NewzIntel.com

Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Italy partner with the Government of Iraq to boost climate resilience and agricultural livelihoods

    Source: World Food Programme

    BAGHDAD – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a generous contribution from the Italian Government, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to help Iraqi communities strengthen their resilience to climate change while creating economic opportunities, especially for women.

    This initiative, in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, will introduce climate-smart farming techniques, irrigation improvements, and financial support to help farmers and entrepreneurs adapt to climate change.  Rising temperatures, worsening water scarcity, and land degradation have put Iraq’s agricultural sector under increasing strain. Asmuch as 40 percent of arable land in the south is feared to have been lost to desertification, with negative consequences for livelihoods and food security. 

    “Iraq’s farmers and rural communities are on the frontlines of the fight against climate change, and WFP is committed to working with the Government of Iraq to support local governments and communities in developing scalable and sustainable climate solutions,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Iraq Mageed Yahia. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups have access to better water management, resilient crops, and climate financing. These efforts, alongside early warning systems and disaster risk reduction measures, will help communities withstand environmental shocks and secure long-term food security.” 

    The project will be implemented in Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Thi-Qar, and Basra; facing the harshest effects of climate change and will benefit vulnerable women-led households, crisis-affected people, and smallholder farmers. WFP will introduce efficient irrigation systems, helping farmers cut water use by 40% while boosting productivity as well as training sessions to help farmers transition to drought-resistant crops and better land management practices, ensuring long-term food security and soil preservation. 

    The initiative will also empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities by integrating them into climate adaptation programs, providing technical training, and facilitating access to financial resources to support entrepreneurial ventures. 

    WFP will partner with the Government of Iraq, academia and a number of Italian experts to provide technical solutions, equipment and expertise, to enable more efficient management of ecosystem resources. This can be done through community water ponds, nurseries and afforestation and revegetation initiatives. These approaches contribute to improved agricultural productivity and, subsequently, strengthened food systems. 

    “Climate change poses significant risks to Iraq’s agricultural sector, threatening livelihoods and food security all over the Country, and especially for women-led households” highlighted H.E. Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to Iraq. “Various regions across Iraq face the harsh realities of water scarcity, land degradation, and rising temperatures. This project directly addresses these challenges by promoting green skills and expanding the private sector workforce, enhancing agricultural value chains, supporting women’s entrepreneurship in climate-resilient sectors. Italy is proud to commit to fostering a green transition that will benefit not only the environment, but also the population, empowering their communities and nurturing sustainability.” 

    WFP will continue working with the Government of Iraq to support communities affected by climate change by aligning its project implementation with the Government’s priorities, particularly focusing on the addressing unemployment, improving water management in irrigation to drive up production and empower women to seek and maintain sustainable livelihoods.  

     

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    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 us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media 

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: NEXE Innovations to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference on February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEXE Innovations Inc. (“NEXE” or the “Company”) (TSX.V: NEXE) (Frankfurt: NX5) (OTC: NEXNF), a compostable and innovative materials company, today announced that Kam Mangat, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Strategy, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 6th, 2025.

    DATE: February 6th
    TIME: 1:30 pm ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/40HJNUC
    Available for 1:1 meetings

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the Company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Why NEXE?

    Targeting the multi-billion dollar single-use plastics industry through its:

    • Vertically integrated facility and economies of scale: NEXE utilizes a vertically integrated manufacturing process, including compounding its proprietary resin, extrusion, and injection molding. We believe this end-to-end manufacturing process increases supply chain efficiency, reduces its carbon footprint, and safeguards its intellectual property.
    • Comprehensive IP Portfolio: We developed a pod structure for the compostable coffee pod designed to accommodate higher volumes and still provide a high-quality brewing experience. NEXE accomplished this feat through its innovative technology that increases the filter area (U.S. Pat. No. 12,004,678 issued on June 11, 2024) allowing for more volume per pod and increased coffee extraction, which in our view improves taste and richness. The Company believes that, given these key competitive features, it is well-positioned to offer a compelling “pour-over” coffee experience that appeals to premium coffee brands seeking a sustainable solution. For more details on our IP: NEXE Expands IP Portfolio to Drive Sustainability and Growth Across Different Markets
    • Proprietary Resin: The development of our coffee pod was not without challenges. K-Cup* compatible coffee pods face unique obstacles during the brewing process, including exposure to heat, high pressure, and water flow. Achieving a consistent and satisfying coffee extraction in a K-Cup* compatible machine requires precise engineering to balance these variables. Addressing these complexities demanded significant R&D efforts to create a capsule capable of meeting these rigorous demands while ensuring a premium coffee experience. However, addressing these challenges led to an incredible breakthrough for us in our proprietary resin. We believe this material now forms the foundation of our competitive edge and has positioned NEXE as an innovator that can target low-hanging fruit with higher margins across various industries.
    • Cost Competitive: Compostability often entails higher costs, but at NEXE Innovations, our solution is designed to be environmentally friendly and competitively priced compared to plastics and other alternative material solutions.

    Recent Company Highlights

    Announced three different partnerships:

    • ecoBeans: This West Coast brand is available in retail locations and distributed in the office coffee services (OCS) space.
    • Bridgehead Coffee: An established premium coffee company in Ontario with over 40 years of history, Bridgehead transitioned from another compostable pod to our NEXE pod. Bridgehead works with well-known retail and grocery chains, including Costco, Whole Foods, Sobey’s, and Farm Boy.
    • EKOCUPS: A high-volume online seller and Amazon retailer. This partnership will allow us to expand in the U.S. and build a strong foothold in the largest single-serve market. ~40 million U.S. households own a K-Cup* compatible single-serve brewing system.

    Future Products:

    • NEXE is working with two customers to test compostable pods for the Nespresso** OriginalLine. We expect to launch these pods later in 2025.
    • NEXE continues to invest in R&D and is working on additional sustainable products targeting various industries. Our proprietary resin may be an ideal fit in these industries, and the total addressable market for these industries is larger than that of the coffee pod market.

    Financial Position:

    • NEXE has a strong cash position to execute its strategy, work with large-scale coffee companies, and start building on opportunities outside the coffee space. At the end of fiscal Q2 2025, our total cash position was $14.5 million. 
    • NEXE has minimal debt. The current debt outstanding is $0.5 million, related to an interest-free government loan. NEXE’s commitments at the end of the quarter were $1.3 million, with minimal capex expected over the next two years.

    About NEXE Innovations Inc.
    NEXE Innovations is focused on providing innovative compostable material solutions and packaging to the B2B segment to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. NEXE Innovations has developed a proprietary and patented compostable material that can withstand heat, pressure, and water. Our flagship product, the NEXE Pod, a BPI-certified compostable coffee pod, showcases our material’s durability and is an ideal substitute for plastic.  The NEXE pod is compatible with major coffee brewing machines and is manufactured at NEXE’s vertically integrated facility based in North America. Discover our innovative approach to sustainability at www.nexeinnovations.com and join our journey on social media @nexeinnovations. #compostablecoffeepods #sustainability #greentech

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    NEXE Innovations

    On behalf of the Company:
    Ash Guglani
    President & Director

    For investor relations, contact:
    Kam Mangat
    VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Strategy
    invest@nexeinnovations.com
    Office +1-604-359-4725
    Mobile +1-604-359-4742
    For media relations, contact: media@nexeinnovations.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    *NEXE Innovations Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Keurig®. Keurig® is a registered trademark of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    **NEXE Innovations Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Nespresso®. Nespresso® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements or information, which include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of the potential benefits of the Nexe Pod including for premium coffee brands, potential launch of new coffee pods, continued investment in R&D, potential applications of proprietary resin to other industries and benefits of proprietary resin to Nexe’s business overall, the Company’s overall business strategy, increases in production and revenue, and the Company’s long-term growth and development plans. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, the Company’s ability to execute on its business strategy, the adoption of Nexe’s proprietary resin in other industries, and those risks set out in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for year ended May 31, 2024 under the headings “Risk and Uncertainties”. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include receipt of necessary approvals and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MLK Legacy Awards Presented at Living Legacy Convocation

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn’s MLK Legacy Awards for 2025 were presented on Friday, Jan. 31 during a ceremony at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony was part of the MLK Living Legacy Convocation, which featured Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Todd Dulaney and UConn’s Voices of Freedom gospel choir.

    The MLK Legacy Awards at UConn are presented by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion and recognize members of the community who have demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness, fighting injustices, assisting their communities, and embodying the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence. The awards affirm and honor work and a continued dedication to making communities just, equitable, and fair for all people.

    This year’s winners by category are:

    Undergraduate Student – Andy Zhang ’26 (CLAS)

    Zhang is pursuing dual degrees in economics and environmental sciences. The Sandy Hook native works as an intern in the Office of Sustainability and is the founder and president of the UConn chapter of Plant Futures. He is also an intern with Friends of the Earth. Zhang is passionate about progressive policy and food advocacy and hopes to pursue a career focused on creating equitable and sustainable food systems through innovative policy solutions.

    Graduate Student – Adanma Akoma

    Akoma is a doctoral student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and focuses on advanced characterization of materials used for industries that include energy and biomedicine. She serves as the president of BlackSTEM – a group for Black scholars pursuing graduate degrees in the STEM field and is the creative director and founder of the Writing Black Collective (WBC).  Her most recent project for WBC provides a platform for a cohort of writers that aim to demystify the challenges that are often faced by minority students in pursuit of doctoral degrees.

    Community Member – Nelson Merchan

    Merchan is a business advisor at UConn’s Small Business Development Center. In 2019, he was recognized as the state’s top business advisor for securing the highest lending impact. Merchan is a board member of the Western Connecticut State University Foundation, Housatonic Habitat for Humanity, and Housatonic Industrial Corp. Merchan has participated in entrepreneurship development programs in Costa Rica, Chile, and El Salvador.

    Alumni – N. Chineye (Chi) Anako ’12 (CLAS)

    Anako is a public health practitioner whose work has focused on the intersection of public health and health equity solutions. She is currently the regional director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Trinity Health. She also serves as administrator of the 3+1 Language Services Program at the organization, which provides cultural and linguistic services to patients. Anako serves on the board of the Copper Beech Institute and Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut.

    Faculty – Kate Capshaw

    Capshaw is associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She has shaped cluster hires that brought new faculty to UConn, worked with departments on inclusion, and supported research and pedagogy on diverse topics and approaches. She is a professor of English and social and critical inquiry, teaching courses on Black youth culture, the graphic novel, and youth literatures. Her research focuses on the role of Black childhood to social justice movements, and she has published books on the Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, and 19thcentury Black childhoods, along with  dozens of essays on race, culture, and creativity.

    Staff – Alexis T. R. Monteiro

    Monteiro is a residence hall director committed to fostering equitable and developmental spaces for students and professionals. A first-generation First Year Experience instructor, Monteiro champions impactful initiatives like the prayer room and “Humans of UConn” art exhibit in McMahon Residence Hall. He is the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging chair of the Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers and chair of the Black Professional Network for the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International.

    Team – College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Strategic Vision Implementation Committee

    This committee includes faculty and staff representing the nine academic units in the college. The committee’s goal is to develop mechanisms to build systems with clear and meaningful commitment to DEIJ in the college. The group’s four priority areas are: increasing the diversity of CAHNR community; creating inclusive, culturally sustaining learning environments; identifying and addressing harmful institutional policies and practices; and creating pathways to successful community engagement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Zakhar Prilepin visited the production “Cathedral Square” in the Moskino cinema park

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Moskino cinema park has already shown 38 screenings of the historical play Cathedral Square. Since its premiere, it has been seen by about eight thousand viewers. The famous writer Zakhar Prilepin, who visited the cinema park on February 2, shared his impressions of the play.

    “This performance should definitely be shown to children. And in general, everyone should see it. Spectacular techniques, Christian symbols, cubism, futurism mixed with Russian national style – all this looks amazing. In this performance, there is a synergy of genres and styles – folk theater with elements of buffoonery moves into modern dance theater, and then into classical theater. Our country is developing rapidly, and this performance is a true indicator,” he noted.

    The production tells about the events of the Time of Troubles, revealing to the audience the true reasons for the war between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian Tsardom. This is the first open-air multimedia performance in the Moskino cinema park, it was created specifically for showing in the decorations of the Cathedral Square of Moscow. A large multi-stage stage and heated spectator stands were built there. Artists, designers, engineers and producers headed by director Eduard Boyakov worked on the production.

    “I was very interested to see the Moskino cinema park and these amazing decorations. I have just finished working on a historical novel, and these motives are very close to me. The cinema park made a strong impression, great job to those who came up with and implemented this project,” added Zakhar Prilepin.

    Famous actors take part in the performance: Dmitry Pevtsov, Valery Nikolaev, Ekaterina Guseva, Leonid Yakubovich, Anna Bolshova, Olga Kabo, Irina Lindt, Yulia Takshina and others. Along with young actors, each viewer will have the opportunity to see a famous actor on stage.

    The production is shown every weekend until February 23 inclusive. On February 8 and 9 the performance will take place at 18:00 and 19:30. On February 15, 16, 22 and 23 — at 18:30 and 20:00. Buy tickets you can follow the link.

    The Moskino Cinema Park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s Moscow — City of Cinema project and an object of the Moscow film cluster. The first stage of development has already been completed: 18 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built, including the sets of Moscow Center, Moscow of the 1940s, Vitebsk Station, Yurovo Airport, Moscow Cathedral Square, Deaf Village, Partisan Village, County Town, Cowboy Town, St. Petersburg Bar and other sites.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino film park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino film factory, the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149664073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dragon Dance and Painted Lanterns: Moskino Cinema Park Celebrates Chinese New Year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Last weekend, February 1 and 2, the Moskino Cinema Park hosted a grand celebration of the Chinese New Year, in which more than 10 thousand people took part. A varied program was prepared for visitors, which did not leave either children or adults indifferent.

    Chinese Folklore, Dragon Dancing and Mandarin Throwing

    You could learn about Eastern secrets and myths in the quest “The Coming of the Chinese Spirit”. More than two thousand people took part in it, and their task was to catch the hungry Nyan and get a prize. The guests had to find red objects, and to do this, they had to distract the monster from Chinese mythology, make him laugh and make noise. The participants completed the task and won.

    Fun games in Chinese style were held near a natural green screen in the open air. Children and adults assembled puzzles with images of a dragon, rolled balls through a wooden labyrinth, threw oranges at targets, made cubes from multi-colored figures and played tangerine tic-tac-toe.

    In Chalet No. 1 on the Central Square, master classes were held, where those who wanted to painted white Chinese lanterns with patterns, learned calligraphy under the guidance of masters, and molded a dragon from air plasticine. In addition, street classes were held in Chinese national dance with a dragon. A large head and a long tail on sticks were distributed among the participants. They smoothly moved around the square, creating the illusion that the dragon was hovering in the air.

    The scenery of the Gonzaga Theatre featured Chinese folklore. Drummers performed there: the artists were dressed in traditional costumes and performed rhythmic compositions.

    Master classes, performances and excursions

    For winter sports enthusiasts, the skating rink and tubing hill continued to operate. After skating, you could warm up with hot drinks at the fair.

    At master classes in Chalet No. 2, children painted movie clappers, made “Jolly Snowman” magnets, and decorated a field and sea pebble figures for playing tic-tac-toe. The educational center hosted master classes in acting, dancing, and vocals.

    The weekend also saw the performance of the multimedia play “Cathedral Square”. Spectators saw the performance in the open air, sitting on warm heated seats, and learned a lot about the Time of Troubles. On different days, famous theater and film actors Dmitry Pevtsov, Ekaterina Guseva, Leonid Yakubovich, Anna Bolshova, Elena Zakharova and other artists take part in the play. You can see the production in the historical scenery of “Cathedral Square of Moscow” every weekend until February 23 inclusive. Tickets are available on the play’s page on the website of the Moskino cinema park.

    For those who wanted to see the unique scenery of the cinema park and learn new facts about the cinema professions, the excursion “Cinema Expedition” was held, and during the staged filming based on the Soviet films “Gentlemen of Fortune” and “Varvara-Beauty, Long Braid” it was possible to try on the costumes of the characters, learn the roles and act in front of the camera.

    Nature and scenery. Producer Evgeniya Sholokhova on filming in the Moskino cinema parkSpectators shared their impressions of the play “Cathedral Square”A piece of a plate from an excursion: the Moskino cinema park told about an unusual tradition

    The Moskino Cinema Park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s Moscow — City of Cinema project and an object of the Moscow film cluster. The first stage of development has already been completed here: 18 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built. Among them are the sets of Moscow Center, Moscow of the 1940s, Vitebsk Station, Yurovo Airport, Moscow Cathedral Square, Deaf Village, Partisan Village, County Town, Cowboy Town, St. Petersburg Bar and other sites.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino film park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino film factory, the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

    Project “Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 brings together various events in the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go ice skating, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, and show concern for those who need it.

    Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city: more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The project organically intertwined with the largest festivals of the capital “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light” and many others. All information about the project and events of the winter season can be found in a special section of mos.ru.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149655073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Subsidy for Pisciculture

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched various schemes/programmes for development of fisheries including pisciculture. Details of the Central Schemes/Programmes implemented are as below:

    1. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries implemented from 2015-16 to 2019-20 for development of fisheries in the country. The CSS Blue Revolution inter-alia, extended financial assistance for pisciculture activities such as construction of grow-out ponds for freshwater, brackish and saline water aquaculture, seed rearing facilities, establishment of fish brood banks, hatcheries, installation of cages in reservoirs, raceways for fish culture, development of waterlogged areas, Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), as well as training and skill development of fish farmers.
    2. A dedicated fund namely, ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund’ (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs.7,522.48 crore has been implemented with effect from the financial year 2018-19 for providing concessional finance for creation and strengthening of fisheries infrastructure facilities including in the field of pisciculture like development of hatcheries and aquaculture, setting up of brood banks and establishing of cage culture in reservoirs.
    3. Extension of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fishers and fish farmers, in the year 2018-19 to help them to meet their working capital needs for pisciculture.
    4. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with highest ever estimated investment of ₹20050 crore in fisheries sector implemented for a period of 5 years with effect from the financial year 2020-21.  PMMSY inter-alia aims at enhancing fish production and productivity by expansion, intensification, diversification, technological infusion and productive utilization of land and water in both inland and marine sectors through fisheries and pisciculture activities such as setting up of ponds for freshwater, saline and brackish water aquaculture, input support, facilities like brood banks, hatcheries, rearing facilities, quality seed units and high density aquaculture activities like Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS), Bio-floc and cage culture along with imparting training for skill development and capacity building among fishers and fish farmers.
    5. In addition, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has also approved a Sub-scheme named Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) for its implementation for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27. The scheme inter-alia aims incentivizing fisheries and aquaculture microenterprises through performance grants for improving fisheries sector value-chain efficiencies.

    The various fisheries development schemes of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India are implemented through State Governments/Union Territories (UTs). Beneficiaries under these schemes are identified by the concerned State Governments/UTs. It is estimated that 47,16,216 fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders are supported so far for taking up various fisheries activities including pisciculture activity under the PMMSY implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. Besides, a total of 4,50,799 KCCs have been issued to fishers and fish farmers with a credit amount of Rs. 2898 crore. The Government of Chhattisgarh has informed that currently one fisheries training centre is operational in Chhattisgarh.

    The Department of Fisheries, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) during the last four years (FY2020-21 to 2023-24) and current financial year (2024-25) has approved a total of 56,643 Cage units to various State Governments and Union Territories for fish culture. Under this scheme, the Governmental Financial assistance of 40% of the project/unit cost for General Category Beneficiaries and 60% of the project/unit cost for SC/ST/Women Beneficiaries is provided. The governmental financial assistance is shared in 60:40 ratio between the Central and State Governments and in case of Union Territories, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India provides 100% governmental assistance.  

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    AA

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Seeds Corporation Limited Chairman presents dividend cheque to Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Seeds Corporation Limited Chairman presents dividend cheque to Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    NSC declares the highest ever dividend of Rs. 35.30 Crores

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

    National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has announced the declaration of final Dividend of ₹ 35.30 Crores for the Financial Year 2023-24, representing 5% of its net worth, in compliance with Department of Investment and Public Asset Management-DIPAM guidelines. This highest ever dividend underscores NSC’s commitment to contributing to National Agricultural Development while ensuring financial sustainability.

    The Dividend cheque was presented to the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan by Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Chairperson cum Managing Director of NSC, in a ceremony held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. On this occasion Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (Seeds) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India and Senior Officials from NSC and Ministry of Agriculture were also present.

    NSC is a Schedule ‘B’-Mini Ratna Category-I company wholly owned by the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Established in 1963, NSC is engaged in the production and distribution of certified seeds to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security in India.

    During FY 2023-24, NSC recorded significant growth in its financial performance. The revenue from operations increased to ₹1,143.26 Crores from ₹1,078.23 Crores in the previous year, while the total income rose to ₹1,182.48 Crores (ever highest) compared to ₹1,112.13 Crores in 2022-23. The company’s profitability also witnessed a substantial increase, with Profit Before Tax (PBT) surging by 64.74% to ₹86.81 Crores and ever highest Profit After Tax (PAT) growing by 38.15% to ₹73.64 Crores.

    NSC’s operational efficiency and strategic market expansion contributed to this growth. The company achieved seed sales revenue of ₹1005 Crores, marking an increase from ₹947 Crores in the previous year. Notably, non-subsidized seed sales reached ₹920 Crores, up from ₹847.83 Crores. Online seed sales also saw a remarkable rise, reflecting NSC’s efforts in digital transformation. The company strengthened its market presence by appointing 992 new dealers, bringing the total dealer network to 4,665. The Company also appointed 2,126 no. of Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) and PACs and LAMPs.

    On the production front, NSC continued to enhance its capabilities, with raw seed production/procurement reaching 17.10 lakh quintals. The seed processing capacity increased to 25.67 Lakhs quintal, supported by infrastructure improvements. Additionally, NSC played a crucial role in Government agricultural initiatives, supplying seeds to the Government, State Governments, dealers and also selling online via ONDC platform.

    NSC is producing seeds in its five big Farms located at Sardargarh, Suratgarh, Jetsar in Rajasthan, Hisar in Haryana and Raichur in Karnataka with total area of 21,841 Ha. and through 14,166 Registered growers. The Company produces Test seeds to Breeder Seeds to Foundation seeds to Certified seeds, chronologically. The Company operates from 11 Regional Offices, 48 Area Offices, 29 Production Centres, 75 Seed processing plants, having 7 Air conditioned seed storage facilities, and 180 seed storage godowns. The company has 4 Quality control labs and 1 DNA Finger printing lab.

    NSC remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality seeds to farmers across the country. The Corporation continues to prioritize quality and sustainability, ensuring the availability of a diverse range of Bio fortified and climate resilient seed varieties. The product basket comprises of 80 crops and 900 varieties/ hybrids comprising Cereals, Oilseeds, Pulses, Millets, Fodder, Fiber, Green manure and wide range of vegetables. Saplings of fruit crops like Citrus, Pomegranates, Guava, Mango, Aonla, Ornamentals and Forestry saplings/ plants are also being produced. NSC is committed to cater to the varying agro-climatic conditions of India and support farmers to contribute to the Nation’s Agricultural growth.

    All NSC Seeds and most of the Planting Materials are available on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The same can be ordered online and it is home delivered through the logistic partners. NSC Seeds and Planting Material can be searched on any of the 30+ ONDC App, which are interoperable, and order can be placed online.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rabi crop sowing exceeds 661.03 lakh hectares

    Source: Government of India

    Rabi crop sowing exceeds 661.03 lakh hectares

    324.38 lakh ha area coverage under Wheat has been reported as compared to 318.33 lakh ha during the corresponding period of last year

    42.54 lakh ha area coverage under Paddy has been reported

    140.89 lakh ha area coverage under Pulses has been reported compared to 137.80 lakh ha during the corresponding period of last year

    55.25 lakh ha area coverage under Shri Anna & Coarse Cereals has been reported

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 2:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released progress of area coverage under Rabi crops as on 4th February 2025.

    Area:  In lakh hactare

    S.

    No.

    Crop

    Normal Area (DES) (

     

    Area Sown

    2024-25

    2023-24

    1

    Wheat

    312.35

    324.88

    318.33

    2

    Rice/Paddy

    42.02

    42.54

    40.59

    3

    Pulses

    140.44

    140.89

    137.80

    a

    Gram

    100.99

    98.55

    95.87

    b

    Lentil

    15.13

    17.43

    17.43

    c

    Fieldpea

    6.50

    7.94

    7.90

    d

    Kulthi

    1.98

    2.00

    1.98

    e

    Urd Bean

    6.15

    6.12

    5.89

    f

    Moong Bean

    1.44

    1.40

    1.38

    g

    Lathyrus

    2.79

    2.80

    2.75

    h

    Other Pulses

    5.46

    4.65

    4.60

    4

    Shri Anna & Coarse cereals

    53.46

    55.25

    55.46

    a

    Jowar

    24.37

    24.35

    27.36

    b

    Bajra

    0.37

    0.14

    0.17

    c

    Ragi

    0.74

    0.73

    0.68

    d

    Small Millets

    0.15

    0.16

    0.00

    e

    Maize

    22.11

    23.67

    21.75

    f

    Barley

    5.72

    6.20

    5.51

    5

    Oilseeds

    87.02

    97.47

    99.23

    a

    Rapeseed & Mustard

    79.16

    89.30

    91.83

    b

    Groundnut

    3.82

    3.65

    3.42

    c

    Safflower

    0.72

    0.72

    0.65

    d

    Sunflower

    0.81

    0.74

    0.53

    e

    Sesamum

    0.58

    0.42

    0.49

    f

    Linseed

    1.93

    2.26

    1.92

    g

    Other Oilseeds

    0.00

    0.39

    0.39

    Total Crops

    635.30

    661.03

    651.42

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AGRICULTURE CENTRES & DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established 4 research institutes and 10 regional research stations in the State of West Bengal. These institutes are catering to the agricultural technology needs of the State of West Bengal besides other parts of the country. In addition, at district level, 23 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have also been established in West Bengal for training and demonstration of the technologies developed by ICAR.

    The list of the Research Institutes and Regional Research Stations located in the State of West Bengal is attached as Annexure-I.

    Agricultural research institutes/centres located in West Bengal have undertaken research for the development of various field crops, pulses, oilseeds, fibres, horticultural crops, climate resilient varieties; poultry and fisheries sectors; development of ergonomically improved tools & equipment and women friendly tools and machineries; demonstration, training and skill development programmes for farmers and stakeholders etc. During the last three years (2021-2023) and 2024 a total of 132 field crops varieties were developed and released for West Bengal. These include 69 varieties of cereals; 16 of oilseeds; 22 of pulses; 11 of fibre crops; 8 of forages and 6 of sugarcane.

    Agricultural growth depends upon various policies and schemes of Central Government, State Governments and the research carried out by the Agriculture Research Institutes. In West Bengal, over the last three years, agricultural research and development institutions along with Government policies and support have made significant strides in improving agricultural growth.

    Annexure-I

    List of Agriculture Research Institutes located in the State of West Bengal

    1. National Institute of Natural Fiber Engineering & Technology (NINFET), Kolkata
    2. Central Research Institute for Jute & Allied Fibers (CRIJAF), Barrackpore, Kolkata
    3. Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, Kolkata
    4. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kolkata

    List of Regional Centres of ICAR Institutes located in the State of West Bengal

    1. Eastern Regional Station of ICAR-IVRI, Belgachia Road, Kolkata
    2. Eastern Regional Station of ICAR-NDRI, Kalyani, Nadia
    3. ICAR-CTRI Research Station, Dinhata, Cooch Behar
    4. IARI Regional Station, Kalimpong, Darjeeling
    5. ICAR-Regional Research Centre of CIBA, Kakdwip, 24 Parganas (South)
    6. ICAR-CIFE Centre, Salt Lake City, Kolkata
    7. Regional Research Centre of ICAR-CIFA, Rahara Fish Farm, Rahara
    8. ICAR-CPCRI, Research Centre, Mohitnagar, Jalpaiguri
    9. ICAR-CSSRI Regional Research Station, Canning Town, 24 Parganas (South)
    10. ICAR-CISH Regional Research Station, Makhdumpur, Malda

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UPGRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has launched several key schemes to upgrade agricultural technology to improve productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ income. The Digital Agriculture Mission, is a major initiative that leverages technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and geospatial data for better crop monitoring, soil management, and weather forecasting. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), during the last ten years has developed 2900 varieties out of which, 2661 varieties are tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses. About156 technologies/machines/process protocols were developed for production and post-harvest production of agriculture. Technologies related to animal, Fisheries sector were also developed for enhancing productivity of animal, fisheries, aquaculture, diagnostics & vaccines for animal and fish health management, processing and value addition. For increasing awareness and promotion of newly developed technologies, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) conduct trainings, field level demonstration, farmers’ interface meetings, skill development programs among the small and marginal farmers and other stakeholders and making agriculture more efficient and profitable.

    The Government has introduced many initiatives to enhance agricultural marketing such as e-NAM, Kisan Rail and Kisan Udan for improved logistics. The promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aims to reduce intermediaries and strengthen market access for farmers. Additionally, agri-tech startups and online platforms like AGRI-Bazaar help farmers to connect directly with buyers, ensuring better pricing and increased income.

    ICAR recommends soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources (manure, biofertilizers etc.) of plant nutrients for judicious use of chemical fertilizers and to improve soil health.   All these measures reduce chemical fertilizer use in the country.  Also, ICAR suggests judicious use of water through efficient irrigation techniques including micro-irrigation for various crops to save irrigation water substantially.

    The Soil Health Card Scheme also promotes the use of soil-appropriate fertilizers to reduce wastage and improve productivity. Further, the Government supports State Governments through scheme the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) to improve water use efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance farm income. While the Government has promoted the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, which focuses on enhancing value-added processing, improving the shelf-life of farm products, and linking farmers with agro-industries.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HTBT. SEEDS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The environmental release of GM crops is under adjudication in the Writ Petition (Civil) 115/2004 titled as Gene Campaign Vs. Union of India & Ors. and Writ Petition (Civil) 260 of 2005 titled as Aruna Rodrigues Vs. Union of India & Ors., respectively before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, which covers the various aspects of GM crops.

    Government of India supports the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes like awareness campaign at village level through crop demonstration and training programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India like PM Fasal Bima Yojana, NAMO Kisan Yojana & adoption of integrated crop management practices are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Government of India has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare from Rs. 21933.50 crore BE during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore BE during 2024-25.

    The data/details related to suicides Committee by farmers is maintained by respective State Government.

    National Agricultural Research System under aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its institutes and State Agriculture Universities have developed new varieties/hybrids tolerant to various biotic and abiotic stresses with enhanced quality. During the last ten years (2014 – 2024), 92 varieties of Soybean, 239 of Maize and 331 of Cotton/Bt Cotton have been released and recommended for commercial cultivation. The location-specific high yielding varieties and their management technologies and practices of these varieties are recommended for farmers of the country, regularly. Different weed management technologies along with the existing mechanical and chemical weed control strategies in cotton, maize and soybean have been developed and disseminated among farmers for large scale adoption though KVKs, State Department of Agriculture, Doordarshan, ICT tools like mobile apps, etc.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) with its’ three sub-stations at Hazaribag (Jharkhand), Gerua (Assam), and Naira (Andhra Pradesh) develops and disseminates eco-friendly technologies to enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability of rice cultivation in different ecologies of various states in the country including Bargarh, Odisha. Besides, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, Telangana also looks after rice research in the country.

    In addition to above, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), located at Bhubaneswar, conducts research and extension activities on rice for Odisha. Therefore, at present, there is no proposal to set up a Central Rice Research Institute in Bargarh, Odisha. 

    Several climate-smart technologies/products are developed, tested and evaluated by the above two National institutes for the rice crop. The farmers of Bargarh are getting the benefits of such varieties/technologies.

    The ICAR through its above two research institutes holds a national mandate to develop technologies aimed at enhancing rice productivity across the country through robust and effective research strategies. Research works have been done on enhancing yield through adoption of improved varieties and technologies and reducing input costs both at Odisha and also across different states of India.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR MAKHANA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga, is a well-equipped facility dedicated to Makhana research and innovation, supported by a skilled team of scientists. Its key achievements include developing high-yield makhana and thornless water chestnut varieties, introducing water-efficient and integrated farming systems, and launching Makhana-cum-fish farming. The cultivation practices of Indian Lotus, medicinal plants like Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) and Alocasia montana have also been established. Several equipment/machines for Makhana popping and value-added products have been developed and licensed to manufacturers for commercialization namely Makhana seed washer, Makhana seed grader, Makhana seed primary roasting machine, Makhana seed popping machine, Popped Makhana grader and various type of value-added products.  The NRCM has trained thousands of farmers and entrepreneurs, driving regional industries and livelihoods. Makhana cultivation has expanded from approximately 13,000 to 35,000 hectares across multiple states.

    Since May 2023, the NRCM, Darbhanga, has incurred expenditures of ₹2.65 crore in 2023-24 and ₹1.27 crore in 2024-25 (as of January 2025). The amount of funds spent during last five years:

    Financial Year

    Expenditure (In Lakhs)

    2023-24

    265.00

    2022-23

    15.95

    2021-22

    17.87

    2020-21

    23.50

    2019-20

    18.00

    Total

    340.32

     

    Over the years, 15,824.1 kg of high-yielding Makhana seeds have been distributed to farmers, KVKs, and organizations across various states. Significant beneficiaries include institutions like NABARD, fisheries departments, Bihar Horticulture Development Society and farmers from regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

    Between 2012 and 2023, NRCM trained over 3,000 farmers in advanced Makhana cultivation, processing, and marketing techniques, focusing on water-efficient practices, cropping systems, and nutrient management. Additionally, NRCM has assisted 24 enterprises, including Mithila Naturals, Maa Vaishnavi Makhana, and Swastik Food Group, by providing technical inputs and fostering Makhana-based industries, further boosting the agricultural economy.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CLIMATE-RESILIENT CROP VARIETIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:31PM by PIB Delhi

    National Agricultural Research System (NARS) including ICAR Institutes and State/Central Agricultural Universities (CAU/SAU) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 2900 varieties of different crops during 2014-2024, out of which 2661 varieties are climate resilient. During this period, 63 field crop varieties have been developed for Kerala state, comprising of 23 of cereals, 2 of oilseeds; 10 of pulses; 15 of forage crops and 13 of sugarcane of which 58 are climate resilient. 

    Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) of Govt. of India, has been implemented since 2015-16 which focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through micro Irrigation system like drip and sprinkler Irrigation systems. The PDMC was implemented as a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) during 2015-16 to 2021-22 and under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) from 2022-23 onwards. The various components of this scheme helps in water saving as well as reduced fertilizer usage through fertigation, labour expenses, other input costs and overall income enhancement of the farmers. The Government provides financial assistance @ 55% to the small and marginal farmers and @ 45% to other farmers for installation of drip and sprinkler systems under the PDMC.

    To help the farmers for taking decisions on day-to-day agricultural operations for reduction of crop damage and loss due to extreme weather as well as taking advantages of benevolent weather conditions, India Meteorological Department (IMD) runs a scheme – Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) to render weather forecast based operational Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agriculture Universities

    (SAUs) and other institutions for the benefit of farming community. Under this scheme, presently 130 Agromet Field Units (AMFUs), located at SAUs, institutes of ICAR and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) etc. are operational across the country. Along with the biweekly bulletins, daily weather forecast and nowcast information are also disseminated to the farmers by Regional Meteorological Centers (RMCs) and Meteorological Centers (MCs) of IMD. Out of the 130 AMFUs, 5 AMFUs viz. Ambalavayal, Pillicode, Thrissur, Vellayani and Kumarakomare preparing the district level AAS bulletins for all agriculturally important districts of Kerala. These units are also involved in dissemination of AAS to the farmers through multichannel dissemination system like print and electronic media, Door Darshan, radio, internet etc. including SMS using mobile phones through Kisan Portal and also through private companies under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. SMS-based alerts and warnings along with suitable remedial measures are being sent during extreme weather events like cyclone, deep depression etc. through Kisan Portal.

    Farmers access weather information including alerts and related agromet advisories specific to their districts through the mobile App viz., ‘Meghdoot’ and ‘Mausam’ launched by Govt. of India. To extend real-time weather updates to farmers for taking appropriate decisions on farm operations, AMFUs also use Social media platforms like ‘WhatsApp’, ‘Facebook’, ‘YouTube’ etc. In Kerala, these services have been integrated in Agriculture Information Management System (AIMS), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of Kerala. About 40 lakhs farmers are accessing the information in English and regional language from this platform.

    Recently, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), has launched Panchayat-level weather forecasts for nearly all Gram Panchayats in India on 24th October 2024. These forecasts are accessible on digital platforms such as e-Gramswaraj (https://egramswaraj.gov.in/), the Meri Panchayat app, e-Manchitra of MoPR, and Mausamgram of IMD, Ministry of Earth Science.

    For drought monitoring, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) has developed a Geoportal in collaboration with Space application Centre (SAC), ISRO. This Geoportal hosts data of multiple drought indicators related to rainfall, soil moisture, remote sensing based crop condition, water storages etc. This portal is a single window digital platform which provide drought indicators and enable various stakeholders towards easy, timely and objective assessment of drought situation at district or tehsil level. It also helps in identifying potential drought conditions enabling timely interventions to support effective drought management strategies.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fish Production

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 4:07PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing flagship scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)” with investment of ₹20,050 crore in fisheries sector for a period of 5 years with effect from the FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all the States/UTs. PMMSY  inter-alia, envisages to  address critical gaps in fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of value chain, reduction of post-harvest losses, traceability etc including marketing infrastructure.  For creation and strengthening of marketing infrastructure, PMMSY has supported  27189 units of fish transportation facilities (refrigerated vehicles, insulated vehicles, two wheelers/ three wheelers), 21 state of the art wholesale fish markets, 202 fish retail markets, 6694 fish kiosks and 5 E-platform for e-trading and e-marketing of fish and fisheries products with total outlay of Rs. 1654.51 crore in all the States/UTs across the country. To provide real-time and accurate price information to fishers and fish farmers and to help them for negotiating better price and profitability, the Department through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has launched the ‘Fish Market Price Information System’ (FMPIS) during 2018-19 to capture and disseminate fish market prices of commercially important marine and inland fishes from 111 wholesale and retail fish markets in 29 States/UTs.

    Further, the Department of Fisheries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with an objective to provide a digital platform and empower all stakeholders including traditional fishermen, fish farmers producer organization, entrepreneurs from fisheries sector to buy and sell their products through e-market place. Further, PMMSY has supported 2195 fisheries cooperatives as Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) with project outlay of Rs. 544.85 crore through National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) as implementing agencies.

    The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme implemented for overall development of fisheries and aquaculture sector in the country, inter-alia envisages to enhance fisheries exports to Rs 1.0 lakh crores by 2024-25. In order to enhance India’s export competitiveness and higher price realization, the PMMSY supports a basket of interventions/activities along the fisheries value chain including quality fish production, expansion, diversification and intensification of brackish water aquaculture, promotion of export-oriented species, infusion of technology, robust disease management and traceability, training and capacity building, creation of modern post-harvest infrastructure with seamless cold chain, development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres, etc. The seafood exports of India have more than doubled since FY 2013-14. While the seafood exports stood at Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14, the same has increased to Rs. 60,523.89 crore during FY 2023-24. Further, the MPEDA has informed that they have prepared a Vision Document -2030 for the India’s marine products export sector with recommendation to achieve an export turnover of USS$ 18.00 billion by 2030. The details of fish products in the country, State and year-wise during the last five years (2019-20 to 2023-24) is annexed.

     

    Annexure

     

    Information regarding Fish Production:

                 

    Item-Wise Export Of Marine Products From India

    Q: Quantity in M T, V: Value in Rs. Crore

    Item

     

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Frozen Shrimp

    Q:

    652253

    590275

    728123

    711099

    716004

    V:

    34152.03

    32520.29

    42706.04

    43135.58

    40013.54

     

     

     

     

     

    Frozen Fish

    Q:

    223318

    188130

    226586

    368549

    381588

    V:

    3610.01

    2941.65

    3471.91

    5503.18

    5509.69

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Fr Cuttle Fish

    Q:

    70906

    59292

    58992

    54919

    54316

    V:

    2009.79

    1626.34

    2062.63

    2353.34

    2252.63

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Fr Squid

    Q:

    87631

    61176

    75750

    83846

    93509

    V:

    2196.59

    1998.90

    2806.09

    3593.75

    3061.46

     

     

     

     

     

    Dried Item

    Q:

    84417

    85661

    73679

    252918

    300966

    V:

    981.50

    1148.38

    1472.98

    3080.92

    4070.60

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Live Items

    Q:

    7287

    4379

    7032

    7824

    7585

    V:

    324.26

    239.69

    353.36

    440.06

    397.84

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Chilled Items

    Q:

    21202

    17622

    21689

    24428

    35925

    V:

    631.84

    477.99

    733.47

    616.29

    687.19

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Others

    Q:

    142638

    142975

    177414

    231703

    191709

    V:

    2756.84

    2767.74

    3979.99

    5246.03

    4530.92

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total

    Q:

    12,89,651

    11,49,510

    13,69,264

    17,35,286

    17,81,602

     

    V:

    46,662.85

    43,720.98

    57,586.48

    63,969.14

    60,523.89

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    State-Wise Export of Marine Products From India

    Q: Quantity in Tons, V: Value in Rs. Crore

     

     

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Gujarat

    Q

    252712

    203917

    200099

    248863

    284088

     

    V

    5001.43

    4188.52

    4421.10

    5466.94

    5511.36

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Maharashtra

    Q

    151425

    110822

    193999

    214167

    222453

     

    V

    4829.17

    3684.94

    7303.92

    7466.47

    6923.34

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Goa

    Q

    21498

    16549

    36057

    63333

    55167

     

    V

    520.65

    435.25

    730.64

    1007.60

    934.20

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Karnataka

    Q

    111465

    121348

    120427

    312347

    301183

     

    V

    1520.10

    1689.14

    1962.19

    4737.23

    4785.05

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Kerala

    Q

    163563

    157698

    182430

    218629

    196807

     

    V

    5672.27

    5623.12

    6971.56

    8285.03

    7231.84

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Tamil Nadu

    Q

    130377

    110023

    114810

    123157

    134317

     

    V

    6465.71

    5565.48

    6559.64

    6957.67

    6854.22

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Andhra Predesh

    Q

    293314

    279992

    324904

    328160

    347927

     

    V

    15498.64

    15831.74

    20035.49

    19846.95

    19420.38

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Telangana

    Q

    0

    0

    3102

    6676

    11758

     

    V

    0.00

    0.00

    156.91

    358.39

    565.10

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Odisha

    Q

    66671

    60718

    86765

    85308

    84231

     

    V

    3243.93

    3107.68

    4627.91

    4546.47

    3954.60

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    West Bengal

    Q

    98626

    88443

    103398

    125025

    132318

     

    V

    3910.95

    3595.12

    4742.47

    5121.33

    4145.51

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Delhi

    Q

    0

    0

    766

    1083

    1294

     

    V

    0.00

    0.00

    39.00

    63.61

    79.84

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Others

    Q

    0

    0

    2507

    8536

    10058

     

    V

    0.00

    0.00

    35.64

    111.47

    118.46

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total

    Q

    12,89,651

    11,49,510

    13,69,264

    17,35,286

    17,81,602

     

    V

    46,662.85

    43,720.98

    57,586.48

    63,969.14

    60,523.89

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

    AA

    (Release ID: 2099604) Visitor Counter : 49

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Welfare Schemes for Fishermen

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 4:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a flagship scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana” (PMMSY) to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector and welfare of fishermen in India with an investment of Rs.20,050 crore in all States/ Union Territories.  The scheme inter-alia envisages several welfare related activities for fishers and fish farmers wherein the Department has approved the National Rollout Plan of Vessel Communication and Support System under the PMMSY scheme including installation of transponders on 1,00,000 fishing vessels in all Coastal States and Union Territories with a total outlay of Rs. 364.00 Crore. The assistance for transponder is provided free of cost to the boat owners to send short text messages with a two way communication during any emergency covering entire EEZ of the country. It also gives alerts to the fishermen if they approach or crosses Maritime Boundaries. In addition, other activities include (i) development of Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages in the maritime States/UTs with an aim to maximize economic and social benefits to coastal fishers while minimizing environmental degradation through sustainable fishing practices, (ii)  insurance with a coverage of Rs.5.00 lakh against accidental death or permanent total disability, Rs. 2.50 lakh against accidental permanent partial disability and  Rs. 25,000 against accidental hospitalization in the age group of 18 to 70 years, (iii) livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers families for conservation of fish resources during fishing ban/lean period in the age group of 18 to 60 years wherein assistance is provided @Rs.3000/- per fishers and beneficiaries’ own contribution of Rs.1500/- for three months during fishing ban/lean period in the ratio of 50:50 for general state, 80:20 for North Eastern States and Himalayan States while 100% for UTs.

    Further, under the ongoing PMMSY, there is a provision to provide  financial assistance for setting up of Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) to economically empower the fishers and fish farmers and enhance their bargaining power which ultimately help to improve the standard of living of fishers. The Department of Fisheries has so far accorded approval for setting up of a total of 2195 FFPOs at a total project cost of Rs.544.85 crore comprising 2000 fisheries cooperative as FFPOs and 195 new FFPOs. Further, to facilitate access to institutional credit by fishers and fish farmers, Kisan Credit Card facility has been extended to fisheries since 2018-19 and till date 4,50,799 KCC card have been sanctioned to fishers and fish farmers.

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2099606) Visitor Counter : 43

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchanges on two legislative proposals – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Agriculture landscape © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    On 10 February, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will hold an extraordinary meeting to exchange with Commissioner Hansen on two recent legislative proposals: the amendment to the common market organisation Regulation to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain, and the regulation on cross-border enforcement of the rules on unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: EcoEngineers Expands Accreditation and Scope Extensions Internationally

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EcoEngineers (Eco), a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition and decarbonization, today announced two new scope extensions granted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

    The ANAB scope accreditations are a testament to the firm’s commitment to robust and comprehensive quality management systems. The accreditations underscore the firm’s dedication to providing clients with the assurance, credibility, rigor, and continuous improvement they need on their journey to develop green hydrogen and greenhouse gas (GHG)-mitigation projects worldwide.

    Specifically, Eco was granted scope accreditation for the following:

    1. Green Hydrogen (CFR Sector 4): Verification of applications and reports under Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), strengthening the company’s leadership in hydrogen verification and bolstering Eco’s ability to support U.S.-based clients expanding into Canada and open new avenues for verification projects.
    2. Land Use and Forestry (ANAB Group 3): Verification of GHG emission reductions and removals, including soil carbon sequestration, positioning the company as a leading verifier of sustainable farming practices for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) crops used as biofuel feedstock.

    The latest scope extensions follow Eco’s accreditation granted by ANAB as a validation and verification body (VVB) in accordance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards in 2023 and the CFR Sector 2 Renewable/Bio/Low-CI Fuels scope accreditation achieved in 2024.

    “These new scope extensions demonstrate Eco’s ongoing dedication to excellence in verification and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the carbon marketplace,” said Randy Prati, vice president of strategic initiatives at EcoEngineers. “Our clients can rely on us to deliver robust, credible, and transparent verification services.”

    Poised for Growth

    In parallel, Eco is pursuing additional accreditations such as becoming a certification body under international voluntary and regulatory compliance schemes. Eco is also expanding its presence in Europe to obtain national body accreditation recognition, which will allow the firm to offer its clients verification and certification services under multiple European voluntary schemes.

    “Our ability to help clients substantiate their GHG claims through accurate and transparent processes strengthens their credibility and advances the energy transition,” said Shashi Menon, CEO of EcoEngineers. “These new capabilities highlight our position as a trusted partner in the carbon marketplace.”

    About ANAB

    Launched in 2008, ANAB’s accreditation program for GHG/verification bodies oversees the competence and professional conduct of third parties responsible for verifying the accuracy of emission attestations and applies to a broad spectrum of industries. For more information, visit www.anab.org.

    About EcoEngineers

    EcoEngineers is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition and decarbonization. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. Eco’s global team is shaping the response to climate change by advising businesses across the energy transition. Visit www.ecoengineers.us.

    Contact:
    Mary Shaughnessy
    For EcoEngineers
    marys@astorystore.com
    312.218.4508

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 30-2025: New import permit requirements for Brassicaceous and Cucurbitaceous seed for sowing from 1 July 2025

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    4 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    This notice is of interest to importers (and their customs brokers) of the following Brassicaceous seed for sowing requiring treatment and Cucurbitaceous seed for sowing requiring testing and/or treatment (including synonyms and subordinate taxa) imported from all countries.

    • Brassicaceous seed
      • Brassica rapa (turnip, bok choy)
      • Eruca vesicaria (rocket)
      • Raphanus sativus (…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: January 2025 P&C Reinsurance Renewals Results: Sustained growth in preferred lines coupled with attractive margins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    4 February 2025 – N° 02

    January 2025 P&C Reinsurance Renewals Results

    Sustained growth in preferred lines coupled with attractive margins

    • In line with its Forward 2026 strategic plan, SCOR continues to grow its P&C preferred lines while maintaining a strong underwriting discipline.
    • During the January 2025 P&C renewals, SCOR achieves EGPI1 growth of 9.6%2 supported by Specialty lines and Alternative Solutions: 
      • Increasing EGPI by 8.1%2 for Engineering, Marine, IDI and International Casualty;
      • Leveraging the strong momentum in Alternative Solutions and growing EGPI by 29.6%2;
      • Maintaining a prudent approach to business exposed to climate change and US Casualty. 
    • SCOR’s expected technical profitability remains unchanged at attractive level benefitting from dynamic retrocession buying.

    Jean-Paul Conoscente, CEO for P&C at SCOR, comments: “We are satisfied with the successful 1.1 2025 renewals results. SCOR achieves a +9.6% EGPI growth while maintaining a stable technical profitability. We continue to deliver targeted growth in our preferred lines of business, while keeping T&Cs mostly unchanged. Despite the slight rate reduction observed in the market, SCOR successfully maintains stable pricing thanks to its proactive portfolio management. Looking ahead, we believe the market still offers opportunities for profitable growth. SCOR will continue to leverage on its Tier 1 franchise and build on the strong momentum achieved during the 1.1 renewals.”

    January 2025 P&C Reinsurance Renewals

    During the January 2025 renewals, demand for reinsurance coverage remains elevated. Following an increase in capital supply, the market conditions have become slightly more competitive compared to the peak level of the cycle observed last year. In this context, SCOR maintains strict underwriting discipline and successfully grows its preferred lines according to its Forward 2026 growth strategy, keeping T&Cs mostly stable and maintaining the net profitability of its P&C Reinsurance book unchanged.

    P&C Reinsurance book renewed at 1 January 2025(1):

      Premiums renewed
    (in EUR million)    		 Evolution vs. January 2024 Main lines concerned
    P&C Lines(2) 2,798 +2.9% o/w Nat Cat (+0.3%)
    Specialty Lines(3) 1,762 +14.3% o/w Engineering, Marine, IDI (+17.2%)
    Alternative Solutions 705 +29.6%  
    TOTAL 5,265 +9.6%  

    (1).   Approximately 64% of SCOR’s P&C Reinsurance premiums – representing c.50% of SCOR’s total P&C premiums – is renewed in January.
    (2).   P&C Lines include Property, Property Cat, Casualty, Motor, and other related lines (Personal Insurance, Nuclear, Terrorism, Special Risks, Motor Extended Warranty, and Inwards Retrocession).
    (3).   Specialty Lines include Agriculture, Aviation, Credit & Surety, Inherent Defects Insurance, Engineering, Marine and Offshore, Space, and Cyber.

    P&C Lines EGPI grows by 2.9%2, driven by continued disciplined Nat Cat underwriting and decreasing exposures in US Casualty. Natural Catastrophe premiums remain flat with a slight increase in net exposure. In US Casualty, SCOR maintains a prudent approach and renews its portfolio with selected clients. This leads to a 11.0%2 decrease in US Casualty EGPI and continued exposure reduction to this business.

    Specialty Lines EGPI grows by 14.3%2. This is driven by +17.2%2 EGPI growth in diversifying lines (Engineering, Marine and IDI) in line with the Forward 2026 plan.

    Alternative Solutions EGPI grows by 29.6% compared to 1st January last year, with continued positive new business momentum across all regions.

    The expected net technical profitability remains unchanged for the renewed portfolio. This reflects continued discipline along with dynamic retrocession buying, which offsets the inward business margin erosion from commissions, modelling changes and the impact of the business mix.

    SCOR leverages the changing market environment to optimize its retrocession structures. SCOR maintains its risk exposure within its risk appetite defined in Forward 2026.

    For the upcoming renewals in 2025, SCOR expects continued discipline and adequate prices. In parallel, SCOR continues to develop risk partnerships with new and existing partners.

    *

    *        *

    SCOR, a leading global reinsurer

    As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying “The Art & Science of Risk”, SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.

    The Group generated premiums of EUR 19.4 billion in 2023 and serves clients in more than 160 countries from its 35 offices worldwide.

    For more information, visit: www.scor.com

    		 Media Relations
    Alexandre Garcia
    media@scor.com
      
    Investor Relations
    Thomas Fossard
    InvestorRelations@scor.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    General

    Numbers presented throughout this press release may not add up precisely to the totals in the tables and text. Percentages and percent changes are calculated on complete figures (including decimals); therefore the press release might contain immaterial differences in sums and percentages due to rounding. Unless otherwise specified, the sources for the business ranking and market positions are internal.

    Forward-looking statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements, assumptions, and information about SCOR’s financial condition, results, business, strategy, plans and objectives, including in relation to SCOR’s current or future projects.

    These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future tense or conditional mode, or terms such as “estimate”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “have the objective”, “intend to”, “plan”, “result in”, “should”, and other similar expressions.

    It should be noted that the achievement of these objectives, forward-looking statements, assumptions and information is dependent on circumstances and facts that may or may not arise in the future.

    No guarantee can be given regarding the achievement of these forward-looking statements, assumptions and information. These forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements, assumptions and information (including on objectives) may be impacted by known or unknown risks, identified or unidentified uncertainties and other factors that may significantly alter the future results, performance and accomplishments planned or expected by SCOR.

    In particular, it should be noted that the full impact of the economical and geopolitical risks on SCOR’s business and results cannot be accurately assessed.

    Therefore, any assessments, any assumptions and, more generally, any figures presented in this press release will necessarily be estimates based on evolving analyses, and encompass a wide range of theoretical hypotheses, which are highly evolutive.

    Information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect SCOR’s business is set forth in the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed on March 20, 2024, under number D.24-0142 with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) posted on SCOR’s website www.scor.com.

    In addition, such forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not “profit forecasts” within the meaning of Article 1 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980.

    SCOR has no intention and does not undertake to complete, update, revise or change these forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Financial information

    All figures in this press release are unaudited unless otherwise specified.

    Unless otherwise specified, all figures are presented in Euros.

    Any figures for a period subsequent to 30 September, 30 2024 should not be taken as a forecast of the expected financials for these periods.

    All figures are at constant exchange rates as of December 31, 2024 unless otherwise specified.

    All figures are based on available information as of January 25, 2025 unless otherwise specified.

    1 Estimated Gross Premium Income (EGPI).
    2 vs 1 January 2024 EGPI.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on new Trump tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement today after President Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% on goods from China:

    “When President Trump accepted the nomination at the Republican National Convention last July, he made this promise to the American people: ‘starting on day one, we will drive down prices to make America more affordable.’ Today, on day thirteen of his presidency, he imposed tariffs that will send prices skyrocketing.

    “China, Mexico, and Canada are our three largest trading partners. American families will soon pay higher prices for avocados and appliances, diesel fuel and dog toys, car parts and Christmas lights, tomatoes and tequila, beer and gas. It’s the largest tax increase on working Americans in a long time, and it will cost them thousands of dollars every year. President Trump is making America expensive again.

    “These countries will promptly retaliate against President Trump’s tariffs with tariffs of their own. Thanks to President Trump’s needless trade war, the workers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers who produce American exports will soon find it harder to reach their foreign customers. These tariffs will hit Delaware’s poultry growers, who export more chickens to Mexico and Canada than anywhere else, especially hard.

    “These tariffs not only make Americans poorer, they also make us less safe. One of our biggest assets is our global network of allies and partners, while our adversaries only have nervous neighbors and client states. Today, President Trump is transforming two of our closest partners into nervous neighbors. It sends a clear message to would-be allies: aligning with the United States won’t protect you from economic bullying. Judging the various levels of today’s tariffs, it may put you even more at risk.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Queensland Government introduces more rigorous assessment process for wind farm developments

    Source: Allens Insights

    A significant shift for the state’s wind energy sector 7 min read

    From 3 February 2025, wind farm developments in Queensland will transition from a code assessable to an impact assessable application process, introducing a more rigorous assessment process. This shift reflects the Queensland Government’s growing concerns over environmental impacts and community opposition and marks a significant change for the state’s wind energy sector.

    The revised State Code 23: Wind farm development (v.3.2) (Updated Wind Farm Code) introduces updated requirements, including stronger community engagement obligations, agricultural land protections and new infrastructure and decommissioning provisions. These updates aim to provide a more structured approach to managing the potential environmental, community and infrastructure impacts throughout the lifecycle of wind farm projects.

    In this Insight, we explore the additional assessment requirements, including expanded public consultation and a broader technical review, and outline the key considerations for developers, investors and government bodies amid increased scrutiny, public engagement obligations and regulatory hurdles.

    Key takeaways

    • Wind farm developments in Queensland will now undergo impact assessment, leading to heightened technical scrutiny, public consultation and appeal rights for submitters.
    • The transition from State Code 23: Wind farm development (v.3.1) to the Updated Wind Farm Code marks a notable policy shift, increasing regulatory scrutiny on wind farm development.
    • The new requirements introduce enhanced environmental protections, agricultural safeguards and community engagement obligations.
    • Infrastructure obligations have been expanded, including:
      • road and transport measures to mitigate impacts on local road networks during both construction and operation, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of wind farm components and materials throughout the project lifecycle.
      • financial security for decommissioning, requiring developers to provide bonds or financial guarantees to ensure the timely rehabilitation of sites and removal of infrastructure at the end of the wind farm’s operational life.
      • stronger community engagement requirements, including the submission of a Workforce Accommodation and Infrastructure Report to assess impacts on housing, services and local infrastructure, with a focus on consulting with local governments regarding workforce accommodation strategies and their impact on the community.
    • The Queensland Government has also signalled future regulatory changes that may apply similar impact assessment requirements to large-scale solar farms and other renewable energy projects, suggesting a broader policy shift.

    Changes to the assessment process

    The Planning (Wind Farms) Amendment Regulation 2025 (Qld) (Amendment Regulation) effective from 3 February 2025, raises the assessment threshold for wind farms from code assessable to impact assessable,.

    The shift follows the Ministerial Direction issued by the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations on 16 January 2025, which suspended assessments for the Wongalee, Theodore and Bungaban Wind Farms. The Queensland Government says this change is intended to bring wind farm developments into line with the approval processes required for major development projects, reinforcing its commitment to robust environmental and community impact assessments.

    The increase to impact assessment represents the highest level of scrutiny under Queensland’s planning framework. Wind farm projects will now:

    • require more comprehensive technical assessments
    • have expanded public consultation requirements
    • be subject to appeal rights for submitters, which now apply to wind farm projects subject to impact assessment (and were not available under code assessment).

    Wind Farm Code: key amendments

    The Amendment Regulation introduces the Updated Wind Farm Code, which imposes updated assessment criteria for wind farm development applications.

    Table 1: Key amendments in the Updated Wind Farm Code

    Key change Wind Farm Code Commentary
    Purpose statement

    Revised purpose statement explicitly highlights the potential for adverse impacts, and emphasises the need to demonstrate that development does not result in unacceptable adverse impacts. Specifically includes:

    • minimum assessment parameters to mitigate impacts.
    • emphasis on community and local government engagement.
    • focus on all stages: design, siting, construction, operation and decommissioning.
    		 The Updated Wind Farm Code emphasises greater community consultation, local government engagement and the need to demonstrate effective mitigation of adverse impacts through specific assessment parameters. It introduces a more detailed focus on the siting of developments near sensitive areas and integrates a lifecycle approach, covering all stages of development, including decommissioning.
    Agricultural land protection PO5: requires that wind farm development must ensure there is no significant loss of high-quality agricultural land values. This includes a focus on avoiding or minimising impacts on high-quality agricultural land, aligning with State Planning Policy definitions. The Updated Wind Farm Code introduces the requirement for an Agricultural Land Assessment Report to be submitted as part of the application. This report must demonstrate that the development does not result in a significant loss of high-quality agricultural land values, identifying the land’s suitability for agricultural production and ensuring alignment with the State Planning Policy definitions. It includes an assessment of soils, land suitability and agricultural potential.
    Workforce accommodation

    PO16: on-site workforce accommodation associated with the construction of the wind farm must not result in adverse impacts on surrounding communities and townships, such as overburdening services and community facilities.

    PO17: off-site workforce accommodation associated with the construction of the wind farm must not result in adverse impacts on surrounding communities and townships, such as overburdening services, housing supply and community facilities.

    		 The Updated Wind Farm Code requires applicants to submit a Workforce Accommodation and Infrastructure Report that details both on-site and off-site accommodation options. It includes an assessment of potential impacts on housing supply, community services and local infrastructure. Developers must assess and address the impacts of workforce accommodation on local communities and services, including commuting distances, housing demand and pressure on community facilities. The Updated Wind Farm Code places greater emphasis on consultation with local governments regarding workforce accommodation strategies and their impacts.
    Infrastructure

    PO23: explicitly states that impacts of the development on infrastructure and services, including social infrastructure, communications networks and essential infrastructure, must be identified. Furthermore, measures to manage, mitigate and remediate any impacts must be undertaken:

    • prior to commencement of any development.
    • prior to additional demand being placed on infrastructure and services.

    PO23 requires wind farm developers to assess and mitigate the impact of their development on both essential infrastructure (such as water, waste, electricity and communications networks) and social infrastructure (such as healthcare and emergency services). The Workforce Accommodation and Infrastructure Report is a critical document in this assessment, detailing:

    • the infrastructure and services that may be affected by the development, both during construction and operation.
    • mitigation measures to address any identified impacts, which must be implemented prior to the start of development or before additional demand is placed on local services.
    • consultation with local governments and relevant infrastructure providers to ensure the project is compatible with the existing infrastructure capacity and community needs.
    Community impact PO26: developers must identify, assess and mitigate impacts on local communities, ensuring that any adverse impacts are avoided. The mitigation strategies are explicitly required to address community concerns. This requirement reflects a proactive approach to handling community impacts.

    PO26 requires wind farm developers to identify, assess and mitigate impacts on surrounding communities and individuals. The key practical changes introduced by this Performance Outcome are:

    • Developers must engage with local communities and stakeholders prior to lodging applications. This ensures transparency and allows concerns to be addressed early in the planning process.
    • A comprehensive Community Engagement Report is required, detailing the community profile, stakeholder feedback and how concerns have been or will be addressed. This is a more structured approach compared to previous guidelines, ensuring that community input directly informs project design.
    • The report should also outline measures for managing and resolving complaints, with a Complaint Investigation and Response Plan that includes a toll-free hotline, incident tracking and clear processes for resolving issues raised by the public.
    Decommissioning PO30: introduces a requirement for developers to provide financial security mechanisms (eg bonds or financial guarantees) to ensure timely compliance with decommissioning obligations. The Updated Wind Farm Code requires the preparation of detailed decommissioning plans after the completion of construction and the commencement of operations, as well as at the end of the project’s operational life. These plans must outline how decommissioning activities will ensure no adverse impacts on individuals, communities or the natural environment. Typically, this involves measures to ‘make good’ the land and remove infrastructure. A key addition in PO30 is the requirement for applicants to provide evidence of financial security (such as bonds or financial guarantees) to ensure timely compliance with decommissioning obligations. This aims to mitigate risks and ensure the decommissioning process is completed efficiently, with minimal impacts on landowners and government.

    The effects of the new assessment regime

    • Existing development applications: wind farm development applications lodged before 3 February 2025 will continue to be assessed under the framework that applied at the time of lodgement.
    • New development applications: all new wind farm applications lodged from 3 February 2025 onwards will be subject to impact assessment and must comply with the Updated Wind Farm Code. This means greater technical scrutiny, public consultation and increased regulatory obligations.
    • ‘Other change’ applications: if a change to an existing development approval is classified as an ‘other change’ under the Planning Act 2016 (Qld) (Planning Act), it may trigger a new assessment under the Updated Wind Farm Code.
    • Suspended projects: the Ministerial Direction issued on 16 January 2025 has temporarily paused assessments for the Wongalee, Theodore and Bungaban Wind Farms until 16 May 2025. The assessment pathway for these projects will be confirmed once the suspension period concludes.
    • Potential for Ministerial call-in: the Planning Act provides discretionary call-in powers, allowing the Minister to assess or reassess development applications where a state interest is identified. If a project is called in:
      • the Minister may determine which assessment benchmarks apply, including the possibility of applying the Updated Wind Farm Code.
      • appeal rights available under standard development assessment processes do not apply, with judicial review being the only available legal avenue.

    Next steps

    Developers, investors and government bodies will need to navigate increased scrutiny, public engagement obligations and regulatory hurdles.

    Key considerations moving forward:

    • Regulatory preparedness: developers should carefully review the Updated Wind Farm Code to ensure their projects meet the new planning and environmental benchmarks.
    • Engagement strategies: with heightened public consultation requirements and new appeal rights for submitters, early and proactive engagement with stakeholders is essential to mitigate risk.
    • Financial planning: the new financial security obligations for decommissioning and site rehabilitation will require developers to assess funding provisions at the outset.
    • Monitoring Ministerial intervention: the existing Ministerial Direction and call-in powers add further complexity. Developers should closely monitor regulatory developments and be prepared for increased scrutiny of wind farm projects.
    • Future regulatory changes and community benefit framework: The Queensland Government has signalled its intent to expand impact assessment requirements to other renewable projects, including large-scale solar farms, while introducing a community benefit framework. Renewable energy developers should prepare for additional scrutiny on future projects, which may require demonstrating local economic benefits, job creation, or infrastructure investment as part of the approval process, similar to other major development projects in regional communities.

    The evolving regulatory landscape for wind energy and other renewable projects in Queensland requires strategic planning, legal awareness and other proactive stakeholder engagement. For further advice or detailed information regarding the new planning framework and its implications, please reach out to any of the listed contacts.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 3rd, 2025 Heinrich Speaks Out Against President Trump’s Tax on New Mexico Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Trump’s tariffs will increase prices, cost families as much as $1,200 per year

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on President Trump’s announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 10% tariffs on China:

    “Donald Trump’s tariffs are a tax on New Mexico’s working families. Trump’s tariffs will raise costs, kill jobs, and weaken our economy, costing New Mexicans up to $1,200 per household. With Mexico as New Mexico’s largest trading partner, Trump’s trade war and tariffs tax will directly hurt New Mexico’s farmers, businesses, and consumers.

    “We need to be putting the interests of working people first, not last. And that starts by lowering costs, not raising them.”

    While the effective dates of the tariffs are shifting, their catastrophic impacts are indisputable.

    Background on How New Mexico’s Economy Relies on Trade with Mexico

    New Mexico’s solid economic growth after pandemic-era disruptions was spurred in large part by cross-border commerce. An unnecessary trade war with Mexico drummed up by President Trump threatens to drive up prices for groceries, gas, cars, and other consumer goods, erasing wage increases and straining New Mexicans’ wallets. 

    Benefits to New Mexico from Trade with Mexico

    • In 2023, $28 billion worth of goods came through the Santa Teresa Port of Entry (STPOE), which Heinrich has pushed to expand by introducing legislation, securing federal appropriations, and urging leaders in Congress and the Executive Branch to prioritize this project.
    • The STPOE supported over 7,000 jobs and contributed $2 billion to New Mexico’s economy in 2023.
    • Since 2020, an additional 2,000 jobs in New Mexico have been added by the increased economic activity around STPOE.
    • New Mexico exported $3.4 billion to Mexico in 2023.
    • In 2021, exports supported 15,000 jobs in New Mexico.
    • Mexico is New Mexico’s largest trade partner, amounting to 70% of the state’s total goods exported in 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parliament condemns antisemitism, but can’t avoid the blame game

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Independent Allegra Spender spearheaded a condemnation of antisemitism by federal parliament – but the debate was mired in partisanship.

    The opposition tried to prevent the government bringing on the Spender motion in the House of Representatives, because it said it wanted something stronger and would not be able to amend the motion.  

    Coalition speakers repeatedly used the debate to attack the government for not, in its view, doing enough to combat antisemitism, particularly after the pro-Palestine demonstration at the Opera House in the wake of the Hamas atrocities of October 7 2023.

    Eventually the Spender motion was passed without dissent. It said the House:

    • deplores the appalling and unacceptable rise in antisemitism across Australia – including violent attacks on synagogues, schools, homes, and childcare centres

    • unequivocally condemns antisemitism in all its forms and

    • resolves that all parliamentarians will work constructively together to combat the scourge of antisemitism in Australia.

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Spender had agreed to delete words in an earlier version that would have condemned “all similar hatred directed to any groups in our community”.

    “The member agreed to that form of words being struck out because we don’t think that was necessary. And we also think it is inexplicable to try and mount the argument that this sort of hatred and this sort of racism and this sort of antisemitism is being conveyed against any other pocket of the Australian community.”

    Dutton said the opposition had voted against the government bringing on the motion “because it stopped us from moving amendments […] which would have strengthened the motion and provided stronger support to the community.”

    Spender said combating antisemitism was not just a matter of laws but also of culture.

    “We must lead by example. The message from our parliament today must be unambiguous. We will not stand for hate. We will not stand for abuse.

    “We will not abide intimidation. We will not tolerate the terrorising of any part of our community. We are united against antisemitism. Words must be backed by action, but words matter, particularly those of the parliament.”

    Spender will seek to strengthen the anti-hate bill currently being considered by the parliament.

    The motion was seconded by Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns, who said: “the last six months have been like no other I’ve experienced in this country. And my grandparents came to this country looking for a safe haven for the Jewish people. And over the last six months, we’ve seen cars set alight. We’ve seen synagogues burnt down. We’ve seen Jewish homes and businesses marked. And we have seen childcare centres being burnt down.”

    Anthony Albanese said: “We know that antisemitism has given dark shadows across generations. I say to Jewish Australians, live proudly, stand tall, you belong here and Australia stands with you.”

    Former Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, accused a previous Coalition speaker, Andrew Wallace, who criticised the government, of being “corrosive” on “an issue where we should be coming together”.

    In the Senate, crossbencher Jacqui Lambie moved the same motion as Spender. The opposition unsuccessfully tried to amend it to embrace mandatory sentencing. A member from independent Lidia Thorpe was also defeated and the motion was passed on the voices.

    The Conversation

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

    – ref. Parliament condemns antisemitism, but can’t avoid the blame game – https://theconversation.com/parliament-condemns-antisemitism-but-cant-avoid-the-blame-game-249015

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “The Megyn Kelly Show” to Advocate for Senate Leadership to Schedule Title IX Legislation for a Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined “The Megyn Kelly Show” to discuss the need for the Senate to quickly bring his Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, or S.9, to the floor for a vote. The U.S. House of Representatives passed similar legislation on a bipartisan basis in January. 

    Senator Tuberville’s interview comes ahead of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Wednesday, February 5.

    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s interview can be found below, and his full interview can be viewed here.

    KELLY: “Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has been on the frontlines working to pass the legislation and he has been working for years—I went back and looked at the number of times he’s tried to bring this up when nobody wanted to hear from him, when it appeared to have no chance of passing, he brought it up, he brought it up again, he brought it up again. He has been like a dog with a bone on this—a true ally to women and girls everywhere, and there’s a reason, I think. He’s got a historic background in the sports world as a former head coach for several college football teams, Senator Tuberville—Coach Tuberville—welcome to the show.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Megyn. Thanks for having me on. And what a great subject we’re going to talk about.”

    KELLY: “I’m your huge fan at like the number of times you have tried to push this boulder up the hill really makes me respect you, even though you knew there was no way a Democrats-controlled Senate was going to give you a vote. But then, GOP wins control of the Senate—and what we’ve seen since you guys got control of the House and the Senate is the House passed it, and it got massaged a bit, they passed it again and said ‘Yeah, okay here we go, back to you guys in the Senate’ and we’ve been waiting—I’ve been waiting to see a vote by the GOP-controlled Senate on this thing because it’s much better—notwithstanding Trump’s executive orders—if it can become law. Law that can’t just be undone by an executive order four years from now. So why aren’t we seeing a vote?”

    TUBERVILLE: “Well, exactly right, Megyn. A lot of people don’t realize that an executive order, which President Trump signed almost a couple of weeks ago defining gender, by the way, and he even come out and said, ‘Listen, we have to have a bill within thirty days,’ because if you don’t know this, executive orders only last as long as that president’s there. So, we got some work to do. This is the third time—third time’s the charm. […] 79% of the people in this country—Republican and Democrat—say it is wrong for men or boys to participate in women’s sports. We’ve got the majority on our side. As you said—we’ve got to get it to the floor. John Thune told me he’s going to get it to the floor. He hasn’t done it. Now, it’s time to put up or shut up. We’ve got to get it on the floor so people can see. If it’s not going to pass, we’ll do it again, but we’ve got to get people on the record because this is something that’s very dear to the heart of all parents across the country and it’s dead wrong.”

    KELLY: “Would John Thune not want it to come to the floor—he certainly wouldn’t want to protect Democrats—he must know of Republicans who are not ready to vote for this thing.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Well, leadership is actually co-sponsors of this, and I think at the end of the day, John Thune’s been overwhelmed. Obviously, you’ve got President Trump breathing down his neck, you’ve got the […] House pushing things over—we’re trying to do reconciliation. The Laken Riley Act needed to be passed because it was so important with the border being under attack and we’re losing so many young men and women to fentanyl and all those things. But now is the time to act on this. We can’t wait any longer. 50 years of Title IX—it has been decimated by Biden and the Democrats and all the far-left progressives. I grew up in this business of coaching. I saw what it did for young girls, older girls—it’s created leaders across this country.” […]

    KELLY: “Is there some belief that this can’t pass, and they only want wins right now? They only want to put legislation on the floor that can get through?” 

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, and put yourself in John Thune’s position and the leadership of the Senate. They’re looking at things ‘Hey, let’s win early. Let’s get on the scoreboard early.’ But the problem with this is we’ve already won because President Trump pushed this out there. Now’s the time to put pressure on the Democrats. Time and time again, 4 or 5 times if we have to, even before the next election—get them on [record on] the vote that they’re going to vote against girls and women [by] having them participate against men and boys. It’s devastating to sports. It’s devastating to the lives of young people—there has been rapes in dressing rooms and showers. […] It’s going to become a common thing if you don’t stop this now. You let this landslide keep going—we’re going to have huge problems getting it stopped. So, it’s important that we stop it now, President Trump’s hot on the trail on this with his Executive Order. […] 50 years ago was the first time we ever said, ‘Okay, let’s give women […] an opportunity.’ […] And it’s the best thing that ever passed out of this place we call ‘the Swamp’ here in Washington, D.C. But again, we’re going to keep fighting for it…I’m going to continue to push leadership—John Thune, John Barrasso—they’re on my side on this, but again, you might have hit the nail on the head a while ago when you said, ‘They might just want to win.’ Well, we’ve had two losses in the last two votes that weren’t Laken Riley. So hey, let’s not worry about winning or losing on this—let’s get it out there where people can see what’s going on.’”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Moran Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Care for Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in cosponsoring the Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025, which would increase access to care for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) providers in the community.

    “Veterans have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to secure our freedom,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Over the last four years, many veterans have endured painfully long wait times and few options for care outside the VA. We should be providing quality and timely community care options—not making it harder for veterans to even get through the door. This legislation is a crucial step in righting the wrongs of the past administration. I trust that soon-to-be Secretary Doug Collins will prioritize getting veterans access to the care they earned.”

    U.S. Senators Tuberville and Moran are joined by U.S. Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

    The legislation is endorsed by the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, America’s Warrior Partnership, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Hunter Seven Foundation, Concerned Veterans for America, Americans for Prosperity and the National Defense Committee.

    Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 would establish existing community care access standards as the baseline standard of care for veterans seeking care in the community, increase access to life-saving treatment programs for veterans with mental health conditions or addiction and expand the list of criteria VA is required to take into account when determining whether it is in a veteran’s best medical interest to refer a veteran to the community to include veteran preference and continuity of care.

    Last year, Sen. Tuberville joined Sen. Moran in sending a letter to former Secretary McDonough urging him to reassess actions taken by the VA to cut referrals to community care. Sen. Tuberville also partnered with Sen. Rubio in introducing the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which would require the VA to consider continuity of healthcare when deciding whether seeing a provider in the community is in a veteran’s best medical interest.

    MORE:

    Tuberville, Blackburn Reintroduce Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to Health Care

    Tuberville, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Free-Market Health Care

    Tuberville Pushes Legislation to Improve Quality, Access to Care for Veterans

    Tuberville Questions Collins, Wants to Restore VA to its Original Mission

    The VA is broken, and Doug Collins can fix it

    The Dangerous Biden-Harris Plan to Leave our Veterans Behind

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Joins Colleagues in Calling for Reinstatement of Inspectors General Fired by Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (January 31, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and a group of 36 colleagues in a letter to President Trump, strongly condemning the President’s recent decision to remove Inspectors General (IGs) from at least 18 government agencies, and demanding their immediate reinstatement. The IGs who were removed included those overseeing the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Social Security Administration, and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. In the letter, the senators assert that President Trump’s actions violated the law and threaten the independence of these non-partisan watchdogs. Senator Peters helped lead the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act, which was signed into law in 2022 as part of the FY 2023 national defense bill, to require a President to provide a 30-day notice and substantive reasons for removal in writing to Congress before an Inspector General can be removed. 

    “Inspectors General are responsible for providing independent oversight of federal programs by working to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars – oversight our federal agencies desperately need,” the senators wrote. “The federal government and the American people count on these officials to operate in a professional and non-partisan way to hold our government accountable—regardless of who is in power.  Without strong, qualified, and independent officials to lead these critical efforts, the Administration risks wasting taxpayer dollars, and allowing fraud and misconduct to go unchecked.” 

    “While the President has the authority to remove Inspectors General from office, Congress has established clear requirements to ensure such removals are transparent and are not politicized,” wrote the senators. “With respect to your firings Friday night, Congress has not received either the mandatory 30-day notice or a rationale for their removal.  Because your actions violated the law, these IGs should be reinstated immediately, until such time as you have provided in writing ‘the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons’ for each of the affected Inspectors General and the 30-day notice period has expired.”   

    The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

    The full text of the letter can be found here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia won’t escape the fallout of the Trump trade chaos

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott French, Senior Lecturer in Economics, UNSW Sydney

    In a hectic 24 hours of trade diplomacy, US President Donald Trump has paused his threatened 25% tariffs on US imports from Canada and Mexico, while keeping 10% tariffs on imports from China.

    Australian companies with operations in Canada or Mexico such as Rio Tinto, whose Canadian operations export billions of dollars of aluminium to the US, have won a temporary reprieve. But the risk of weaker economic growth in China will weigh heavily on companies that export to our largest trading partner.

    And Trump has hinted all US imports of aluminium and copper, including from Australia, may be his next target.

    The Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Tuesday that although Australia is not immune when there are escalating trade tensions, “we are pretty well-placed to navigate them.”

    However, even if Australia manages to stay out of Trump’s sights, Australians cannot expect to come out of a trade war unscathed. Due to the complexity of global supply chains, it is difficult to predict exactly how Australia would be affected, but here are a few key factors that would likely come into play.

    Our largest trading partner

    About 40% of Australia’s exports go to China, making it the biggest destination by far, according to data for 2023 from UN Comtrade. Most of this is Australian iron ore and other minerals that are used in China’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

    If Trump’s tariffs further slow the
    already sluggish Chinese economy, this will reduce demand for the goods it buys from Australia.

    If China’s demand for iron ore falls significantly, this will not only hurt the Australian mining sector, but it could trigger a fall in the Australian dollar, making the things Australians buy from abroad more expensive.

    But the size of the impact of the latest tariffs on China remains to be seen. China has already absorbed the tariffs from the first Trump administration, and the latest increase is much smaller than the 60% tariff he previously proposed.

    Trade diversion

    The one positive effect for Australia of US tariffs on other countries is that, because they raise the price of other countries’ exports to the US, they may make some Australian exports more competitive. This is something economists call trade diversion. For example, the tariffs on Canadian aluminium would have shifted US demand toward aluminium produced in Australia.

    The tariffs on China will divert relatively little trade to Australia because there is not much overlap between the products China and Australia export to the US.

    But China’s retaliatory tariffs could make a significant impact. China responded to the US tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term with tariffs on American wheat and other agricultural products. A similar move this time could create an opening for Australian farmers to fill the gap.

    But it is not all good news. The US exports diverted away from the Chinese market will also compete with Australian products in other countries. So, while Australian wheat may become more competitive in China, US wheat may displace Australia’s in the Philippines.

    A weaker Aussie dollar?

    Tariffs also tend to cause the currency of the country imposing them to rise because they reduce demand for goods denominated in foreign currencies.

    The flip side is a weaker Australian dollar, which dropped to a five-year low after the tariffs were flagged. The currency has now fallen nearly 10% since November.

    Again, this raises the cost of imports to Australia, which could lift inflation.

    Network disruption

    If the tariffs on Canada and Mexico are confirmed in 30 days’ time, the greatest impact will be in the supply chain disruption they will cause.

    Analyses of the tariffs Trump imposed on China in 2018 found most of the cost was borne by US businesses that use imported inputs. But because North American production networks are so highly integrated, and have been for decades, the effect of tariffs on Canada and Mexico will be much more disruptive to all North American producers.

    As economic networks expert Ben Golub explains, the concern is not just that auto prices will rise, but that if key parts of the production network fail, such as if small but important intermediate suppliers go out of business, the effects of the tariffs could cascade into major disruptions.

    Eventually, businesses will develop alternative supply chains, but the short-run pain could be considerable.

    For Australians, this could mean higher prices and supply disruptions, not just for the products we buy from the US, but for anything that depends on a North American supplier at any stage in the production process.

    We are still feeling the effects of the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID, including the jump in inflation in 2021 and 2022 and the subsequent high interest rates and global backlash against incumbent political parties. That includes Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office.

    Similar disruptions may be in store if this skirmish becomes a major global trade war. Even if Trump’s promised tariffs never actually materialise, we may still see the same effects on a smaller scale because the trade policy uncertainty from just the threat of a trade war has similar effects on business activity as actual tariffs.

    Whatever transpires, even if Australia can escape direct involvement in a trade war, it cannot escape the shockwaves that reverberate through the global economy. The question is whether it will be a ripple or a tsunami.

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

    – ref. Australia won’t escape the fallout of the Trump trade chaos – https://theconversation.com/australia-wont-escape-the-fallout-of-the-trump-trade-chaos-248883

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins NewsNation: President Trump Showcases the Art of the Deal with Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation to discuss President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China to combat the deadly fentanyl and border crisis our nation is facing. Within days of the announcement, President Trump’s America First foreign policy was vindicated once again as leaders from Mexico and Canada came to the negotiating table and promised to take care of their side of the border and do their part to alleviate the crises they’ve allowed to unfold at the detriment of American citizens. 

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview. 
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include: 
    On President Trump getting Mexico, Canada to step up to plate and take care of their side of border:
    “This is the art of the deal. This is who Donald Trump is. I just want to emphasize that this is a drug war and not a trade war. Every day we lose about 200 Americans from fentanyl poisoning. We lose more Americans every year from fentanyl poisoning than we did during the entire Vietnam War. So to President Trump, this is very serious. It’s good to see Mexico and Canada both step up to the plate and say, we’re going to be responsible for our side of the border.” 
    “I want to emphasize one more thing is that a lot of these fentanyl precursors are now being made in laboratories in Canada, so Mr. Trudeau needs to be smashing those laboratories up as well. So a great day for President Trump. A huge victory for America.” 
    On President Trump’s successful record using tariffs to put America First:
    “We saw less than 2% inflation when President Trump implemented these tariffs as well. We saw his trade agreements work as well. What would help Americans is to lower the interest rates and lower the price of gasoline. That’s going to lead to lower prices of groceries. That’s how we take relief on the inflation. I want Americans to realize that we have a trillion-dollar trade deficit overall, a trillion dollars, almost a trillion dollars…”
    “When Joe Biden’s policies kicked in, his trade deficits with Mexico grew from, I think, 80 billion to 130 with Canada, they went from 20 to 60 billion as well. And we saw that the trade these tariffs worked so well on China that Joe Biden kept them. And even his own Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen said that we need to keep them to protect jobs. So number one, this is about national security. Number two, this is also going to bring jobs back to America as well, which is a good thing. So I think there’s some real good logic behind what President Trump is doing.”
    On President Trump ensuring American farmers are taken care of:
    “I have confidence in President Trump. 90% of rural Americans voted for President Trump. Every time I see him, he asks me how my farmers are doing. And when we had this discussion a couple weeks ago, he reminded me that during the situation described, he took part of that tariff money on China and gave $28 billion to farmers, so he’s going to do everything he can to make sure farmers are taken care of. The number one thing he could do for farmers right now is lower interest rates. That’s what’s killing the American farmer right now are interest rates. We can do 45Z which is something when the biofuels industry, there’s so many more things that President Trump can and will do for the American farmer. You can’t look at these things just a little isolation. Farmers are first and foremost, they’re farmers…If this is a price we have to pay to make our families safe, then so be it. But I have faith that President Trump is going to work through all of this.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall to HHS Nominee RFK Jr. in Senate HELP Hearing: America’s Farmers and Ranchers Fit Into MAHA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. questioned President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in his Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee confirmation hearing. 
    In the hearing, Senator Marshall asked RFK Jr. to share who he was fighting for and his top priorities as President Trump’s HHS Secretary. RFK Jr. described America’s dire chronic disease epidemic and emphasized the national security concerns related to our nation’s poor health. He shared how combating chronic disease and creating positive, long-term health outcomes for all Americans is necessary to secure America’s future for generations to come.  
    Growing up in 4H working on farms and having represented farmers as a litigatory, RFK Jr. shared his compassion for America’s food producers, and how America’s farmers and ranchers are at the heart of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement – stating that MAHA will not succeed without the help of America’s food producers. 

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning.
    Highlights from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Senate HELP Hearing Responses to Senator Marshall’s questions include: 
    RFK Jr. on combatting America’s chronic disease epidemic: 
    “When I was a 10-year-old boy and my uncle was in the White House, chronic disease among American children was 2% – today it’s 66%. The cost of chronic disease to our country when my uncle was president was zero. There were not even treatments for chronic disease at that time.”
    “The cost [of chronic disease] is $4.45 trillion and is bankrupting our country. 77% of American kids can’t qualify for military service. 38% of teens, according to NIH’s last report, which was three weeks ago, 38% are diabetic or pre-diabetic.”
    “The ship is sinking and nobody’s paying attention to it…We have 252 million Americans who are suffering from chronic disease, and none of them [Democrats] mentioned diabetes, didn’t mention heart disease, they didn’t mention cancers yesterday. We need to refocus if we’re going to save our country. This is existential. Our country is not going to be destroyed because we got the marginal tax rate wrong – is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong. And I am in a unique position to be able to stop this epidemic. 
    RFK Jr. on the importance of America’s farmers and ranchers to the MAHA movement:
    “MAHA will not succeed without the cooperation and partnership of agricultural producers, of farmers and ranchers across this country. I was a 4H kid. I grew up working on ranches, and I’ve worked for years representing farmers in various forms of litigation.”
    “Thomas Jefferson said that American democracy is rooted in 10s of 1000s of independent freeholds owned by farmers. We are losing farmers today, and we can’t afford to lose a single farmer. And on my watch, I do not want to lose a single farmer.”

    MIL OSI USA News –