Category: Agriculture

MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Today 4 November 2024

Source: European Parliament

The confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate will begin today.

MEPs will evaluate whether the Commissioners-designate are qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties to which they have been assigned.

Find more detailed information about the hearings process and how to follow them.

All hearings are public and can be followed live on Parliament’s webstreaming and Ebs/Ebs+.

Find additional information also on Parliament’s dedicated website on the hearings.

Find here press releases on the hearings.

Today’s hearings schedule is as follows:

14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

Maroš Šefčovič

Portfolio: Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Responsible committees

Committee on International Trade

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Contacts

Eszter ZALÁN

(+32) 477 99 20 73

EP Trade

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

(+32) 470 96 47 35

EP_Institutional

Martina VASS

(+32) 477 99 11 57

You can watch the hearing live.

Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), Chair of the Committee on International Trade, and Sven Simon (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

Glenn Micallef

Portfolio: Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

Responsible committee

Committee on Culture and Education

Contacts

Raquel LOPES

(+32) 477 99 14 95

EPCulture

John SCHRANZ

(+32) 498 98 14 02

You can watch the hearing live.

Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

Christophe Hansen

Portfolio: Commissioner for Agriculture and Food

Responsible committee

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Contacts

Hana RAISSI

(+32) 484 27 87 54

EP_Agriculture

Michaela FINDEIS

(+32) 498 98 33 32

You can watch the hearing live.

18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

Apostolos Tzitzikostas

Portfolio: Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

Responsible committee

Committee on Transport and Tourism

Contacts

Gediminas VILKAS

(+32) 470 89 29 21

EP_Transport

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

(+32) 470 96 47 35

You can watch the hearing live.

Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (EPP, Greece), Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Action to combat the canker disease affecting chestnut crops – E-001715/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission places significant importance on investing in research and innovation to address plant health challenges, with EUR 189 million allocated over the past 4 years through Horizon Europe[1][2].

Plant health research and innovation, including the development of knowledge and tools to tackle plant pests, remains a priority in the future work programmes under Cluster 6[3] of Horizon Europe.

Cryphonectria parasitica is regulated in the EU as protected zone quarantine pest. Furthermore, the pest is regulated in the EU as Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) and as a result the propagating material specifically of Castanea sativa (chestnuts) introduced into or moved in the whole EU has to be free from the pest.

As Greece is not a protected zone, eradication of the pest is not a legal obligation and therefore no financial contribution from the Single Market Programme is provided for such measures.

However, the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan Regulation[4] offers Member States different possibilities to help farmers cope with pest infestations which may include support for investments, support in form of loans, guarantees and working capital, insurance schemes, cooperation projects and advisory services. I t is up to Member States to plan and implement such measures.

The EU Horizon Europe funded project AdvisoryNetPEST[5] will establish and upgrade a network of advisory services across the EU, increasing the knowledge sharing between advisors, and among the whole AKIS[6], promoting the adoption of innovative solutions on crop protection by farmers.

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

[2] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/e8a5772e-9fca-4583-a81b-649729068f1e_en

[3] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/strategic-plan_en

[4] Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013, OJ L 435/1, 6.12.2021.

[5] https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101134122

[6] Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems.
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Disasters in Chios and need for full compensation for mastic producers and all those affected – E-001760/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Member States may provide support for restoration of agricultural potential damaged by natural disasters and for preventive actions in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/2115[1].

It is up to Member States to plan those interventions in their CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and eventually support investments to restore agricultural production potential of mastic crops. Eligible investments may be funded entirely (up to 100%) by EU resources, under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The CSP may also offer financial support in form of loans, guarantees or working capital to help farmers restore agricultural potential after such events.

Member States may benefit from exceptional market measures including support packages to address economic difficulties of farmers financed from the agricultural reserve according to the regulation (EU) 1308/2013[2].

In the case of adverse climatic events which can be assimilated to a natural disaster, national authorities may also grant support to farmers from their national budget in line with EU State aid rules[3].

According to the Floods Directive[4], the objectives for risk reduction are determined at national level by the Member States based on local and regional circumstances[5]. The same applies to the selection and prioritisation of measures aiming to reduce the risk from flooding.

For the period 2021-2027, Cohesion Policy supports Greece with some EUR 379 million (public expenditure), to invest on risk prevention and management of floods through targeted measures under the sectoral programmes ‘Environment and climate change’ and ‘Civil Protection’.

Under the regional programme ‘Voreio Aigaio’, EUR 13 million (public expenditure) are granted to flood protection actions.

[1] Article 73 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013, OJ L 435/1, 6.12.2021.

[2] Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007, OJ L 347/671, 20.12.2013.

[3] Guidelines for state aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas 2022/C 485/01, OJ C 485, 21.12.2022, p. 1; Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2472 declaring certain categories of aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, OJ L 327, 21.12.2022, p. 1; Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid in the agriculture sector, OJ L 352, 24.12.2013 p. 9.

[4] Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks, OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27-34.

[5] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-framework-directive/implementation-reports_en#ref-6th-implementation-report-2021
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

Source: Government of India (2)

Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

Indonesian President Mr Prabowo Subianto to be the Chief Guest

The ceremony to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development & military prowess; Special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution

Around 10,000 Special Guests from different walks of life to witness the parade

31 Tableaux to roll down Kartavya Path on the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’; In a first, a Tri-services tableau to display the spirit of jointness & integration among the Armed Forces

Cultural performance by 5,000 artists to cover entire Kartavya Path for the first time

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 2:58PM by PIB Delhi

President Smt Droupadi Murmu will lead the Nation in celebrating the 76^th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. With special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, the celebrations this year will be a unique blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest.

Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance. These Special Guests from different walks of life are the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’. They include best performers in various fields and those who have made best use of the schemes of the Government.

The parade

The Republic Day parade will start at 1030 hrs and run for a duration of approx. 90 minutes. The ceremony will commence with the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

The arrival of the President of India and her Indonesian counterpart will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior most Regiment of the Indian Army. The two Presidents will arrive in the ‘Traditional Buggy’, the practice which made a comeback in 2024 after a gap of 40 years.

As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system.

The parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with musical instruments of different parts of the country. This indigenous mix of instruments would resonate with the melody, beat and hopes of a billion Indians hearts. The ensemble of instruments includes Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, Mashak Been, Ransingha – Rajasthan, Flute, Karadi Majalu, Mohuri, Sankha, Tutari, Dhol, Gong, Nishan, Chang, Tasha, Sambal, Chenda, Idakka, Lezim, Thavil, Gudum Baza, Talam and Monbah.

Showering of flower petals will be carried out by Mi-17 1V helicopters from 129 Helicopter Unit in the Dhwaj Formation. Trooping the National Flag, this formation of helicopters will be led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

The parade will then begin with the President taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow. They include Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) & Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), and Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd). The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.

Indonesian Contingent

Kartavya Path will be witness to a march past by the Marching Contingent of Indonesian National Armed Forces and Military Band of Indonesia’s Military Academy. The marching contingent will consist of 152 members, with 190 members in the military band.

Indian Army Contingent

The first Army contingent leading the Mounted Column will be of 61 Cavalry, led by Lt Ahaan Kumar. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world, with the amalgamation of all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’. It will be followed by nine Mechanised Columns and nine marching contingents.

Tank T-90 (Bhishma); NAG Missile System along with BMP-2 Sarath; BrahMos; Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher; Akash Weapon System; Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System; All-Terrain Vehicle (Chetak), Light Specialist Vehicle (Bajrang), Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (Airawat), Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (Nandighosh & Tripurantak) and Short-Span Bridging System will also be on display at the Kartavya Path.

Marching down the Kartavya Path will be the contingents of Brigade of the Guards, The Jat Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, The Mahar Regiment, The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, the Corps of Signals, among others.

Tri-Services Tableau

For the first time, a Tri-services tableau will roll down on Kartavya Path, displaying the spirit of jointness and integration. With the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’, the tableau will depict a Joint Operations Room facilitating networking and communication among the three Services. It would display a battlefield scenario demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam & a Remotely Piloted Aircraft, reflecting the Tri-services synergy in multi-domain operations. These platforms exemplify the vision to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

Veterans’ Tableau

Another highlight would be the Veterans’ Tableau on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’, a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit of our veterans, who are the symbols of discipline, resilience, and unyielding dedication.

Adding to the display of honor will be the esteemed veterans who have brought glory to India in sports. Among them are Padma Shri awardees Subedar Murlikant Petkar, whose story inspired the Bollywood film Chandu Champion, and Honorary Captain Jitu Rai. Arjuna and Khel Ratna awardees Colonel Balbir Singh Kular, Captain (IN) Homi Motivala, Master Chief Petty Officer Tajinder Toor, Master Warrant Officer Ram Mehar Singh, and Wing Commander Gurmeet Sandhu will also be present.

Representing Nari Shakti will be veteran women officers from all three services – Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha, showcasing the pivotal role of women in shaping our armed forces.

Indian Navy Contingent

The Indian Navy contingent will consist of 144 personnel, led by Lt Cdr Sahil Ahluwalia as Contingent Commander and Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary, Lt Cdr Kajal Anil Bharani & Lt Devender as Platoon Commanders. It will be followed by the Naval Tableau, depicting a strong ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Navy capable of protecting India’s maritime interests.

The tableau showcases the newly-commissioned indigenous frontline state-of-the-art combatants including the Destroyer INS Surat, Frigate INS Nilgiri and Submarine INS Vaghsheer, highlighting India’s rapid progress in indigenous warship design and construction and reinforcing Indian Navy’s commitment to build a robust and self-sufficient defence eco system.

Indian Air Force Contingent

The Indian Air Force contingent will comprise four officers and 144 personnel, led by Sqn Ldr Mahender Singh Garati, with Flt Lt Nepo Moirangthem, Flt Lt Damini Deshmukh & Fg Offr Abhinav Gorsi being supernumerary officers. It will be followed by a fly-past by three MiG-29 aircraft in ‘Baaz Formation’.

Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) contingent will be led by Deputy Commandant Navita Thakran followed by three officers of the guard – Deputy Commandant Sumit Kumar, Deputy Commandant Pankaj Saini and Assistant Commandant Priya Balurkar.

It will be followed by a tableau of ICG focussing on coastal security and maritime search and rescue. The theme is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Progress’.

DRDO Tableau & Equipment

DRDO will display some path-breaking innovations for national security during the parade. The DRDO Tableau, with the theme ‘Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats’ will feature Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile; Airborne Early Warning & Control System; 155 mm/52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System; Drone Detect, Deter & Destroy; Satellite-Based Surveillance System; Medium Power Radar – Arudhra; Advanced Light Weight Torpedo; Electronic Warfare System – Dharashakti; Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon; Very Short Range Air Defence System; Indigenous Unmanned Aerial System; V/UHF Manpack Software Defined Radio for Land Forces; Indigenous Secure Satellite Phone and UGRAM Assault Rifle.

Apart from this, DRDO’s major landmarks of 2024 will also be showcased in the tableau posters namely Long Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile; Light Weight Bullet Proof Jacket ‘ABHED’; Divyastra – Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle; ‘Zorawar’ Light Tank and the Dornier Mid-Life Upgrade with radar, Electronic Warfare System, Software Defined Radio etc.

Contingents of paramilitary & other auxiliary civil forces

Among the contingents marching down the Kartavya Path will be a 148-member all-women marching contingent of Central Reserve Police Force, led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. The marching contingent of Railway Protection Force will be led by Divisional Security Commissioner Aditya.

The Assam Rifles contingent will be led by Captain Karanveer Singh Kumbhavat of 29 Assam Rifles. It will comprise soldiers recruited from all over the country.

The Delhi Police marching contingent will be led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Kumar Singh. The Delhi Police all-women band will be participating for the second time, led by Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense.

The Camel contingent of Border Security Force will be under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.

The all-girls marching contingent of NCC – SW (Girls) – will be led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate. The all-boys marching contingent – SD (Boys) – will be led by Senior Under Officer Prasad Prakash Waikul of Maharashtra Directorate. The National Service Scheme (NSS) marching contingent of 148 volunteers will be led by Mr Deepak from Punjab.

Tableaux

Tableaux from 16 State Government/Union Territories and 10 Ministries/Departments of the Central Government highlighting ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, will participate in the parade this year. These tableaux would showcase India’s diverse strengths and its constantly-evolving cultural inclusiveness marching into a glorious future. The details of the participating tableaux of States/UTs are as follows:

	States/UTs
		Cultural Heritage of Goa
	Uttarakhand	Uttarakhand: Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports
	Haryana	Showcasing Bhagwad Gita
	Jharkhand	Swarnim Jharkhand: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress
		Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas
	Andhra Pradesh	Etikoppaka Bommalu- Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys
		Punjab as the land of knowledge and wisdom
	Uttar Pradesh	Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas
		Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas (Nalanda Vishwavidyalya)
	Madhya Pradesh	Madhya Pradesh’s Glory: Kuno National park- The land of CHeetahs
	Tripura	Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja
	Karnataka	Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft
	West Bengal	The ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ & ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ – Empowering Lives and Fostering Self-Reliance in Bengal
	Chandigarh	Chandigarh: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage, Innovation and Sustainability
		Quality Education
	Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	Daman Aviary Bird Park along with Kukri Memorial- a tribute to the valiant sailors of the Indian Navy

The details of tableaux of Ministries/Departments are as follows:

	Departments/Ministries
	Department of Social Justice and Empowerment	The Constitution of India, a cornerstone of our Virasat (Heritage), Vikas and Path-Pradarshak
	Ministry of Tribal Affairs	Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh
	Ministry of Women & Child Development	Multifaceted journey of women and children nurtured under the Ministry’s comprehensive schemes
	Ministry of New & Renewable Energy	Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development
	Ministry of Rural Development	Lakhpati Didi
	Department of Financial Services	India’s remarkable journey in financial evolution
	Ministry of Earth Sciences (IMD)	Modern Science forecasting extreme weather conditioning- saving lives and livelihood
	Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying	Golden India Heritage and Development Honouring India’s Indigenous Bovine Breeds as Icons of Sustainable Rural Growth
	Ministry of Culture	Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development
		75 Years of Constitution of India through flower tableau

Cultural Performance

This year, 5,000 artists in a title of ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam’ will perform over 45 dance forms from different part of the country in a 11-minute cultural performance. For the first time, the performance will cover the entire Kartavya Path – from Vijay Chowk to C hexagon – to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.

Motorcycle Display

The Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, famously known as ‘The Dare Devils’, will carry out breath-taking stunts during the motorcycle display. The team will showcase their bravery and determination through a number of formations, including Bullet Salute, Tank Top, Double Jimmy, Devils Down, Ladder Salute, Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, Mercury Peak, Info Warriors, Lotus and Human Pyramid.

Fly-past

One of the most eagerly-awaited events of the parade, the ‘Fly-past’ will witness a breath-taking air show by 40 aircraft/helicopters – 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters – of IAF. These include Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 & An-32 aircraft and Apache & Mi-17 helicopters. They will display a variety of formations including Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, Trishul and Vijay. The concluding Vertical Charlie maneuver will be performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft.

The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and the release of balloons carrying banners with the official logo depicting 75 years of enactment of the Constitution in both English and Hindi.

A number of unique activities have been carried out as part of the celebrations. These include:

Rashtraparv Portal & Mobile App

‘Rashtraparv Portal’ portal and mobile App (Apple play and Msewa) have been launched to facilitate access to information related to national events such as Republic Day, Beating Retreat Ceremony, Independence Day; live streaming, purchase of tickets, provide information related to seating arrangements & route-maps of events etc.

Ease of Access

Metro Services: Free Metro ride will be provided to Invitees/Ticket holders of RDP-2025 at entry point of the Metro Stations across Delhi. Delhi Metro operations will begin at 4:00 AM on January 26, 2025 across Delhi. Parking spaces of Delhi Metro in Across Delhi will be opened on chargeable basis at regular rates.
Park and Ride Scheme: Park and Ride Scheme will be available. Under this scheme, invitees will park their vehicle at Palika Parking, Connaught Place and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium’s parking area (Gate -14 & 15). From there, they can avail the ferry services (pick and drop) through the hired DTC buses. The ferry services will start at 6:00 AM and stop at 8:30 AM.
All enclosures are accessible and Divyang friendly with ramp facility. There will also be youth volunteers from NCC with wheelchairs for assistance.
Although the list of prohibited items are communicated well in advance, a cloak room facility will also be available.

Special Guests

Approximately 10,000 Special Guests in 34 categories, including the Sarpanches from villages excelling in key government schemes, have been invited as Special Guests to witness the parade this year. Details are as follows:

S No	Category	No of Guests
	Sarpanches	500
	Sarpanches from top performing village	200
	Disaster Relief Workers	300
	Guests from Vibrant Villages	300
	Best performing Water Warriors	400
	Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies	200
	Pani Samitee	400
	Community Resource Person (Krishi Sakhi, Udhyog Sakhi etc.)	400
	SHG members	200
	Trainees of DGT got training under National Skill Development Corporation	200
	PM YASASVI Scheme	400
	Forest & Wildlife conservation volunteers/workers	200
	Handloom Artisans	200
	Handicraft Artisans	200
	Special Achievers and Tribal beneficiaries of various schemes	500
	ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)	500
	Mann Ki Baat Participants	400
	My Bharat Volunteers	400
	Paralympic Contingent & winners of International Sports events	200
	Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme, Farmers Producing Organisation, Padma Awardee Farmers, PMKISAN, PMFBY, PMKSY	800
	PM Surya Ghar Yojna	400
	Renewable Energy workers	200
	Beneficiaries of PM KUSUM scheme	200
	Anganwadi Workers	400
	Road Construction Workers	300
	Best Start-Ups	100
	Best Patent Holders	100
	PM-VISHWAKARMA yojana Beneficiaries	200
	PM Matasya Sampada Yojana Beneficiaries	200
	Rashtriya Gokul Mission beneficiaries	200
	Guests from North Eastern States	200
	Foreign Cadets of Youth Exchange Programme/NCC	250
	Finalist of the National School Band Competition	600
	Winners of Veer Gatha 4.0	100

Beating Retreat Ceremony

RDC comes to a close with the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’, which is held every year on the 29^th January at Vijay Chowk. It marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags lowered. During the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2025, only Indian Tunes will be played by all the participating bands.

Bharat Parv

‘Bharat Parv’ will be organised at the Red Fort, Delhi from January 26-31, 2025 by the Ministry of Tourism. It will showcase Republic Day Tableaux, performances by the Military Bands (Static), cultural performances, Food Courts serving pan India cuisines and Crafts Bazaar.

PM’s NCC Rally

PM’s NCC rally, with the theme of ‘Yuva Shakti-Viksit Bharat’ is scheduled to be organised at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt. on January 27, 2025. During the event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will review the multifarious activities of the NCC.

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VK/SR/Savvy/KB

(Release ID: 2096097) Visitor Counter : 47

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacts with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists who would be a part of the upcoming Republic Day parade at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg yesterday (24 Jan 2025). During the interaction, many participants expressed their joy of meeting the Prime Minister in person, to which the PM replied that “this demonstrates the strength of Indian Democracy”.

Interacting with a participant from Munger, Bihar, the PM extended his respects to the land of Munger, acknowledging that Munger is renowned worldwide for yoga and now the entire world is embracing yoga.

Another participant said that initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and National Health Mission have not only contributed to the country’s progress but have also attracted the youth. She added that everyone was drawn to the Prime Minister like a magnet, and it was a matter of great pride for the nation to have a Prime Minister with such a personality. Shri Modi emphasized that if 140 crore Indians resolve to maintain cleanliness, then India will always remain Swachh.

Another participant from Odisha asked Shri Modi, the actual definition of success, to which he remarked that one should never accept failure. He highlighted that those who accept failure never achieve success, but those who learn from it reach the pinnacle. The Prime Minister emphasized that one should never fear failure, but rather have the spirit to learn from it and those who learn from failure ultimately reach the top.

Upon being asked by a participant what keeps him motivated and energetic, the Prime Minister remarked “Meeting young people like you gives me energy and inspiration”. He highlighted that when he thinks of the farmers in the country, he realizes how many hours they work; when he remembers the soldiers, he reflects on how many hours they stand guard at the borders. The Prime Minister emphasized that everyone works very hard, and if we observe and try to live like them, we feel that we don’t have the right to rest either. He noted that as they fulfill their duties with such dedication, the 140 crore citizens of the country have also entrusted him with duties to fulfill.

The Prime Minister remarked that the habit of waking up early was very beneficial in life. He shared that being an NCC cadet in the past and the habit of waking up early during camps had taught him discipline. The Prime Minister highlighted that even today, his habit of waking up early is a valuable asset, allowing him to complete many tasks before the world wakes up. He encouraged everyone to maintain the habit of waking up early, as it will be very useful to them.

On the topic of learning from great personalities, the Prime Minister shared that we need to learn from everyone, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from great leaders of the past and applying those lessons to serve the nation today.

The Prime Minister asked a participant about her learnings from others during the Republic Day program preparations, to which she replied that building friendships and interacting with various participants and blending together to form a unified India. She added that it has also taught a lot about making adjustments of every kind. Shri Modi was pleased when it was shared by a young participant from a Kashmiri Pandit family that being in the program has taught her to be self-independent. She highlighted that despite never having done household chores before, learning to manage everything independently here has been a significant experience. She emphasized that once she returns home, she will help her mother with the household work alongside her studies.

The Prime Minister was deeply touched when it was shared by a young participant that one of the most important lessons learned here is that family is not only composed of those who live with us at home, but also included the people here – friends and seniors – all forming a big family. The participant emphasized that this is a valuable lesson that will always be remembered. Shri Modi remarked that embracing the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” as a significant learning from this experience.

Upon being asked by Shri Modi to the participants about their selection or non – selection in the upcoming Republic Day Parade, a participant replied that selection or non-selection was a different matter, but making an effort is a significant achievement in itself. Shri Modi then emphasized that the most important thing is to give your best, regardless of the outcome.

Prime Minister highlighted to the participants, who have spent a month here, that they were able to video conference with their friends and family because of Technology and Digital India which was leading us to Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that there are very few countries around the world that have data as affordable as it is in India. He added that as a result, even the poorest in the country can comfortably talk to their loved ones via video conference. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi asked how many people use UPI and digital payments, remarking that the new generation seems to hardly carry cash in their pockets.

Upon being asked by Shri Modi about what valuable aspects the participants gained from NCC which they didn’t have before, a participant replied punctuality, time management and leadership. Another participant highlighted that the most important lesson learned from NCC was public service, such as organizing blood donation camps and maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings. Highlighting the MY Bharat or Mera Yuva Bharat platform run by the Government of India, PM remarked that over three crore young men and women have registered on this platform. He emphasized that the participants had made significant contributions, including debates on a developed India, quiz competitions, essay writing, and speech contests. He noted that around 30 lakh people across the country were involved in these activities. Shri Modi urged the participants to register in the MY Bharat portal soon.

Discussing the goal set by India and Indians to make Bharat a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, the Prime Minister remarked that if 140 crore citizens resolve to do something positive, achieving the goal will not be difficult. He emphasized, “By fulfilling our duties, we can become a significant force in building a developed India”.

Asking the participants that who among us loves our mothers deeply and who loves Mother Earth just as much, Shri Modi stressed that a program ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ that expresses reverence for both our mothers and Mother Earth. He urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and ensure it never dries up. He added that the first beneficiary of this act will be Mother Earth.

Interacting with a participant from Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Modi highlighted that the unique feature of Arunachal Pradesh was it is where the first rays of the sun reach India. He mentioned that in Arunachal Pradesh, people greet each other with “Jai Hind” instead of “Ram Ram” or “Namaste.” The Prime Minister encouraged everyone to experience the diversity, art, natural beauty, and love of the people in Arunachal Pradesh. He urged people to visit the entire region of Ashtalakshmi, including Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya, mentioning that there is so much to see that even two or three months may not be enough.

Prime Minister asked the participants if there was any work done by the unit that has been widely recognized in their area while working with the NSS team. Sharing his experience, a participant from Jharkhand said that one notable effort involved helping the Mahiri community in Dumka, known for crafting bamboo items. He added that the community faced challenges as their products were only sold seasonally. He said that the unit identified such artisans and connected them with factories that manufacture incense sticks (agarbatti). The Prime Minister highlighted that the forests in Agartala, Tripura produce agar wood, known for its unique and pleasant fragrance. He mentioned that the oil extracted from these trees is highly valuable and among the most expensive oils in the world. He added that the rich aroma of agar has led to the tradition of making incense sticks (agarbatti) with this fragrance.

Shri Modi highlighted the government’s GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal. He encouraged educated youth to help local artisans and producers register their products on the portal. The Prime Minister explained that by listing products and prices, there is a possibility that the government might place orders for those items, enabling swift transactions. He shared his vision of making 3 crore women from self-help groups (SHGs) in villages become “Lakhpati Didis” and noted that their numbers have already reached 1.3 crore. A participant shared that his mother learned sewing, and now makes traditional Chaniyas worn during Navratri. He added that these chaniyas were even exported abroad. He added that this sets an inspiring example and emphasized that the “Lakhpati Didi” program can play a crucial role in building a developed India.

The Prime Minister was pleased to hear from a participant from Nepal, who expressed excitement about visiting India and meeting him. She also took a moment to thank the Prime Minister for the unconditional hospitality extended to her. Another participant from Mauritius said that on the eve of their departure, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius met with them and encouraged them to visit India, referring to it as their “second home.” The Prime Minister emphasized that India is not only their second home but also the first home of their forefathers.

The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya were present among other dignitaries during the event.

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2096135) Visitor Counter : 77

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Host Over 400 Special Guests on the Occassion of the 76th Republic Day Celebrations, in New Delhi tomorrow

Source: Government of India (2)

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Host Over 400 Special Guests on the Occassion of the 76th Republic Day Celebrations, in New Delhi tomorrow

6 Fishermen Invited to Meet the Hon’ble President of India ; 10 Special Invitees to be Felicitated by the Union Minister

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

The 76th Republic Day will be celebrated tomorrow with much fanfare showcasing the rich diversity and strength of our great nation. On this occasion, the Government of India has extended special invitations to over 400 Fishermen/Livestock farmers and their families from across the country to witness the Republic Day Parade at the Kartavya Path on 26th January , 2025.

The 200 Special Guests from the Department of Fisheries also include 6 Special Invitees who will get the opportunity to meet the Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These include Ms P. Hema Lathan from Karnool, Andhra Pradesh, Mr Gyan Swaroop Sahoo from Puri, Odisha, Mr Yohan Arvind Gavit from Nandurbar, Maharashtra, Ms. Shabnamben Sajidbhai Vhora from Anand, Gujarat, Mr Samdup Bhutia from Soreng, Sikkim, C. Arjun, from South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

While the 200 distinguished guests of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying from Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Jammu & Kashmir are the beneficiaries of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) and include MAITRIs (Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India), Gopal Ratna Awardees and AI technicians who have significantly contributed to the development of the livestock sector.

Following their participation in the spectacular Republic Day parade ceremony, these Special Guests will have an opportunity to interact with the Union Minister, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj along with Minister of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Minister of State, Shri George Kurian, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs at Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

During the interaction, 10 special invitees (5 each from the Department of Fisheries and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying) will be felicitated by the Union Minister.

To make the experience of these special guests an enriching one, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has also made special arrangements for their visit to several iconic places in the National Capital. This initiative of the government acknowledges the invaluable contributions by the fishermen, livestock farmers, technicians and their families in advancing the Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Livestock Sector in the country.

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2096139) Visitor Counter : 11

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE EVE OF REPUBLIC DAY 2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

My Dear Fellow Citizens,

Namaskar!

I am happy to be addressing you on this historic occasion. On the eve of Republic Day, I offer you my heartiest congratulations! On January 26, 75 years ago, our founding document, the Constitution of India, came into effect.

The Constituent Assembly, after nearly three years of debates, adopted the Constitution on 26^th of November in 1949. That day, 26^th November, has been celebrated as Samvidhan Divas, that is, Constitution Day, since 2015.

Republic Day is indeed a matter of collective joy and pride for all citizens. Seventy-five years, someone might say, is only the blink of an eye in the life of a nation. No, I will say, not these past 75 years. This has been the time when the long-dormant soul of India has awakened again, taking strides to regain its rightful place in the comity of nations. Among the oldest civilizations, India was once known as a source of knowledge and wisdom. There, however, came a dark phase, and inhuman exploitation under colonial rule led to utter poverty.

Today, we should first recall the brave souls who made great sacrifices to free the motherland from the shackles of foreign rule. Some were well known, while some remained little known till recently. We are celebrating this year the 150^th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who stands as a representative of the freedom fighters whose role in the national history is now being recognised in true proportions.

In the early decades of the twentieth century, their struggles consolidated in an organized nationwide independence movement. It was the nation’s good fortune to have the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who helped it rediscover its democratic ethos. Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are not theoretical concepts that we came to learn in modern times; they have always been part of our civilisational heritage. It also explains why the critics who were cynical about the future of the Constitution and the Republic when India had newly become independent were proven so thoroughly wrong.

The composition of our Constituent Assembly was also a testimony to our republican values. It had representatives from all parts and all communities of the country. Most notably, it had 15 women among its members, including stalwarts such as Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kripalani, Hansaben Mehta and Malati Choudhury. When women’s equality was only a distant ideal in many parts of the world, in India women were actively contributing in shaping the destiny of the nation.

The Constitution has become a living document because civic virtues have been part of our moral compass for millennia. The Constitution provides the ultimate foundation of our collective identity as Indians; it binds us together as a family. For 75 years now, it has guided the path of our progress. Today, let us humbly express our gratitude to Dr. Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee, other distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly, various officers associated with and others who worked hard and bequeathed us this most wonderful document.

Dear Fellow Citizens,

The 75 years of the Constitution are marked by an all-round progress of a young republic. At the time of Independence and even later, large parts of the country had faced extreme poverty and also hunger. But one thing we were not deprived of was our belief in ourselves. We set down to create the right conditions in which everyone would have the opportunity to flourish. Our farmers toiled hard and made our country self-sufficient in food production. Our labourers worked relentlessly to transform our infrastructure and manufacturing sector. Thanks to their sterling efforts, India’s economy today influences the global economic trends. Today, India is taking leadership positions in international forums. This transformation would not have been possible without the blueprint laid down by our Constitution.

In recent years, the economic growth rate has remained persistently high, creating job opportunities for our youth, putting more money in the hands of farmers and labourers, and also lifting more people out of poverty. The bold and far-sighted economic reforms will sustain this trend in the years to come. Inclusion is the cornerstone of our growth saga, distributing the fruits of developments as widely as possible.

As the Government continues to assign top priority to financial inclusion, initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, MUDRA, Stand-Up India and Atal Pension Yojana have been expanded to provide more people access to a variety of financial support schemes.

Equally importantly, the government has redefined the notion of welfare, making basic necessities such as housing and access to drinking water a matter of entitlement. Every effort is being made to extend a helping hand to the marginalized communities, particularly of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. For example, there have been pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, national fellowships, overseas scholarships, hostels and coaching facilities for the youth from the SC communities. The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana is making progress in reducing poverty among the SC communities by adding employment and income generation opportunities. There have been dedicated schemes for aiming for the socio-economic development of ST communities, including Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). A Development and Welfare Board has been constituted for the De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities.

Meanwhile, the focus on physical infrastructure development, including roads and railways, ports and logistics hubs, over the past decade has created a platform that will support growth for decades to come.

The way the government has used technology in the field of finance has been exemplary. A variety of digital payment options as well as the system of direct benefit transfer have promoted inclusion, bringing a significant number of people within the formal system. It has also brought unprecedented transparency in the system. In the process, within a few years we have created a robust Digital Public Infrastructure that is among the best in the world.

The banking system has been in a healthy condition after a series of bold measures such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, effecting a substantial reduction in the Non-Performing Assets of Scheduled Commercial Banks.

Dear Fellow Citizens,

We won freedom in 1947, but many relics of a colonial mindset persisted among us for long. Of late, we have been witnessing concerted efforts to change that mindset. Among the most noteworthy of such efforts was the decision to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Based also on Indian traditions of jurisprudence, the new criminal laws place the delivery of justice instead of punishment at the centre of the criminal justice system. Moreover, the new laws grant top priority to countering crimes against women and children.

Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision. Another measure that promises to redefine the terms of good governance is the Bill introduced in Parliament to synchronise election schedules in the country. The ‘One Nation One Election’ plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, apart from offering many other benefits.

There has also been a fresh engagement with our civilisational heritage. The ongoing Mahakumbh can be seen as an expression of the richness of that heritage. An exciting array of initiatives is underway in the domain of culture to preserve and revitalise our traditions and customs.

India is a hub of great linguistic diversity. In order to conserve as well as celebrate this richness, the Government has recognised Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit as classical languages. This category already includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. The Government is proactively promoting research in 11 classical languages now.

I look forward to the completion of India’s first Archaeological Experiential Museum in Vadnagar of Gujarat, being developed next to an excavation site that shows evidence of human settlement from around 800 BCE. The museum will bring together in one place a wide range of arts, crafts and cultural elements from different eras.

Dear Fellow Citizens,

It is, after all, our young generation that is going to shape the India of tomorrow. Education, in turn, shapes these young minds. Therefore, the Government has increased its investment in education and made every effort to improve every parameter related to this sector. The results so far are more than encouraging. The last decade has transformed education, in terms of quality of learning and physical infrastructure and digital inclusion. For the medium of instruction, the regional languages are promoted at more levels. It is not surprising that there has been a notable improvement in students’ performance. I am glad to learn that women teachers have played a crucial role in this transformation, since more than 60 percent of those who became teachers in the last decade are women.

The expansion and mainstreaming of vocational and skill education is a welcome development. This is also supplemented now by the scheme to provide our youth internship opportunities in the corporate sector.

With a stronger foundation of the school-level education, India has been scaling new heights in various branches of knowledge, particularly in science, along with technology. For example, India stands sixth in terms of intellectual property filings in the world. We have consistently improved our ranking in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 48^th position in 2020 to 39^th in 2024.

With rising self-assurance, we are increasing our participation in cutting-edge research with a series of initiatives. The National Quantum Mission aims to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in this new frontier of technology. Another noteworthy beginning is with the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical System, which plans to focus on several advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and cyber security. These technologies were called futuristic till recently, but they are fast becoming part of our daily lives.

The Genome India Project has been not only an exciting venture in exploring nature; it is also a veritable defining moment in the history of science in India. Under its flagship programme, the genome sequencing of 10,000 Indians have been made available for further research only this month. This pathbreaking project will open new vistas in biotechnology research and also give a fillip to the public healthcare system.

The Indian Space Research Organisation has been taking giant leaps in space in recent years. This month, the ISRO once again made the nation proud with its successful Space Docking Experiment. India has now become the fourth country in the world to have this capability.

Our increasing confidence levels as a nation are also reflected in the arena of sports and games where our players have scripted thrilling success stories. Last year, our athletes made a mark in the Olympic Games. In the Paralympic Games, we sent our largest-ever contingent, who came back with our best-ever performance. Our chess champions impressed the world, as our men and women won the gold at the FIDE Chess Olympiad. The achievements in the sports during the year 2024 were capped by D. Gukesh, who became the youngest World Chess Champion.

Supported by a great improvement in training facilities at the ground level, these sportspersons have made us proud with their winning drive and inspired the next generation to aim higher and higher.

Our brothers and sisters living abroad have taken the best of our culture and civilisation to different parts of the globe and have made us proud with their achievements in diverse fields. They have always considered themselves to be a part of the India Story. As I said at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas earlier this month, I am confident of their proactive and enthusiastic participation in the making of a Viksit Bharat, a developed India, by the year 2047.

Dear Fellow Citizens,

Thanks to substantial and concrete progress in a wide range of areas, we are marching towards the future, holding our heads high. The key to our future is our youth and especially the young women. Their dreams are moulding the India of tomorrow, when we will be celebrating the centenary of our Independence. And when today’s children will salute the tricolour on 26th January of 2050, they will tell their next generation that this great quest would not have been possible without our incomparable Constitution guiding them along the way.

Our future generations will also keep in mind the mission of Independent India in the world. In the words of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi [and I quote]

“If Swaraj was not meant to civilize us, and to purify and stabilize our civilization, it would be nothing worth. The very essence of our civilization is that we give a paramount place to morality in all our affairs, public or private.” [unquote]

Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji’s dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin – indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too – compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.

Each of us must contribute to the efforts to counter the global threat of climate change. There have been two exemplary initiatives in this regard. At the global level, India is leading a mass movement, called Mission Lifestyle for Environment, to inspire individuals and communities to be more pro-active in protecting and preserving the environment. Last year, on World Environment Day, we launched a unique campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, paying tribute to the nurturing power of our mothers as well as of Mother Nature. Its target of planting 80 crore seedlings was achieved ahead of the deadline. The world can learn from such innovative moves that people can adopt as their own movements.

Dear Fellow Citizens,

Let me once again congratulate you all on the occasion of Republic Day. My congratulations to the soldiers guarding our borders as well as police and paramilitary personnel keeping it safe within the borders. My congratulations also to the members of the judiciary, the bureaucracy and our missions abroad. My best wishes to you in all your endeavours.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!

Jai Bharat!

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2096205) Visitor Counter : 54

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lok Sabha Speaker greets the nation on the eve of 76th Republic Day of India

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 8:29PM by PIB Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla has greeted the nation on the eve of 76th Republic Day of India.

In his message, Shri Birla has said,

“Many congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the 76th Republic Day of India.

The modern Republic of India has completed a glorious journey of 75 years. In these years, our Republic has become stronger and more prosperous. The country has touched many dimensions of progress. From agriculture to sports; from land to space – India has achieved many glorious achievements.

In these 75 years, with the collective efforts of all, India has moved forward in the direction of self-reliance. Our youth have taken the country forward on the strength of new thinking and innovation. From education to defence and from sports to space, women are progressing rapidly in every field. Our farmers, labourers, MSME sector, small and big businessmen, every person is becoming a partner in the progress of the country. As a result of these collective efforts, India has become the 5th largest economy inworld and is soon going to achieve the third position.

Every citizen of the country should take a pledge today that we will increase our participation in the democratic process. We will strengthen our ideals of freedom, equality, justice and fraternity so that our Republic prospers even more. On this day, let us also remember those great personalities who played a role in achieving independence of the country and contributed tirelessly in the making of the Constitution. With this message, many best wishes to you once again on Republic Day.

Jai Hind.”

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AM

(Release ID: 2096265) Visitor Counter : 40

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Padma Awards 2025 announced

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

2. These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at RashtrapatiBhawan usually around March/ April every year. For the year 2025, the President has approved conferment of 139Padma Awards including1 duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below. The list comprises 7Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 23of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and13Posthumous awardees.

Padma Vibhushan(7)

SN	Name	Field	State/Country
	Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy	Medicine	Telangana
	Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar	Public Affairs	Chandigarh
	Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia	Art	Gujarat
	Shri LakshminarayanaSubramaniam	Art	Karnataka
	Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)	Literature and Education	Kerala
	Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)	Trade and Industry	Japan
	Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)	Art	Bihar

Padma Bhushan(19)

SN	Name	Field	State/Country
	Shri A Surya Prakash	Literature and Education-Journalism	Karnataka
	Shri Anant Nag	Art	Karnataka
	Shri Bibek Debroy(Posthumous)	Literature and Education	NCT Delhi
	Shri Jatin Goswami	Art	Assam
	Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram	Medicine	Kerala
	Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit	Others-Archaeology	NCT Delhi
	Shri Manohar Joshi(Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Maharashtra
	Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti	Trade and Industry	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna	Art	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri P R Sreejesh	Sports	Kerala
	Shri Pankaj Patel	Trade and Industry	Gujarat
	Shri Pankaj Udhas(Posthumous)	Art	Maharashtra
	Shri Rambahadur Rai	Literature and Education-Journalism	Uttar Pradesh
	Sadhvi Ritambhara	Social Work	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri S Ajith Kumar	Art	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Shekhar Kapur	Art	Maharashtra
	Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar	Art	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Sushil Kumar Modi(Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Bihar
	Shri Vinod Dham	Science and Engineering	United States of America

Padma Shri (113)

SN	Name	Field	State/Country
	Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak	Art	Odisha
	Shri Achyut Ramchandra Palav	Art	Maharashtra
	Shri Ajay V Bhatt	Science and Engineering	United States of America
	Shri Anil Kumar Boro	Literature and Education	Assam
	Shri Arijit Singh	Art	West Bengal
	Smt. Arundhati Bhattacharya	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
	Shri Arunoday Saha	Literature and Education	Tripura
	Shri Arvind Sharma	Literature and Education	Canada
	Shri Ashok Kumar Mahapatra	Medicine	Odisha
	Shri Ashok Laxman Saraf	Art	Maharashtra
	Shri Ashutosh Sharma	Science and Engineering	Uttar Pradesh
	Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande	Art	Maharashtra
	Shri Baijnath Maharaj	Others-Spiritualism	Rajasthan
	Shri Barry Godfray John	Art	NCT Delhi
	Smt. Begam Batool	Art	Rajasthan
	Shri Bharat Gupt	Art	NCT Delhi
	Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan	Art	Madhya Pradesh
	Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh	Social Work	Bihar
	Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara	Art	Karnataka
	Shri Budhendra Kumar Jain	Medicine	Madhya Pradesh
	Shri C S Vaidyanathan	Public Affairs	NCT Delhi
	Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar	Social Work	Maharashtra
	Shri Chandrakant Sheth(Posthumous)	Literature and Education	Gujarat
	Shri Chandrakant Sompura	Others-Architecture	Gujarat
	Shri Chetan E Chitnis	Science and Engineering	France
	Shri David R Syiemlieh	Literature and Education	Meghalaya
	Shri Durga Charan Ranbir	Art	Odisha
	Shri Farooq Ahmad Mir	Art	Jammu And Kashmir
	Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid	Literature and Education	Uttar Pradesh
	Smt. Gita Upadhyay	Literature and Education	Assam
	Shri Gokul Chandra Das	Art	West Bengal
	Shri Guruvayur Dorai	Art	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Harchandan Singh Bhatty	Art	Madhya Pradesh
	Shri Hariman Sharma	Others-Agriculture	Himachal Pradesh
	Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale	Art	Punjab
	Shri Harvinder Singh	Sports	Haryana
	Shri Hassan Raghu	Art	Karnataka
	Shri Hemant Kumar	Medicine	Bihar
	Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit	Literature and Education	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri Hugh and Colleen Gantzer(Posthumous)(Duo)*	Literature and Education-Journalism	Uttarakhand
	Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan	Sports	Kerala
	Shri Jagadish Joshila	Literature and Education	Madhya Pradesh
	Smt. Jaspinder Narula	Art	Maharashtra
	Shri Jonas Masetti	Others-Spiritualism	Brazil
	Shri Joynacharan Bathari	Art	Assam
	Smt. Jumde Yomgam Gamlin	Social Work	Arunachal Pradesh
	Shri K. Damodaran	Others-Culinary	Tamil Nadu
	Shri K L Krishna	Literature and Education	Andhra Pradesh
	Smt. K Omanakutty Amma	Art	Kerala
	Shri Kishore Kunal(Posthumous)	Civil Service	Bihar
	Shri L Hangthing	Others-Agriculture	Nagaland
	Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer	Literature and Education-Journalism	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Lalit Kumar Mangotra	Literature and Education	Jammu And Kashmir
	Shri Lama Lobzang(Posthumous)	Others-Spiritualism	Ladakh
	Smt. Libia Lobo Sardesai	Social Work	Goa
	Shri M D Srinivas	Science and Engineering	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma	Art	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri Mahabir Nayak	Art	Jharkhand
	Smt. Mamata Shankar	Art	West Bengal
	Shri Manda Krishna Madiga	Public Affairs	Telangana
	Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli	Literature and Education	Maharashtra
	Shri Miriyala Apparao(Posthumous)	Art	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri Nagendra Nath Roy	Literature and Education	West Bengal
	Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai)(Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri Naren Gurung	Art	Sikkim
	Smt. Neerja Bhatla	Medicine	NCT Delhi
	Smt. Nirmala Devi	Art	Bihar
	Shri Nitin Nohria	Literature and Education	United States of America
	Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa	Trade and Industry	Punjab
	Shri P Datchanamoorthy	Art	Puducherry
	Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi	Art	Chhattisgarh
	Shri Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai	Art	Gujarat
	Shri Pawan Goenka	Trade and Industry	West Bengal
	Shri Prashanth Prakash	Trade and Industry	Karnataka
	Smt. Pratibha Satpathy	Literature and Education	Odisha
	Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan	Art	Tamil Nadu
	Shri R Ashwin	Sports	Tamil Nadu
	Shri R G Chandramogan	Trade and Industry	Tamil Nadu
	Smt. Radha Bahin Bhatt	Social Work	Uttarakhand
	Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy	Art	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Ramdarash Mishra	Literature and Education	NCT Delhi
	Shri Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar	Art	Maharashtra
	Shri Ratan Kumar Parimoo	Art	Gujarat
	Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta	Art	Assam
	Shri Renthlei Lalrawna	Literature and Education	Mizoram
	Shri Ricky Gyan Kej	Art	Karnataka
	Shri Sajjan Bhajanka	Trade and Industry	West Bengal
	Smt. Sally Holkar	Trade and Industry	Madhya Pradesh
	Shri Sant Ram Deswal	Literature and Education	Haryana
	Shri Satyapal Singh	Sports	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri Seeni Viswanathan	Literature and Education	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Sethuraman Panchanathan	Science and Engineering	United States of America
	Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah	Medicine	Kuwait
	Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa)	Literature and Education	Rajasthan
	Shri Shyam Bihari Agrawal	Art	Uttar Pradesh
	Smt. Soniya Nityanand	Medicine	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri Stephen Knapp	Literature and Education	United States of America
	Shri Subhash Khetulal Sharma	Others-Agriculture	Maharashtra
	Shri Suresh Harilal Soni	Social Work	Gujarat
	Shri Surinder Kumar Vasal	Science and Engineering	Delhi
	Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj)	Others-Spiritualism	West Bengal
	Shri Syed Ainul Hasan	Literature and Education	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar	Art	West Bengal
	Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi	Art	Manipur
	Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla	Literature and Education	Gujarat
	Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi	Literature and Education	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri Vasudeo Kamath	Art	Maharashtra
	Shri Velu Aasaan	Art	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar	Art	Karnataka
	Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj	Others-Spiritualism	Bihar
	Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane	Medicine	Karnataka
	Shri Vilas Dangre	Medicine	Maharashtra
	Shri Vinayak Lohani	Social Work	West Bengal

Note: * In Duo case, the Award is counted as one.

*****

Raj Kumar/Vivek/Ashutosh/Rajeev/Priyabhanshu/Pankaj

(Release ID: 2096285) Visitor Counter : 462

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan applauds the achievement of women Self-Help Groups who emerged as Lakhpati through their engagement in various DAY-NRLM interventions

Source: Government of India (2)

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan applauds the achievement of women Self-Help Groups who emerged as Lakhpati through their engagement in various DAY-NRLM interventions

Lakhpati Didis will not stop here but will become Crorepati and Arabpati soon: Shri Chouhan

Union Minister re-emphasises the goal of Garibi-mukt Gaon

Shri Chouhan insists on adopting a whole-of-government approach through convergence for maximum impact and transforming the rural economy by enabling Lakhpati Didis

Three hundred Lakhpati Didis invited as Special Guests who will witness the 76th Republic Day Parade tomorrow at Kartavya Path in New Delhi

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:17PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with a group of 300 Lakhpati Didis from Self-Help Groups (SHG) those will participate in the 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path as Special Guests. He applauded the efforts of SHG women to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of Lakhpati Didis. He said that Lakhpati Didis will not stop here, but will become Crorepati and Arabpati soon. He emphasised that one becomes what one thinks and how one acts. He opened the house to all the Didis seeking suggestions for the way ahead. Didis emphasised on online marketing platform for interstate trade, removing the middlemen; importance of insurance, organic farming and peer learning among SHG Didis.

Shri Chouhan thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership, showing the way ahead for socioeconomic empowerment of women. He appreciated the work done by DAY-NRLM for the Lakhpati Didi mission, wherein each SHG household is encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities coupled with value chain interventions, building higher order enterprises resulting in a sustainable income of one lakh rupees and above every year. He re-emphasised the goal of Garibi-mukt Gaon. Union Minister requested all Lakhpati Didis to make every women around them into a Lakhpati. Shri Chouhan insisted on adopting a whole-of-government approach through convergence for maximum impact and transforming the rural economy by enabling Lakhpati Didis.

On the eve of Republic Day, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said that Prime Minister’s dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ has now become a reality. He also shared an inspiring story of Rajeshwari Didi from Anantpur District, who started a small millet roti making business by taking a loan from the SHG. Today, she earns ₹ 9 lakh per year and is generating employment for others too. He reaffirmed the message that women empowerment is an essential prerequisite for a self-made Bharat. He stated that SHG women under DAY-NRLM are moving from SHG to CEO, donning the role of entrepreneurs, making their own way and are contributing to the development of the nation.

On this occasion, welcoming the participants, the Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh praised SHG members working on different fields like Krishi Sakhi, Bank Sakhi, Gender Sakhi and assured full support by the Ministry in future endeavours of Didis. Today, more than 10 crore rural women have been mobilised into 91.8 lakh SHGs. Together, these groups have mobilized savings deposits amounting to 60 thousand crore rupees, demonstrating remarkable financial discipline and reliability by keeping non-performing assets to 1.65% and are putting in efforts to bring even this down.

Marking the strength of women-led development strategies, a group of 300 Lakhpati Didis from Self-Help Groups (SHG) under the aegis of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) will participate in the 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path as Special Guests. They will showcase the inclusive and resilient spirit of communities and villages that make India a robust republic nation. These 300 Didis and their spouses have been invited as special guests to this year’s Republic Day celebrations.

Lakhpati Didis have showcased determination and strong resolve to overcome all obstacles and achieve a dignified life. Their presence would highlight the power of women-led institutions to bring out the essence of socio-economic empowerment and the holistic well-being of rural communities. Their presence would mark a spectacular confluence at the Kartavya Path and ensure widespread participation by people from different strata of society who are committed to commemorating our national festival.

The Lakhpati Didis interacted with the Ministers and shared their stories of change and transformation through DAY-NRLM interventions. They also mentioned their dream of going beyond the Lakhpati goal and shared their vision of contributing to the country’s socio-economic development. The Ministers appreciated the notable contributions made by SHG women and commended them for their sheer determination, commitment, and active participation in accelerating the journey of achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.

During the day, the Special Guests visited the iconic Qutub Minar and were enthralled by the historical information relating to the monument.

Earlier this week, on January 22nd, the Ministry of Rural Development also launched its tableau on the theme of ‘Lakhpati Didi’, which will be part of the Republic Day parade this year. It will showcase women’s economic empowerment through the lens of entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and education, along with a banner reading ‘Empowered Women, Prosperous Families, Stronger Nation’. The parade will mark a fitting conclusion to the Special Guests’ visit to Delhi.

******

MG/KSR

(Release ID: 2096301) Visitor Counter : 7

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s rural reform initiator writes new revitalization chapter

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Villagers Yan Jinchang (L) and Yan Hongchang show the red packets containing their dividends in Xiaogang Village of Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Just days ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival, residents of a rural village named Xiaogang, located in east China’s Anhui Province, met joyously to collect bumper red packets.
“Our family received more than 2,000 yuan (about $279) this year, which is enough for us to make a generous purchase of festive goods,” said 82-year-old villager Yan Jinchang.
A dividend distribution ceremony was held on Saturday, and buzzed with excitement. Contrary to the common perception that villages are predominantly inhabited by elderly people, there were numerous young and energetic faces to been seen at this ceremony — with many of them returnees filled with dreams.
Some of the youngsters shared Xiaogang’s stories with visitors, while others functioned as live streamers, highlighting the village’s unique appeal via their camera lenses.
Despite the modest amount, the dividends distributed in Xiaogang hold extraordinary significance in terms of the big picture of the development of rural China.
Once plagued by barren land and water scarcity, Xiaogang was a place where residents struggled to make ends meet. However, everything changed in 1978 when 18 farmers pressed their red fingerprints secretly on an agreement to contract collective land to individual households.
This bold move sparked a wave of agricultural production enthusiasm and provided a powerful impetus not only for Xiaogang, but also for the broader rural reform and revitalization movement in China.
The name of Xiaogang has since been fixed in the nation’s memory as the start of China’s reform, earning itself the title of “first village in rural reform.”
Building on this foundation, Xiaogang continued to introduce reforms across multiple sectors — including rural taxes and fees, land rights and collective assets.
In 2017, all villagers in Xiaogang were turned into shareholders of the village’s collective, to benefit from the business development from Xiaogang’s intangible assets. So far, the total amount of dividends given to villagers in Xiaogang has exceeded 20 million yuan.
In 2024, Xiaogang saw its dividends rise for the seventh consecutive year, with a major contributor to this success being the village’s booming tourism industry. This momentum was further boosted when Xiaogang was honored as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages at a United Nations Tourism meeting last year.
This recognition has served as a catalyst, drawing widespread attention and boosting Xiaogang’s appeal as a tourist destination. The village, home to 1,053 households, welcomed over 620,000 visitors in 2024 — generating comprehensive tourism revenue of approximately 165 million yuan.
According to Li Jinzhu, the first secretary of the village’s Party committee, tourism has now become a magnet attracting wealth and talents.
“Very few tourists were willing to visit Xiaogang in the past, but now we provide them with quality accommodation and catering services, as well as a rich variety of activities, including traditional local performances and children’s amusement facilities,” Li noted, while adding that many villagers are currently engaged in the tourism sector, with more young people returning to the village to pursue opportunities there.
Yan Mei is one of these passionate young returnees.
The 28-year-old guide works almost every day and is the first to step from the sightseeing vehicle and introduce the history of Xiaogang to visitors.
“People are just blown away by the modern hotels and brand-new scenic spot facilities here. They’re so happy to see how much the birthplace of China’s rural reform has changed,” Yan noted.
Some tourists even decide to stay for a few days, just to chat and hang out with the locals, with many ending up becoming friends with the villagers, and even waving hello and exchanging gifts on holidays. “I’m really proud of all these changes. All these things have made my job so much more meaningful,” Yan said.
At a main road, Yang Wei and his colleagues were seen shooting footage for the village’s social media account, with their efforts drawing the attention of a group of curious tourists.
“It’s a great sign that Xiaogang is gaining more fame. This growing recognition benefits every villager. We’ve been using social media not just to attract visitors, but also to promote our local agricultural products. We’re thrilled to see it working,” Yang said while doing a live broadcast. He noted that in 2024, his team had managed to sell products worth more than 1.2 million yuan.
As the sun set over Xiaogang, lively chatter between villagers and tourists mingled with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, generated by a newly-built cafe. It is a scene brimming with potential — suggesting a bright future filled with prosperity and endless opportunities for this remarkable Chinese village.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FCI and state agencies procure 85.41 lakh metric tonne (LMT) of paddy in Punjab during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-2025 as of November 2

Source: Government of India

FCI and state agencies procure 85.41 lakh metric tonne (LMT) of paddy in Punjab during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-2025 as of November 2

Centre disburses Rs 19800 crore benefitting 4 lakh farmers

Punjab paddy procurement in full swing, 4132 millers allotted work

Posted On: 03 NOV 2024 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

As of 2nd November 2024, a total quantity of 90.69 LMT of paddy has arrived in the Punjab mandis out of which 85.41 LMT have been procured by State agencies and FCI. The paddy is being purchased at MSP @ Rs 2320/- as decided by Govt of India for Grade ‘A’ paddy and the total paddy purchased by Government till date in the ongoing KMS 2024-25, amounts to Rs 19800 crore benefitting 4 lakh farmers. Further, 4640 millers have applied for shelling of paddy and 4132 Millers have already been allotted work by Punjab State Government.

The Procurement of Paddy for KMS 2024-25 has commenced in Punjab from 1st October 2024 and 2927 designated mandis and temporary yards are operational throughout the State for smooth procurement from the farmers of Punjab. Central Government has fixed an estimated target of 185 LMT for Paddy Procurement for the ongoing KMS 2024-25 which shall continue upto 30.11.2024.

Though the procurement commenced a bit late due to heavy rains in September and high moisture content in paddy, it is back on track and has picked up in full swing now.

*******

AD/AM

(Release ID: 2070434) Visitor Counter : 47

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News release on compost reimbursement program

Source: US State of Hawaii

News release on compost reimbursement program

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR

KIAʻĀINA


SHARON HURD
CHAIRPERSON

HAWAIʻI BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NR24-32

Nov. 1, 2024

COMPOST REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.

Act 231 was passed by the State Legislature during its 2024 session and Governor Josh Green, M.D., released funding totaling $400,000 in August 2024. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant.

Under the reimbursement program, compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaiʻi. In addition, certified Hawai‘i processors are limited to those companies regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program.

“The cost of compost is a major expenditure for many farming operations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture. “This reimbursement program can help to prevent the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles and other pests by providing an incentive to purchase compost from certified compost operators, which are required to treat all compost for pests prior to sale.”

Qualified agricultural operations include commercial agriculture, aquacultural facilities, livestock, poultry, apiary and landscaping activities. Applicants must also provide a W-9 tax form, sample invoice and proof of compliance with federal, state and county tax and business regulations. The deadline to submit invoices is May 1, 2025.

For more information and to download the application forms, go to: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/compost-reimbursement2025/

Program Contact:

Plant Industry Division

[email protected]

808-973-9530

# # #

Attachment: Compost Reimbursement Fact Sheet

Media Contact:
Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Phone: 808-973-9560
Cell: 808-341-5528
[email protected]
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

HDOA is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under federal or state law, with respect to any program or activity.



For more information, including language accessibility and filing a complaint, please contact HDOA Non-Discrimination Coordinator at 808-973-9591, or visit HDOA’s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/.

To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services for this document, contact the HDOA at 808-973-9591 or email [email protected].

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities. To learn more, or file a complaint, please refer to the links below:

NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Tagalog | Thai ไทย

NON-EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Spanish Español | Tagalog | Thai ไทย

DISABILITY NON-DISCRIMINATION PROGRAM AND POLICY

English

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN

English

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Türkiye: Proposed ‘agents of influence’ law is attack on civil society and must be rejected

Source: Amnesty International –

Türkiye’s parliament must reject the draft amendment to the country’s ‘espionage’ laws which, if passed, would significantly threaten the ability of civil society organizations to operate freely within the country, said more than 80 organizations ahead of an expected vote in parliament. Scores of other organizations issued similar statements, calling on the legislators to reject the proposal.

If passed, this law would represent a significant threat to the ability of civil society to operate freely within the country

If approved, the new article – publicly referred to as the “agents of influence” law – would amend the penal code and criminalize unspecified “acts” that are “in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign state or organization against the security or domestic or foreign political interests of the State in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign state or organization.”

“If passed, this law would represent a significant threat to the ability of civil society to operate freely within the country,” the civil society organizations said in a joint statement.

The signatories point at the fact that the draft law fails the test of legal certainty and foreseeability, a fundamental tenet of law – meaning that articles of law must be understandable and predictable by the relevant people; individuals must be able to foresee which acts or omissions will make them criminally liable and what punishment will be applied for the act or omission committed.

The proposed legislative package, passed by the Parliamentary Justice Commission on 23 October, is expected to be voted on by members of the Turkish Parliament in the coming days.

The draft law threatens to criminalize legitimate activities such as the documentation of human rights violations by state or non-state actors, imposing heavy penalties including lengthy prison terms for anyone found to have breached the same. If these so-called offenses are committed during “wartime” or in relation to the “state’s preparation for or war activities or military operations”, the penalty could be between eight to 12 years imprisonment.

If the provision is adopted, the rights to freedom of expression of all, including seeking and receiving information, would be also at risk of being violated

“We are also concerned that the proposed law fails to set out clear criteria for what specific acts constitute a criminal offence without adequate safeguards or effective remedies against potential abuses of the law,” said the organizations.

“Arbitrary interpretation of broadly worded, vague laws are used to target and prosecute human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and many other civil society organizations in Türkiye. If the provision is adopted, the rights to freedom of expression of all, including seeking and receiving information, would be also at risk of being violated. It would create a chilling effect on important human rights work, and potentially impede their activities.”

Background

The legislative package proposes to add a new penalty, Article 339/A “Committing offenses against the security or political interests of the state” under the seventh section, “Crimes Against State Secrets and Espionage,” of the Turkish Penal Code (Law No. 5237).

Terminology in the proposed article is vulnerable to abuse. For example, “strategic interests,” “instructions,” “organization,” and “domestic or foreign political interests of the State” are overly broad and vague. Ill-defined or overly broad laws can be susceptible to arbitrary application and abuse, thus risk being instrumentalized to target people that the state authorities consider dissenting or criminalize the legitimate activities of civil society organizations, such as those documenting human rights violations in the country.

The proposed article is in violation of international human rights law and standards as well as Türkiye’s Constitution and national laws as it threatens freedom of expression and violates the principle of legality which includes the principle of foreseeability, a fundamental concept of criminal law.

As well as the signatories to this statement, numerous other organizations have published their own statements including the Association of Civil Society Development Center (see here), the Women’s Platform for Equality (see here), the Third Sector Foundation of Turkiye (see here), the International Press Institute (see here), the Committee to Protect Journalists (see here), Human Rights Watch (see here), journalism organisations, trade unions and others (see here).

For more information, please contact [email protected] in London or [email protected] in Istanbul 

The number of signatories to the joint statement is increasingly daily. A copy of the statement is being sent to all Turkish MPs.

SIGNATORIES
1. About Life Foundation (YADA)
2. AG-DA Gender Equality Solidarity Network
3. Ali İsmail Korkmaz Foundation
4. Altyazı Cinema Association
5. Amnesty International Türkiye
6. Ankara Initiative for Freedom of Thought
7. Ankara Solidarity Academy
8. Another School is Possible Association
9. Association for Monitoring Equal Rights
10. Batman Bar Association
11. Bodrum Women’s Solidarity Association
12. Center for Spatial Justice
13. Citizen’s Initiative
14. Citizens’ Assembly
15. DEMOS Research Association
16. Dersim Bar Association
17. Diyarbakır Bar Association
18. Families of LGBTs in İstanbul
19. Free Colors Association
20. GALADER-Ankara Rainbow Families Association
21. Green Thought Association
22. Hakkari Bar Association
23. Human Rights Agenda Association
24. Human Rights Association
25. Human Rights Association Ankara Branch LGBTI+ Commission
26. Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch
27. Human Rights Foundation of Türkiye
28. Izmir Women’s Solidarity Association
29. Kaos GL Association
30. Katre Women’s Counceling and Solidarity Association
31. Kirkayak Culture – Migration and Cultural Studies Center
32. Kuşadası Caferli Beautification and Solidarity Association
33. Lambdaistanbul LGBT Solidarity Association
34. Lawyers for Freedom Association
35. Leader Women Association
36. Life Memory Freedom Association
37. Mardin Bar Association
38. Marmaris Public Assembly
39. May 17 Association
40. Media and Law Studies Association
41. Merdiven Social Initiative and Development Association
42. Migration Monitoring Association
43. Muamma LGBTI+ Education Research and Solidarity Association
44. Muğla Environment Platform
45. Murat Çekiç Association
46. Muş Bar Association
47. Natural Life Association
48. Nonviolence Education and Research Center
49. P24 Independent Journalism Platform
50. Press, Publishing, Communication, and Postal Workers’ Union
51. Pride Istanbul
52. Progressive Journalists Association
53. Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association
54. Rights Initiative Association
55. Romani Godi – Association for Roma Memory Studies
56. Rosa Women’s Association
57. SES Equality and Solidarity Association
58. Siirt Bar Association
59. Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association
60. Support for Improvement in Social and Economic Living Association
61. Şanlıurfa Bar Association
62. Şırnak Bar Association
63. Tarlabaşı Community Support Association
64. The Civil Society in the Penal System Association
65. The Confederation of Public Employees’ Trade Unions
66. Trans Pride Istanbul
67. Truth Justice Memory Center
68. Turkish Handicap Association
69. Türkiye Human Rights Litigation Support Project
70. Türkiye Journalists’ Union
71. Türkiye Press, Publishing, and Printing Employees’ Union
72. University Queer Studies and LGBTI+ Solidarity Association
73. Van Bar Association
74. Velvele
75. Women for Women’s Human Rights Association
76. Women’s Culture, Arts, and Literature Association
77. Women’s Solidarity Foundation
78. Women’s Time Association
79. Young Thought Institute
80. Youth Organizations Forum
81. Yuva Association

MIL OSI NGO –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Forum Draws Top Minds to Brainstorm Ways to Grow Connecticut’s Economy

Source: US State of Connecticut

Scores of esteemed industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public officials came together at UConn Storrs recently to share ideas on combining their organizations’ energy and expertise to grow a robust, sustainable Connecticut economy.

“UConn Forum: Economic Engine of a Thriving Connecticut” featured discussions on driving the state’s economy through several key growth areas including advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy, fintech, biotech, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and other realms.

Panelists and participants praised the Oct. 31 event as a unique opportunity to learn about innovations in various industry sectors and inspire ideas for collaboration, including by drawing on UConn expertise.

With an annual impact of $8.5 billion on the state’s economy, UConn takes its responsibilities seriously to help drive Connecticut forward, President Radenka Maric told the crowd in welcoming remarks.

That includes sharing its research expertise, helping foster startup businesses and technologies, ensuring its graduates are entrepreneurial and workforce ready, and doing all within its power to keep them in Connecticut to build their careers and lives.

A common theme throughout the day’s discussions was Connecticut’s innovative spirit and enviable strengths, including a well-educated workforce, diverse population, strong schools, family-friendly quality of life, and innovation-oriented business ecosystem.

Forum participants also agreed it’s a perfect time to accelerate the collaborations between industry and higher education – particularly as Connecticut is regaining population lost during the recession; has seen a noteworthy jump in business startups; and is developing new technologies in several fields.

“What we’re seeing is that the trends have reversed in a pretty meaningful way. People are betting on Connecticut with both their wallets and their feet,” said keynote speaker Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

He said the state had the 19th best-performing economy nationwide in the last two years. That’s a major turnaround from the 2000s-era recession in which Connecticut became one of only three states – including Wyoming and Mississippi – whose economies contracted and became smaller on an inflation-adjusted basis.

As Connecticut’s manufacturing and national defense-related industries bounced back, so did the state – supplemented by growth in areas such as technology and software information, and other emerging industries such as those discussed at the UConn forum.

“This is a state where innovation happens literally every day. You don’t hear about it as much as you do in places like Silicon Valley because the innovation is taking place not only in our startups, but also in our incredibly large companies,” O’Keefe said.

Several new collaborations also have immense promise, such as the QuantumCT public-private partnership led by UConn and Yale.

UConn President Radenka Maric hands a proclamation from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to Lee Langston, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering at UConn, during the “UConn Forum: Economic Engine of a Thriving Connecticut” event in the Rowe Commons ballroom on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

That initiative aims to win federal funding to transform Connecticut into the nation’s leading accelerator of quantum technologies. The proposal recently advanced to the competition’s next stage, and marks the first time that UConn and Yale have partnered on an initiative of this scope.

That kind of collaborative thinking underscored most of the forum’s panels, in which the speakers discussed the importance of addressing society’s emerging needs for sustainable clean energy, effective and affordable pharma products, innovative use of AI, or other topics.

The forum’s guests also gained inspiration from the entrepreneurial history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as shared by its chairman, Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS).

Having endured generations of forced assimilation and poverty, its members survived economically by selling timber, maple syrup, and other goods until the tribe gained federal recognition in 1983, he said.

With the ability to diversify into more lucrative areas, the tribe opened a high-stakes bingo hall in 1986 and, in 1992, it opened Foxwoods Resort Casino – now the world’s largest such gaming and entertainment venue.

Today, the tribe’s annual economic impact in the state is about $1 billion, and it has expanded into the hospitality business, golf courses, real estate holdings, hotel and golf course development, a pharmaceutical network, sports betting, internet gaming, and other ventures.

It’s a far cry from the early days of selling handmade baskets, picking berries, and hunting snakes to survive economically. The Pequot tribe and UConn have also partnered on several projects, including the development of its hydroponic Meechooôk Farm; research into responsible gaming; and various academic and cultural endeavors.

“The reason we do all of it, and the reason we’re in this room, is to create a thriving and sustainable community,” Butler told the forum’s attendees. “Ours is at Mashantucket. In this room, it’s about Connecticut and dare I say, all of southern New England.”

Also as part of the forum, Maric presented a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont to UConn Professor Emeritus Lee Langston ’60 (ENG), one of UConn’s most accomplished engineering innovators.

His career included helping to develop the fuel cells that powered Apollo 11 to the moon. He also was part of a team that helped install the first solar panels at the White House during the Carter Administration, and pioneered gas turbine technologies now used worldwide, including at UConn’s Cogeneration (CoGen) Central Utility Plant.

Langston joined UConn in 1977 as a mechanical engineering professor after more than a decade at Pratt & Whitney. He also served a year as the interim dean of the School of Engineering (now a college), later retiring from UConn in 2003 but remaining active as a professor emeritus.

“His contributions to science and society are immeasurable,” Maric said in presenting the proclamation, adding that she first learned of his expertise in sustainable energy when she was studying for her Ph.D. in Japan.

Maric said the legacy of innovators such as Langston, along with the vision of people at the economic development forum and throughout the state, will be key to its future.

“We make the impossible possible in Connecticut. We are leaders and will continue to lead, and anyone who says we can’t do it in Connecticut will be proven wrong,” she said.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport Receives $4.9M in Federal Funding
Source: US State of Connecticut

Since the mid-1990s, funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been allocated to the state of Connecticut and distributed among different agencies that work to provide programs focused on nutrition and physical activity education to people eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP-Ed). UConn is home to one such agency, UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport, which recently received another $4.9 million from the USDA for the next three years.

“I congratulate Dr. Ann Ferris, Dr. Jennifer McGarry, and the entire UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport team on their renewed USDA funding,” says Jason G. Irizarry, dean of the Neag School of Education which houses the interdisciplinary team. “This initiative is an incredible example of the Neag School’s community outreach, which has a direct impact on individuals across Connecticut every day. I am proud of the strong community partnerships Dr. Ferris and Dr. McGarry have already cultivated, grateful for their steadfast support of our Neag School students over the years, and excited to see how this new funding will further enhance their team’s important work.”

The USDA funding is just the latest in a string of recent accomplishments for UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport (UConn HNS):
- Husky Nutrition and Husky Sport combined into one entity in 2021
- The team celebrated more than 20 years of growth and the launch of a new website and branding in 2023
- New postdoctoral research fellows have been welcomed each of the past three years
- Just this past summer, UConn HNS hired new staff members and led successful nutrition and physical activity education efforts across Connecticut.
Ferris, professor emerita in the School of Medicine, was a founding member of the team that first brought SNAP-Ed funding to Connecticut, leading to decades of social marketing campaigns and strategic change efforts aimed at increasing awareness and access to relevant resources and opportunities to empower individual, family, and community health.

Ann Ferris (UConn Health photo)

“Starting with conversations at the national level of USDA and a stated desire for nutrition education programs particularly working with older populations in Connecticut, our immediate efforts focused on partnering alongside people and agencies already working within communities,” Ferris says. “Soon came the usual challenges, such as securing a one-to-one dollar match of state to federal funding or needing to align administrative requirements across so many different stakeholders. …I just remember thinking at the time that there were just so many dedicated people that were able to get everything launched between the community, University, state, and federal levels.”

Since that time, Ferris has served as a leader of a team of dedicated staff and UConn students, UConn courses, and many collaborative partnerships within Connecticut’s communities. Over the course of her career, she has been awarded more than $28 million in funding from the USDA; National Institutes of Health; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and private foundations, as well as a full career of scholarly articles, policy reports, and conference presentations.

“I truly learned from so many people at every turn,” she says. “The willingness of parents and families to collaborate with us to build programs and how they shared their time, expertise, and feedback … that part just overwhelms me. Partnerships drove all our endeavors. It is so gratifying to witness Dr. McGarry, and her team take these programs in new directions, and I am glad to still be able to play a very small role with SNAP-Ed.”

Jennifer McGarry (Neag School photo).

With more than 40 staff and student employees on the team this fall, UConn HNS continuously strives to strengthen the SNAP-Ed workforce in Connecticut. The team offers culturally and contextually relevant trainings; workshops that develop skills around teaching and learning across the lifespan; and professional development on best practices associated with nutrition, sport sampling, and physical activity education.

“The evolving UConn HNS organization can learn from what has worked as well as extend the impact of community-campus collaborations across the state moving forward,” says McGarry, executive director of UConn HNS and professor in the Neag School’s Department of Educational Leadership.

This past summer, UConn HNS led nutrition and physical activity education efforts with 18 partner sites in five towns. These partnerships allowed for nearly 1,100 participants, ages 4 to 18, to take part in 240 direct education sessions. Catalina Quesada, a registered dietitian and community education specialist working with adults and families throughout the academic year, serves as a UConn HNS staff leader during the summer. She, and other established staff members like her, also led the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of 10 UConn students that worked 30-35 hours a week for 10 consecutive weeks in the summer.

(UConn HNS photo)

“Summertime is always fun for us as staff and for the newly hired students who will be delivering our programs in the community,” Quesada says. “A lot of work goes into planning, training, and executing the summer program. It takes many hours of very intentional work tailored to the development of the students and to the correct program alignment for our partnering sites. Our students always learn a lot from the programs they facilitate but more importantly, they learn from our community partners and the participants who come to our programs.”

Many of the UConn students who were on staff over the summer have chosen to stay involved with UConn HNS into the academic year. In their different roles, students continue to support partnerships and programs, develop curriculum, facilitate evaluations, serve as van drivers, and provide peer mentoring to new students who have recently joined UConn HNS.

“It is very fulfilling to experience how much the students grow throughout the summer internship, stay involved, and become more confident facilitators as they continue to engage in critical reflection, improvement, and connectivity with people and communities in Connecticut,” Quesada says.

In addition to undergraduate students, UConn HNS has supported new postdoctoral positions in each of the past three years. The postdocs serve as course instructors, support evaluation and research efforts, and lead community-based partnerships and programs.

“Starting with Kolin Ebron ’14 MS, ’21 Ph.D., who has gone on to become the assistant director of university opportunity programs at Eastern Connecticut State University, and followed by Julián Alonso Restrepo, who is now an assistant professor of sport management at UMass Boston, our team continues to benefit from the addition of talented postdocs.” McGarry says.

Currently in their second year as a postdoctoral research associate, Roc Rochon serves as an important connector across organizational efforts.

Roc Rochon (Submitted photo)

“Being part of UConn HNS has created opportunities to work closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners,” Rochon says. “Serving on multiple working groups has extended pathways for me to pursue scholarly activities, lead in the process to refine course curricula, develop new strategies, and teach in the classroom … all the while connecting directly with community partners to build relationships and be a support for our team’s efforts with everyday learning.”

Along with Rochon, Ferris, and other staff and students, Neag School assistant professor-in-residence Danielle DeRosa ’09 (CLAS), ’15 MS, ’23 Ed.D. leads the organization’s People Team. Throughout the year, the team develops and facilitates holistic and professional development sessions for the larger UConn HNS group.

“As an organization, we prioritize the development of our staff and students to ensure positive engagement and learning,” DeRosa says. “This investment allows us to be prepared and relevant practitioners, as well as collaborative and supportive partners. As part of our SNAP-Ed funding, we’ve continued to recruit, develop, and promote professionals working within communities and supporting healthy and active lifestyles. Our professional development allows us to grow in our own capacity to learn with and from each other, with the goal being able to contribute alongside community partners, families, and children toward improved health outcomes.”

As part of that ongoing team development, UConn HNS welcomed three full-time staff members over the past six months: Veronica Jacobs ’16 (CLAS); Sarah Larocque ’09 (CAHNR), ’12 MS; and Brandon Keaton. Jacobs was involved with the organization as a UConn undergraduate student, before going on to complete a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs, holding different professional roles at multiple institutions. Now back with UConn HNS, Jacobs serves as the lead staff member overseeing a longtime partnership with Fred D. Wish School in Hartford that includes supervising 10 funded graduate assistants, while also contributing her expertise and leadership skills as part of the People Team.

Veronica Jacobs (Submitted photo)

“Returning to UConn HNS has gifted me opportunities to build new connections and a deeper awareness of the assets and resources in Hartford, a city that has been home for the past five years,” Jacobs says. “I’m excited to leverage my experiences in student development and social justice education to co-create intentional, joyful, and community-centered programs at Wish School, and support the holistic and professional growth of UConn students.”

Larocque has joined the team as a registered dietitian, with professional experience in the health industry and counseling work alongside families and children. She will be a leader with the Husky Reads program, which includes over 15 partner sites and more than 600 pre-kindergarten student participants each year. Often an entry point into UConn HNS for new UConn students, Husky Reads also operates as a two-credit course that is cross-listed in the departments of Nutritional Sciences and Educational Leadership during the fall and spring semesters.

Sarah Larocque (Submitted photo)

“I am just thrilled to be back at UConn, a place that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” Larocque says. “I am excited to contribute my expertise as a registered dietitian, combining my love of working with children and families while also teaching classes and supporting UConn students as developing professionals.”

Keaton is new to UConn, yet brings experience as a former athlete, coach, and educator. He will be working with a few different programs, as UConn HNS works to enhance curricula and partnerships focused on physically active games and play. PreK-12 school-based efforts will include recess, movement within classrooms, and physical activity as part of the everyday environment, as well as other family and community settings such as before and after school, on the weekends, and during the summertime.

Brandon Keaton (Submitted photo)

“My family and I recently relocated to Connecticut,” Keaton says. “I am looking forward to building relationships, growing partnerships, and serving the community. Focusing on physical fitness, movement, and health — all of that is just what I feel called to do.”

Moving forward, an expansion of partnerships is on the horizon for UConn HNS, with a mixture of educational programs focused on increasing healthy eating and physical activity. UConn HNS also continues to grow its consulting efforts, working with partners to provide professional development workshops, support evaluation processes, and co-design social marketing campaigns. With the recent staff additions, there is a high level of excitement about enhancing all aspects of the organization.

“The sustained efforts of Husky Nutrition, Husky Sport, and now Husky Nutrition & Sport are rare to see,” McGarry says. “We are often told by our partners that so many university-based programs come and go. We remain committed not only to continuing partnerships with individuals, organizations, and communities, but also to evolving our approaches to prioritize relationships, recognize the strengths of everyone involved, and celebrate culture as part of our collaborations.”

To learn more about UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport, visit huskynutritionsport.education.uconn.edu.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Svalbard Global Seed Vault evokes epic imagery and controversy because of the symbolic value of seeds

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Adriana Craciun, Professor of English and Emma MacLachlan Metcalf Chair of Humanities, Boston University

The entrance to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Martin Zwick/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Two-thirds of the world’s food comes today from just nine plants: sugar cane, maize (corn), rice, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, oil-palm fruit, sugar beet and cassava. In the past, farmers grew tens of thousands of crop varieties around the world. This biodiversity protected agriculture from crop losses caused by plant diseases and climate change.

Today, seed banks around the world are doing much of the work of saving crop varieties that could be essential resources under future growing conditions. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway supports them all. It is the world’s most famous backup site for seeds that are more precious than data.

Tens of thousands of new seeds from around the world arrived at the seed vault on Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, in mid-October 2024. This was one of the largest deposits in the vault’s 16-year history.

And on Oct. 31, crop scientists Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin, who played key roles in creating the Global Seed Vault, received the US$500,000 World Food Prize, which recognizes work that has helped increase the supply, quality or accessibility of food worldwide.

The Global Seed Vault has been politically controversial since it opened in 2008. It is the most visible site in a global agricultural research network associated with the United Nations and funders such as the World Bank.

These organizations supported the Green Revolution – a concerted effort to introduce high-yielding seeds to developing nations in the mid-20th century. This effort saved millions of people from starvation, but it shifted agriculture in a technology-intensive direction. The Global Seed Vault has become a lightning rod for critiques of that effort and its long-term impacts.

I have visited the vault and am completing a book about connections between scientific research on seeds and ideas about immortality over centuries. My research shows that the Global Seed Vault’s controversies are in part inspired by religious associations that predate it. But these cultural beliefs also remain essential for the vault’s support and influence and thus for its goal of protecting biodiversity.

The Global Seed Vault gives scientists the tools they may need to breed crops that can cope with a changing climate.

Backup for a global network

Several hundred million seeds from thousands of species of agricultural plants live inside the Global Seed Vault. They come from 80 nations and are tucked away in special metallic pouches that keep them dry.

The vault is designed to prolong their dormancy at zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) in three ice-covered caverns inside a sandstone mountain. The air is so cold inside that when I entered the vault, my eyelashes and the inside of my nose froze.

The Global Seed Vault is owned by Norway and run by the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre. It was created under a U.N. treaty governing over 1,700 seed banks, where seeds are stored away from farms, to serve as what the U.N. calls “the ultimate insurance policy for the world’s food supply.”

This network enables nations, nongovernmental organizations, scientists and farmers to save and exchange seeds for research, breeding and replanting. The vault is the backup collection for all of these seed banks, storing their duplicate seeds at no charge to them.

The seed vault’s cultural meaning

The vault’s Arctic location and striking appearance contribute to both its public appeal and its controversies.

Svalbard is often described as a remote, frozen wasteland. For conspiracy theorists, early visits to the Global Seed Vault by billionaires such as Bill Gates and George Soros, and representatives from Google and Monsanto, signaled that the vault had a secret purpose or benefited global elites.

In fact, however, the archipelago of Svalbard has daily flights to other Norwegian cities. Its cosmopolitan capital, Longyearbyen, is home to 2,700 people from 50 countries, drawn by ecotourism and scientific research – hardly a well-hidden site for covert activities.

The vault’s entrance features a striking installation by Norwegian artist Dyveke Sanne. An illuminated kaleidoscope of mirrors, this iconic artwork glows in the long Arctic night and draws many tourists.

Because of its mission to preserve seeds through potential disasters, media regularly describe the Global Seed Vault as the “doomsday vault,” or a “modern Noah’s Ark.” Singled out based on its location, appearance and associations with Biblical myths such as the Flood, the Garden of Eden and the apocalypse, the vault has acquired a public meaning unlike that of any other seed bank.

The politics of seed conservation

One consequence is that the vault often serves as a lightning rod for critics who view seed conservation as the latest stage in a long history of Europeans removing natural resources from developing nations. But these critiques don’t really reflect how the Global Seed Vault works.

The vault and its sister seed banks don’t diminish cultivation of seeds grown by farmers in fields. The two methods complement one another, and seed depositors retain ownership of their seeds.

Another misleading criticism argues that storing seeds at Svalbard prevents these plants from adapting to climate change and could render them useless in a warmer future. But storing seeds in a dormant state actually mirrors plants’ own survival strategy.

Dormancy is the mysterious plant behavior that “protects against an unpredictable future,” according to biologist Anthony Trewavas. Plants are experts in coping with climate unpredictability by essentially hibernating.

Seed dormancy allows plants to hedge their bets on the future; the Global Seed Vault extends this state for decades or longer. While varieties in the field may become extinct, their banked seeds live to fight another day.

Storing more than seeds

In 2017, a delegation of Quechua farmers from the Peruvian Andes traveled to Svalbard to deposit seeds of their sacred potato varieties in the vault. In songs and prayers, they said goodbye to the seeds as their “loved ones” and “endangered children.” “We’re not just leaving genes, but also a family,” one farmer told Svalbard officials.

The farmers said the vault would protect what they called their “Indigenous biocultural heritage” – an interweaving of scientific and cultural value, and of plants and people, that for the farmers evoked the sacred.

People from around the world have sought to attach their art to the Global Seed Vault for a similar reason. In 2018, the Svalbard Seed Cultures Ark began depositing artworks that attach stories to seeds in a nearby mine.

Pope Francis sent an envoy with a handmade copy of a book reflecting on the pope’s message of hope to the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese sculptor Mitsuaki Tanabe created a 9-meter-long steel grain of rice for the vault’s opening and was permitted to place a miniature version inside.

Seeds sleeping in Svalbard are far from their home soil, but each one is enveloped in an invisible web of the microbes and fungi that traveled with it. These microbiomes are still interacting with each seed in ways scientists are just beginning to understand.

I see the Global Seed Vault as a lively and fragile place, powered not by money or technology but by the strange power of seeds. The World Food Prize once again highlights their vital promise.

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

– ref. Svalbard Global Seed Vault evokes epic imagery and controversy because of the symbolic value of seeds – https://theconversation.com/svalbard-global-seed-vault-evokes-epic-imagery-and-controversy-because-of-the-symbolic-value-of-seeds-240086

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON HONORED WITH AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION’S “FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU” AWARD
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced he was presented the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” award by Shannon Douglass, President of the California State Farm Bureau, for his outstanding service to support farmers, growers, and producers during the 118^th Congress.

“The American agriculture community powers our economy, and their work is vital to the success of our country,” said Thompson. “I am honored to receive the Friend of Farm Bureau Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. I look forward to continuing to work with leaders of our agriculture community to deliver economic success for every grower, producer, and farmer.”

“Congressman Thompson’s strong partnership with county Farm Bureaus and his unwavering support for disaster assistance have been invaluable to our agricultural communities,” said California Farm Bureau President, Shannon Douglass. “His commitment to securing essential aid for California farmers and ranchers—many of whom have faced devastating losses from recent storms and wildfires—has made a lasting impact. We are proud to honor him with the Friend of Farm Bureau award for his continued dedication to strengthening California agriculture.”

“I’ve seen Congressman Thompson stand up, consistently, in support of agriculture in his district and across California. It is fitting, and deserved, for California to recognize him as this year’s Friend of the Farm Bureau. I admire his service, and am honored we could include this award as part of Napa Farm Bureau’s event,” said Napa County Farm Bureau CEO, Peter Rumble.

Rep. Thompson has always worked and continues to work to deliver for the 4th Congressional District’s agriculture communities. Some recent highlights of his work for farmers, growers, and producers include:
- Authored the legislation that created the Emergency Relief Program (formerly known as WHIP+) and has introduced legislation to permanently reauthorize the program to provide direct payments to producers for crop losses due to smoke exposure, wildfire, drought or other natural disasters.
- Voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which made historic investments to help the agriculture community deal with the effects of climate change:
  - $5 billion in strategic forestry investments
  - $21.25 billion in strategic conservation investment
  - $13.265 billion in rural development investments
  - $4 billion for drought relief in the 7 reclamation states, including California
- Secured $1.2 million for UC Davis to conduct research on the impact of smoke exposure on crops.
  Worked to help establish the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) new pilot crop insurance program to help California grape growers protect against losses incurred due to smoke exposure. He has introduced legislation to make the program permanent.
Learn more about Rep. Thompson’s work for the agriculture community here.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Power BI Training

Source: US State of Wyoming

For Soldiers and Airmen of the Wyoming National Guard, data isn’t just numbers on a screen—it’s a tool for understanding performance, predicting needs and responding to emergencies.

With the new Power BI training, Cowboy Guard members are learning to harness data in ways that improve decision-making, streamline processes and bring greater clarity to the mission.

“It’s a lot of information, and if you’re not already familiar with Excel and Access, it can be challenging,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kelli Strom, military personnel management assistant for the Joint Forces Headquarters-Air, who works with data daily to assess unit performance. “But it’s incredibly valuable, especially since we rely on data extensively to measure our effectiveness. Being able to organize that data into sustainable measurement tools is priceless.”

The training, led by National Guard Professional Education Center instructors Capt. Shane McDonald and Capt. Austin Bray, is part of a broader effort to ensure that Cowboy Guard personnel can quickly access, analyze and act upon the information needed to make informed decisions. McDonald describes it as a capability that has a real human impact in the fast-paced environment of the National Guard whether tracking equipment maintenance or personnel readiness, real-time data has become as essential to the mission as any other tool.

“Power BI offers significant benefits in a military context,” explained McDonald, a company commander with the Arkansas National Guard. “Real-time data analysis is crucial for quick decision-making, which is often required in operational settings. Having that information right when it’s needed can make all the difference.”

For many in the Guard, Power BI represents an opportunity to eliminate repetitive manual tasks, reducing errors and freeing up personnel to focus on mission-critical work. With Power BI’s ability to automate data gathering, clean-up and reporting, Airmen like Strom can spend more time on strategic analysis and less on data prep.

“We’re constantly data-mining to meet leadership’s needs,” Strom said. “This training helps us organize it all in a meaningful way.”

Power BI also fosters a culture of shared information across the Guard’s ranks, helping to reduce silos between departments and align everyone on common goals, McDonald said. The interactive dashboards give everyone—from top brass to enlisted Soldiers—access to the same insights, encouraging collaboration and a clear view of progress and needs.

“Power BI improves communication and transparency by centralizing data sharing,” McDonald noted. “It’s about empowering Soldiers and Airmen to make informed decisions at every level.”

The human side of this training is about more than numbers; it’s about Soldiers and Airmen having the confidence to use these new skills in real-world scenarios. From interactive dashboards to data visualizations, Power BI gives them a new way to understand and respond to challenges. But to make that leap, Bray said ongoing support, mentorship and practical exercises are key.

“It’s essential to provide tailored training for different roles and expertise levels,” he said, underscoring the importance of learning through real-life applications.

For Cowboy Guardsmen like Master Sgt. Katie Upton, a first sergeant for the Wyoming Army National Guard, the training has been an eye-opener on the potential for data to make a meaningful impact.

“It’s important because if we don’t know where we are, we won’t know where we’re headed or how to get there,” she explained. With Power BI, she’s excited to see the Guard shift toward more data-driven operations that allow leaders to see an accurate picture of readiness at any given moment.

As Soldiers and Airmen embrace these new capabilities, Power BI is more than just another tool—it’s a pathway to a new way of thinking, according to McDonald.

“Personally, I’ve been interested in Power BI for a few years, so I’m thrilled the Army and the Air Force – are embracing it,” Upton said. “Power BI will reshape how we measure performance and combine the many factors contributing to each indicator, ultimately making our work more efficient and impactful.”

Capt. Austin Bray, Power BI instructor for the National Guard Professional Education Center, helps a student with her project during the training, teaching Wyoming National Guard Soldiers and Airmen how to automate data processing to improve decision-making and streamline processes using Power BI in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Oct. 29, 2024. The training is part of a broader effort to ensure that Cowboy Guard personnel can quickly access, analyze and act upon the information needed to make informed decisions—a capability that has a real human impact in the fast-paced environment of the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

Master Sgt. Katie Upton, a first sergeant for the Wyoming Army National Guard, works on her project during the Power BI training, teaching Soldiers and Airmen how to automate data processing to improve decision-making and streamline processes in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Oct. 29, 2024. The training is part of a broader effort to ensure that Cowboy Guard personnel can quickly access, analyze and act upon the information needed to make informed decisions—a capability that has a real human impact in the fast-paced environment of the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

Capt. Shane McDonald, Power BI instructor and plans officer for the Resource Management Training Battalion of the National Guard Professional Education Center, helps Senior Master Sgt. Kelli Strom, military personnel management assistant for the Joint Forces Headquarters-Air, through her project using Power BI in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Oct. 28, 2024. The training is part of a broader effort to ensure that Cowboy Guard personnel can quickly access, analyze and act upon the information needed to make informed decisions—a capability that has a real human impact in the fast-paced environment of the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

Capt. Austin Bray, Power BI instructor for the National Guard Professional Education Center, teaches Wyoming National Guard Soldiers and Airmen how to automate data processing to improve decision-making and streamline processes using Power BI in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Oct. 28, 2024. The training is part of a broader effort to ensure that Cowboy Guard personnel can quickly access, analyze and act upon the information needed to make informed decisions—a capability that has a real human impact in the fast-paced environment of the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Bird flu has been detected in a pig in the US. Why does that matter?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC L3 Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney

David MG/Shutterstock

The United States Department of Agriculture last week reported that a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon was infected with bird flu.

As the bird flu situation has evolved, we’ve heard about the A/H5N1 strain of the virus infecting a range of animals, including a variety of birds, wild animals and dairy cattle.

Fortunately, we haven’t seen any sustained spread between humans at this stage. But the detection of the virus in a pig marks a worrying development in the trajectory of this virus.

How did we get here?

The most concerning type of bird flu currently circulating is clade 2.3.4.4b of A/H5N1, a strain of influenza A.

Since 2020, A/H5N1 2.3.4.4b has spread to a vast range of birds, wild animals and farm animals that have never been infected with bird flu before.

While Europe is a hotspot for A/H5N1, attention is currently focused on the US. Dairy cattle were infected for the first time in 2024, with more than 400 herds affected across at least 14 US states.

Bird flu has enormous impacts on farming and commercial food production, because infected poultry flocks have to be culled, and infected cows can result in contaminated diary products. That said, pasteurisation should make milk safe to drink.

While farmers have suffered major losses due to H5N1 bird flu, it also has the potential to mutate to cause a human pandemic.

Birds and humans have different types of receptors in their respiratory tract that flu viruses attach to, like a lock (receptors) and key (virus). The attachment of the virus allows it to invade a cell and the body and cause illness. Avian flu viruses are adapted to birds, and spread easily among birds, but not in humans.

So far, human cases have mainly occurred in people who have been in close contact with infected farm animals or birds. In the US, most have been farm workers.

The concern is that the virus will mutate and adapt to humans. One of the key steps for this to happen would be a shift in the virus’ affinity from the bird receptors to those found in the human respiratory tract. In other words, if the virus’ “key” mutated to better fit with the human “lock”.

A recent study of a sample of A/H5N1 2.3.4.4b from an infected human had worrying findings, identifying mutations in the virus with the potential to increase transmission between human hosts.

Why are pigs a problem?

A human pandemic strain of influenza can arise in several ways. One involves close contact between humans and animals infected with their own specific flu viruses, creating opportunities for genetic mixing between avian and human viruses.

Pigs are the ideal genetic mixing vessel to generate a human pandemic influenza strain, because they have receptors in their respiratory tracts which both avian and human flu viruses can bind to.

This means pigs can be infected with a bird flu virus and a human flu virus at the same time. These viruses can exchange genetic material to mutate and become easily transmissible in humans.

The Conversation, CC BY-SA

Interestingly, in the past pigs were less susceptible to A/H5N1 viruses. However, the virus has recently mutated to infect pigs more readily.

In the recent case in Oregon, A/H5N1 was detected in a pig on a non-commercial farm after an outbreak occurred among the poultry housed on the same farm. This strain of A/H5N1 was from wild birds, not the one that is widespread in US dairy cows.

The infection of a pig is a warning. If the virus enters commercial piggeries, it would create a far greater level of risk of a pandemic, especially as the US goes into winter, when human seasonal flu starts to rise.

How can we mitigate the risk?

Surveillance is key to early detection of a possible pandemic. This includes comprehensive testing and reporting of infections in birds and animals, alongside financial compensation and support measures for farmers to encourage timely reporting.

Strengthening global influenza surveillance is crucial, as unusual spikes in pneumonia and severe respiratory illnesses could signal a human pandemic. Our EPIWATCH system looks for early warnings of such activity, which can speed up vaccine development.

If a cluster of human cases occurs, and influenza A is detected, further testing (called subtyping) is essential to ascertain whether it’s a seasonal strain, an avian strain from a spillover event, or a novel pandemic strain.

Early identification can prevent a pandemic. Any delay in identifying an emerging pandemic strain enables the virus to spread widely across international borders.

Australia’s first human case of A/H5N1 occurred in a child who acquired the infection while travelling in India, and was hospitalised with illness in March 2024. At the time, testing revealed Influenza A (which could be seasonal flu or avian flu), but subtyping to identify A/H5N1 was delayed.

This kind of delay can be costly if a human-transmissible A/H5N1 arises and is assumed to be seasonal flu because the test is positive for influenza A. Only about 5% of tests positive for influenza A are subtyped further in Australia and most countries.

In light of the current situation, there should be a low threshold for subtyping influenza A strains in humans. Rapid tests which can distinguish between seasonal and H5 influenza A are emerging, and should form part of governments’ pandemic preparedness.

A higher risk than ever before

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the current risk posed by H5N1 to the general public remains low.

But with H5N1 now able to infect pigs, and showing worrying mutations for human adaptation, the level of risk has increased. Given the virus is so widespread in animals and birds, the statistical probability of a pandemic arising is higher than ever before.

The good news is, we are better prepared for an influenza pandemic than other pandemics, because vaccines can be made in the same way as seasonal flu vaccines. As soon as the genome of a pandemic influenza virus is known, the vaccines can be updated to match it.

Partially matched vaccines are already available, and some countries such as Finland are vaccinating high-risk farm workers.

C Raina MacIntyre receives funding from NHMRC (L3 Investigator grant and Centre for Research Excellence) and MRFF (Aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 experimentally and in an intensive care setting) currently. She currently receives funding from Sanofi for research on influenza and pertussis. She is the director of EPIWATCH®️, which is a UNSW, Kirby Institute initiative. She has been an invited speaker at the 2024 Options for The Control of Influenza at four symposia organised by Moderna, Pfizer, Sanofi and Seqirus respectively.

Haley Stone receives funding from The Balvi Filantropic Fund. Haley Stone would like to acknowledge the support through a University International Postgraduate Award from the University of New South Wales.

– ref. Bird flu has been detected in a pig in the US. Why does that matter? – https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-has-been-detected-in-a-pig-in-the-us-why-does-that-matter-242688

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NBC News: Top Democrats take another swipe at grocery prices as Election Day nears

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
November 04, 2024
Two Democratic lawmakers are urging an investigation of grocery stores that they say might be overcharging customers.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., sent a letter, seen by NBC News, to the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Agriculture on Sunday, calling on the agencies to investigate whether “major grocery chains may be making false and misleading representations regarding food sold by weight, leading to customers paying more for groceries than expected.”
Both lawmakers come from overwhelmingly Democratic states and are on the ballot this year. Warren is favored to win re-election, and Schiff, currently a high-ranking House member, is ahead in his bid to become California’s junior senator.
…
Read the full story here.
By: Alexandra ByrneSource: NBC News
Previous Article

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Joint meeting with CONT – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Source: European Parliament

On 11 November, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will discuss the ECA Special Report 20/2024 on the CAP environmental and climate performance. This discussion will be organised jointly with the Committee on Budgetary Control.

Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: November 1st, 2024 Heinrich, Hoeven: Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Designating November 2 as National Bison Day

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) announced that the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution they led to designate November 2, 2024, as National Bison Day.

“Bison represent resiliency and are an enduring symbol of American strength. They have been a critical part of our culture for generations — in New Mexico, across the West, and especially in Indian Country,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Senator Hoeven to recognize our national mammal and raise awareness for the ongoing efforts to conserve this unique species.”

“National Bison Day is an opportunity to commemorate our national mammal and the unique role that bison have played in America,” said Hoeven. “We are fortunate to have the bison as our emblem of the pioneering spirit exemplified by Americans throughout our history.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Heinrich and Hoeven introduced their bipartisan National Bison Legacy Act in 2015, and the legislation was signed into law in 2016. The National Bison Legacy Act recognized the bison’s significance in American history and designated it as the United States’ national mammal.

Heinrich and Hoeven are the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Marshall joins National Report: President Trump Has the Backs of American Farmers & Ranchers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Kansas City, Kansas. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined National Report on Newsmax to discuss the White House altering records of President Joe Biden calling Trump supporters ‘Garbage,’ and how Kamala Harris has sidelined American agriculture.
Senator Marshall highlighted his new op-ed, Farmers and Ranchers Turn to Trump to Deliver, that contrasts President Trump’s Farmers First agenda with the past four years of the Biden-Harris anti-agriculture agenda.
[embedded content]
You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from the interview include:
On White House Altering Record of Biden Calling Trump Supporters ‘Garbage’:
“I think this is the next chapter on why don’t Americans trust their federal government anymore. We see our jobs numbers again, were doctored as well, and we got a very horrible jobs report today.”
“At the end of the day, I think that people in the Midwest that we’re concerned about our values being attacked and lying and deceit is the opposite of the values that we were raised on. That we were raised on values like faith and family, and country. And here we have a Democrat Party, the leading candidate for the President of the United States of the Democrats, thinks that boys should compete in girls’ sports, that we should be paying for transgender surgeries, that boys should be in girls’ lockers. One more example of our values being attacked.”
On Kamala Harris’ Sidelining American Agriculture:
“Kamala Harris is going to continue this same aggressive assault on American agriculture, American energy, and those are really the same thing. Look, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris gave us a record drop in net farmer income… and they just drowned us in regulations. That drop in income occurred because our energy costs went up, fuel and fertilizers, but interest rates just swamped our farmers as well.”
“President Trump, on the other hand – we did great under him in the agricultural world. He rolled back regulations; he gave us trade agreements… Kamala Harris has not done one trade agreement. She’s not even tried to do a trade agreement. As I think of those Midwest states that are up for grabs, dairy is so important to them. Thanks to President Trump, our trade agreements have increased exports of milk products from $6 billion to $9 billion a year. So, President Trump has always prioritized agriculture. Every time I see President Trump, he asks me, Roger, how are your farmers doing? You know, he gave farmers $28 billion in that tariff money from China when they were manipulating markets as well. So, President Trump has the back of American farmers and ranchers.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins RFDTV to Discuss Improving 45Z Biofuel Tax Credit

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Kansas City, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Market Day Report on RFDTV to discuss the 45Z Biofuel Tax Credit and how we can ensure American Agriculture is being put first.

[embedded content]

You may click HERE or on the link above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
On The Current 45Z Tax Credit:
“I think that when they write the rules for this, there’s some big glitches. What I know is I don’t like China benefiting from it, which is what they’re doing right now. They’re manipulating the system. Look, I think that tax credits should be only for American farmers, and other countries shouldn’t enjoy any type of tax credit.”
“What China is doing right now is they’re bringing in cooking oil. Used cooking oil, but blending it with palm oil, which is not the right way to do this. So, they’re cheating and getting the tax credit. That’s why we need a president that understands agriculture. I just sat down with President Trump, spent half a morning with him, took two Kansas farmers with me, and discussed this very issue. That if 45Z is going to help other countries, we don’t even want it.”
“The way the Biden-Harris administration is doing this is wrong, as usual. Just remind your listeners, President Trump was the first person back in 2016 who embraced E15 and then gave us year-round E15 when he was president.”
On the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act:
“The farmers and ranchers need certainty, and that’s exactly what we’re speaking with President Trump about, is we need long term certainty and to be much better at these big, big investments.”
“Right now, we have a project in Kansas where we’re going to take corn stock and turn it into jet fuel, working with Southwest Airlines. So, I think that’s the future, but without this 45Z I think that project goes away… we need consistent rules, that working with the Treasury Department and getting USDA to give some voice there at the Treasury Department, exactly how this works out, but we need to put American farmers and ranchers first, not second. This tax credit is not meant to help other foreign entities and, frankly, farmers from other countries.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Marshall joins Varney & Co. on The Migrant Surge at The Border

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Kansas City, Kansas. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Fox Business’ Varney & Co. to discuss the migrant surge at the southern border leading up to a potential Trump presidency, and his new op-ed, Farmers and Ranchers Turn to Trump to Deliver, that contrasts President Trump’s Farmers First agenda with the past four years of the Biden-Harris anti-agriculture agenda.
Highlights from the interview include:
On Migrant Surge at The Border:
“That’s why we’re seeing a massive increase of people headed to the border right now trying to beat President Trump. Look, we have two administrations here. President Trump secured the border, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made the situation worse. This is why over 90% of Kansans don’t feel safe in their own homes right now, in their own communities. We’re losing a young Kansan every day to fentanyl poisoning across the country, 300 deaths to fentanyl poisoning every day.”
On President Trump Delivering for Rural America:
“Well, they’re going to get more trade markets, they are going to get less regulations. What Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gave us is a record drop in net farm income, a record drop in net farm income with increased regulations. They buried us in their regulations. Biden then Harris’s fuel prices, fertilizer prices and interest rates have just killed American farmers.”
“President Trump rolled back regulations, but he gave us these trade markets as well. He gave us USMCA. He gave us Japan and South Korea as well. And all of that has been increased trade for American farmers. I think dairy is a great example. You think of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin – dairy states. We’ve increased dairy exports from 6 billion to $9 billion thanks to President Trump’s trade agreements. And of course, the answer to how many trade agreements did Kamala Harris get done? And the answer is zero.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: USDA Awards Nearly $500,000 to Dakota Angus, LLC

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an award of nearly $500,000 to Dakota Angus, LLC. This funding, awarded through the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), will add up to five new routes for farm to consumer beef distributions and expand wholesale business through grocery stores, food hubs, convenient stores, and schools in underserved markets. The award will expand market opportunities for livestock producers, create additional local jobs, and diversify consumers’ options.

Dakota Angus, located in Drake, which represents two, third-generation livestock farms, has incorporated a value-added farm to its consumer beef program.

The LFPP, implemented under the Local Agriculture Market Program, supports projects to develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises and increase access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Lee, Marshall, Slam DHS for Tuberculosis Surge in U.S. as a Result of Open Southern Border

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
“There are many laws on the books to combat illegal immigration and its harmful effects, and it is past time for this administration to use them.”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as to how the department plans to address the surge in tuberculosis (TB) from illegal aliens being released into the U.S.
In a letter to Secretary Mayorkas, the senators admonished his management of the worst border crisis in U.S. history, which has put the lives and property of Americans at risk of harm. They also demand answers, by November 13, 2024, on whether the department is releasing aliens with TB, and what measures are being taken to prevent TB from spreading.
“For the past 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have willfully opened our borders, allowing millions of criminals, murderers, drug dealers, and terrorists to flood into our country unchecked,” said Senator Tuberville. “As a result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray have been brutally murdered by illegal aliens. But it doesn’t stop there – there have been no health screenings of these populations. Since the creation of the administration’s illegal parole programs, we have seen a 16% rise in Tuberculosis cases between 2022 and 2023 alone. How many more Americans have to needlessly lose their lives before the Biden-Harris administration will take the open border seriously? I join my Republican colleagues in calling on Secretary Mayorkas, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris to secure the border and save American lives.”
Full text of the letter can be found here and below.
October 30th, 2024
The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas
Secretary
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
Secretary Mayorkas,
Your mismanagement of the border continues to jeopardize the health and safety of American citizens. Due to your negligence and refusal to enforce our current laws, tuberculosis (TB) is rapidly spreading through the millions of unscreened illegal immigrants released into the interior of the United States putting American lives and health at severe risk.
While the United States previously had one of the lowest TB rates globally, steadily declining for 27 years, your appointment as the Secretary of Homeland Security in February 2021 ushered in a new era. Since then, TB case counts have continuously increased each year with a 16% increase from 2022 to 2023 alone. It is well-documented by academics and government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH) that foreign-born persons represent the greatest threat for the spread of TB, some of whom come from countries with TB rates as high as 60 times the U.S. rates.
Despite this increasing human health risk, you have turned what was once border security into a rubber-stamp for any individual seeking access to the interior. Since the start of Fiscal Year 2021, Customs and Border Protection recorded nearly 11 million inadmissible encounters and roughly two million known “gotaways” who evaded Border Patrol agents with unknown numbers of illegal aliens evading detection altogether. Rather than requiring immigrants to apply for status prior to arriving at the border, and undergo health screenings, your policies encourage immigrants to unlawfully enter the interior with no meaningful processing, screening, or security analysis. As reported by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the top seven nationalities encountered by CBP—Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Colombia, and Haiti—all have significantly higher TB case rates than the U.S. There can be no doubt that your administration’s failure to enforce the law is the cause for the dramatic and dangerous rise of TB in the U.S.
While unscreened illegal immigrants are bringing TB into the U.S., they are not the only ones suffering from it. As the CDC noted on March 24, 2024, “National [TB] case counts increased among all age groups and among both U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born persons” [emphasis added]. Given TB’s status as one of the world’s leading airborne infectious diseases, it is no wonder that a frightening number of Americans are contracting it. While FAIR correctly details in its report how border counties are bearing the brunt of the TB influx, it is abundantly clear that Americans across the U.S. are feeling the harmful effects of open border policies. The Biden Harris Administration’s border crisis has made every town in America a border town. Just this month, an illegal Chinese immigrant in Louisiana exposed hundreds of individuals in the U.S. to a rare and aggressive form of TB with high mortality rates.
There are many laws on the books to combat illegal immigration and its harmful effects, and it is past time for this administration to use them. In addition to closing the border, detaining and deporting inadmissible aliens, and working with the administration to re-instate the Remain-in-Mexico policy, we request that you reinstate Title 42 expulsion authority for this dangerous communicable disease. It is your duty to protect the health and safety of the American people.
Given the severity and time-sensitive nature of this crisis, please provide detailed responses to the following inquiries no later than November 13, 2024:
Does DHS recognize the correlation between increased illegal immigration to the U.S. from countries with high TB rates and the increase in TB cases in the U.S., including among U.S.-born persons?
Has DHS taken any meaningful steps to mitigate the spread of TB from illegal immigrants entering the country from high-rate countries? If yes, please explain.
Does DHS recognize the increase in tuberculosis cases as a public health crisis?
Has any DHS employee consulted with the White House on this issue?

Since January 20th, 2021, how many illegal immigrants has DHS screened for TB or referred to HHS for screening?
Are illegal immigrants screened for active and latent TB upon transfer to a detention facility?
If an illegal immigrant tests positive for either form of TB, what are the quarantine/removal protocols to protect border patrol agents and other detainees from infection?

Has DHS knowingly released or paroled illegal immigrants into the U.S. with an active or latent TB infection?
Does DHS have a contingency plan to address the rising number of TB-positive illegal immigrants entering the U.S. and prevent the spread to Americans?
If so, please explain.
Does this plan include coordination with the CDC and HHS to strengthen screening and testing protocols for TB-positive illegal immigrants?
Does this plan include using Title 42 expulsion authority under 8 U.S.C. §1182 to render immigrants with TB inadmissible?

Have you discussed this issue with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra?
If so, did the discussion include using Title 42 authority to declare TB a communicable disease of public health significance, thereby rendering immigrants with TB inadmissible?
If not, why not?

Have you discussed this issue with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy?
If so, did the discussion include using Title 42 expulsion authority to suspend entry for immigrants with TB?
If not, why not?

Sincerely,
MORE:
ICYMI: Tuberville Reacts to Kamala Harris’ Failure to Answer for Failed Border Policies
ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Fox Business to Discuss Biden’s Border Crisis
Tuberville Forces Vote on Border Safety and Security Act
Tuberville Honors Border Crisis Victims
Tuberville: “Our Priority Should Be Securing Our Border, Not A War In Eastern Europe”
Tuberville Stands With Texas on Border Security
Tuberville: Not One Dime For Ukraine Until The Border is Secure
U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, Bill Hagerty Hold DOJ Accountable for Failure to Prosecute Wrongful Voter Registration by Illegal Border Crossers
Tuberville Questions Pentagon Nominees On Defense Spending, Border Wall Sales
Tuberville Introduces Amendment to Secure the Border and Stop the Flow of Deadly Fentanyl
Tuberville Demands Biden Admin Protect Unaccompanied Children at the Border From Traffickers, Criminals
Tuberville Continues Fight to Secure Southern Border
Tuberville Demands Answers from DHS Regarding Chinese Nationals and Suspected Terrorists Exploiting the Open Southern Border
Tuberville, Colleagues Introduce Secure the Border Act of 2023
Tuberville, Armed Services Republicans Call for Halt to Border Wall Materials Auctions
Tuberville, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Strike Down Dangerous Biden Border Policy
Tuberville, Carter Reintroduce Empowering Law Enforcement Act as Border Crisis Intensifies
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin’s Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 2) held the Opening Ceremony of Robin’s Nest Country Park (RNCP) and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge, which is also one of the activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

RNCP, located in Sha Tau Kok, Northeastern New Territories, was established in March this year as the 25th country park in Hong Kong, forming an ecological corridor with Shenzhen Wutong Mountain. The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities themed “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park – The Interconnected Ecology and Landscape”, in which Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity was kick-started today. Through promotional videos and the activity, the public is encouraged to explore the rich green tourism resources of Robin’s Nest, which symbolises the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, from multiple perspectives.

Officiating at the opening ceremony include the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Mr Vic Yau; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Deputy Secretary-General of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Mr Chan Yaodong; the Second-level Inspector of the Urban Administration and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Yang Liqun, and the Deputy Director of the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Gao Erjian, etc.

In his opening speech, Mr Tse said that RNCP, which is connected to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, has beautiful sceneries, rich biodiversity and human history. Its establishment is beneficial for ecological conservation and history revitalisation, marking a significant milestone in the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The country has always emphasised on building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. In this regard, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the beauty of Hong Kong, including establishment of the North Lantau Marine Park, development of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park and updating of Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The HKSAR Government will continue to collaborate with all sectors of society to advance ecological civilisation and co-create a greener and more sustainable future.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan stated that the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain and Hong Kong RNCP are interconnected by mountain ranges, streams, waterways and cultures are close to each other. RNCP embodies the shared aspiration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen for a beautiful ecological environment, making it highly significant. It is hoped that both sides, being geographically interdependent, will continue to strengthen co-operation in areas such as resilience to climate change, development of Northern Metropolis in Hong Kong, technological innovations in ecology and environment, alignment of ecological and environmental planning and standard, development of the beautiful Loop as well as improvement of urban ecological spaces.

Following the opening ceremony, about 40 nature enthusiasts with extensive hiking experience from Shenzhen and Hong Kong embarked on the first hike of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge to enhance the exchanges and foster friendship between the two places.

In addition, the public and tourists can participant in the Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity from today until February 28 next year. Participants need to register on the Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge website (www.discoveringrncp.hk) and visit the eight designated checkpoints along the two hiking trails in RNCP, the Robin’s Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail, scanning QR codes with their smartphones at checkpoints to record their completion. Participants who have completed a designated number of checkpoints during the event will receive themed prizes of RNCP.

The AFCD reminds the public to take into account their physical strength, hiking experience and weather situation in planning a hike. The public are also encouraged to hike in groups and help conserve the countryside by practising proper hiking etiquette, for example by bringing along reusable water bottles and towels, and “Take Your Litter Home”.

Moreover, the AFCD has produced a series of promotional videos titled “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park” focusing on the natural scenery, biodiversity, and cultural history of Robin’s Nest. The public is welcome to enjoy the videos, which will be gradually uploaded to Hong Kong Country Parks YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@HongKongCountryParks).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Country park opens

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today held an opening ceremony for Robin’s Nest Country Park (RNCP) and launched a hiking challenge for the park that will also form part of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The 25th country park in Hong Kong, RNCP is located at Sha Tau Kok in the northeastern New Territories, and forms an ecological corridor with Shenzhen Wutong Mountain.

Officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan highlighted that the RNCP, which connects to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, boasts beautiful scenery and rich biodiversity.

“Its establishment is beneficial for ecological conservation and history revitalisation, marking a significant milestone in the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen,” he added.

Deputy Secretary-General of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government Chan Yaodong, who also officiated, stated that RNCP embodies the shared aspiration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen for a beautiful ecological environment.

Mr Chan said he hopes that both places will strengthen co-operation in areas such as resilience to climate change, the development of the Northern Metropolis, technological innovations in ecology and the environment, alignment of ecological and environmental planning and standards, the development of the Loop, and improvements to urban ecological spaces.

The public and tourists can participate in the Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge from today until February 28 next year.

Participants should register on the dedicated website, then visit eight designated checkpoints along the two hiking trails in RNCP, namely the Robin’s Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail. They can scan QR codes with their smartphones at checkpoints to record their progress in the challenge.

Participants who complete a designated number of checkpoints during the event will receive themed prizes.

Additionally, the AFCD has produced a series of promotional videos, titled Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park, and these are being uploaded to the Hong Kong Country Parks YouTube channel.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

Category: Agriculture

Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya PathIndonesian President Mr Prabowo Subianto to be the Chief Guest

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Host Over 400 Special Guests on the Occassion of the 76th Republic Day Celebrations, in New Delhi tomorrow6 Fishermen Invited to Meet the Hon’ble President of India ; 10 Special Invitees to be Felicitated by the Union Minister

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan applauds the achievement of women Self-Help Groups who emerged as Lakhpati through their engagement in various DAY-NRLM interventionsLakhpati Didis will not stop here but will become Crorepati and Arabpati soon: Shri Chouhan

FCI and state agencies procure 85.41 lakh metric tonne (LMT) of paddy in Punjab during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-2025 as of November 2Centre disburses Rs 19800 crore benefitting 4 lakh farmers

News release on compost reimbursement program

Backup for a global network

The seed vault’s cultural meaning

The politics of seed conservation

Storing more than seeds

How did we get here?

Why are pigs a problem?

How can we mitigate the risk?

A higher risk than ever before

Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

Indonesian President Mr Prabowo Subianto to be the Chief Guest

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Host Over 400 Special Guests on the Occassion of the 76th Republic Day Celebrations, in New Delhi tomorrow

6 Fishermen Invited to Meet the Hon’ble President of India ; 10 Special Invitees to be Felicitated by the Union Minister

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan applauds the achievement of women Self-Help Groups who emerged as Lakhpati through their engagement in various DAY-NRLM interventions

Lakhpati Didis will not stop here but will become Crorepati and Arabpati soon: Shri Chouhan

FCI and state agencies procure 85.41 lakh metric tonne (LMT) of paddy in Punjab during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-2025 as of November 2

Centre disburses Rs 19800 crore benefitting 4 lakh farmers