Hemp often refers to strains of cannabis that have had its main psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), bred out of the female flowers.

    Due to the negative associations cannabis has picked up over the past 50 years of prohibition, hemp farmers have distanced themselves from using the term cannabis. In the UK, this association has resulted in strict conditions for growing hemp creating a barrier for farmers.

    In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD), the main non psychoactive chemical found in female cannabis flowers, has become popular as a wellness product. CBD is abundant in low-THC hemp flowers, so it’s easy for the lines between hemp and cannabis to become blurred.

    It’s all cannabis. This plant has some incredible environmental benefits, from improving soil health to storing carbon. Here are five ways that cannabis plants can contribute to a greener planet:

    1. Productive harvests

    Hemp stems have a woody core, known as shivs, that can be mixed with lime to make hempcrete, a carbon-neutral alternative to concrete. Concrete production is one of the major sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. Hempcrete could be used to build eco-friendly social housing across the UK.

    Hemp seeds are a nutritious food source, high in protein and omega-3. With the UK’s food system in crisis, hemp seeds and the oil they produce could be a more widespread sustainable homegrown food source if hemp could be grown on an industrial scale.

    But industrial monocultures of crops are harmful to biodiversity. One alternative is agroecology – working with nature to prioritise biodiversity through small-scale farming.

    Hemp is ideally suited to agroecology, but it’s not an easy crop to grow in the UK
    because licensing laws make it very difficult for hemp farmers to tap into a global market worth billions.

    Farmers at one community farm, Hempen in Oxfordshire, sowed their first hemp crop over an area of 30 acres. In 2019, Hempen were forced to destroy their CBD harvest as their licence wasn’t renewed.

    In California, THC strains are allowed. One farming community started producing its own CBD-based medicines on just one acre of land. Others use the plant in other interesting ways, from rehabilitating formally incarcerated people to off-grid market gardens.

    Hemp offers potential as a fast-growing crop that enriches soil health.
    MAR007/Shutterstock

    2. Healthy soils

    Soil is essential for growing 98.8% of our food. Yet, it is often contaminated with toxic chemicals from industrial processes or the legacies of war.

    A process known as phytoremediation cleans the soil of these toxic contaminants. Hemp’s deep roots have a high tolerance for absorbing dangerous heavy metals. It is also a great break crop – this is a way for farmers to rotate the types of crops they grow to keep the soil healthy.



    Read more:
    Hemp is more sustainable than timber – here’s how it could transform low-carbon construction

    3. Plastic alternatives

    Plastic is poisoning our bodies and our planet. Recent reports suggest that the human brain may contain enough microplastics to make a spoon.

    Bioplastics made from hemp are biodegradable, composting down into organic matter leaving no microplastics. Hemp bioplastics are already being used by a number of commercial companies from building cars to packaging.

    Bioplastics do not offer a complete solution, but with the right infrastructure they could help reduce the need to derive more plastics from fossil fuels.

    4. Carbon storage

    Trees and other plants remove carbon dioxide from the air through the process of photosynthesis. Hemp is great at this, storing twice as much carbon dioxide than trees.

    Hemp is easy to grow without synthetic chemical inputs. It requires virtually no pesticides and reaches maturity much more quickly than trees. Once it absorbs the carbon, it’s easily stored in hempcrete blocks that can be used in construction.

    5. Energy storage

    It’s very difficult to store excess energy from renewable sources for use at a later date when the sun might not be shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Big batteries are one solution but these require mining precious metals.

    Another solution are supercapacitors – mega-efficient energy storage solutions that can be as small as a coin. Graphene, a flat material stronger than steel, is an essential element in the production of supercapacitors but it’s expensive and energy-intensive to make.

    The whole stem biomass (unused plant waste) from cannabis could provide a low-cost way to make graphene. Research shows that supercapacitors using hemp-based graphene perform much more efficiently than current commercial models.

    Hemp has many other known uses, from textiles to paper. The UK could lead the way in hemp innovation. The previous UK government did announce some minor changes to hemp licensing. Now, further changes to legislation could help farmers to harness the potential of this wondercrop in the fight against climate change.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Julyan Levy is affiliated with The Green Party of England and Wales.

    – ref. Five ways cannabis can contribute to a green future – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-cannabis-can-contribute-to-a-green-future-251523

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Marshall, Moran Introduce Legislation to Provide Consistent, Affordable Energy to Missouri, Kansas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Monday, March 24, 2025

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation – alongside Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) – that would provide stable energy rates and a reliable electric grid to states in the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) region, including Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

    “After the devastating tornadoes that left victims without power for days, Missourians deserve consistent and affordable energy,” said Senator Hawley. “This legislation will ensure that every Missourian has access to power they can rely on.”

    The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act would give SWPA the authority to operate on a self-funding, revolving Treasury fund to help provide the affected states with a long-term, reliable financing source. This would give the region more stable funding to lower customer rates, which can be highly volatile due to market demand and weather. Furthermore, the legislation would provide SWPA clarity to plan long-term infrastructure improvements and power replacement and allow SWPA to avoid drastic and unnecessary spikes in power rates charged to its wholesale customers in an extreme or multi-year regional drought situation.

    “It is critical that Kansans have access to reliable electricity at stable rates, especially during extreme and dangerous weather,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation will provide funding stability that will allow energy providers to make needed infrastructure improvements and prevent Kansans from suffering mass power outages.”

    “Kansans – especially our farmers and ranchers – need reliable and affordable power,” said Senator Marshall. “Consumers have suffered from high energy costs for too long, and this bill will help deliver stable and affordable power while improving our power grid infrastructure. I am proud to stand with Senators Jerry Moran and Josh Hawley in supporting this important legislation.”

    Senator Hawley has long advocated for Missourians to access reliable American-made energy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Charged in Danbury Kidnapping Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that JAMES SCHWAB, 22, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has been federally charged for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping in Danbury in August 2024.

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men who were involved in a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of two occupants of the vehicle on that date.  The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual who is suspected of participating in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.  Schwab, who had an altercation with the victims’ son in a Miami nightclub in July 2024, was in regular communication with certain of the kidnappers in the days before the crime, provided funding for it, and helped arrange the participants’ transportation and lodging.

    Schwab was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 29, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport after he returned to the U.S. from a trip to Bali.  On February 25, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Schwab with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Schwab appeared in Bridgeport federal court on March 12, 2025, and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

    Schwab has been detained since his arrest.

    Five of the six individuals charged with offenses related to the carjacking and kidnapping have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force and the Danbury Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ecological perspective in spatial planning focus of OSCE-supported workshop in Podgorica

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Ecological perspective in spatial planning focus of OSCE-supported workshop in Podgorica

    On 20 and 21 March, the parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, together with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, organized a workshop on the ecological perspective in spatial planning and eco-urbanism.
    The workshop gathered staff from parliamentary committees on tourism, agriculture, ecology and spatial planning; economy, finance and budget; gender equality; anti-corruption, as well as from the parliamentary Research Centre and Commission for Monitoring and Control of the Privatisation Procedure. They discussed legislation regulating eco-urbanism, as well as environmental impacts of planned infrastructure and energy facilities. They considered challenges posed by climate change and examined sustainable urban solutions. Environmental protection, especially in light of the requirements under Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change and obligations of Parliament to fulfil these requirements were central to the discussion.
    Opening the workshop, Dejan Đurović, Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, emphasized that “the main objective of the workshop is to establish a dialogue to enable us as parliamentarians, to address all deficiencies, obstacles and challenges related to environment protection, while improving and adopting new knowledge in eco-urbanism.”
    The Mission’s Democratization Programme Manager, Bernd Burwitz, noted that while Montenegro is defined as an ecological state, many challenges remain. “In today’s world, climate change and environmental concerns are significant political and security challenges, which should be addressed through the development of the Spatial Plan, that covers the entire territory of Montenegro,” said Burwitz.
    The Mission remains committed to strong collaboration with parliamentary committees and support them in understanding documentation related to spatial planning and its ecological perspectives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Japan support Angola to strengthen food and water security in drought stricken areas

    Source: World Food Programme

    LUANDA, Angola — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$ 2 million from the Government of Japan to support over 27,000 people affected by drought in southern Angola. This funding will enhance the food and water security while strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers through Japanese agricultural technology innovations.

    In collaboration with the Government of Angola, WFP will scale up efforts to promote sustainable access to water, boost agricultural production, and improve the livelihoods of communities impacted by a prolonged drought and the El Niño event in Huíla and Cunene provinces. Through this initiative, WFP will provide solar-powered water supply and small-scale irrigation systems, skills training, and technical assistance to strengthen local value chains and create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.

    WFP will also partner with a Japanese technology company, leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions to help unlock the country’s agricultural potential and advance national development priorities. 

    “WFP’s collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Japanese private sector has the potential to become a game-changer for Angola’s agriculture sector,” said José Ferrão, WFP Head of Office in Angola. “By combining WFP’s deep field presence and knowledge of the local context and Japan’s cutting-edge technology, this project will empower communities facing climate shocks to build long-term food and water security.”

    This generous contribution comes from a new initiative dedicated to sustainable socioeconomic development in Africa, in the lead-up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) to be held in Yokohama, Japan in August 2025.

    “The project supported by this new initiative and implemented in collaboration with WFP and NEC Corporation will be presented at TICAD9 as a model of co-created innovative solutions with Africa,” said Toru Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Angola. 

    “It also contributes to Japan’s Country Development Cooperation Policy for Angola, which is aligned with the National Development Plan (2023-2027), that identifies the agriculture sector as a driver to promote food security and economic diversification and accelerating sustainable development.”

    WFP has been complementing the Government’s drought response efforts by delivering specialised nutrition support and food vouchers to families with malnourished children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. WFP also trains and mentors health facility staff and community health workers to conduct nutrition screenings and deliver programmes to address moderate acute malnutrition and improve maternal and child health outcomes. 

    #                    #                       #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow WFP on X via @wfp_media, @wfp_SAfrica

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Egg prices soar as outdated supply chains crack under pressure

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jack Buffington, Associate Professor of Practice in Supply Chain Management, University of Denver

    Experts predict that egg prices will keep climbing in 2025. Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    There may be no kitchen table issue in America more critical than the price of food.

    So when the price of eggs rose over 40% from 2024 to 2025, it became a headline news story in Colorado and across the nation.

    Public officials and the media blamed high egg prices on bird flu outbreaks and said containing the outbreak in supply chains would lower prices. In early March 2025, egg prices fell in the U.S., but these trends are likely to reverse due to higher seasonal demand during Easter and Passover.

    Rising prices and market volatility have led to food costs climbing to 11.4% of American’s disposable income, the largest percentage since 1991.

    Arresting these rising costs, as I argue in my 2023 book, means reinventing supply chains to address the growing supply, demand and price volatility that has created uncertainty for consumers since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

    I have described global supply chains, and supply chains in the U.S. in particular, as “efficiently broken.” By this I mean that they aspire to offer low prices from economies of scale but lack sufficient resiliency to create stability.

    Without addressing the systemic weaknesses in supply chains, I believe major health and economic disruptions will continue to happen in Colorado, nationally and around the world.

    Cage-free eggs

    Colorado faces a double whammy where egg prices are concerned.

    It’s one of nine states with a cage-free egg mandate, which requires all eggs sold in the state to come from cage-free facilities. The regulation has been shown to increase the price of eggs by as much as 50%.

    Over the past two decades, cage-free egg laws have been passed in states as consumers have grown more concerned with the welfare of farm animals. What that means varies from state to state because the term cage-free isn’t regulated by a federal agency. In Colorado, egg-laying hens must be housed in a cage-free system and must have a minimum of 1 square foot of usable floor space per hen.

    Colorado is the 28th largest egg producer in the U.S., far behind Midwestern states such as Iowa, Indiana and Ohio, but it has a few large producers such as Morning Fresh Farms, as well as smaller ones such as the Colorado Egg Producers Association, a collection of seven family-owned farms.

    Colorado’s cage-free egg law went into effect in January 2025 – around the same time that consumers noticed bare egg shelves at their supermarkets. Many consumers and some elected Republicans in Colorado blamed the cage-free law.

    Nevada is pulling back on its cage-free egg mandate to deal with the challenge of unaffordable egg prices.

    But cage-free laws are not the main driver of increasing egg prices, as I’ve noted in my research. Like many others, the egg supply chain needs to be reinvented to balance price, scale, resiliency and stability.

    Supply chain issues

    What is driving up the prices of eggs and other consumer goods is the concentration of producers. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how vulnerable prices and supply chains are.

    Five years ago this month, when the pandemic started, many products became unavailable and more expensive.

    In 2022, a major product recall of Similac led to a baby formula shortage in the U.S. The baby formula market is highly concentrated, with four companies responsible for approximately 90% of the domestic market. A large-scale facility that produced the baby formula was found to have unsanitary conditions and contaminated products. Pulling this one facility offline at the same time the nation was coping with pandemic-related supply chain issues led to the shortage.

    Supply chain issues led to a U.S. shortage of baby formula in 2022.
    Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Then at the beginning of 2024, supplies of insulin ran short due to production issues at Eli Lilly, one of the three companies responsible for over 90% of the U.S. insulin market.

    And in the second half of 2024, hospitals couldn’t get enough IV fluid due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene to a Baxter factory in North Carolina that manufactures approximately 60% of IV fluids in the U.S. This factory had been relocated to North Carolina from Puerto Rico due to the supply impact from Hurricane Maria that damaged the island in 2017.

    In all of these cases, the supply chain was easily interrupted due to a reliance on a few large producers. In 2025, bird flu and eggs are just another example of America’s “efficiently broken” supply chain.

    Bird flu and cost of eggs

    In the U.S., the top five egg producers are responsible for 40% of hens, with Mississippi-based Cal-Maine Foods alone responsible for 13% of total U.S. production.

    An average-sized production facility in the U.S. can house 75,000 to 500,000 hens. Large facilities can house over 4 million. The mass production of eggs from these facilities means eggs are, in stable times, cost effective for the American consumer. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, eggs in the U.S. never surpassed $3 a dozen, and it was an affordable food solution compared with processed foods.

    But this scale and efficiency comes at the price of resiliency during something like a bird flu outbreak. Larger farms create a higher risk of viral outbreak, which leads to the need for culling millions of birds and a heightened risk of viral replication and mutation.

    The solution may increase prices

    Policymakers want to reduce the spread of disease at American egg factories to mitigate the spread of bird flu. But these measures are expensive.

    Factory farms increase the potential for viruses to spread rapidly and even mutate. Therefore, bird flu is a more serious precursor of supply chain disruption than a hurricane or product recall because it has the potential to create a public health crisis.

    One solution to limit the spread of bird flu is to regulate the number of hens allowed in a single facility. This would lead to smaller and more farms across the U.S., but also higher consumer prices.

    This solution would mirror other countries such as Canada, where the average facility size is much smaller than in the U.S. and eggs and poultry cost significantly more. That’s why – under the terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement – Canada has quota and tariff protection from American companies flooding its market with eggs and poultry that would cost consumers two to three times less.

    Yet in March 2025, the price of eggs in Canada is 50% cheaper than eggs in the U.S. because the country has not suffered the same damages from bird flu.

    Following Canada’s lead wouldn’t result in egg prices as low as giant factory farms, but it would protect American consumers from the periodic price shocks caused by disease or localized weather events that disrupt supplies.

    Despite the threat of a public health crisis, American consumers don’t want to pay more for eggs – and their leaders have promised they won’t have to.

    Read more of our stories about Colorado.

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

    – ref. Egg prices soar as outdated supply chains crack under pressure – https://theconversation.com/egg-prices-soar-as-outdated-supply-chains-crack-under-pressure-251425

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Executive Secretary in Rome to strengthen cooperation with Italian Government and UN agencies

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean was in Rome on 18-19 March to meet with high-level officials of the Government of Italy and discuss efforts to strengthen development cooperation across multiple areas, as well as to exchange with principals of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).  

    In discussions with Federico Eichberg, Chef de Cabinet at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Ms. Molcean focused on cooperation on corporate sustainability reporting, due diligence and digital product passports. She stressed the importance of UNECE’s tools for traceability along value chains, which were piloted with blockchain and other innovative technologies with brands, retailers and manufacturers of the Italian garment and footwear industry. Discussions also addressed gender equality and the promotion of women entrepreneurship and leadership, in particular knowledge sharing and best practices. 

    The Executive Secretary also met with Edoardo Rixi, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, to discuss Italy’s longstanding contribution to UNECE’s work on transport, in particular on road safety, through the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1), chaired by Luciana Iorio, on vehicle regulations, through the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), as well as on the transport of dangerous goods and the carriage of goods by rail. She also encouraged Italy to join the Advisory Board of the UN Road Safety Fund hosted by UNECE.   

    Meeting with Davide La Cecilia, Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and Coordinator of the Ukraine Recovery and Resilience Task Force, as well as with Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and Carlo Batori, Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation, the Executive Secretary discussed preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome (10-11 July).  

    She appreciated Italy’s continued leadership and expected support to UNECE-led UN4UkrainianCities project, which plays a key role in rebuilding Ukraine’s urban centers, in particular Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.   

    The Executive Secretary also visited the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to meet with Director General Qu Dongyu. UNECE and FAO have had a longstanding cooperation since 1947 on forests. Discussions also touched upon UNECE’s contribution to food systems sustainability through its agricultural quality standards, trade facilitation, ESG traceability and circularity. Cooperation with FAO also includes the promotion of the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus approach to water resource management. 

    In discussions with Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Molcean underlined the strategic alignment of UNECE’s expertise in sustainable development, trade facilitation and logistics, and particularly agricultural standards, with WFP’s mission in food security and humanitarian aid.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: The Gender Pay Gap Stalls in 2025 – Payscale’s Research Shows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Despite pay transparency laws, wage equity progress continues to stall nationwide, with systemic barriers still limiting women’s earning potential.
    • The “childbearing penalty” remains highly evident, as women with children continue to earn just 75 cents for every dollar fathers make, while fathers make 2% more than childless men.
    • While the gender pay gap showed gradual improvement from 2018 to 2022, progress has remained stagnant since the Great Resignation, with declines especially evident among older women.

    SEATTLE, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Payscale Inc., the leading provider of compensation data, software and services, released its 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report (GPGR), revealing that despite pay transparency laws, the closing of the gender pay gap has stalled nationwide, with systemic barriers still limiting women’s earning potential.

    Payscale’s analysis found that in 2025 women still earn just 83 cents for every dollar men make. While this is unchanged from last year, according to AAUW, Equal Pay Day shifted back more than two weeks this year, meaning that women must work that much longer to achieve the same earnings as men in 2025, compared to 2024. The controlled gender pay gap also remains the same as last year, at 99 cents. The controlled gender pay gap is the amount that women earn for every dollar that a man earns when accounting for job title and compensable factors, while the uncontrolled gender pay gap is the difference in median pay for men and women overall.

    “Even though our 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report showed a minor decrease in support for pay equity (57%), and there has been a recent weakening of public support around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) of late, some states have shown promising progress towards closing the gender pay gap,” said Ruth Thomas, pay equity strategist at Payscale. “While not every state has enacted pay transparency laws, which are shown to support pay equity efforts, many organizations are still staunchly committed to the cause. In fact, compared to 2020, there has been a 19% increase in corporate commitment to these efforts.”

    Key takeaways from GPGR:

    Working Parents — Motherhood continues to hurt pay equity, while fathers get a raise as a result of the childbearing penalty.

    • Women with children face a significantly wider gender pay gap, earning just 75 cents for every dollar fathers make—unchanged from last year.
    • This gap is even wider for women of color, with American Indian and Alaska Native mothers experiencing the largest disparity, earning just 64 cents for every dollar fathers earn.
    • When controlling for job roles and experience, mothers earn 98 cents for every dollar earned by fathers with similar characteristics, a figure that has remained steady.
    • Meanwhile, fatherhood financially benefits men, who earn 2% more than childless men, while mothers face stagnant or reduced pay compared to childless women.

    Job Seeking — Women seeking new jobs are closing the pay gap, but parenting responsibilities and workplace flexibility keep many stuck with lower wages.

    • The gender pay gap is narrower for women actively seeking a new job in the next six months compared to those not looking, suggesting that a willingness to leave positions may lead to higher pay.
    • Yet, this uncontrolled gender pay gap slightly widened this year to $0.83 from $0.84 last year, indicating slower progress overall.
    • Women who stay in their current job may do so due to benefits they can’t afford to lose, such as flexible work schedules, which can result in tolerating lower pay.
    • Workplace culture, flexibility, and work-life balance may be more important to women than men when deciding whether to stay with an employer, potentially influencing their pay trajectory.

    Higher Education — Despite earning advanced degrees like MBAs, law degrees, and health professional doctorates, women still face a significant pay gap, highlighting that education alone doesn’t guarantee pay equity.

    • Women with MBAs face the largest uncontrolled pay gap, earning just 77 cents for every dollar earned by men with the same degree.
    • Health professional doctorates have the smallest uncontrolled pay gap at 89 cents, while women with law degrees earn 87 cents for every dollar men with the same degree make, marking a slight decrease from last year.

    Leadership and Career Progress — Not only do women earn less as their career progresses, they’re also less likely to reach leadership roles.

    • White men are the most likely to hold leadership positions, with 45% serving as managers or in higher roles. Women are underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 5% of white women becoming executives compared to 7% of white men. The numbers are even lower for women of color: 3% for Hispanic women, 4% for Black or African American women, and 3% for Asian women.
    • Women who do ascend the corporate ladder earn less than their male counterparts, with the gap widening at higher levels. Women at the executive level earn 93 cents for every dollar men make, even when controlling for job characteristics, and just 72 cents when not controlling for these factors.
    • The gender pay gap is widest for Hispanic women and American Indian and Native Alaskan women at the executive level when data are controlled, currently standing at 91 cents, which is two points narrower than 2024.

    Gender Norms — While STEM industries show progress toward pay equity, traditional gender norms continue to widen the gap in other sectors.

    • The biggest pay gaps appear in occupations with deep-rooted gender norms, including Legal (63 cents), Farming & Fishing (77 cents), and Management (79 cents), where men dominate top-paying positions.
    • The gender pay gap is also widest in Finance & Insurance (78 cents) and Agencies & Consultancies (84 cents) industries, despite women making up 53% and 59% of the workforce in these industries, respectively.
    • Even in female-dominated industries like Healthcare (89 cents), Education (91 cents), and Nonprofits (88 cents), pay disparities persist.
    • Some STEM-heavy industries show pay equity when controlled, but women remain underrepresented in higher-paying roles within these industries.

    Location – States with and without salary transparency laws have seen improvements in the controlled gender pay gap, likely due in part to increased awareness from transparency efforts in other regions or companies adopting national pay transparency practices.

    • In 2025, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont and Massachusetts will enact pay transparency legislation.
    • The controlled pay gap remained closed in 2025 for California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. – all showed closed pay gaps last year, and, except for New Jersey and Oregon, have active pay transparency laws.
    • While other states continue to show improvement, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington state have seen their gaps widen.
    • New gains are emerging in Alabama, Delaware, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and West Virginia, where the controlled pay gap has recently closed.

    “It’s disappointing to still see a lack of progress towards closing the gender pay gap. Beyond being the right thing to do, ensuring fair pay without discrimination is required by law. This fact alone should support closing the gender pay gap. Even more, it’s a critical retention tool for businesses, which is why, unsurprisingly, women employees frequently leave organizations because they don’t think they are being paid fairly,” said Lulu Seikaly, senior corporate employment attorney at Payscale. “Pay transparency has an important role to play here, because when an employee has an understanding of their compensation trajectory it increases trust and loyalty. Our 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report revealed that over half (56%) of companies are sharing pay ranges in their job postings regardless of whether or not it’s required by law — a promising nod to the future of fair pay.”

    According to Payscale’s 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report, 72% of HR and compensation professionals believe that gender pay gap research is meaningful. Paired with Payscale’s compensation management software and services enable organizations to easily evaluate their current compensation strategies and standardize their internal pay practices to increase transparency and ensure fair pay.

    The 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report analyzes crowdsourced data from over 369,000 people in the U.S. who took Payscale’s free online salary survey between January 2024 and January 2025. The full report and its methodology, including analysis by race, job level, age, education, industry, occupation, and location, can be accessed in its entirety at Payscale.com/research-and-insights/gender-pay-gap.

    About Payscale
    As the industry leader in compensation management, Payscale is on a mission to help job seekers, employees, and businesses make sustainable fair pay a reality. Empowering 65% of the Fortune 500, Payscale provides a combination of diverse and dynamic data sources, experienced compensation services, and scalable software to enable organizations such as Panasonic, ZoomInfo, Chipotle, AccentCare, University of Washington, American Airlines, and PetSmart to make fair and appropriate pay decisions.

    Pay is powerful.

    To learn more, visit www.payscale.com.
      
    Contact: Press@Payscale.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news that influenza of avian origin (H5N1) has been confirmed in a single sheep in Yorkshire

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    March 24, 2025

    Scientists comment on the first case of Avian Flu (H5N1) confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire. 

    Prof Ed Hutchinson, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Virology, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (MRC CVR), said:

    “Influenza viruses are common in wild birds. Over the last five years, a particularly aggressive strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has spread through bird populations across the world. On the way, it has caused repeated ‘spillover’ infections of mammals: mammals that wouldn’t normally get avian influenza have caught the disease from birds. Usually these are one-off infections that don’t go any further, although last year the virus began to spread widely among dairy cattle in the USA, demonstrating the potential influenza viruses have for adapting to new species.

    “The emergence of avian influenza in cattle last year was surprising, as normally cattle don’t catch this type of influenza (influenza A virus). Another animal we hadn’t previously thought of as a host for influenza A viruses is sheep, which makes this announcement of H5N1 influenza in a single sheep in Yorkshire startling. Sheep haven’t previously been thought of as hosts for influenza A viruses, although last year in the USA young goats did get infected with H5N1 at a farm in Minnesota – in this case, this was a one-off infection that didn’t go any further.

    “The sheep was on a farm where avian influenza was present in captive birds, suggesting an obvious route of transmission from wild birds to captive birds to the sheep.

    “The fact that the virus was detected in the sheep’s milk is also surprising. It suggests parallels to the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle in the USA, where the virus is spreading through cow’s milk. At the moment there is no evidence of any ongoing transmission from the sheep, and the case appears to have been contained.

    “More work will be needed to understand what’s going on here – in particular to understand if this is a very rare or one-off event which happened because there was a lot of H5N1 around and this was just the wrong sheep in the wrong place, or whether sheep infections with H5N1 might become more common in the future. Ongoing surveillance will be needed to understand the risk this virus poses to the welfare of sheep as well as to food security.

    “In terms of direct risk to humans, we know from the dairy outbreak in the USA that H5N1 in milk is a possible source of human infection. H5N1 can cause severe illness in humans and it is important to minimise the risk of farmed animals infecting them, although so far in the USA human cases of H5N1 contracted from cows in dairies have typically been quite mild. There is also a risk of H5N1 ‘breeding’ with human strains of influenza to produce a new human influenza virus. There is no evidence that this has happened anywhere with an H5N1 virus, but it is important that we work hard to keep that risk as low as possible.

    “A single infected sheep does not pose a significant risk to humans, particularly because it looks as if the farmer, DEFRA and the APHA have worked together effectively to contain and monitor the situation. However, H5N1 is globally distributed in birds, and if it did become clear that this was not a one-off and that sheep are at risk of infection then this would have implications for surveillance and farm biosecurity in any country with sheep farming. For the time being, this is one to keep an eye on, but not to get too alarmed about.”

     

    Professor Ian Brown, Group Leader at the Pirbright Institute, said:

    “The detection of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the mammary gland of sheep which has had close contact with infected birds is not an unexpected finding. Proactivity in looking for spillover to domestic mammals has been strengthened in the UK subsequent to the spread of infection amongst USA dairy cattle. The threat to animals and humans remains unchanged since such spillover we have learnt is possible when close contact occurs between multiple infected species. It is too early to consider whether such virus is capable of onward spread within sheep but this was an isolated small holding with a small number of birds and sheep. The pathways of spread of these viruses in the USA has been shown to be by movement of dairy cattle in commercial milking herds which appears not applicable in this single case of one animal becoming infected. It does emphasise the importance of separating species and maintaining good farm hygiene.”

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/influenza-of-avian-origin-confirmed-in-a-sheep-in-yorkshire  

    Declared interests

    Prof Ed Hutchinson: I have received honoraria for work in a steering group of the Centre for Open Science (Open Practices in Influenza Research; 2021-2022) and on an advisory board for Seqirus (2022). I have unpaid positions on the board of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza and other respiratory viruses (ESWI) and as a scientific adviser to PinPoint Medical. I am part of FluTrailMAP(OneHealth), a UKRI-funded research consortium aiming to respond to H5N1.

    Prof Ian Brown: IB receives research funding to study avian influenza in multiple hosts. IB is a member of the UK scientific committee ‘New and Emerging Respiratory Threats Assessment Group’. IB participates in UKHSA led fora that assess the risk to human health from avian influenza viruses.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA Facilitates Export of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands

    Source: Government of India (2)

    APEDA Facilitates Export of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands

    15,000 kg of Dalle Chilly Exported, Boosting Farmer Incomes in Sikkim

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 3:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has successfully exported the first consignment of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands. This significant achievement underscores India’s growing prominence in the global organic agricultural market and highlights the increasing international demand for premium products from the North Eastern region.

    Dalle Chilly, also known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is renowned for its intense pungency, bright red color, and high nutritional value. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with potassium, its Scoville Heat Units (SHU) range from 100,000 to 350,000, making it a sought-after spice for both culinary and medicinal applications.

    Through its extensive procurement network, Mevedir sourced approximately 15,000 kg of fresh Dalle Chilly from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in South Sikkim, including Tinkitam and Tarku regions. This consignment ensured farmers received a premium price of Rs 250-300 per kg, compared to the usual Rs 180-200 per kg, reaffirming the economic benefits of GI tagging and international trade.

    The processing of the consignment was undertaken at an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House, developed by the Department of Horticulture, Sikkim. Of the total quantity, 9,000 kg was dehydrated, while 6,000 kg was preserved for further processing and export. The drying process yielded a 12.5% recovery rate, with 1,600 kg of fresh chillies processed into 200 kg of dried chillies for export.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had earlier emphasized that the North East holds the key to India’s vision for a healthier and more sustainable future. He noted that the Geographical Indication (GI) tag is not just a recognition but a transformative opportunity for farmers and artisans, unlocking new markets and ensuring economic prosperity for the region.

    In 2020, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, granted the GI tag to Dalle Chilly, a unique and highly pungent variety grown in Sikkim. The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) facilitated the GI registration, strengthening the identity and marketability of this specialty product.

    The Government of India has been actively promoting organic farming in the North East under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) scheme, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. This initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing the production and quality of organic Dalle Chilly, further boosting its appeal in international markets.

    APEDA, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department of Sikkim and its Regional Office in Guwahati, played a pivotal role in facilitating this export, ensuring local farmers and FPOs benefit from global market access.

    For this landmark export transaction, Mevedir, a leading agri-export enterprise committed to promoting organic produce from Sikkim, directly supplied the first shipment to the Solomon Islands. This marks a departure from previous indirect export routes and highlights the growing trust in India’s organic supply chain. The buyer from the Solomon Islands was introduced to the product through its international debut in Singapore in 2023 and subsequently sought direct sourcing from Mevedir.

    The export of Dalle Chilly to the Solomon Islands is expected to enhance Sikkim’s prominence on the global spice map, opening new avenues for international trade. With its ideal climate and fertile soil, Sikkim has the potential to emerge as a key player in the global spice industry. This successful transaction serves as a testament to the increasing global recognition of India’s organic agricultural products and its commitment to expanding agri-exports worldwide.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2114373) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan says that Central Government completely abolished the 20 percent export duty on onion

    Source: Government of India

    Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan says that Central Government completely abolished the 20 percent export duty on onion

    Giving remunerative prices to farmers, ensuring fair prices is priority and commitment of Modi government: Shri Chouhan
    Farmers Deserve Remunerative Prices for Onions in Global Markets: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 2:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Modi Government is a farmer-friendly government and giving remunerative prices to farmers, ensuring fair prices is its priority and commitment. Shri Chauhan told today that earlier 40% export duty was levied on onions but when the price of onions started falling and farmers started getting less price, then the government decided to reduce the export duty on onion from 40% to 20%. Today the government has decided that the 20% export duty should also be completely removed. The removal of export duty on onions will enable our farmers’ hard-earned produce to reach global markets duty-free, securing better and more remunerative prices.

    ******

    MG/RN/KSR

    (Release ID: 2114339) Visitor Counter : 89

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES SILVER JUBILEE OF CHHATTISGARH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 1:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the silver jubilee function of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly at Raipur today (March 24, 2025).

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has set the highest standards of democratic traditions. It has made an extraordinary rule of automatic suspension of members who enter the well during the proceedings of the House and has followed it. She was happy to note that during the last 25 years, the Marshall never had to be used. She said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has presented a unique example of excellent parliamentary conduct not only to the rest of India but also to all the democratic systems of the world.

    The President urged women MLAs to support all other women. She said that when they promote women working in various fields, everyone’s attention will be drawn to those women and the path of their development will be paved. She stated that whether they are teachers or officers, social workers or entrepreneurs, scientists or artists, laborers or farmers, often our sisters make their place in the outside world while fulfilling day-to-day household responsibilities and struggling hard. When all the women empower each other, our society will become stronger and more sensitive.

    The President said that Chhattisgarh has immense possibilities for development. There are ample opportunities for development in sectors like cement, mineral industry, steel, aluminum, and power generation. This beautiful state is rich in lush green forests, waterfalls, and other natural boons. She urged policymakers of the state to ensure environmental conservation while moving ahead on the path of development. She said that they also have the responsibility of connecting all sections of society with the journey of modern development.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2114317) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) (autonomous institution under the Ministry of Jal Shakti) has organised a five-day training programme on “Operation & Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes” from 24th February 2025 to 28th February 2025 at Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). The course focused on equipping engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address critical issues such as system inefficiencies, non-revenue water (NRW), energy consumption, and inadequate community engagement.

    At present, there is no such proposal under consideration to this Department. However, the capacity building of stakeholders including Engineers in State/ UTs, plays an important role in implementing the vision of Jal Jeevan Mission. It helps in leadership development and equipping the stakeholders with required technical and interpersonal skills including knowledge about latest technologies and innovations. This Department provides financial assistance to States/ UTs out of which States/ UTs may use up to 5% of resources, for support activities including capacity building and IEC activities. The States/ UTs can customize and organize the training courses as per their requirements. To take forward the developments made under the Jal Jeevan Mission, it is essential to further improve the basic training of field level engineers.

    Presently, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is regulating groundwater by industrial, infrastructure and mining projects in 19 States/ UTs including the State of Chhattisgarh in accordance with the guidelines issued by Ministry of Jal Shakti vide notification dated 24.09.2020 (SO 3289) and amendments dated 29.03.2023 thereto (SO 1509).

    Presently, there is no such proposal under consideration to this Department to introduce a mandatory training and certification programme for all engineers involved in water supply management in view of the growing challenges in rural water supply.

    Ministry of Jal Shakti has issued guidelines for groundwater regulation. These guidelines have following provisions for demand-side management of groundwater/ water and optimizing its usage.

    • Industrial projects extracting more than 100 KLD (more than 1 Lakh Litre per day) groundwater have to mandatorily carry out biennial water audit and try to reduce water usage by means of advance technologies, recycle/ reuse.
    • Project Proponents have to pay Groundwater Abstraction/ Restoration Charges for obtaining NOC from Central Ground Water Authority. Levying of charges for extracting groundwater encourages Project Proponents to optimize water usage through recycle/ reuse/ reduce wastage.
    • Infrastructure projects drawing groundwater 20KLD or more are required to install STP and use the treated water for greenbelt development/ washing of cars etc.
    • Conditions in the NOC issued by CGWA include the condition that ‘Wherever feasible, requirement of water for greenbelt (horticulture) shall be met from recycled/ treated waste water’.

    · Though groundwater extraction for agricultural activities is exempted from groundwater regulation, the guidelines advise States/ UTs to review their free/ subsidized electricity policy to farmers, bring suitable water pricing policy and work further towards crop rotation/ diversification/ other initiatives to reduce overdependence on groundwater.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3229)

    (Release ID: 2114282) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Gov. Luke – RELEASE – Lt. Governor Luke Travels to D.C. with Hawaiʻi Agriculture Leaders

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Lt. Gov. Luke – RELEASE – Lt. Governor Luke Travels to D.C. with Hawaiʻi Agriculture Leaders

    Posted on Mar 21, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI
     KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    SYLVIA LUKE
     LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
    KE KEʻENA O KA HOPE KIAʻĀINA

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 21, 2025

     

    LT. GOVERNOR LUKE TRAVELS TO D.C. WITH HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURE LEADERS

    Delegation to Host the 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi-USDA Policy Summit

    HONOLULU — To strengthen Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry and expand opportunities for local farmers and ranchers, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will lead a delegation of agriculture leaders to Washington, D.C., from March 24-26. This marks the 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi-USDA Policy Summit, bringing together Hawaiʻi’s farming, ranching, and commerce leaders to meet with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and address the state’s most pressing agricultural issues.

    Key priorities for the summit include labeling and export regulations, biosecurity protections, increasing agricultural production, strengthening rural infrastructure, and the Farm Bill.

    In 2024, Lt. Gov. Luke led the first-ever Hawaiʻi delegation to the USDA, identifying federal opportunities and resources for farmers. This year’s summit builds on that foundation, ensuring Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry remains a strong and sustainable part of the state’s economy.

    # # #­­

    Media Contact:

    Shari Nishijima

    Communications Director

    Office of the Lieutenant Governor

    (808) 978-0867

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – CRITICALLY RARE NATIVE PLANT ON KAHOʻOLAWE FINDS SUCCESS IN CULTIVATION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – CRITICALLY RARE NATIVE PLANT ON KAHOʻOLAWE FINDS SUCCESS IN CULTIVATION

    Posted on Mar 21, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

     

     

    CRITICALLY RARE NATIVE PLANT ON KAHOʻOLAWE FINDS SUCCESS IN CULTIVATION

    New Website Launches to Increase Awareness, Conservation Efforts

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 20, 2025

      

    HONOLULU – A new website dedicated to a critically endangered native Hawaiian plant from Kahoʻolawe has been launched to tell its incredible story of resilience. Native Hawaiians have tended a relationship with Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa (Kanaloa kahoolawensis) for over a thousand years and now the rest of the world can experience and learn about it online.

    The site dedicated to the plant has been created by the Kapalupalu o Kanaloa Hui, which includes the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC), the Plant Extinction Prevention Program, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), Hoʻolawa Farms, Lyon Arboretum, and Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The hui’s vision is to restore Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa across Hawaiʻi to resume its ecological and cultural roles.

    Once widespread until disappearing from pollen records around the 16th century, the species was rediscovered on a rock outcropping on Kahoʻolawe in 1992 by botanists Ken Wood and Steve Perlman of the NTBG. The two wild plants represented a plant genus that was completely unknown to botanists at the time. The living plant’s pollen matched a previously unidentified fossil pollen, unlocking the history of this species.

    The rediscovery of this plant was particularly notable in that it was found on Kahoʻolawe, an island that has faced many ecological challenges after being used for bombing practice by the U.S. Armed Forces. The endurance and resilience of this plant has special significance for Native Hawaiians, as Kahoʻolawe is a kino (sacred form) of Kanaloa, Hawaiian god of the ocean and marine life. These stories and meanings are imbued in the plant’s name, Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa, which translates to “the flexibility and the gentleness of Kanaloa.”

    Following its rediscovery, horticulturalists worked to propagate Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa, but found limited success. The two wild plants died by 2015, and by 2020 only two plants remained in cultivation. Then both plants, the only ones remaining in the world, bloomed simultaneously. One produced seeds, providing a lifeline for the species to continue. Today, through the efforts of the Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa Hui and many hands, the total population of this plant is around 20.

    “This partnership is vital for the survival of Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa because even the best horticulturist in the world will not have success 100% of the time,” said Dr. Mike Opgenorth, Director of NTBG’s Kahanu Garden and Preserve on Maui. “There is great benefit to having multiple perspectives working with such a rare plant. It’s not any one organization, agency or individual—it’s a team effort that shares the responsibility for perpetuating the plant.”

    “What we are doing in plant conservation is working. Over the last 20 years, more plants have been saved in cultivation than ever before,” added DOFAW botanist Dr. Matt Keir. “Together we can grow a brighter tomorrow for Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa,”

    The new Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa website tells the story of this species through botanical and cultural information as well as photos and a downloadable coloring sheet. The site also suggests ways that residents can support the resurgence of Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa and help ensure a future for this resilient member of our ʻohana.

    “The launch of this website marks a significant step forward in our collective effort to restore Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa,” said Michael K. Nāhoʻopiʻi, executive director of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. “This plant’s resilience reflects the strength and spirit of Kahoʻolawe itself, and by sharing its story, we hope to inspire greater awareness and action to protect Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa for generations to come.”

    # # #

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    Website: www.kapalupaluokanaloa.org

    HD video – Ka Paluaplu o Kanaloa website clips: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5x8kuw25f3bwe1qvutgor/Ka-Palapalu-o-Kanaloa-Website-clips.mov?rlkey=wybvh50sccbni8ths5iflnp1z&st=d3ui3m8g&dl=0

     

    Photograph – Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa (courtesy NTBG): see attached.

     

     

     

    Media Contacts: 

    Patti Jette

    Communications Specialist

    808-587-0396

    Email: Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    808-587-0396

    Email: Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: XploraDEX Aims to Transform How Liquidity Works on The XRP Ledger – $XPL Token Presale Now Open!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a major leap for DeFi on the XRP Ledger, XploraDEX is introducing AI-powered liquidity automation, a game-changing solution designed to help traders, market makers, and liquidity providers unlock seamless trade execution with minimal slippage.

    The decentralized exchange, built natively on XRPL, is the first to deploy smart liquidity routing algorithms that automatically rebalance pools and adapt to volatile market conditions in real-time. Whether you’re trading large volumes or executing rapid-fire swaps, XploraDEX keeps liquidity deep, trading costs low, and profits maximized.

    And now, the gateway to this innovation, the $XPL Token is available to early adopters through its live presale Round.

    [GET XPL TOKENS NOW]

    The Problem: Fragmented Liquidity and Manual Management

    Traders on most DEX platforms face a frustrating set of problems:

    • Slippage on large trades due to low liquidity in pools
    • Delayed execution during market spikes
    • Poor capital efficiency for liquidity providers
    • Manual rebalancing and pool management

    XploraDEX solves these challenges with its self-adjusting liquidity system powered by AI.

    The XploraDEX Solution: Autonomous Liquidity Optimization

    By combining real-time blockchain data with AI-powered decision-making, XploraDEX introduces the following features:

    Smart Liquidity Routing – AI identifies the best paths across liquidity pools to ensure minimal slippage and optimized rates.

    Dynamic Pool Rebalancing – Liquidity shifts as needed based on trading patterns, demand, and volatility.

    Liquidity Farming Automation – Optimize yield generation through AI-managed staking strategies.

    Market Resilience – AI protects pools from becoming illiquid during periods of extreme volatility.

    This makes XploraDEX ideal for both active traders and passive liquidity providers looking to maximize efficiency and returns.

    BUY $XPL ON PRESALE

    The Role of $XPL Token

    The $XPL token plays a critical role in powering and governing this ecosystem:

    Access to AI Liquidity Tools and premium automation features

    Reduced Fees for traders and LPs using $XPL

    Staking & Reward Distribution from liquidity mining

    Voting Rights on pool incentives, AI strategy updates, and protocol improvements

    Holding $XPL = accessing the future of intelligent liquidity management on XRPL.

    $XPL Presale Is Live – Secure Your Position Early

    With XRPL growing rapidly as a hub for DeFi activity, XploraDEX is set to become the default platform for optimized, AI-managed liquidity solutions.

    Investors who join the presale now can:

    Buy $XPL token at discounted early-stage pricing: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Access exclusive LP and staking pools at launch

    Participate in community governance and platform direction.

    Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of This Innovation

    Whether you’re a trader tired of slippage or a yield farmer looking to automate your strategy, XploraDEX is the intelligent solution DeFi on XRPL has been waiting for. And with the $XPL presale live now, early adopters can be first in line for everything this AI-powered platform has to offer.

    Secure your $XPL Tokens today: https://sale.xploradex.io

    AI + Liquidity = Smarter Trading. Welcome to XploraDEX.

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc72e8b5-d3ad-46d8-8ca2-d68e63d68a5e

    The MIL Network –

    March 24, 2025
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