Category: Agriculture

MIL-OSI China: Chinese desert fruit export delivers new taste to Southeast Asia

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

HOHHOT, Sept. 21 — While durians from Thailand and Malaysia, bananas from the Philippines and passion fruit from Vietnam are well-received by Chinese consumers, a Chinese desert fruit is also making its way to Southeast Asian countries.

Cold-chain trucks shuttle in orchards in Horqin Sandy Land, a vast swathe of desertified area in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to load and transport fresh crabapples, newly picked in local orchards, to coastal ports for export to southeast Asian countries.

Teng Dayong, a fruit farmer in Horqin Left Wing Middle Banner (county) in the city of Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, manages a 190-mu (about 12.67 hectares) crabapple orchard in this area.

He said his fruit trees are going to produce 2,000 kilograms of crabapples per mu this year, earning him a net income of 10,000 yuan (1,418 U.S. dollars) per mu.

“Nearly half of the fruit from my orchard has been ordered for export to Southeast Asia,” said Teng.

The little chubby red fruit grown in the inland area is transported by trucks to Chinese ports such as Dalian for marine shipping. It is expected to appear on the shelves of supermarkets in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand after ten days of cold-chain transport.

Horqin Sandy Land is one of China’s largest sandy areas, stretching over 77.6 million mu and straddling three Chinese provincial-level regions, namely Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Liaoning.

Aoserji, director of the forestry and grassland administration in the county, said that decades ago, locals had planted poplar trees to serve as shields against sand. However, these trees consumed a lot of water and offered poor economic benefits.

The forestry and grassland academy in Tongliao later developed a crabapple variety that serves both ecological and economic purposes, said Aoserji.

Nowadays, farmers are keen to grow the variety, which is sweet and nutritious, and cold-resistant and drought-tolerant, he explained.

Located in the hinterland of Horqin Sandy Land, the city of Tongliao now boasts 350,000 mu of crabapple trees, achieving an annual output of more than 100,000 tonnes, while the output value is close to 500 million yuan.

This year, fruit farmer Teng has partnered with a Malaysian Chinese to set up a fruit packing and export company. The partner, Zeny Yong, has ordered crabapples from Teng for several years.

Kailu County in Tongliao has recorded an export volume of more than 100 tonnes of crabapples a year, and exports this fruit to a number of countries including Thailand, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

The county has built a cold storage facility capable of storing 1,000 tonnes of this fruit, thereby keeping it fresh until April and May the following year for export.

MIL OSI China News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit
Source: The White House

On September 21, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. hosted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in Wilmington, Delaware, for the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit.

The Quad was established to be a global force for good. This year, the Quad is proudly executing tangible projects that benefit partner countries across the Indo-Pacific—including in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region. The Quad is working together at unprecedented scope and scale to deliver on Indo-Pacific partners’ priorities. Together, the Quad is leading ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease; respond to natural disasters; strengthen their maritime domain awareness and maritime security; mobilize and build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure; invest in and benefit from critical and emerging technologies; confront the threat of climate change; bolster cyber security; and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders.

ENDURING PARTNERS FOR THE INDO-PACIFIC

Over the past four years, Quad Leaders have met six times, including twice virtually. Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, most recently in Tokyo in July. Quad country representatives convene on a regular basis, at all levels, to consult one another, exchange ideas to advance shared priorities, and deliver benefits for partners across the Indo-Pacific region. All Quad governments have institutionalized the Quad at all levels and across a diverse array of departments and agencies. Today, Quad Leaders announced new initiatives to solidify these habits of cooperation and to set up the Quad to endure for the long-term.
- Each Quad government has committed to work through their respective budgetary processes to secure robust funding for Quad priorities in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure an enduring impact.
- The Quad governments also intend to work with their respective legislatures to deepen interparliamentary exchanges, and encourage other stakeholders to deepen engagement with Quad counterparts. Yesterday, Members of Congress announced the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Quad Caucus.
- In the coming months, Quad Commerce and Industry ministers will meet for the first time.
- Quad Leaders also welcome the leaders of the Quad Development Finance Institutions and Agencies deciding to meet to explore future investments by the four countries in the Indo-Pacific, including in health security, food security, clean energy, and quality infrastructure. This builds on a previous meeting in 2022 between the heads of the Export Finance Australia, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, India Export-Import Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
- The United States will host the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, and India will host the 2025 Quad Leaders Summit.
GLOBAL HEALTH & HEALTH SECURITY

In 2023, the Quad announced the Quad Health Security Partnership to strengthen coordination and collaboration in support of health security in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad Health Security Partnership is delivering on its commitments to strengthen the Indo-Pacific’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks of diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential, including through a set of new initiatives announced today.

Quad Cancer Moonshot
- The Quad is launching the historic Quad Cancer Moonshot, a collective effort to leverage public and private resources to reduce the number of lives lost to cancer in the Indo-Pacific, with an initial focus on cervical cancer. Altogether, the Quad Cancer Moonshot announced today is projected to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades. More information can be found here.
Pandemic Preparedness
- Quad countries are committed to supporting health security and resiliency efforts across the region, including continued support for the Pandemic Fund.
- The Quad reaffirms commitment to bolstering health security across the Indo-Pacific region. In 2024, the Quad Health Security Partnership advanced regional resilience through the second pandemic preparedness table top exercise, building on the success of the Quad Vaccine Partnership to enhance prevention, early detection, and response to potential disease outbreaks, and is exploring developing Standard Operating Procedures for Pandemic Response. The Quad’s collaborative efforts included training health specialists from the Indo-Pacific to strengthen regional capabilities for health emergencies.
- India will host a workshop on pandemic preparedness and release a white paper outlining emergency public health responses.
- Australia is increasing the pool of public health specialists who are ready to deploy, in-country or in the region, in response to disease outbreaks, with the first training session to commence in Darwin, Australia, in the coming days.
- In coordination with Quad partners, the United States is pledging over $84.5 million to partner with fourteen countries in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.
Mpox
- In response to the current clade I mpox outbreak, as well as the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak, the Quad plans to coordinate our efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries.
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF (HADR)

Twenty years ago, the Quad first came together to respond to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, surging humanitarian assistance to affected countries. In 2022, Quad Foreign Ministers signed the Guidelines for the Quad Partnership on HADR in the Indo-Pacific. In May 2024, following a tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea, Quad countries coordinated their response in accordance with these guidelines. The Quad collectively provided over $5 million in humanitarian assistance. Quad partners continue to support Papua New Guinea in its longer-term resiliency efforts. The Quad continues to deepen HADR coordination and support partners in the region in their longer-term resiliency efforts.
- Quad governments are working to ensure readiness to rapidly respond, including through pre-positioning of essential relief supplies, in the event of a natural disaster; this effort extends from the Indian Ocean region, to Southeast Asia, to the Pacific.
- In the coming months, Quad HADR experts will conduct a tabletop exercise to prepare for potential future disasters in the region.
- Quad partners are working together to provide over $4 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Vietnam in light of the devastating consequences of Typhoon Yagi.
MARITIME SECURITY

Quad partners are working side-by-side with partners throughout the region to bolster maritime security, improve maritime domain awareness, and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness and Maritime Training
- Quad Leaders launched the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) at the 2022 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo. This initiative provides partners with near-real-time, cost-effective, cutting-edge radio frequency data, enabling them to better monitor their waters; counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; respond to climate change and natural disasters; and enforce their laws within their waters.
- Since the announcement, in consultation with partners, the Quad has successfully scaled the program across the Indo-Pacific region—through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, with partners in Southeast Asia, to the Information Fusion Center—Indian Ocean Region, Gurugram. In doing so, the Quad has helped well over two dozen countries access dark vessel maritime domain awareness data, so they can better monitor the activities in their exclusive economic zones—including unlawful activity.
- In the next phase of implementation, announced today, the Quad intends to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year, to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region. The Quad intends to leverage electro-optical data and advanced analytic software to sharpen the maritime domain awareness picture for partners.
- Today the Quad announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to enable our partners in the region Indo-Pacific partners to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior. The Quad countries look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025.
- Quad countries are coordinating comprehensive and complementary training across the full suite of legal, operational, and technical maritime security and law enforcement knowledge domains. Quad partners have pledged to expand engagement with regional maritime law enforcement fora, share best practices, and improve civil maritime cooperation.
Indo-Pacific Logistics Network
- The Quad launches today a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to pursue shared airlift capacity among the four nations and leverage collective logistics strengths, in order to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region. This effort will complement existing efforts with Indo-Pacific partners.
Coast Guard Cooperation
- The U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific to improve interoperability. Through this effort, members of Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard will spend time on board a U.S. Coast Guard vessel operating in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad intends to continue with further missions in the Indo-Pacific.
QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE

The Quad is delivering quality, resilient infrastructure to the region to increase connectivity, build regional capacity, and meet critical needs.
- This year, the Quad countries’ export credit agencies (ECAs) signed and are implementing a Memorandum of Cooperation, which supports supply chain resilience, critical and emerging technologies, renewable energy, and other high-quality projects in the Indo-Pacific. Quad ECAs are strengthening communication on pipeline information and provision of relevant financing for projects in the Indo-Pacific region, and will pursue joint business promotion efforts that involve industry experts, project developers, and other major market players.
- The Quad released joint Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure, underscoring the Quad’s commitment to an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, reliable, and secure digital future to advance shared prosperity and sustainable development.
- The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure organized a workshop in India to empower partners across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen power sector resilience.
Quad Ports of the Future Partnership
- The Quad Ports of the Future Partnership will harness the Quad’s expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific, in collaboration with regional partners.
- In 2025, Quad partners intend to hold the inaugural Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai.
- Through this new partnership, Quad partners intend to coordinate, exchange information, share best practices with partners in the region, and leverage resources to mobilize government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region.
Quad Infrastructure Fellows
- The Quad Infrastructure Fellowship was announced at the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit to improve capacity and deepen professional networks across the region to design, manage, and attract investment in infrastructure projects. Over the past year, it has expanded to more than 2,200 experts, and Quad partners have already provided well over 1,300 fellowships.
Undersea Cables and Digital Connectivity
- Through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, Quad partners continue to support and strengthen quality undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific, the capacity, durability, and reliability of which are inextricably linked to the security and prosperity of the region and the world.
- In support of these efforts, Australia launched the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in July, which is delivering workshops and policy and regulatory assistance in response to requests from across the region.
- Japan has conducted capacity building trainings to enhance connectivity and resilience in the Indo-Pacific through cooperation with specialized agencies and international organizations. Japan intends to further extend technical cooperation to improve public information and communication technology infrastructure management capacity for an undersea cable in Nauru and Kiribati.
- The United States has conducted over 1,300 capacity building trainings for telecommunication officials and executives from 25 countries in the Indo-Pacific; today the U.S. announces its intent, working with Congress, to invest an additional $3.4 million to extend and expand this training program.
- Investments in cable projects by Quad partners will help support all Pacific island countries in achieving primary telecommunication cable connectivity by the end of 2025. Since the last Quad Leaders’ Summit, Quad partners have committed over $140 million to undersea cable builds in the Pacific, alongside contributions from other likeminded partners.
- Complementing these investments in new undersea cables, India has commissioned a feasibility study to examine expansion of undersea cable maintenance and repair capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
CRITICAL AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

The Quad is working in lockstep to stay at the forefront of technology innovation, and remains committed to harnessing emerging technologies for the benefit of people across the Indo-Pacific, and deploying these technologies to facilitate economic prosperity, openness, and connectivity.

Open Radio Access Network (RAN) and 5G
- In 2023, Quad partners announced the first-ever Open RAN deployment in the Pacific, in Palau, to support a secure, resilient, and interconnected telecommunications ecosystem. Since then, the Quad has committed approximately $20 million to this effort. Building on this initiative, the Quad announces an expansion of Open RAN collaboration to deliver trusted technology solutions.
- The Quad plans to expand support for ongoing Open RAN field trials and the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA) in the Philippines, building on the initial $8 million in support that the United States and Japan pledged earlier this year.
- In addition, the United States plans to invest over $7 million to support the global expansion of AORA, including through establishing a first-of-its-kind Open RAN workforce training initiative at scale in South Asia, in partnership with Indian institutions.
- Quad partners also welcome the opportunity to explore additional Open RAN projects in Southeast Asia.
- Quad partners will also explore collaborating with the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to ensure the country’s readiness for nationwide 5G deployment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Through the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture (AI-ENGAGE) initiative announced at the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit, Quad governments are deepening leading-edge collaborative research to harness artiﬁcial intelligence, robotics, and sensing, to transform agricultural approaches and empower farmers across the Indo-Pacific. The Quad announces an inaugural $7.5+ million in funding opportunities for joint research, and highlights the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation among the four countries’ science agencies to connect research communities and advance shared research principles.
- The Quad recognizes the importance of advancing international efforts to achieve safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, including through the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process, GPAI New Delhi Ministerial Declaration 2023, and UN General Assembly resolution 78/625 on “Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development.” The Quad seeks to further deepen international cooperation on artificial intelligence systems and interoperability among artificial intelligence governance frameworks.
- Quad countries, through the Standards Sub-Group, launched two Track 1.5 dialogues on AI and Advanced Communications Technologies to promote international standardization cooperation, including frameworks for AI conformity assessment.
Biotechnology
- The Quad partners look forward to launching the BioExplore Initiative – a joint effort supported by an initial $2 million in funding to use AI technology to study and analyze biological ecosystems across all four countries. This initiative will help advance our ability to discover and use the diverse capabilities found in living organisms to yield new products and innovations with the potential to diagnose and treat disease, develop resilient crops, generate clean energy, and much more. The initiative will also aim to build technological capacity across the Quad nations.
- This project will also be underpinned by the forthcoming Quad Principles for Research and Development Collaborations in Critical and Emerging Technologies, which advances sustainable, responsible, safe and secure collaborations in biotechnologies and other critical technologies among the Quad and across the region.
Semiconductors
- Quad Leaders welcome the finalization of a Memorandum of Cooperation for the Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network to facilitate collaboration in addressing semiconductor supply chain risks.
The Quad Investors Network

The Quad Investors Network (QUIN) is a nonprofit initiative launched at the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit. The QUIN aims to accelerate investments in critical and emerging technologies across the Indo-Pacific region, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, technologists, and public institutions from the Quad countries to support innovation that aligns with the Quad’s shared values and promotes economic growth, resilience, and regional stability. This year, the QUIN supported ten major strategic investments and partnerships across the Quad in the critical minerals, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and aerospace sectors.
- The QUIN has advanced additional frameworks to foster the development of new technologies and facilitate investment partnerships for emerging startups, including through finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding for the creation of a startup campus in Tokyo, supported by the QUIN and the Chiba Institute of Technology’s Center for Radical Transformation.
- The QUIN is also working to establish a new venture accelerator in Tokyo through a collaboration between the University of Tokyo, Northeastern University, and the QUIN. These collaborations will not only fuel technological advancements but also strengthen the economic ties among the Quad nations, contributing to a more integrated and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
- Finally, the QUIN developed a Quantum Center of Excellence, which produced a report this year highlighting ways each Quad country’s Quantum ecosystems can work together to collectively leverage capital and expertise.
CLIMATE AND CLEAN ENERGY

The Quad recognizes the existential threat climate change poses to the world, the Indo-Pacific, and in particular island nations in the Pacific and in the Indian Ocean region, and is taking ambitious steps to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, promote clean energy innovation and adoption, and support sustainable development.

Climate Adaptation
- The Quad intends to expand its Early Warning Systems and the Climate Information Services Initiative (CIS), announced at the 2023 Leaders’ Summit. This will help improve Pacific Island countries’ access to high-quality climate data and services, and increase partners’ capacity to prepare for and respond to climate change and its impacts.
- The United States plans to provide 3D-printed automatic weather stations to the Pacific in 2025 to support local weather and climate forecasts, and also train experts in Fiji with the goal of operating a regional center to develop and deploy this technology.
- Australia is also strengthening Early Warning Systems through Weather Ready Pacific, a Pacific-led initiative supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 2021 that drives and delivers on the EWS4ALL UN initiative in the Pacific.
- Japan is also enhancing cooperation with Pacific Island countries under its “Pacific Climate Resilience Initiative”, inter alia, by strengthening disaster risk reduction and preparedness through satellite technology and by promoting clean energy through capacity building and installation of renewable energies.
- The Quad also plans to train experts in Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu to better monitor and forecast flash floods, for timely and accurate warnings, reducing human and economic losses from flash floods.
Clean Energy
- Our countries intend to strengthen our cooperation to align policies, incentives, standards, and investments around creating high-quality, diversified clean energy supply chains that will enhance our collective energy security, create new economic opportunities across the region, and benefit local workers and communities around the world, particularly across the Indo-Pacific. We will work together, through policy and public finance, to operationalize our commitment to catalyzing complementary and high-standard private sector investment in allied and partner clean energy supply chains. We note the uniquely complementary capabilities Quad partners share across the battery supply chain, and pledge to focus near-term efforts on strengthening mineral production, recycling, and battery manufacturing across our respective industries.
- Quad Leaders announced a Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program last year, which aims to support the development of secure and diversified clean energy supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia will open applications for the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chains Diversification Program in November, providing AUD 50 million to support projects that develop and diversify solar panel, hydrogen electrolyzer and battery supply chains. Secure and diversified clean energy supply chains are an integral part of achieving the Indo-Pacific’s collective energy security, emissions reduction goals and transition to a net zero future.
- India commits to invest $2 million in new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
- Japan has committed to $122 million grants and loans, both public and private, in renewable energy projects in the Indo-Pacific.
- The United States, through the DFC, has extended a $250 million loan to Tata Power Solar to construct a solar cell manufacturing facility and a $500 million loan to First Solar to construct and operate a solar module manufacturing facility in India, and continues to seek opportunities to mobilize private capital to solar, as well as wind, cooling, batteries, and critical minerals to expand capacity and diversify supply chains.
- The Quad announces an initiative to boost energy efficiency, including the deployment and manufacturing of affordable, high-efficiency, cooling systems, to enable climate-vulnerable communities to adapt to rising temperatures while simultaneously reducing strain on the electricity grid. The United States intends to invest an initial $1.25 million of technical assistance financing to this effort.
CYBER SECURITY

The Quad is working together to build a more resilient, secure, and complementary cyber security environment for Quad countries and partners.
- The Quad has [developed/released] the Quad Action Plan to Protect Commercial Undersea Telecommunications Cables, to advance the Quad’s shared vision for future digital connectivity, global commerce, and prosperity.
- Quad countries are also partnering with software manufacturers, industry trade groups, and research centers to expand the Quad’s commitment to pursuing secure software development standards and certification, as endorsed in the Quad’s 2023 Secure Software Joint Principles.
- Quad partners will work to harmonize these standards to not only ensure that the development, procurement, and end-use of software for government networks is more secure, but that the cyber resilience of our supply chains, digital economies, and societies are collectively improved.
- Throughout this fall, each Quad country plans to host events to mark the annual Quad Cyber Challenge promoting responsible cyber ecosystems, public resources, and cybersecurity awareness. This year’s Cyber Challenge campaigns will focus on establishing career pathway programs to increase the number and diversity of global cybersecurity professionals, including increased participation by women, in this rapidly growing field. Last year’s Quad Cyber Challenge included over 85,000 participants across the Indo-Pacific region.
- Capacity building projects like the Quad Cyber Bootcamp and the international conference on cyber capacity building in the Philippines are important initiatives to enhance cybersecurity and workforce development in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Quad is undertaking joint efforts to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities to national security and protection of critical infrastructure networks, and coordinate more closely including on policy responses to sharing of cyber threat information on significant cybersecurity incidents affecting shared priorities.
COUNTERING DISINFORMATION

The Quad is working together to foster a resilient information environment, including through its Countering Disinformation Working Group, by supporting media freedom and addressing foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation, which undermines trust and sows discord in the international community.

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES

Quad countries are building enduring ties between their peoples. Stakeholders from Quad countries have participated in International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other exchanges, on topics related to cyber security, workforce development for critical and emerging technologies, women in STEM, government transparency and accountability, combating disinformation, and regional maritime governance.

The Quad Fellowship
- Together with the Institute of International Education, which leads implementation of the Quad Fellowship, Quad governments welcome the second cohort of Quad Fellows and the expansion of the program to include students from ASEAN countries for the first time. The Government of Japan is supporting the program to enable Quad Fellows to study in Japan. The Quad welcomes the generous support of private sector partners for the next cohort of fellows, including Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital.
- The Quad looks forward to the Quad Fellowship Summit in Washington, DC, in October, organized by the Institute of International Education.
Additional People-to-People Initiatives
- India announces a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a 4-year undergraduate engineering program at a Government of India-funded technical institution.
SPACE

The Quad recognizes the essential contribution of space-related applications and technologies in the Indo-Pacific. The four countries plan to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events.
- The Quad welcomes India’s establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact.
Space Situational Awareness Initiative
- Quad partners intend to share expertise and experience in space situational awareness (SSA), contributing to long-term sustainability of the space environment. Cooperation is intended to leverage SSA and space traffic coordination capabilities in the civil domain, including to help avoid collisions in outer space and manage debris.
COUNTERING TERRORISM

The Quad hosted its first Counter Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) in 2023 and will meet annually to discuss CT threats, Quad CT good practices, and ways the Quad can work together to mitigate acts of terrorism through information sharing, consequence management and strategic messaging. The Quad CTWG currently focuses on countering the use of unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear devices (CBRN), and the internet for terrorist purposes. The Quad CTWG discusses new CT lines of effort on which to collaborate, hosts technical workshops for establishing CT good practices, and explores ways to engage non-Quad members with Quad-established CT expertise.

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MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI China: Eastern foot of Helan Mountain enters harvest season of wine grape

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Eastern foot of Helan Mountain enters harvest season of wine grape

Updated: September 22, 2024 09:40 Xinhua

Freshly-harvested grapes are pictured in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. With a dry climate and abundant sunshine, the eastern foot of Helan Mountain is widely regarded as a “golden zone” for wine grape cultivation and high-end wine production. The region has entered this year’s harvest season of the wine grape recently. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows farmers transporting harvested grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

Workers sort harvested grapes in a winery at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows farmers harvesting grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows farmers transporting harvested grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

A worker checks the fermenting grapes in a winery at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows farmers transporting harvested grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

A farmer carries harvested grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A farmer harvests grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A farmer harvests grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows farmers harvesting grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

Farmers transport harvested grapes in a vineyard at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: Government boosts Regional Development with legislation passed by Parliament
Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: Government boosts Regional Development with legislation passed by Parliament

Published: 20 September 2024

Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation today that will greatly enhance the delivery of regional economic development and to build stronger communities across rural and regional NSW.
Significant changes to the Regional Development Act by the Government, have lifted community confidence in how taxpayer funds will be used in regional NSW following years of porkbarrelling and mismanagement by the former Nationals/Liberal Government.

The NSW Government is committed to delivering change and ensuring government investments are targeted and will make a real positive difference to people and communities.

The modernised Regional Development Act reflects the community feedback and 232 submissions received in response to the community engagement on the Bill.

This engagement also included hearing from rural and remote council Mayors and general managers, regional Councils, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Business NSW, NSW Farmers, Regional Development Australia, regionally located Universities and the NSW Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network.

The new legislation provides a robust framework for how the Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust supports community needs and economic development in the communities it is designed to serve.

The changes introduce independent accountability, greatly improve cooperation between all levels of government and provide greater transparency in funding arrangements for regional development projects.

The Regional Development Act has now been modernised with:
- Updated objects of the Act to reflect the contemporary needs of rural and regional NSW and encourage cooperation and collaboration with all tiers of government including local government
- Broader types of financial investment that can be provided from the Regional Development Trust to better respond to the challenges and opportunities in rural and regional NSW
- Reinvestment enabled into the Regional Development Trust by government, private sector and non-for-profit organisations
- Strengthened accountability and transparency through new governance and reporting provisions requiring the publication of an annual report, investment strategy and governance framework so the public have a clear understanding of the focus and investment of the Regional Development Trust
- A mandate that the Minister must establish a Regional Development Advisory Council so that independent expert advice is a constant component of the administration of the Regional Development Trust.
As part of the modernised Regional Development Act, the Regional Development Advisory Council will provide independent advice and oversight on investments from the Regional Development Trust.

Community members interested in shaping the future prosperity of regional NSW are encouraged to apply to become part of the NSW Government’s Regional Development Advisory Council.

Expressions of Interest for the new Advisory Council opened on 11 September 2024 and close on 11:59PM Wednesday 9 October.

For more information about the Regional Development go to: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-development-roadmap

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Updating the Regional Development Act is an important milestone that ensures investments into rural and regional communities from the Government’s $400 Regional Development Trust are strategic and provide real benefits for regional communities.

“This new Act represents the full delivery of the Regional Development Roadmap to update our regional development framework. This is in addition to the establishment of the regional development advisory council and the investment of $400m into the regional development trust.

“The Trust will invest where it is needed most and support projects that deliver meaningful benefit to regional communities.

“With these changes, regional communities can have full confidence that investments are made in a fair and transparent way underpinned by independent expert advice.”
MIL OSI News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Africa: Road reopened to clear traffic at Van Reenen’s Pass following heavy snow

Source: South Africa News Agency

The road at Van Reenen’s Pass has been reopened to clear traffic, the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) and its concessionaire, the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), announced on Sunday.

“Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and N3TC route services will now commence to slowly escort stranded road users out of the area in the southbound lanes towards KwaZulu-Natal,” an official statement read.

Meanwhile, graders and rescue teams are continuing to clear a safe passage for road users stranded in the vicinity of Swinburne and Montrose.

“Please remain patient while the next phase of the rescue and recovery operation is being completed,” said Sanral’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing, Vusi Mona.

Major routes on the N3 were at a complete standstill as heavy snow wreaked havoc, leaving many motorists stranded.

Sanral has advised road users to carefully follow the instructions of rescue teams and road traffic officials once they receive the go-ahead to proceed and drive slowly, and with the utmost caution and care.

“As we gear up to reopen the N3 Toll Route, Sanral and N3TC would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all disaster relief organisations, road incident management teams, humanitarian groups, local farmers, and community associations who have provided emergency services and essential aid to stranded motorists.

“Your selfless efforts exemplify dedication and compassion in action. You are the real heroes of the N3 Toll Route,” said Chief Operating Officer of the N3TC, Thania Dhoogra.

Mona has also expressed gratitude to road users who remained patient, vigilant and compliant under very trying circumstances.

“It was a tremendously difficult period for everyone affected, but you have been phenomenal in demonstrating resilience and strong spirit,” Dhoogra added.

For regular verified traffic updates, please follow @N3Route on X, or contact the 24-hour N3 helpline on 0800 63 43 57 for emergency assistance.

Follow updates from SANRAL via X and Facebook. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare participates vigorously in the Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 Campaign

Source: Government of India

Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare participates vigorously in the Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 Campaign

Around 600 swachhata related activities are to be undertaken by the Department with all its subordinate/ attached/ autonomous bodies/Public Sector Undertaking/field offices spread all over the country during the Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 campaign

Drawing competition with theme of “Swachhata” for the wards of the Safaimitra was organised today by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 1:47PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers‘ Welfare is participating vigorously in the Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 Campaign. Around 600 swachhata related activities are to be undertaken by the Department with all its subordinate/ attached/ autonomous bodies/Public Sector Undertaking/field offices spread all over the country during the Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 campaign.

A drawing competition with theme of “Swachhata” for the wards of the Safaimitra was organised today by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare in the Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was graced by Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi and Additional Secretary in the Department Ms. Shubha Thakur.

In the said drawing competition, more than 60 children participated.

Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 (SHS, 2024) campaign being spearheaded by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, is being observed from 17^th September to 1^st October with the Theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’ and thereafter Swachh Bharat Diwas will be celebrated on the 2^nd October, 2024.

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(Release ID: 2057275) Visitor Counter : 8

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying participates as a partner department in the 8th India Water Week 2024 exhibition at Pragati Maidan, Delhi

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 12:03PM by PIB Delhi

President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated 8^th India Water Week 2024 on 17^th September 2024 at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) participated in the 8th India Water Week 2024 exhibition which held from 17th to 20th September 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, as a partner department.

The DAHD exhibition showcased the concept of “Water Footprint in the Livestock Sector” and it’s impact in the production of livestock and poultry in the Indian Scenario. The flagship schemes and programs implementing by the department and its achievements were also exhibited in the DAHD stall.

The DAHD’s exhibition aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti was the lead Ministry who organized the India Water Week-2024 from 17-20 September 2024. The event served as a global platform to elicit ideas and opinions from global level decision-makers, politicians, researchers, experts, planners, innovators, students and stakeholders in the field of water resources from across the world, focusing on “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management”.

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(Release ID: 2057255) Visitor Counter : 27

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurates the two-day National Symposium of CLFMA of India in Goa yesterday

Source: Government of India (2)

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurates the two-day National Symposium of CLFMA of India in Goa yesterday

Several schemes aims at organizing the unorganized dairy sector and addressing the shortage of feed and fodder: Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 12:05PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated the two-day National Symposium of CLFMA of India in Goa yesterday. CLFMA of India Chairman, Shri Suresh Deora, Animal Husbandry Commissioner at the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Dr. Abhijit Mitra and former Joint Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri O.P. Choudhary were also present in the event.

In his address, Shri Rajiv Ranjan highlighted the Central Government’s significant efforts to promote domestic solutions in animal husbandry and reduce reliance on imports. He also mentioned several schemes aimed at organizing the unorganized dairy sector and addressing the shortage of feed and fodder. Praising CLFMA’s initiatives, he expressed hope that such discussions would aid the government in policy-making.

Shri Suresh Deora emphasized the importance of the livestock sector in the Indian economy, noting that it provides employment for farmers and those involved in animal husbandry. The industry has an annual turnover of ₹12 lakh crore, and global demand for high-quality livestock products like eggs, meat, milk and cheese continues to rise.

Dr. Abhijit Mitra stressed the need for better coordination and collaboration between the government, industry and research institutes to benefit India’s livestock sector. At the event, CLFMA of India honoured Shri O.P. Choudhary with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

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(Release ID: 2057256) Visitor Counter : 19

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Activities of Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare during Preparatory Phase from 16th to 30th September 2024 under Special Campaign 4.0

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 10:57AM by PIB Delhi

Special Campaign 4.0 was launched by Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) for minimizing pendency in Government offices. Special Campaign 4.0 is being implemented in two phases namely Preparatory Phase from 15^th – 30^th September 2024 and Main Phase from 2^nd – 31^st October 2024.

For the Preparatory Phase, Video Conference Meeting held with all Nodal Officers of Sections/Divisions of this Department and of Subordinate / Attached Offices, PSU, Autonomous Bodies and Authorities under the administrative control of DA&FW. They have been asked to identify the pendency as per the parameters of DARPG’s guidelines. One PIB Note on preparatory phase have already been released by this Department.

Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi along with Additional Secretary & Joint Secretary, DA&FW visited various floors in Krishi Bhawan to review cleanliness of Building.

Secretary along with Additional Secretary & Joint Secretary also visited Record Room and various Sections/divisions in Shastri Bhawan to review progress of Record Management and cleanliness of sites.

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(Release ID: 2057250) Visitor Counter : 61

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare releases the Third Advance Estimates of 2023-24 of Area and Production of various Horticultural Crops

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare releases the Third Advance Estimates of 2023-24 of Area and Production of various Horticultural Crops

Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 10:55AM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released the Third Advance Estimates of 2023-24 of Area and Production of various Horticultural Crops compiled on the basis of information received from States/ UTs and other Governmental source agencies.

Total Horticulture	2022-23	2023-24 (2nd Adv. Est.)	2023-24 (3rd Adv. Est.)
Area (in Million Ha)	28.44	28.63	28.98
Production (in Million Tonne)	355.48	352.23	353.19

Highlights of 2023-24 (Third Advance Estimates)

The horticulture production in the country in 2023-24 (Third Advance Estimates) is estimated to be about 353.19 Million Tonnes, decrease of about 22.94 Lakh Tonnes (0.65%) over 2022-23 (Final Estimates).
Increase in production of Fruits, Honey, Flowers, Plantation Crops, Spices and Aromatics & Medicinal Plants is seen over 2023-24 (Final Estimates).
Production of Fruits in 2023-24 is expected to increase by 2.29 % over 2022-23 i.e to 112.73 Million Tonne, mainly due to increases in production of mango, banana, lime/lemon, grapes, custard apple and other fruits. On the other hand, production of apple, sweet orange, mandarin, guava, litchi, pomegranate, pineapple are expected to decrease as compared to 2022-23.
Production of Vegetables is envisaged to be around 205.80 Million Tonnes. Increase is expected in production of tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, tapioca, bottle gourd, pumpkin, carrot, cucumber, bitter gourd, parwal and okra, whereas, decrease in production is envisaged in potato, onion, brinjal, elephant foot yam, capsicum, and other vegetables.
Production of Onion is expected to be at 242.44 Lakh Tonne in 2023-24 (Third Advance Estimates) .
Potato production in the country is expected to around 570.49 Lakh Tonne in 2023-24 (Third Advance Estimates) that is, mainly due to decrease in production reported in Bihar and West Bengal.
Production of Tomato is expected to be 213.20 Lakh Tonne in 2023-24 (Third Advance Estimates) compared to around 204.25 Lakh Tonne last year, an increase by 4.38.

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(Release ID: 2057249)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Food India 2024 concludes today

Source: Government of India

World Food India 2024 concludes today

Remarkable turnout of 1557 exhibitors, 20 country pavilions ; notable participation from 809 buyers from 108 countries & 2390 foreign delegates

13 State Ministers & 4 Central Ministers graced event

Union Minister for Ministry of Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan participated in six G2G meetings

Event supported by 9 Ministries/Departments , 8 associated bodies and 26 states

CEO Roundtable & Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 held

4 day event comprised 40 sessions, featuring Thematic, State, Allied Ministries and Country & Organization sessions

Startup Grand Challenge & Chef Competition held ; Partnerships between NIFTEM- K with 11 companies, 3 Development partners and Associations & 4 Academic and Research organizations

Event marked achievement of 100 days action plan of Government

Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 2:34PM by PIB Delhi

‘World Food India 2024’, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, concluded today. The 3rd edition of this mega food event, held from 19^thto 22^ndSeptember 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, was inaugurated jointly by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries & Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State, Food Processing Industries & Railways.

Third edition of #WFI2024 began at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi with inauguration of more than 50 MOFPI-supported food processing units under the #PLISFPI, #PMKSY & disbursement of credit-linked subsidies to 25,000 #PMFME beneficiaries & sanction seed capital to 70,000 SHG members. pic.twitter.com/MS5BscuiKf

— FOOD PROCESSING MIN (@MOFPI_GOI) September 20, 2024

On this occasion, food processing units at 67 locations under PLISFPI and PMKSY schemes with total investments of Rs 5,135 crores were inaugurated, Credit linked support was provided to 25,000 beneficiaries for micro projects worth Rs 2,351 crores under PMFME scheme and Rs 245 crores seed capital sanctioned to 70,000 SHG members under PMFME scheme. Senior government dignitaries, global investors, global food regulators, and industry leaders from around the world participated in the event. The event marked the achievement of the 100 days action plan of the Government.

“In the modern era, through progressive agricultural practices, strong administrative frameworks, and cutting-edging technologies, our effort is to ensure that India sets global benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and safety in the food sector : PM @narendramodi ji pic.twitter.com/iLJXtBAgSG

— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) September 20, 2024

The Mega Food Event was supported by nine Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, 8 associated bodies, and 26 states. The event featured a remarkable turnout of 1557 exhibitors, 20 country pavilions, and notable participation from 809 buyers from 108 countries and 2390 foreign delegates. 13 State Ministers and 4 Central Ministers graced World Food India 2024.

Inauguration of more than 50 MOFPI-supported food processing units under the PLIS and PMKSY schemes of MoFPI, disbursement of credit-linked subsidies to 25,000 PMFME beneficiaries and sanction of seed capital to 70,000 SHG members at #WorldFoodIndia2024. pic.twitter.com/dNVTlVbw2r

— PIB_Food Processing Industries (@PIB_MoFPI) September 19, 2024

Spanning an expansive area of 70,000 square meters across nine exhibition halls, the event provided a comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the food processing industry. The event exhibited over 100 One District One Product items. 16 international delegations, including six Ministerial delegations participated in the event. Japan participated as the Partner Country while Iran & Vietnam participated as the Focus Countries.

आज वर्ल्ड फूड इंडिया के #MoFPIPavilion का दौरा कर पवेलियन में लगी #FoodProcessing की नई मशीनों व उत्पादों से संबंधित चर्चा की और इनोवेटर्स व उद्यमियों के खाद्य प्रसंस्करण क्षेत्र के विकास में किए प्रयासों की सराहना की। pic.twitter.com/z6WivDFuW7

— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) September 20, 2024

A CEO Roundtable was held on the inaugural day of World Food India 2024. It was co-chaired by Union Minister for Ministry of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal and Union Minister for Ministry of Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan. The roundtable was also graced by the presence of Minister of State for Food Processing & Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, Shri TG Bharath, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Andhra Pradesh and Shri Raghavji Patel, Minister of Agriculture, Gujarat and senior officials from various Ministries of Government of India and State Governments. This significant gathering brought together more than 100 CXOs representing the leading Indian and global companies in the food processing and allied sectors. Key deliberations during the Roundtable encompassed facilitation of ease of doing business, misleading advertisements, GST related issues, sourcing interests, and a comprehensive examination of the existing gaps within the value chain of the Indian Food Processing Sector.

During the event, Shri Chirag Paswan participated in six G2G meetings. The four-day event comprised 40 sessions, featuring Thematic, State, Allied Ministries, and Country & Organization sessions. Notably, 13 Thematic Sessions delved into crucial subjects such as zero waste, maximum value, sustainable packaging, irradiation, food safety etc in the food processing and allied sectors. Moreover, 8 State-focused panel discussions and 10 specialized sessions by Allied ministries, including DPIIT and APEDA, addressed pertinent industry challenges. The sessions were graced by Ministers from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, amongst others.

To capitalize innovation, a Startup Grand Challenge was held to promote innovation in waste management, efficient water uses and novel food processing technologies. The winners of the challenge were awarded during the event. The Ministry will provide financial as well as incubation support through NIFTEM-Kundli to the winners.

A Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was organized in conjunction with World Food India from 20^th – 21^st September 2024. It brought together delegates from over 70 countries, including Food safety regulators and those from Risk Assessment Authorities, Research Institutes and Universities who discussed and strategized on key regulatory issues.

“Honored to address the Valedictory Session of the 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, hosted by @FSSAI in collaboration with @WorldFoodIndia. It is our responsibility to ensure the highest standards of food quality and transparency for consumers.… pic.twitter.com/vI8IEqnDQZ

— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) September 21, 2024

Among the event’s highlights was the Technology and Sustainability Pavilion, which spotlighted cutting-edge innovations in the food industry, signalling a shift toward more eco-friendly and resilient food production practices.

As part of #WorldFoodIndia2024, I had the opportunity to visit the international pavilions and interact with representatives from various countries showcasing their food products, technologies, and innovations. This event highlights the incredible potential for collaboration… pic.twitter.com/8bcLC7bkcq

— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) September 21, 2024

Additionally, the Chef Competition at World Food India 2024 recognized chefs who blend tradition with innovation, showcasing global cuisine, presentation skills, and the use of technology in culinary techniques. The competition featured individual displays, live cooking, mixology, and a mystery basket challenge.

The event also featured partnerships between NIFTEM- K with 11 companies, 3 Development partners and Associations and 4 Academic and Research organizations. These MoUs focused on successful execution of collaborative research programmes, new product development, establishment of Centres of Excellence, placement of students as well as incubation activities. NIFTEM-K also transferred 5 technologies to food companies and start-ups besides launching a pesticide detection kit for tea leaves.

मेगा फूड इवेंट @worldfoodindia का उद्घाटन समारोह

📍भारत मंडपम , नई दिल्लीhttps://t.co/PBjxQp8v88

— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) September 19, 2024

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(Release ID: 2057536) Visitor Counter : 50

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FSSAI sign MoU with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in the area of food safety

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 12:16PM by PIB Delhi

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed an MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) of Brazil on the sidelines of Global Food Regulators Summit, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, yesterday.

The MoU starts a new phase of cooperation aimed at improving food safety through joint projects and technical collaboration. It was signed by Mr. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Brazil and counter signed by Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI.

Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao said, “Signing this MoU demonstrates our dedication to food safety and signifies a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration in food safety. We are eager to work with MAPA to achieve our common goals and enhance food safety in both countries.”

The representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil added “The signing of the MoU marks a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of food safety, allowing for technical cooperation and exchange of experience and knowledge with the aim of strengthening the institutional collaboration and pursuing joint initiatives.”

Both FSSAI and MAPA are committed to fostering a mutually beneficial and productive partnership.

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HFW/ FSSAI MoU with Brazil /22^nd September 2024/2

(Release ID: 2057500) Visitor Counter : 29

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fact Sheet: 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 8:58AM by PIB Delhi

On September 21, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. hosted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in Wilmington, Delaware, for the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit.

The Quad was established to be a global force for good. This year, the Quad is proudly executing tangible projects that benefit partner countries across the Indo-Pacific—including in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region. The Quad is working together at unprecedented scope and scale to deliver on Indo-Pacific partners’ priorities. Together, the Quad is leading ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease; respond to natural disasters; strengthen their maritime domain awareness and maritime security; mobilize and build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure; invest in and benefit from critical and emerging technologies; confront the threat of climate change; bolster cyber security; and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders.

ENDURING PARTNERS FOR THE INDO-PACIFIC

Over the past four years, Quad Leaders have met six times, including twice virtually. Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, most recently in Tokyo in July. Quad country representatives convene on a regular basis, at all levels, to consult one another, exchange ideas to advance shared priorities, and deliver benefits for partners across the Indo-Pacific region. All Quad governments have institutionalized the Quad at all levels and across a diverse array of departments and agencies. Today, Quad Leaders announced new initiatives to solidify these habits of cooperation and to set up the Quad to endure for the long-term.

Each Quad government has committed to work through their respective budgetary processes to secure robust funding for Quad priorities in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure an enduring impact.

The Quad governments also intend to work with their respective legislatures to deepen interparliamentary exchanges, and encourage other stakeholders to deepen engagement with Quad counterparts. Yesterday, Members of Congress announced the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Quad Caucus.

In the coming months, Quad Commerce and Industry ministers will meet for the first time.

Quad Leaders also welcome the leaders of the Quad Development Finance Institutions and Agencies deciding to meet to explore future investments by the four countries in the Indo-Pacific, including in health security, food security, clean energy, and quality infrastructure. This builds on a previous meeting in 2022 between the heads of the Export Finance Australia, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, India Export-Import Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

The United States will host the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, and India will host the 2025 Quad Leaders Summit.

GLOBAL HEALTH & HEALTH SECURITY

In 2023, the Quad announced the Quad Health Security Partnership to strengthen coordination and collaboration in support of health security in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad Health Security Partnership is delivering on its commitments to strengthen the Indo-Pacific’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks of diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential, including through a set of new initiatives announced today.

Quad Cancer Moonshot

The Quad is launching the historic Quad Cancer Moonshot, a collective effort to leverage public and private resources to reduce the number of lives lost to cancer in the Indo-Pacific, with an initial focus on cervical cancer. Altogether, the Quad Cancer Moonshot announced today is projected to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades. More information can be found here.

Pandemic Preparedness

Quad countries are committed to supporting health security and resiliency efforts across the region, including continued support for the Pandemic Fund.

The Quad reaffirms commitment to bolstering health security across the Indo-Pacific region. In 2024, the Quad Health Security Partnership advanced regional resilience through the second pandemic preparedness table top exercise, building on the success of the Quad Vaccine Partnership to enhance prevention, early detection, and response to potential disease outbreaks, and is exploring developing Standard Operating Procedures for Pandemic Response. The Quad’s collaborative efforts included training health specialists from the Indo-Pacific to strengthen regional capabilities for health emergencies.

India will host a workshop on pandemic preparedness and release a white paper outlining emergency public health responses.

Australia is increasing the pool of public health specialists who are ready to deploy, in-country or in the region, in response to disease outbreaks, with the first training session to commence in Darwin, Australia, in the coming days.

In coordination with Quad partners, the United States is pledging over $84.5 million to partner with fourteen countries in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.

Mpox

In response to the current clade I mpox outbreak, as well as the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak, the Quad plans to coordinate our efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF (HADR)

Twenty years ago, the Quad first came together to respond to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, surging humanitarian assistance to affected countries. In 2022, Quad Foreign Ministers signed the Guidelines for the Quad Partnership on HADR in the Indo-Pacific. In May 2024, following a tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea, Quad countries coordinated their response in accordance with these guidelines. The Quad collectively provided over $5 million in humanitarian assistance. Quad partners continue to support Papua New Guinea in its longer-term resiliency efforts. The Quad continues to deepen HADR coordination and support partners in the region in their longer-term resiliency efforts.

Quad governments are working to ensure readiness to rapidly respond, including through pre-positioning of essential relief supplies, in the event of a natural disaster; this effort extends from the Indian Ocean region, to Southeast Asia, to the Pacific.

In the coming months, Quad HADR experts will conduct a tabletop exercise to prepare for potential future disasters in the region.

Quad partners are working together to provide over $4 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Vietnam in light of the devastating consequences of Typhoon Yagi.

MARITIME SECURITY

Quad partners are working side-by-side with partners throughout the region to bolster maritime security, improve maritime domain awareness, and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness and Maritime Training

Quad Leaders launched the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) at the 2022 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo. This initiative provides partners with near-real-time, cost-effective, cutting-edge radio frequency data, enabling them to better monitor their waters; counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; respond to climate change and natural disasters; and enforce their laws within their waters.

Since the announcement, in consultation with partners, the Quad has successfully scaled the program across the Indo-Pacific region—through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, with partners in Southeast Asia, to the Information Fusion Center—Indian Ocean Region, Gurugram. In doing so, the Quad has helped well over two dozen countries access dark vessel maritime domain awareness data, so they can better monitor the activities in their exclusive economic zones—including unlawful activity.

In the next phase of implementation, announced today, the Quad intends to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year, to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region. The Quad intends to leverage electro-optical data and advanced analytic software to sharpen the maritime domain awareness picture for partners.

Today the Quad announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to enable our partners in the region Indo-Pacific partners to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior. The Quad countries look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025.

Quad countries are coordinating comprehensive and complementary training across the full suite of legal, operational, and technical maritime security and law enforcement knowledge domains. Quad partners have pledged to expand engagement with regional maritime law enforcement fora, share best practices, and improve civil maritime cooperation.

Indo-Pacific Logistics Network

The Quad launches today a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to pursue shared airlift capacity among the four nations and leverage collective logistics strengths, in order to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region. This effort will complement existing efforts with Indo-Pacific partners.

Coast Guard Cooperation

The U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific to improve interoperability. Through this effort, members of Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard will spend time on board a U.S. Coast Guard vessel operating in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad intends to continue with further missions in the Indo-Pacific.

QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE

The Quad is delivering quality, resilient infrastructure to the region to increase connectivity, build regional capacity, and meet critical needs.

This year, the Quad countries’ export credit agencies (ECAs) signed and are implementing a Memorandum of Cooperation, which supports supply chain resilience, critical and emerging technologies, renewable energy, and other high-quality projects in the Indo-Pacific. Quad ECAs are strengthening communication on pipeline information and provision of relevant financing for projects in the Indo-Pacific region, and will pursue joint business promotion efforts that involve industry experts, project developers, and other major market players.

The Quad released joint Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure, underscoring the Quad’s commitment to an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, reliable, and secure digital future to advance shared prosperity and sustainable development.

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure organized a workshop in India to empower partners across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen power sector resilience.

Quad Ports of the Future Partnership

The Quad Ports of the Future Partnership will harness the Quad’s expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific, in collaboration with regional partners.

In 2025, Quad partners intend to hold the inaugural Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai.

Through this new partnership, Quad partners intend to coordinate, exchange information, share best practices with partners in the region, and leverage resources to mobilize government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region.

Quad Infrastructure Fellows

The Quad Infrastructure Fellowship was announced at the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit to improve capacity and deepen professional networks across the region to design, manage, and attract investment in infrastructure projects. Over the past year, it has expanded to more than 2,200 experts, and Quad partners have already provided well over 1,300 fellowships.

Undersea Cables and Digital Connectivity

Through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, Quad partners continue to support and strengthen quality undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific, the capacity, durability, and reliability of which are inextricably linked to the security and prosperity of the region and the world.

In support of these efforts, Australia launched the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in July, which is delivering workshops and policy and regulatory assistance in response to requests from across the region.

Japan has conducted capacity building trainings to enhance connectivity and resilience in the Indo-Pacific through cooperation with specialized agencies and international organizations. Japan intends to further extend technical cooperation to improve public information and communication technology infrastructure management capacity for an undersea cable in Nauru and Kiribati.

The United States has conducted over 1,300 capacity building trainings for telecommunication officials and executives from 25 countries in the Indo-Pacific; today the U.S. announces its intent, working with Congress, to invest an additional $3.4 million to extend and expand this training program.

Investments in cable projects by Quad partners will help support all Pacific island countries in achieving primary telecommunication cable connectivity by the end of 2025. Since the last Quad Leaders’ Summit, Quad partners have committed over $140 million to undersea cable builds in the Pacific, alongside contributions from other likeminded partners.

Complementing these investments in new undersea cables, India has commissioned a feasibility study to examine expansion of undersea cable maintenance and repair capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

CRITICAL AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

The Quad is working in lockstep to stay at the forefront of technology innovation, and remains committed to harnessing emerging technologies for the benefit of people across the Indo-Pacific, and deploying these technologies to facilitate economic prosperity, openness, and connectivity.

Open Radio Access Network (RAN) and 5G

In 2023, Quad partners announced the first-ever Open RAN deployment in the Pacific, in Palau, to support a secure, resilient, and interconnected telecommunications ecosystem. Since then, the Quad has committed approximately $20 million to this effort. Building on this initiative, the Quad announces an expansion of Open RAN collaboration to deliver trusted technology solutions.

The Quad plans to expand support for ongoing Open RAN field trials and the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA) in the Philippines, building on the initial $8 million in support that the United States and Japan pledged earlier this year.

In addition, the United States plans to invest over $7 million to support the global expansion of AORA, including through establishing a first-of-its-kind Open RAN workforce training initiative at scale in South Asia, in partnership with Indian institutions.

Quad partners also welcome the opportunity to explore additional Open RAN projects in Southeast Asia.

Quad partners will also explore collaborating with the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to ensure the country’s readiness for nationwide 5G deployment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Through the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture (AI-ENGAGE) initiative announced at the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit, Quad governments are deepening leading-edge collaborative research to harness artiﬁcial intelligence, robotics, and sensing, to transform agricultural approaches and empower farmers across the Indo-Pacific. The Quad announces an inaugural $7.5+ million in funding opportunities for joint research, and highlights the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation among the four countries’ science agencies to connect research communities and advance shared research principles.

The Quad recognizes the importance of advancing international efforts to achieve safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, including through the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process, GPAI New Delhi Ministerial Declaration 2023, and UN General Assembly resolution 78/625 on “Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development.” The Quad seeks to further deepen international cooperation on artificial intelligence systems and interoperability among artificial intelligence governance frameworks.

Quad countries, through the Standards Sub-Group, launched two Track 1.5 dialogues on AI and Advanced Communications Technologies to promote international standardization cooperation, including frameworks for AI conformity assessment.

Biotechnology

The Quad partners look forward to launching the BioExplore Initiative – a joint effort supported by an initial $2 million in funding to use AI technology to study and analyze biological ecosystems across all four countries. This initiative will help advance our ability to discover and use the diverse capabilities found in living organisms to yield new products and innovations with the potential to diagnose and treat disease, develop resilient crops, generate clean energy, and much more. The initiative will also aim to build technological capacity across the Quad nations.

This project will also be underpinned by the forthcoming Quad Principles for Research and Development Collaborations in Critical and Emerging Technologies, which advances sustainable, responsible, safe and secure collaborations in biotechnologies and other critical technologies among the Quad and across the region.

Semiconductors

Quad Leaders welcome the finalization of a Memorandum of Cooperation for the Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network to facilitate collaboration in addressing semiconductor supply chain risks.

The Quad Investors Network

The Quad Investors Network (QUIN) is a nonprofit initiative launched at the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit. The QUIN aims to accelerate investments in critical and emerging technologies across the Indo-Pacific region, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, technologists, and public institutions from the Quad countries to support innovation that aligns with the Quad’s shared values and promotes economic growth, resilience, and regional stability. This year, the QUIN supported ten major strategic investments and partnerships across the Quad in the critical minerals, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and aerospace sectors.

The QUIN has advanced additional frameworks to foster the development of new technologies and facilitate investment partnerships for emerging startups, including through finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding for the creation of a startup campus in Tokyo, supported by the QUIN and the Chiba Institute of Technology’s Center for Radical Transformation.

The QUIN is also working to establish a new venture accelerator in Tokyo through a collaboration between the University of Tokyo, Northeastern University, and the QUIN. These collaborations will not only fuel technological advancements but also strengthen the economic ties among the Quad nations, contributing to a more integrated and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Finally, the QUIN developed a Quantum Center of Excellence, which produced a report this year highlighting ways each Quad country’s Quantum ecosystems can work together to collectively leverage capital and expertise.

CLIMATE AND CLEAN ENERGY

The Quad recognizes the existential threat climate change poses to the world, the Indo-Pacific, and in particular island nations in the Pacific and in the Indian Ocean region, and is taking ambitious steps to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, promote clean energy innovation and adoption, and support sustainable development.

Climate Adaptation

The Quad intends to expand its Early Warning Systems and the Climate Information Services Initiative (CIS), announced at the 2023 Leaders’ Summit. This will help improve Pacific Island countries’ access to high-quality climate data and services, and increase partners’ capacity to prepare for and respond to climate change and its impacts.

The United States plans to provide 3D-printed automatic weather stations to the Pacific in 2025 to support local weather and climate forecasts, and also train experts in Fiji with the goal of operating a regional center to develop and deploy this technology.

Australia is also strengthening Early Warning Systems through Weather Ready Pacific, a Pacific-led initiative supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 2021 that drives and delivers on the EWS4ALL UN initiative in the Pacific.

Japan is also enhancing cooperation with Pacific Island countries under its “Pacific Climate Resilience Initiative”, inter alia, by strengthening disaster risk reduction and preparedness through satellite technology and by promoting clean energy through capacity building and installation of renewable energies.

The Quad also plans to train experts in Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu to better monitor and forecast flash floods, for timely and accurate warnings, reducing human and economic losses from flash floods.

Clean Energy

Our countries intend to strengthen our cooperation to align policies, incentives, standards, and investments around creating high-quality, diversified clean energy supply chains that will enhance our collective energy security, create new economic opportunities across the region, and benefit local workers and communities around the world, particularly across the Indo-Pacific. We will work together, through policy and public finance, to operationalize our commitment to catalyzing complementary and high-standard private sector investment in allied and partner clean energy supply chains. We note the uniquely complementary capabilities Quad partners share across the battery supply chain, and pledge to focus near-term efforts on strengthening mineral production, recycling, and battery manufacturing across our respective industries.

Quad Leaders announced a Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program last year, which aims to support the development of secure and diversified clean energy supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia will open applications for the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chains Diversification Program in November, providing AUD 50 million to support projects that develop and diversify solar panel, hydrogen electrolyzer and battery supply chains. Secure and diversified clean energy supply chains are an integral part of achieving the Indo-Pacific’s collective energy security, emissions reduction goals and transition to a net zero future.

India commits to invest $2 million in new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.

Japan has committed to $122 million grants and loans, both public and private, in renewable energy projects in the Indo-Pacific.

The United States, through the DFC, has extended a $250 million loan to Tata Power Solar to construct a solar cell manufacturing facility and a $500 million loan to First Solar to construct and operate a solar module manufacturing facility in India, and continues to seek opportunities to mobilize private capital to solar, as well as wind, cooling, batteries, and critical minerals to expand capacity and diversify supply chains.

The Quad announces an initiative to boost energy efficiency, including the deployment and manufacturing of affordable, high-efficiency, cooling systems, to enable climate-vulnerable communities to adapt to rising temperatures while simultaneously reducing strain on the electricity grid. The United States intends to invest an initial $1.25 million of technical assistance financing to this effort.

CYBER SECURITY

The Quad is working together to build a more resilient, secure, and complementary cyber security environment for Quad countries and partners.

The Quad has [developed/released] the Quad Action Plan to Protect Commercial Undersea Telecommunications Cables, to advance the Quad’s shared vision for future digital connectivity, global commerce, and prosperity.

Quad countries are also partnering with software manufacturers, industry trade groups, and research centers to expand the Quad’s commitment to pursuing secure software development standards and certification, as endorsed in the Quad’s 2023 Secure Software Joint Principles.

Quad partners will work to harmonize these standards to not only ensure that the development, procurement, and end-use of software for government networks is more secure, but that the cyber resilience of our supply chains, digital economies, and societies are collectively improved.

Throughout this fall, each Quad country plans to host events to mark the annual Quad Cyber Challenge promoting responsible cyber ecosystems, public resources, and cybersecurity awareness. This year’s Cyber Challenge campaigns will focus on establishing career pathway programs to increase the number and diversity of global cybersecurity professionals, including increased participation by women, in this rapidly growing field. Last year’s Quad Cyber Challenge included over 85,000 participants across the Indo-Pacific region.

Capacity building projects like the Quad Cyber Bootcamp and the international conference on cyber capacity building in the Philippines are important initiatives to enhance cybersecurity and workforce development in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad is undertaking joint efforts to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities to national security and protection of critical infrastructure networks, and coordinate more closely including on policy responses to sharing of cyber threat information on significant cybersecurity incidents affecting shared priorities.

COUNTERING DISINFORMATION

The Quad is working together to foster a resilient information environment, including through its Countering Disinformation Working Group, by supporting media freedom and addressing foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation, which undermines trust and sows discord in the international community.

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES

Quad countries are building enduring ties between their peoples. Stakeholders from Quad countries have participated in International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other exchanges, on topics related to cyber security, workforce development for critical and emerging technologies, women in STEM, government transparency and accountability, combating disinformation, and regional maritime governance.

The Quad Fellowship

Together with the Institute of International Education, which leads implementation of the Quad Fellowship, Quad governments welcome the second cohort of Quad Fellows and the expansion of the program to include students from ASEAN countries for the first time. The Government of Japan is supporting the program to enable Quad Fellows to study in Japan. The Quad welcomes the generous support of private sector partners for the next cohort of fellows, including Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital.

The Quad looks forward to the Quad Fellowship Summit in Washington, DC, in October, organized by the Institute of International Education.

Additional People-to-People Initiatives

India announces a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a 4-year undergraduate engineering program at a Government of India-funded technical institution.

SPACE

The Quad recognizes the essential contribution of space-related applications and technologies in the Indo-Pacific. The four countries plan to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events.

The Quad welcomes India’s establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact.

Space Situational Awareness Initiative

Quad partners intend to share expertise and experience in space situational awareness (SSA), contributing to long-term sustainability of the space environment. Cooperation is intended to leverage SSA and space traffic coordination capabilities in the civil domain, including to help avoid collisions in outer space and manage debris.

COUNTERING TERRORISM

The Quad hosted its first Counter Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) in 2023 and will meet annually to discuss CT threats, Quad CT good practices, and ways the Quad can work together to mitigate acts of terrorism through information sharing, consequence management and strategic messaging. The Quad CTWG currently focuses on countering the use of unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear devices (CBRN), and the internet for terrorist purposes. The Quad CTWG discusses new CT lines of effort on which to collaborate, hosts technical workshops for establishing CT good practices, and explores ways to engage non-Quad members with Quad-established CT expertise.

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MJPS/ST/SKS

(Release ID: 2057460) Visitor Counter : 32

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Fact Sheet: The United States and India Continue to Expand Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 8:51AM by PIB Delhi

Today, United States President Joseph R. Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, the defining partnership of the 21st century, is decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good. The Leaders reflected on a historic period that has seen the United States and India reach unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration. The Leaders affirmed that the U.S.-India partnership must be anchored in upholding democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all as our countries strive to become more perfect unions and meet our shared destiny. The Leaders commended the progress that has made the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership a pillar of global security and peace, highlighting the benefits of increased operational coordination, information-sharing, and defense industrial innovation. President Biden and Prime Minister Modi expressed unrelenting optimism and the utmost confidence that the tireless efforts of our peoples, our civic and private sectors, and our governments to forge deeper bonds have set the U.S.-India partnership on a path toward even greater heights in the decades ahead.

President Biden expressed his immense appreciation for India’s leadership on the world stage, particularly Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthen the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world. President Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter. The Leaders reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in the Middle East where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea. President Biden shared with Prime Minister Modi that the United States supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India’s important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed U.N. Security Council. The Leaders voiced their view that a closer U.S.-India partnership is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet.

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi applauded the success of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across key technology sectors, including space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications. Both Leaders committed to enhance regular engagements to improve the momentum of collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy. They highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with like-minded partners, including through the Quad and a U.S.-India-ROK Trilateral Technology initiative launched earlier this year to build more secure and resilient supply chains for critical industries and ensure we collectively remain at the leading edge of innovation. The Leaders directed their governments to redouble efforts to address export controls, enhance high technology commerce, and reduce barriers to technology transfer between our two countries, while addressing technology security, including through the India-U.S. Strategic Trade Dialogue. Leaders also endorsed new mechanisms for deeper cyberspace cooperation through the bilateral cybersecurity dialogue. The Leaders recommitted to expand the manufacturing and deployment of clean energy, including finding opportunities to expand U.S.-India cooperation in solar, wind and nuclear energy and the development of small modular reactor technologies.

Charting a Technology Partnership for the Future

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next generation telecommunications, and green energy applications. The fab, which will be established with the objective of manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride and silicon carbide semiconductors, will be enabled by support from the India Semiconductor Mission as well as a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the U.S. Space Force.

The Leaders praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains including through GlobalFoundries’ (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata, India that will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in research and development in chip manufacturing and enable game-changing advances for zero and low emission as well as connected vehicles, internet of things devices, AI, and data centers. They noted GF’s plans to explore longer term, cross-border manufacturing and technology partnerships with India which will deliver high-quality jobs in both of our countries. They also celebrated the new strategic partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the India Semiconductor Mission, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in connection with the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund.

The Leaders welcomed steps our industry is taking to build safe, secure, and resilient supply chains for U.S., Indian, and international automotive markets, including through Ford Motor Company’s submission of a Letter of Intent to utilize its Chennai plant to manufacture for export to global markets.

The Leaders welcomed progress toward the first joint effort by NASA and ISRO to conduct scientific research onboard the International Space Station in 2025. They appreciated the initiatives and exchange of ideas under the Civil Space Joint Working Group and expressed hope that its next meeting in early 2025 will open additional avenues of cooperation. They pledged to pursue opportunities to deepen joint innovation and strategic collaborations, including by exploring new platforms in civil and commercial space domains.

The Leaders also welcomed efforts to enhance collaboration between our research and development ecosystems. They plan to mobilize up to $90+ million in U.S. and Indian government funding over the next five years for the U.S.-India Global Challenges Institute to support high-impact R&D partnerships between U.S. and Indian universities and research institutions, including through identifying options to implement the Statement of Intent signed at the June 2024 iCET meeting. The Leaders also welcomed the launch of a new U.S.-India Advanced Materials R&D Forum to expand collaboration between American and Indian universities, national laboratories, and private sector researchers.

The Leaders announced the selection of 11 funding awards between the National Science Foundation and India’s Department of Science and Technology, supported by a combined $5+ million grant to enable joint U.S.-India research projects in areas such as next-generation telecommunications, connected vehicles, machine learning. The Leaders announced the award of 12 funding awards under the National Science Foundation and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, research collaboration with a combined outlay of nearly $10 million to enable joint U.S.-India basic and applied research in the areas of semiconductors, next generation communication systems, sustainability & green technologies and intelligent transportation systems. Furthermore, NSF and MeitY are exploring new opportunities for research collaboration to enhance and synergize the basic and applied research ecosystem on both sides.

The Leaders celebrated that India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with National Science Foundation of the United States announced the first joint call for collaborative research projects in February 2024 to address complex scientific challenges and innovate novel solutions that leverage advances in synthetic and engineering biology, systems and computational biology, and other associated fields that are foundational to developing future biomanufacturing solutions and advance the bioeconomy. Under the first call for proposals, joint research teams responded enthusiastically and results are likely to be announced by the end of 2024.

The Leaders also highlighted additional cooperation we are building across artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and other critical technology areas. They highlighted the second convening of the U.S.-India Quantum Coordination Mechanism in Washington in August and welcomed the announcement of seventeen new awards for binational research and development cooperation on artificial intelligence and quantum via the U.S.-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund (IUSSTF). They welcomed new private sector cooperation on emerging technologies, such as through IBM’s recent conclusion of memoranda of understanding with the Government of India, which will enable IBM’s watsonx platform on India’s Airawat supercomputer and drive new AI innovation opportunities, enhance R&D collaboration on advanced semiconductor processors, and increase support for India’s National Quantum Mission.

The Leaders commended ongoing efforts to build more expansive cooperation around 5G deployment and next-generation telecommunications; this includes the U.S. Agency for International Development’s plans to expand the Asia Open RAN Academy with an initial $7 million investment to grow this workforce training initiative worldwide, including in South Asia with Indian institutions.

The Leaders welcomed progress since the November 2023 signing of an MOU between the Commerce Department and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to enhance the two countries’ innovation ecosystems under the “Innovation Handshake” agenda. Since then, the two sides have convened two industry roundtables in the U.S. and India to bring together startups, private equity and venture capital firms, corporate investment departments, and government officials to forge connections and to accelerate investment in innovation.

Powering a Next Generation Defense Partnership

President Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, which will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India’s armed forces across all domains.

The Leaders recognized the remarkable progress under the U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, including ongoing collaboration to advance priority co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems. They also welcomed efforts to expand defense industrial partnerships, including the teaming of Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering for the co-development and co-production of unmanned surface vehicle systems that strengthen undersea and maritime domain awareness. The Leaders applauded the recent conclusion of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), enhancing the mutual supply of defense goods and services. Both Leaders committed to advance ongoing discussions on aligning their respective defense procurement systems to further enable the reciprocal supply of defense goods and services.

President Biden welcomed India’s decision to set a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5 percent on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, including on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts thereby simplifying the tax structure and paving the way for building a strong ecosystem for MRO services in India. The Leaders also encouraged the industry to foster collaboration and drive innovation to support India’s efforts to become a leading aviation hub. The Leaders welcomed commitments from U.S. industry to further increase India’s MRO capabilities, including for the repair of aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Leaders hailed the teaming agreement on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft recently signed between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the two companies that co-chair the U.S.-India CEO Forum. Building on longstanding industry cooperation, this agreement will establish a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the readiness of the Indian fleet and global partners who operate the C-130 Super Hercules aircraft. This marks a significant step in U.S.-India defense and aerospace cooperation and reflects the two sides’ deepening strategic and technology partnership ties.

The Leaders lauded the growing defense innovation collaboration between our governments, businesses, and academic institutions fostered by the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) initiative launched in 2023, and noted progress achieved during the third INDUS-X Summit in Silicon Valley earlier this month. They welcomed the enhanced collaboration between the Indian Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and US Department of Defence’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) through the Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Silicon Valley Summit. The efforts via the INDUSWERX consortium to facilitate pathways for defense and dual-use companies in the INDUS-X network to access premier testing ranges in both countries, were appreciated.

The Leaders also recognized the clear fulfillment of the shared goal to build a defense innovation bridge under INDUS-X through the launch of “joint challenges” designed by the U.S. DoD’S DIU and the Indian MoD’s Defence Innovation Organization (DIO). In 2024, our governments have separately awarded $1+ million to U.S. and Indian companies that developed technologies focused on undersea communications and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Building on this success, a new challenge was announced at the most recent INDUS-X Summit that focused on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

The Leaders welcomed ongoing efforts to deepen our military partnership and interoperability to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, noting that India hosted our most complex, largest bilateral, tri-service exercise to date during the March 2024 TIGER TRIUMPH exercise. They also welcomed the inclusion of new technologies and capabilities, including a first-ever demonstration of the Javelin and Stryker systems in India, on the margins of the ongoing bilateral Army YUDH ABHYAS exercise.

The Leaders welcomed the conclusion of the Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Deployment of Liaison Officers, and the commencement of deployment process of the first Liaison Officer from India in US Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

The Leaders commended work to advance cooperation in advanced domains, including space and cyber, and looked forward towards the November 2024 bilateral cyber engagement to enhance the U.S.-India cyber cooperation framework. Areas of new cooperation will include threat information sharing, cybersecurity training, and collaboration on vulnerability mitigation in energy and telecommunications networks. The Leaders also noted the second U.S.-India Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue in May 2024, which included the first-ever bilateral defense space table-top exercise.

Catalyzing the Clean Energy Transition

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the U.S.-India Roadmap to Build Safe and Secure Global Clean Energy Supply Chains, which launched a new initiative to accelerate the expansion of safe and secure clean energy supply chains through U.S. and Indian manufacturing of clean energy technologies and components. In its initial phase, the U.S. and India would work together to unlock $1 billion of multilateral financing to support projects across the clean energy value chain for renewable energy, energy storage, power grid and transmission technologies, high efficiency cooling systems, zero emission vehicles, and other emerging clean technologies.

The Leaders also highlighted the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)’s partnership with India’s private sector to expand clean energy manufacturing and diversify supply chains. To date, DFC has extended a $250 million loan to Tata Power Solar to construct a solar cell manufacturing facility and a $500 million loan to First Solar to construct and operate a solar module manufacturing facility in India.

The Leaders lauded the strong collaboration under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP), most recently convened on September 16, 2024 in Washington DC to strengthen energy security, create opportunities for clean energy innovation, address climate change and create employment generation opportunities, including through capacity building, and collaboration between industry and R&D.

The Leaders welcomed collaboration on a new National Center for Hydrogen Safety in India and affirmed their intent to utilize the new Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) to enhance collaboration on clean energy manufacturing and global supply chains, including through public-private task forces on hydrogen and energy storage.

The Leaders also announced a new Memorandum of Cooperation between the U.S. Agency for International Development and the International Solar Alliance aimed at promoting more responsive and sustainable power systems that leverage diverse renewable energy sources.

The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals under the Minerals Security Partnership targeting strategic projects along the value chain. The Leaders looked forward to the signing of the Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding at the forthcoming U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue and pledged to hasten bilateral collaboration to secure resilient critical minerals supply chains through enhanced technical assistance and greater commercial cooperation.

The Leaders welcomed the progress made on joint efforts since 2023 for India to work toward IEA membership in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on an International Energy Program.

The two Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the manufacturing and deployment of renewable energy, battery storage and emerging clean technology in India. They welcomed the ongoing progress between India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide up to $500 million each to anchor the Green Transition Fund as well as encourage private sector investors to match these efforts. Both sides look forward to the expeditious operationalization of the Green Transition Fund.

Empowering Future Generations and Promoting Global Health and Development

The Leaders welcomed India’s signature and ratification of the Agreements under Pillar III, Pillar IV and the overarching Agreement on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). The Leaders underscored that IPEF seeks to advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness of the economies of its signatories. They noted the economic diversity of the 14 IPEF partners that represents 40 percent of global GDP and 28 percent of global goods and services trade.

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi celebrated the new U.S.-India Drug Policy Framework for the 21st Century and its accompanying Memorandum of Understanding, which will deepen collaboration to disrupt the illicit production and international trafficking of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals, and deepen a holistic public health partnership.

The two Leaders signaled their commitment to the objectives of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs Threats and work towards combatting the threat of synthetic drugs and their precursors through mutually agreed initiatives to promote public health through coordinated actions.

The Leaders applauded the first-ever U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue held in August 2024, which brought together experts from both countries to increase research and development to accelerate the rate of progress against cancer. The Leaders applauded the recently launched Bio5 partnership between the United States, India, ROK, Japan, and the EU, driving closer cooperation on pharmaceutical supply chains. The Leaders applauded the Development Finance Corporation’s $50 million loan to Indian company Panacea Biotech to manufacture hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccines for children, reaffirming our joint commitment to advance shared global health priorities, including bolstering support for primary healthcare.

The leaders welcomed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Business Administration for promoting cooperation between U.S. and Indian small and medium-size enterprises by improving their participation in the global market place through capacity building workshops in areas such as trade and export finance, technology and digital trade, green economy and trade facilitation. The MoU also provides for the joint conduct of programs for women entrepreneurs to empower them and facilitate trade partnership between women-owned small businesses of the two countries. The Leaders celebrated that, since the June 2023 State visit, the Development Finance Corporation has invested $177 million across eight projects to support Indian small businesses and drive economic growth.

The Leaders welcomed enhanced cooperation on agriculture between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agriculture productivity growth, agriculture innovation, and sharing best practices related to crop risk protection and agriculture credit. The two sides will also enhance cooperation with the private sector through discussions on regulatory issues and innovation to enhance bilateral trade.

The Leaders welcomed the formal launch of the new U.S.-India Global Digital Development Partnership, which aims to bring together U.S. and Indian private sector companies, technology and resources to deploy the responsible use of emerging digital technologies in Asia and Africa.

The Leaders welcomed strengthened trilateral cooperation with Tanzania through the Triangular Development Partnership, led by the U.S. Agency for International Development and India’s Development Partnership Administration to jointly address global development challenges and foster prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership focuses on advancing renewable energy projects, including solar energy, to enhance energy infrastructure and access in Tanzania, thereby bolstering energy cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. They also desired to explore the expansion of the triangular development partnership in areas of health cooperation, particularly for critical technical areas of mutual interest including digital health and capacity building of nurses and other frontline health workers.

The Leaders acknowledged the July 2024 signing of a bilateral Cultural Property Agreement that will facilitate implementation of the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The agreement marked the culmination of years of diligent work by experts from both countries and fulfills President Biden’s and Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage highlighted in the joint statement when they met in June 2023. In this context, the leaders welcomed the repatriation of 297 Indian antiquities from the U.S. to India in 2024.

The Leaders look forward to building on India’s ambitious G20 presidency to deliver on shared priorities for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, including: bigger, better, and more effective MDBs, including by following through on Leaders’ pledges in New Delhi to boost the World Bank’s capacity to help developing countries address global challenges, while recognizing the imperative of achieving the sustainable development goals; a more predictable, orderly, timely and coordinated sovereign debt restructuring process; and a pathway to growth for high-ambition developing countries that are facing financing challenges amid mounting debt burdens by increasing access to finance and unlocking fiscal space taking into account country specific circumstances.

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MJPS/ST/SKS

(Release ID: 2057458) Visitor Counter : 70

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Wilmington Declaration Joint Statement from the Leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 8:15AM by PIB Delhi

Today, we—Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States—met for the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware.

Four years since elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the Quad is more strategically aligned than ever before and is a force for good that delivers real, positive, and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific. We celebrate the fact that over just four years, Quad countries have built a vital and enduring regional grouping that will buttress the Indo-Pacific for decades to come.

Anchored by shared values, we seek to uphold the international order based on the rule of law. Together we represent nearly two billion people and over one-third of global gross domestic product. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. Through our cooperation, the Quad is harnessing all of our collective strengths and resources, from governments to the private sector to people-to-people relationships, to support the region’s sustainable development, stability, and prosperity by delivering tangible benefits to the people of the Indo-Pacific.

As four leading maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific, we unequivocally stand for the maintenance of peace and stability across this dynamic region, as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity. We strongly oppose any destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We condemn recent illicit missile launches in the region that violate UN Security Council resolutions. We express serious concern over recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain. We seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated—one where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures. We are united in our commitment to upholding a stable and open international system, with its strong support for human rights, the principle of freedom, rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes and prohibition on the threat or use of force in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter.

Reflecting the Vision Statement issued by Leaders at the 2023 Quad Summit, we are and will continue to be transparent in what we do. Respect for the leadership of regional institutions, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is and will remain at the center of the Quad’s efforts.

A Global Force for Good

Health Security

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world how important health security is to our societies, our economies, and the stability of our region. In 2021 and 2022, the Quad came together to deliver more than 400 million safe and effective COVID-19 doses to Indo-Pacific countries and almost 800 million vaccines globally, and provided $5.6 billion to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment for vaccine supply to low and middle-income countries. In 2023, we announced the Quad Health Security Partnership, through which the Quad continues to deliver for partners across the region, including through the delivery of pandemic preparedness training.

In response to the current clade I mpox outbreak, as well as the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak, we plan to coordinate our efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries.

Today we are proud to announce the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a groundbreaking partnership to save lives in the Indo-Pacific region. Building on the Quad’s successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, our collective investments to address cancer in the region, our scientific and medical capabilities, and contributions from our private and non-profit sectors, we will collaborate with partner nations to reduce the burden of cancer in the region.

The Quad Cancer Moonshot will focus initially on combatting cervical cancer—a preventable cancer that continues to claim too many lives—in the Indo-Pacific region, while laying the groundwork to address other forms of cancer as well. The United States intends to support this initiative, including through U.S. Navy medical trainings and professional exchanges around cervical cancer prevention in the region starting in 2025, and through U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) openness to finance eligible private sector-driven projects to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, including cervical cancer. Australia is announcing the expansion of the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program (EPICC) with support of the Australian Government and the Minderoo Foundation to AUD 29.6 million, to cover up to eleven countries in the Indo-Pacific in helping advance the elimination of cervical cancer and support complementary initiatives focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. India commits to providing HPV sampling kits, detection kits, and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region. India, through its $10 million commitment to the WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health, will offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region for the adoption and deployment of its Digital Public Infrastructure that helps in cancer screening and care. Japan is providing medical equipment, including CT and MRI scanners, and other assistance worth approximately $27 million, including in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, and is contributing to international organizations such as the Gavi Vaccine Alliance. Quad partners also intend to work, within respective national contexts, to collaborate in advancing research and development in the area of cancer and to increase private sector and non-governmental sector activities in support of reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the region. We welcome a number of new, ambitious commitments from non-governmental institutions, including the Serum Institute of India, in partnership with Gavi, which will support orders of up to 40 million HPV vaccine doses, subject to necessary approvals, for the Indo-Pacific region, and which may be increased consistent with demand. We also welcome a new $100 million commitment from Women’s Health and Empowerment Network to address cervical cancer in Southeast Asia.

Altogether, our scientific experts assess that the Quad Cancer Moonshot will save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

Twenty years since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, when the Quad first came together to surge humanitarian assistance, we continue to respond to the vulnerabilities caused by natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific. In 2022, the Quad established the “Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in the Indo-Pacific” and signed Guidelines for the Quad Partnership on HADR in the Indo-Pacific, which enable Quad countries to rapidly coordinate in the face of natural disasters. We welcome Quad governments working to ensure readiness to rapidly respond, including through pre-positioning of essential relief supplies, in the event of a natural disaster; this effort extends from the Indian Ocean region, to Southeast Asia, to the Pacific.

In May 2024, following a tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea, Quad partners collectively contributed over $5 million in humanitarian assistance. Quad partners are working together to provide over $4 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Vietnam in light of the devastating consequences of Typhoon Yagi. The Quad continues to support partners in the region in their longer-term resiliency efforts.

Maritime Security

In 2022, we announced the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) to offer near-real-time, integrated, and cost-effective maritime domain awareness information to partners in the region. Since then, in consultation with partners, we have successfully scaled the program across the Indo-Pacific region—through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, with partners in Southeast Asia, to the Information Fusion Center—Indian Ocean Region, Gurugram. In doing so, the Quad has helped well over two dozen countries access dark vessel maritime domain awareness data, so they can better monitor the activities in their exclusive economic zones—including unlawful activity. Australia commits to boosting its cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to enhance regional maritime domain awareness in the Pacific through satellite data, training, and capacity building.

Today we are announcing a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable our partners in the region to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior. We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. Furthermore, we welcome the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year, to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region.

We are also announcing today that the U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard, plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety, and continuing with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific.

We also announce today the launch of a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, to pursue shared airlift capacity among our nations and leverage our collective logistics strengths, in order to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region.

Quality Infrastructure

The Quad remains committed to improving the region’s connectivity through the development of quality, resilient infrastructure.

We are pleased to announce the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will harness the Quad’s expertise to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific, in collaboration with regional partners. In 2025, we intend to hold a Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference, hosted by India in Mumbai. Through this new partnership, Quad partners intend to coordinate, exchange information, share best practices with partners in the region, and leverage resources to mobilize government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region.

We applaud the expansion of the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships to more than 2,200 experts, and note that Quad partners have already provided well over 1,300 fellowships since the initiative was announced at last year’s Summit. We also appreciate the workshop organized by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in India, working to empower partners across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen power sector resilience.

Through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, we continue to support and strengthen quality undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific, the capacity, durability, and reliability of which are inextricably linked to the security and prosperity of the region and the world. In support of these efforts, Australia launched the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in July, which is delivering workshops and policy and regulatory assistance in response to requests from across the region. Japan will extend technical cooperation to improve public ICT infrastructure management capacity for an undersea cable in Nauru and Kiribati. The United States has conducted over 1,300 capacity building trainings for telecommunication officials and executives from 25 countries in the Indo-Pacific; today the U.S. announces its intent, working with Congress, to invest an additional $3.4 million to extend and expand this training program.

Investments in cable projects by Quad partners will help support all Pacific island countries in achieving primary telecommunication cable connectivity by the end of 2025. Since the last Quad Leaders’ Summit, Quad partners have committed over $140 million to undersea cable builds in the Pacific, alongside contributions from other likeminded partners. Complementing these investments in new undersea cables, India has commissioned a feasibility study to examine expansion of undersea cable maintenance and repair capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

We reaffirm our support for the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles, which are an expression of Pacific voices on infrastructure.

We underscore our commitment to an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, reliable and secure digital future to advance our shared prosperity and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific. In this context, we welcome the Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure.

Critical and Emerging Technologies

Today, we are proud to announce an ambitious expansion of our partnership to deliver trusted technology solutions to the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Last year, Quad partners launched a landmark initiative to deploy the first Open Radio Access Network (RAN) in the Pacific, in Palau, to support a secure, resilient, and interconnected telecommunications ecosystem. Since then, the Quad has pledged approximately $20 million to this effort.

Quad partners also welcome the opportunity to explore additional Open RAN projects in Southeast Asia. We plan to expand support for ongoing Open RAN field trials and the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA) in the Philippines, building on the initial $8 million in support that the United States and Japan pledged earlier this year. The United States also plans to invest over $7 million to support the global expansion of AORA, including through establishing a first-of-its-kind Open RAN workforce training initiative at scale in South Asia, in partnership with Indian institutions.

Quad partners will also explore collaborating with the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to ensure the country’s readiness for nationwide 5G deployment.

We remain committed to advancing our cooperation on semiconductors through better leveraging of our complementary strengths to realize a diversified and competitive market and enhance resilience of Quad’s semiconductor supply chains. We welcome a Memorandum of Cooperation between Quad countries for the Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network.

Through the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture (AI-ENGAGE) initiative announced at last year’s Summit, our governments are deepening leading-edge collaborative research to harness artiﬁcial intelligence, robotics, and sensing to transform agricultural approaches and empower farmers across the Indo-Pacific. We are pleased to announce an inaugural $7.5+ million in funding opportunities for joint research, and welcome the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between our science agencies to connect our research communities and advance shared research principles.

The United States, Australia, India, and Japan look forward to launching the Quad BioExplore Initiative—a funded mechanism that will support joint AI-driven exploration of diverse non-human biological data across all four countries.

This project will also be underpinned by the forthcoming Quad Principles for Research and Development Collaborations in Critical and Emerging Technologies.

Climate and Clean Energy

As we underscore the severe economic, social, and environmental consequences posed by the climate crisis, we continue to work together with Indo-Pacific partners, including through Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP), to enhance climate and clean energy cooperation as well as promote adaptation and resilience. We emphasize the significant benefits of transitioning to a clean energy economy for our people, our planet, and our shared prosperity. Our countries intend to strengthen our cooperation to align policies, incentives, standards, and investments around creating high-quality, diversified clean energy supply chains that will enhance our collective energy security, create new economic opportunities across the region, and benefit local workers and communities around the world, particularly across the Indo-Pacific.

We will work together, through policy and public finance, to operationalize our commitment to catalyzing complementary and high-standard private sector investment in allied and partner clean energy supply chains. To this end, Australia will open applications for the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chains Diversification Program in November, providing AUD 50 million to support projects that develop and diversify solar panel, hydrogen electrolyzer and battery supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. India commits to invest $2 million in new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. Japan has committed to $122 million grants and loans in renewable energy projects in Indo-Pacific countries. The United States, through DFC, will continue to seek opportunities to mobilize private capital to solar, as well as wind, cooling, batteries, and critical minerals to expand and diversify supply chains.

We are pleased to announce a focused Quad effort to boost energy efficiency, including the deployment and manufacturing of high-efficiency affordable, cooling systems to enable climate-vulnerable communities to adapt to rising temperatures while simultaneously reducing strain on the electricity grid.

We jointly affirm our commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensure the resilience and sustainability of port infrastructure. Quad partners will leverage our learning and expertise to forge a path towards sustainable and resilient port infrastructure, including through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Cyber

In the face of a deteriorating security environment in the cyber domain, Quad countries intend to enhance our cybersecurity partnership to address common threats posed by state-sponsored actors, cybercriminals, and other non-state malicious actors. Our countries commit to taking concrete steps to increase our collective network defense and advance technical capabilities through greater threat information sharing and capacity building. We plan to coordinate joint efforts to identify vulnerabilities, protect national security networks and critical infrastructure networks, and coordinate more closely including on policy responses to significant cybersecurity incidents affecting the Quad’s shared priorities.

Quad countries are also partnering with software manufacturers, industry trade groups, and research centers to expand our commitmentto pursuing secure software development standards and certification, as endorsed in the Quad’s 2023 Secure Software Joint Principles. We will work to harmonize these standards to not only ensure that the development, procurement, and end-use of software for government networks is more secure, but that the cyber resilience of our supply chains, digital economies, and societies are collectively improved. Throughout this fall, Quad countries each plan to host campaigns to mark the annual Quad Cyber Challenge promoting responsible cyber ecosystems, public resources, and cybersecurity awareness. We are constructively engaging on the Quad Action Plan to Protect Commercial Undersea Telecommunications Cables, developed by the Quad Senior Cyber Group, as a complementary effort to the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. Our coordinated actions to protect global telecommunications infrastructure as guided by the Action Plan will advance our shared vision for future digital connectivity, global commerce, and prosperity.

Space

We recognize the essential contribution of space-related applications and technologies in the Indo-Pacific. Our four countries intend to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events. In this context, we welcome India’s establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius, to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact.

Quad Investors Network (QUIN)

We welcome private sector initiatives—including the Quad Investors Network (QUIN), which facilitates investments in strategic technologies, including clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and quantum. The QUIN is mobilizing a number of investments to promote supply chain resilience, advance joint research and development, commercialize new technologies, and invest in our future workforce.

People-to-People Initiatives

The Quad is committed to strengthening the deep and enduring ties between our people, and among our partners. Through the Quad Fellowship, we are building a network of the next generation of science, technology, and policy leaders. Together with the Institute of International Education, which leads implementation of the Quad Fellowship, Quad governments welcome the second cohort of Quad Fellows and the expansion of the program to include students from ASEAN countries for the first time. The Government of Japan is supporting the program to enable Quad Fellows to study in Japan. The Quad welcomes the generous support of private sector partners for the next cohort of fellows, including Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital.

India is pleased to announce a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a 4-year undergraduate engineering program at a Government of India-funded technical institution.

Working Together to Address Regional and Global Issues

Today we reaffirm our consistent and unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity. We continue to support implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and are committed to ensuring the Quad’s work is aligned with ASEAN’s principles and priorities.

We underscore ASEAN’s regional leadership role, including in the East Asia Summit, the region’s premier leader-led forum for strategic dialogue, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. As comprehensive strategic partners of ASEAN, our four countries intend to continue to strengthen our respective relationships with ASEAN and seek opportunities for greater Quad collaboration in support of the AOIP.

We recommit to working in partnership with Pacific island countries to achieve shared aspirations and address shared challenges. We reaffirm our support for Pacific regional institutions that have served the region well over many years, with the PIF as the region’s premier political and economic policy organization, and warmly welcome Tonga’s leadership as the current PIF Chair in 2024-2025. We continue to support the objectives of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. We and our governments will continue to listen to and be guided at every step by Pacific priorities, including climate action, ocean health, resilient infrastructure, maritime security and financial integrity. In particular, we acknowledge climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific and applaud Pacific island countries’ global leadership on climate action.

We remain committed to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. We strongly support IORA as the Indian Ocean region’s premier forum for addressing the region’s challenges. We recognize India’s leadership in finalizing the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (IOIP) and express our support for its implementation. We thank Sri Lanka for its continued leadership as IORA Chair through this year and look forward to India’s assuming the IORA Chair in 2025.

As Leaders, we are steadfast in our conviction that international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace, safety, security and stability in the maritime domain, underpin the sustainable development, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. We emphasize the importance of adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order, including with respect to maritime claims. We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea. We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous maneuvers. We also oppose efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities.We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS. We re-emphasize the importance of maintaining and upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law. We re-emphasize the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirm that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and the seas must be carried out. We underscore that the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties.

Together, with our global and regional partners, we continue to support international institutions and initiatives that underpin global peace, prosperity and sustainable development. We reiterate our unwavering support for the UN Charter and the three pillars of the UN system. In consultation with our partners, we will work collectively to address attempts to unilaterally undermine the integrity of the UN, its Charter, and its agencies. We will reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council. This expansion of permanent seats should include representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean in a reformed Security Council.

We stand for adherence to international law and respect for principles of the UN Charter, including territorial integrity, sovereignty of all states, and peaceful resolution of disputes. We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. Each of us has visited Ukraine since the war began, and seen this first-hand; we reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also note the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least developed countries. In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We underscore the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterate that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.

We condemn North Korea’s destabilizing ballistic missile launches and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). These launches pose a grave threat to international peace and stability. We urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations and engage in substantive dialogue. We reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula consistent with relevant UNSCRs and call on all countries to fully implement these UNSCRs. We stress the need to prevent any proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to North Korea in the region and beyond. We express our grave concern over North Korea’s use of proliferation networks, malicious cyber activity and workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. In that context, we urge all UN Member States to abide by the relevant UNSCRs including the prohibition on the transfer to North Korea or procurement from North Korea of all arms and related materiel. We express deep concern about countries that are deepening military cooperation with North Korea, which directly undermines the global nonproliferation regime. As the mandate of the UN Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring violations of North Korea-related UNSCR sanctions was not renewed, we reiterate our commitment to continued implementation of the relevant UNSCRs which remain in full force. We reconfirm the necessity of immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

We remain deeply concerned by the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, and again call for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of all those unjustly and arbitrarily detained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, resolution of the crisis through constructive and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, and a return to the path of inclusive democracy. We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN-led efforts, including the work of the ASEAN Chair and the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. We call for full implementation of all commitments under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. The ongoing conflict and instability have serious implications for the region, including increases in transnational crime such as cybercrime, the illegal drug trade, and human trafficking. We restate our appeal to all States to prevent the flow of arms and dual-use material, including jet fuel. We remain resolute in our support for the people of Myanmar and commit to continuing to work with all stakeholders in a pragmatic and constructive way, to find a sustainable solution to the crisis in a process which is led by the people of Myanmar and returns Myanmar to the path of democracy.

We call upon all States to contribute to the safe, peaceful, responsible, and sustainable use of outer space. We remain committed to fostering international cooperation and transparency, as well as confidence-building measures with the goal of improving the security of outer space for all States. We reaffirm the importance of upholding the existing international legal framework for outer space activities, including the Outer Space Treaty, and the obligation of all States Parties to the Treaty not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, install such weapons on celestial bodies, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner.

The Quad reaffirms its commitment to fostering a resilient information environment including through its Countering Disinformation Working Group by supporting media freedom and addressing foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation, which undermines trust and sows discord in the international community. We recognize these tactics are intended to interfere with domestic and international interests, and we are committed, together with our regional partners, to leverage our collective expertise and capacity to respond. We reaffirm our commitment to respect international human rights law, strengthen civil society, support media freedom, address online harassment and abuse, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and counter unethical practices.

We unequivocally condemn terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. We are committed to international cooperation and will work with our regional partners in a comprehensive and sustained manner to strengthen their capability to prevent, detect and respond to threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, including threats posed by the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, consistent with international law. We are committed to working together to promote accountability for the perpetrators of such terrorist attacks. We reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks including the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and in Pathankot, and our commitment to pursuing designations, as appropriate, by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. We welcome the constructive discussions held at the first Quad Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and the fourth tabletop exercise in Honolulu last year, and look forward to Japan hosting the next meeting and tabletop exercise in November 2024.

We share great interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks on October 7, 2023. The large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable. We affirm the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and emphasize that the deal to release hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza. We underscore the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza as well as the crucial need to prevent regional escalation. We urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable. We welcome UNSCR S/RES/2735 (2024), and strongly urge all parties concerned to work immediately and steadily toward the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire. We call on all parties to take every feasible step to protect the lives of civilians including aid workers, and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief to civilians. We also encourage other countries, including those in the Indo-Pacific, to increase their support in order to address the dire humanitarian need on the ground. We underscore that the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza should be supported by the international community. We remain committed to a sovereign, viable and independent Palestinian state taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns as part of a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace. Any unilateral actions that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, including Israeli expansion of settlements and violent extremism on all sides, must end. We underscore the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region.

We condemn the ongoing attacks perpetrated by the Houthis and their supporters against international and commercial vessels transiting through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which are destabilizing the region and impeding navigational rights and freedoms and trade flows, and jeopardize the safety of vessels and people on board including sailors.

We reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We underscore the importance of achieving the SDGs in a comprehensive manner without selectively prioritizing a narrow set of such goals, and reaffirm that the UN has a central role in supporting countries in their implementation. With six years left, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and accelerating progress toward all the SDGs in a comprehensive manner that is balanced across three dimensions – economic, social and environmental. From global health to sustainable development and climate change, the global community benefits when all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute to addressing these challenges. We affirm our commitment to contributing to and implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. We underscore our commitment to strongly engaging constructively in the discussion on advancing sustainable development, including at the Summit of the Future. The Quad continues to realize a safe and secure world where human rights and human dignity are protected, based on the central premise of the SDGs: “Leave no one behind.”

We, the Quad Leaders, remain dedicated to working in partnership with Indo-Pacific countries in deciding our future and shaping the region we all want to live in.

Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific

Over the past four years, Quad Leaders have met together six times, including twice virtually, and Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times in the last five years. Quad country representatives meet together on a regular basis, at all levels, including among ambassadors across the four countries’ extensive diplomatic networks, to consult one another, exchange ideas to advance shared priorities, and deliver benefits with and for partners across the Indo-Pacific region. We welcome our Commerce and Industry ministers preparing to meet for the first time in the coming months. We also welcome the leaders of our Development Finance Institutions and Agencies deciding to meet to explore future investments by the four countries in the Indo-Pacific. Altogether, our four countries are cooperating at an unprecedented pace and scale.

Each of our governments has committed to working through our respective budgetary processes to secure robust funding for Quad priorities in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure an enduring impact. We intend to work with our legislatures to deepen interparliamentary exchanges, and encourage other stakeholders to deepen engagement with Quad counterparts.

We look forward to the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting hosted by the United States in 2025, and the next Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by India in 2025. The Quad is here to stay.

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MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2057454) Visitor Counter : 48

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vice-President cautions against playing politics in matters of development

Source: Government of India (2)

The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today appealed to not fall prey to politics 24 hours a day. “Politics cannot be above the nation. There should be no politics in matters of development. We cannot be the victim of excessive politics at the cost of nationalism, progress of the nation and development”, he remarked.

Addressing the gathering at the Public Function at Dokmardi Auditorium, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Shri Dhankhhar underscored the importance of upholding the dignity and pride of the nation when representing India abroad. He remarked “No one has the right to go outside India and speak ill of India, sit with the enemies of India. Whenever we go outside the country, we are the ambassadors of the country, we cannot think of anything other than nationalism”.

Voicing concern over the increasing trend of individuals tarnishing India’s image while abroad, he remarked, “Today, we see medical tourism and safari tourism flourishing, but why is anti-national tourism happening? If we go abroad and speak ill of our country, this is unacceptable. Such behaviour not only harms the nation but also undermines our collective identity”.

Citing the exemplary conduct of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Vice President pointed to a time when Vajpayee, though leader of the opposition, led India’s delegation abroad while the Congress government was in power. “Atalji’s actions were guided by a single goal—‘My India is great, my India, my nationalism,’” the Vice President added.

Emphasizing the need for continuous improvement across all sectors, Shri Dhankhar stated that “There is scope for growth in everything. Every day, we see that whatever we do today, we can do better tomorrow.” He acknowledged the vital role technology plays in advancing the nation’s progress but cautioned against actions that compromise the health of the country and its people. “Destroying the health of India is no less than stabbing a knife in the chest of Mother India, and this will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he declared.

Questioning the growing trend of importing items that can be produced locally, he stated, “Why do we use foreign goods for monetary gains? Will furniture come from abroad in our country? Will bottles come from abroad? Even kites, diyas, candles, and cotton are now coming from abroad.”

He highlighted three major disadvantages of this practice: the depletion of foreign exchange, the loss of domestic tax revenues, and the missed opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs who are being deprived of the chance to grow and thrive, and lamented the fact that such reliance on imported goods, driven by short-term economic gains, ultimately harms the nation’s long-term prosperity.

Reflecting on India’s incredible journey toward equality and social mobility, Shi Dhankhar celebrated the country’s success in empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to rise to the highest positions of leadership.

“How did a tea seller become the Prime Minister of India despite poverty? How did a farmer’s son become the Vice President? How did a woman from a tribal background become the President of the country?”, he remarked.

Recalling his visit to Jammu and Kashmir as a minister in 1990, he noted the stark difference between then and now. “At that time, I did not see 30 people during my visit, and this year, 2 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked, underscoring the region’s significant resurgence as a major tourist destination.

Shri Dhankar also praised the growth and development of India’s agricultural sector, citing the government’s initiatives aimed at empowering farmers. “Today, 10 crore farmers receive payments directly, thrice a year”.

Shri Praful Patel, Hon’ble Administrator, UT of DNH&DD and Lakshadeep, Smt. DelkarKalabenMohanbhai, Hon’ble MP, DNH and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI China: High tech propels bumper harvests in China’s grain-producing provinces

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Sept. 22 — As autumn harvest approaches, Li Yucheng smiles at the sight of his thriving paddy fields, where golden ears of rice dance in the breeze and stalks stand tall against the backdrop of fertile black soil.

“We planted 800 hectares of rice this year. Despite facing challenges from low temperatures and rainy weather early on, we nurtured the crops back to health, and the yield is expected to exceed 9 tonnes per hectare,” said Li, chairman of a modern agricultural machinery cooperative in Huachuan County, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province.

According to Li, the cooperative has implemented high-tech equipment, including agricultural Internet of Things devices, micro weather stations and pest monitoring systems. The dynamic data can be monitored right from the mobile phone, making field management more accurate and efficient, he added.

Back in 1998, when Li first started farming, he spent over 200 days a year in the fields, managing just around 5.33 hectares of rice. Now, thanks to advanced agricultural machinery such as high-horsepower tractors and plant protection drones, he works in the fields for no more than 100 days a year.

Li emphasized the importance the government has attached to grain production over the years, highlighting measures such as reducing agricultural taxes, providing grain subsidies and offering training in agricultural techniques. “I am now full of confidence in grain production,” he said.

Dubbed China’s grain barn, Heilongjiang has taken the lead in the country’s agricultural modernization, with the overall mechanization rate for crop cultivation and harvesting reaching 99.07 percent. The province’s grain output reached 77.88 billion kg in 2023, securing its position as China’s top producer for the 14th consecutive year.

In the central granary province of Henan, continuous improvements in agricultural infrastructure and the application of advanced technology have also significantly increased grain yields.

In Yuanwu Township of Xinxiang City, grain farmer Shen Jifeng coordinated early with a nearby agricultural machinery cooperative to schedule the harvest of over 20 hectares of corn.

“The yield is expected to be around 9,750 kg per hectare,” Shen noted, adding that with the help of machinery, the harvest will be completed in just two days.

Shen also noted that the agricultural department regularly provides vital information, including meteorological alerts, soil moisture data, pest reports and field management suggestions. This information is partially sourced from a pole on his field equipped with solar panels, high-definition cameras, atmospheric sensors and other devices.

Developed by the Central-China Agricultural Valley, an agricultural innovation platform, the pole is connected to a buried soil sensor that continuously transmits various data. The data is processed to assess weather, soil conditions and seedling health, according to Yin Yue, a platform staff member.

Henan plans to establish a total of 1 million hectares of demonstration zones for high-standard farmland by 2025, aiming to increase grain production capacity from 65 to 70 billion kg.

Technology also ensures food security in mountainous regions. In southwestern Guizhou Province, where mountainous and hilly areas account for 92.5 percent of the total land, per capita arable land is only 0.09 hectares, below the national average.

At a modern seed breeding center in Kaiyang County, digital workshops are in full operation, and automated facilities are engaged in production. The center has bred over 10 new vegetable varieties, including peppers, tomatoes, kale, broccoli and eggplant, which were developed by domestic and international research institutions and seed industry enterprises.

“Through advanced technologies such as digital control, precision planting and tidal seedling breeding, we can produce 6 to 7 million seedlings per crop cycle,” said Chen Fucai, technical director of Guizhou modern seed industry company, which manages the breeding center. Remarkably, two to three workers can oversee more than 4,000 square meters of seedling area.

Since April 2023, Guizhou has launched innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives for agricultural technicians, attracting 2,874 professional teams to contribute scientifically to improving grain and oil yields. Additionally, a project to cultivate high-quality farmers is scheduled to train over 10,000 individuals in cultural, technical and management skills.

China celebrates its seventh farmers’ harvest festival on Sunday. The country continues to prioritize food security, as it feeds over 1.4 billion people with only 9 percent of the world’s arable land. Over the past years, various measures have been implemented to improve grain output, including building more high-standard farmland and promoting agricultural technologies.

By the end of 2023, China has developed over 66.7 million hectares of high-standard farmland, with 13 key grain-producing provincial-level regions accounting for around 70 percent of the total.

MIL OSI China News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Announcement of the appointment of the Government.

MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

The composition of the Government resulting from the decree signed today on the proposal of the Prime Minister, responsible for Ecological and Energy Planning, is as follows:

Ministers:

Mr. Didier MIGAUD, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice;

Ms. Catherine VAUTRIN, Minister for Partnership with the Territories and Decentralization;

Mr. Bruno RETAILLEAU, Minister of the Interior;

Ms. Anne GENETET, Minister of National Education;

Mr. Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs;

Ms. Rachida DATI, Minister of Culture;

Mr. Sébastien LECORNU, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans;

Ms. Agnès PANNIER-RUNACHER, Minister of Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate and Risk Prevention;

Mr. Antoine ARMAND, Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry;

Ms. Geneviève DARRIEUSSECQ, Minister of Health and Access to Healthcare;

Mr. Paul CHRISTOPHE, Minister of Solidarity, Autonomy and Equality between Women and Men;

Ms. Valérie LÉTARD, Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal;

Ms. Annie GENEVARD, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry;

Ms. Astrid PANOSYAN-BOUVET, Minister of Labor and Employment;

Mr. Gil AVÉROUS, Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life;

Mr. Patrick HETZEL, Minister of Higher Education and Research;

Mr. Guillaume KASBARIAN, Minister of Civil Service, Simplification and Transformation of Public Action;

Mr. François-Noël BUFFET, Minister to the Prime Minister, responsible for Overseas Territories;

Mr. Laurent SAINT-MARTIN, Minister to the Prime Minister, responsible for the Budget and Public Accounts.

Ministers Delegate:

To the Prime Minister and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs:

Mr. Benjamin HADDAD, responsible for Europe;

To the Prime Minister:

Ms Nathalie DELATTRE, responsible for Relations with Parliament;

Ms Maud BREGEON, Government spokesperson;

Ms. Marie-Claire CARRÈRE-GÉE, responsible for Government Coordination;

To the Minister for Partnership with the Territories and Decentralization:

Mrs. Françoise GATEL, responsible for Rural Affairs, Trade and Crafts;

Mr. François DUROVRAY, responsible for Transport;

Mr. Fabrice LOHER, responsible for the Sea and Fisheries;

To the Minister of the Interior:

Mr. Nicolas DARAGON, responsible for daily security;

To the Minister of National Education:

Mr. Alexandre PORTIER, responsible for Academic Success and Professional Education;

To the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs:

Ms Sophie PRIMAS, responsible for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad;

To the Minister of Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate and Risk Prevention:

Ms. Olga GIVERNET, responsible for Energy;

To the Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry:

Mr. Marc FERRACCI, responsible for Industry;

Ms Marie-Agnès POUSSIER-WINSBACK, responsible for the Social and Solidarity Economy, Profit-Sharing and Participation;

Ms. Marina FERRARI, responsible for the Tourism Economy;

To the Minister of Solidarity, Autonomy and Equality between Women and Men:

Ms. Agnès CANAYER, responsible for Family and Early Childhood.

Secretaries of State:

To the Minister of the Interior:

Mr. Othman NASROU, responsible for Citizenship and the Fight against Discrimination;

To the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs:

Mr. Thani MOHAMED SOILIHI, responsible for Francophonie and International Partnerships;

To the Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry:

Ms. Laurence GARNIER, responsible for Consumption;

To the Minister of Solidarity, Autonomy and Equality between Women and Men:

Ms. Salima SAA, responsible for Equality between women and men;

To the Minister of Higher Education and Research:

Ms. Clara CHAPPAZ, responsible for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology.

The President of the Republic will bring together all members of the Government for a Council of Ministers which will be held on Monday, September 23 at 3:00 p.m.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: 09.22.2024 Sen. Cruz Applauds Announcement of House Vote on His Bipartisan CHIPS Permitting Bill

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after it was announced that the bipartisan legislation he authored with Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) to dramatically expedite semiconductor manufacturing plant construction would receive a vote on the House floor next week. The Kelly-Cruz bill has already passed the Senate.
“My number-one priority fighting for Texas has always been jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Sen. Cruz. “I am thrilled that the House has scheduled the Kelly-Cruz legislation for a vote next week. I’ve teamed up with Democrat Senator Mark Kelly to pass landmark legislation streamlining environmental permitting rules for new semiconductor factories. When passed, Kelly-Cruz will help bring tens of thousands of jobs to Texas and hundreds of billions in new investments. It will also advance our national security significantly by making us much less dependent on China for advanced semiconductors. Our bipartisan legislation passed the Senate unanimously, and I urge our House colleagues to likewise swiftly pass it into law.”
During the week of September 23rd, the House will vote on S. 2228, the “Building Chips in America Act,” under suspension of the rules, requiring a 2/3 majority of House members for passage. S.2228 was modified with substitute text authored by Sens. Cruz and Kelly (Senate Amendment 1378).
In December, the Senate unanimously passed Sens. Cruz and Kelly’s bipartisan chips permitting bill, which was cosponsored by Sens. Todd Young (R-IN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). This legislation had also previously passed the Senate in July of 2023 as part of the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).In October of 2023, Sens. Cruz and Kelly led a bipartisan, bicameral letter with over 100 signers in support of passing these permitting reforms.
In January, Sen. Cruz toured the Samsung facility in Taylor, Texas and reiterated the importance of his CHIPS/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) legislation. Sen. Cruz also hosted a roundtable event in Round Rock, Texas, to discuss regulatory hurdles facing the semiconductor industry. Sen. Cruz engaged with many Texas-based semiconductor companies, and discussed how burdensome federal environmental requirements are driving up compliance costs for chip manufacturers, leading to slower construction timelines.
In April, Sen. Cruz discussed the need for chips permitting reform at a roundtable discussion hosted by Southern Methodist University after the university had been designated the lead agency for this federally funded economic development initiative, aimed at bolstering semiconductor manufacturing in the United States.
Background on Sen. Cruz’s efforts to encourage American innovation through Chips manufacturing:
During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on ‘CHIPS and Science Implementation and Oversight,’ Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo endorsed Sens. Cruz and Mark Kelly’s (D-AZ) CHIPS/NEPA proposal.
Sen. Cruz helped enact historic tax reform in 2017, which gave a tax cut to virtually every taxpayer in America. It reduced taxes on small businesses, farmers, ranchers, and job producers, which has helped bring jobs to Texas and drive innovation.
Sen. Cruz has been leading the fight against burdensome federal government regulations and EPA overreach.
Sen. Cruz authored the Cost Recovery and Expensing Acceleration to Transform the Economy and Jumpstart Opportunities for Businesses and Startups (CREATE JOBS) Act, which would vitally reform business expensing in the tax code and help businesses and innovators thrive.
Sen. Cruz championed the Facilitating American-Built Semiconductors (FABS) Act to incentivize manufacturing in the U.S. through tax credits. That legislation is now law.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-Evening Report: Do footy’s best and fairest awards achieve what they claim?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hunter Fujak, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management, Deakin University

Football’s awards season kicks off this week, with the AFL’s Brownlow Medal awarded on Monday evening and the NRL’s Dally M awarded on October 2.

Both medals aim to crown their league’s best regular season player.

Historical voting patterns, however, question whether they achieve this objective, or rather award the most influential key position player from the season’s most successful teams.

How to assess a fairest and best player?

A curiosity of the Australian sport landscape is that all four major football codes use a different panel of judges in award voting.

The AFL’s Brownlow Medal is voted on by umpires, while the NRL’s Dally M is determined by a pool of media pundits and ex-players.

Rugby Australia’s John Eales Medal is voted on by players, and the A-League’s Johnny Warren Medal is judged by a four-body panel that consists of a technical football expert, football media representative, former player and match officials.

Each one of these structures produces unique biases and criticisms.

The Brownlow: the midfielder’s medal

The Brownlow was devised as an award for the fairest and best player of the AFL competition, reflecting the often understated importance of fair play that umpires are uniquely positioned to judge.

The Brownlow’s voting system has long been a topic of interest for fans, pundits and academics alike.

While Lachie Neale’s surprise victory in 2023 generated renewed controversy, the Brownlow has long been criticised as a midfielders award.

Melbourne’s Herald, in 1938, stated:

Under the present method, men playing on the full-forward or full-back lines have little chance of winning the award usually being won by men most constantly in the play who are able to stand out in comparatively weak sides.

This observation around weak sides reflected that from 1931 to 1938, the Brownlow went on an eight-season run of being won by a player not from a finals team.

Indeed, among the first 49 Brownlow winners from 1924 to 1969, only 31% came from finalists.

Since 1970, 72% of winners have come from a finals team (noting the finals system has changed over time).

One consistent long-term trend has been the dominance of midfielders.

Among the 27 Brownlows awarded this millennium, only Adam Goodes (a two-time winner) would not be considered primarily a midfielder.

This positional dominance is not unique to AFL.

Soccer’s most pre-eminent global award, the Ballon d’Or, has been awarded 66 times, of which a defender has been the recipient only four times and a goalkeeper once.

The Dally M suffers from a similar concentration.

The Dally M: the media medal

The Dally M has been awarded since 1979, becoming rugby league’s premier individual honour in 1998 with the formation of the NRL.

In 45 years of voting, the winner has come from a non-finalist team on only six occasions (13%).

The award is also won near exclusively by the “spine” positions of fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker, which account for 91% of medallists.

The Dally M uses a pool of media pundits and ex-players for voting on each match, creating the potential for obvious conflicts of interests.

During seasons 2019 and 2020 for instance, 12 of the Brisbane Broncos’ 44 matches were judged by ex-Broncos players. On four of these instances, former player Darren Lockyer was the judge, despite being an active non-executive director of the Brisbane Broncos organisation.

Voting in nearly 22% of matches in these two seasons was performed by judges who played or coached for one of the participating teams.

NRL Chairman Peter V’Landys initiated a review of the Dally M following a surprise winner in 2020 (Jack Wighton), claiming the voting system disadvantaged players from winning teams.

Whilst this supposition disregarded that 88% of all 2020 Dally M points were awarded to players from the winning team, voting was modified for the 2023 season.

This revised system introduced an additional judge to produce two independent voters per match, and in a widely criticised move, veiled these judges with anonymity.

This new system has revealed just how little experts agree when trying to assess subjective performance.

In the opening five rounds of 2023, the two judges picked the same player of the match in less than half (48%) of fixtures.

In a third of matches (31%), one judge’s best on ground did not poll any points with the other judge.

In one instance, the two judges chose six completely different players in their respective 3-2-1 votes (round five, 2023, Bulldogs v Cowboys).

Player and coach awards: The true best and fairest?

Although the Brownlow and Dally M dominate the public limelight, team accolades are typically held in high standing within sport clubs, as internal recognition is often more highly valued than external status within high performance cultures.

Such player and coach awards, typically forming part of season-end club events, can be argued as more accurate assessments of player performance.

This is because the voters – teammates and/or coaches – best understand the roles and expectations of each player within the team’s overarching game plan.

For this reason, in the AFL, there is often wide discrepancies between a team’s distribution of Brownlow votes and a club’s internal award votes.

In 2023, for instance, six of 18 AFL clubs crowned a best and fairest who was different from their highest Brownlow vote-getter.

The most notable of this was Brisbane, where key defender Harris Andrews won the club’s best and fairest, despite finishing 44th in Brownlow voting.

Defender Harry Sheezel similarly won North Melbourne’s best and fairest despite finishing fifth from his team in the Brownlow count.

Is there a perfect solution?

Recent shock winners in both codes saw media organisations perform “forensic analysis” of voting patterns.

In the AFL, former Collingwood president and media personality Eddie McGuire proposed a “panel of elders” while the NRL’s V’Landys proposed rating every player for every match, to determine their respective awards.

Such scrutiny has undoubtedly been fuelled by the datafication of sport and its athletes, which has seen player performance statistics enter the sporting mainstream.

Is it notable then that the AFL reaffirmed their existing policy in early 2024 to preclude umpires from accessing player statistics in casting their votes.

Indeed statistics may not offer the perfect solution some believe.

Any statistical assessment of player performance remains underpinned by human judgement as to the importance of each metric, whilst missing the qualitative nuance that surrounds key match plays and moments.

Ultimately then, there may not be a perfect method to determine a league’s best and fairest player and, arguably, it is this human judgement dimension which makes these awards so engaging as a public spectacle.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Do footy’s best and fairest awards achieve what they claim? – https://theconversation.com/do-footys-best-and-fairest-awards-achieve-what-they-claim-237978

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech – Kitmap: supporting a thriving science, innovation and technology sector
Source: Callaghan Innovation

The Science, Innovation and Technology sector is working together to improve collaboration and access to infrastructure and expertise via a new online platform.

Kitmap is an online directory and database of scientific infrastructure and equipment owned by publicly funded institutes and is the first of its kind for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kitmap was announced today by Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Judith Collins. The online platform is part of a wider project led by the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) that seeks to optimise the use of Aotearoa New Zealand’s science and technology research infrastructure.

“We are excited to be part of the delivery and management of a tool that streamlines access to facilities that also helps to enhance collaboration and efficiency,” says Callaghan Innovation Chief Executive, Stefan Korn.

It includes advanced facilities such as clean rooms, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified testing, pilot and manufacturing infrastructure, and specialised Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy capabilities that are now more accessible.

Kitmap currently catalogues 260 R&D items of infrastructure, specialised equipment, much of which are found nowhere else, or not easily accessible in this country.

It provides easy access to equipment and facilities owned by Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), the National eScience Infrastructure (NeSI) and Callaghan Innovation.

“Our colleagues at MBIE have done the heavy lifting gathering the relevant information for this tool. As an innovation agency and R&D provider, we are very happy to host and promote Kitmap to support improved collaboration, and optimised resource use across the public sector and beyond.

“We engaged with MBIE late last year to see what we could do to help. They welcomed our input and their shared requirements for an online tool. We assembled our own team to deliver a dynamic platform that provides instant access to a comprehensive directory of R&D infrastructure and equipment.

“As scientific fields, interdisciplinary research and private sector R&D areas continue to evolve rapidly, it’s crucial that our public science and technology resources are deployed to the areas where they can deliver the greatest impact for New Zealand.

“And as the fourth industrial revolution gathers pace, Kitmap will offer valuable insights and access to a broad spectrum of research facilities and equipment, ensuring Kiwi innovators have the tools they need to successfully develop products and inventions.

“In the near future Kitmap will look to incorporate generative AI functionality to suggest potential methods and machinery required for rapid prototyping of new products or innovations,” says Stefan Korn.

Kitmap resource categories include:
- Laboratories: Conventional research rooms/buildings
- Field sites: Physical spaces for non-laboratory research activities
- Livestock facilities: Spaces for rearing or researching livestock, including animals, fish, and insects
- Vessels: Ships or boats equipped for sea research
- Digital collections: Online databases and digital archives
- Computing: Physical computing hardware or virtual networks
- Workshops: Spaces with CNC machinery, tools and equipment for rapid prototyping
- Sample collections: Physical specimen collections
- Monitoring: Networks of monitoring equipment
- Pilot plants: Facilities for pre-commercial production technology trials.
Visit Kitmap : https://www.kitmap.govt.nz/

About Callaghan Innovation

Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s innovation agency. It activates innovation and helps businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand. The government agency partners with ambitious businesses of all sizes, delivering a range of innovation and research and development (R&D) services to suit each stage of their growth. Its staff – including more than 150 of New Zealand’s leading scientists and engineers – empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities and networks, and providing tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, and grants co-funding. Callaghan Innovation also enhances the operation of New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, working closely with MBIE, NZTE, NZVIF, Crown Research Institutes, and other organisations that help increase business investment in R&D and innovation. The agency operates from five urban offices and a regional partner network in a further 12 locations across Aotearoa.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding round open for Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking research proposals to help improve New Zealand’s reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses.

The annual funding round for the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research (GHGIR) fund is now open, with $2.9 million of funding available for new GHGIR projects in the 2024/25 financial year.

“The GHGIR focuses on improving our knowledge of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, to ensure we have the best possible data to help manage New Zealand’s emissions and inform policy decisions,” says Stephanie Preston, MPI’s director of programmes and planning, policy and trade.

“This year we’re looking for very specific research proposals in 10 priority areas, ranging from improving liveweight estimation of sheep and beef to exploring remote sensing methods of collecting data, such as using satellite data to measure feed type and quality.

“The outcomes will inform MPI’s reporting to the New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Inventory and the United Nations under the Paris Climate Agreement.”

Applications close on 30 October 2024, with successful proposals expected to be announced by the end of February 2025.

Background information

The annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory reports on human-induced emissions and removals of greenhouse gases for energy, industrial processes, agriculture, land use, land-use change and forestry, and waste.

The Inventory is produced by government agencies, with MPI being responsible for producing the chapter on agricultural emissions (the Agriculture Greenhouse Gas Inventory). The report is submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change secretariat each year.

The 10 priorities for this year’s funding round are:
- non-forest land-use emissions model
- review and improve energy equations and intake
- review QA/QC of inventory model code
- review liming emissions
- measure values relevant to the inventory using remote sensing techniques
- improving the modelling of dairy beef cattle
- improve liveweight estimation of sheep and beef
- seasonal dairy supplementary feed data intake
- new afforestation and deforestation intentions survey
- improved activity data and parameters for deer.
The priorities paper for 2024 is on MPI’s Applying for Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research funding web page.

Applying for Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research funding

Research funded via GHGIR has led to improvements in the accuracy of estimated emissions from agriculture and forestry including:
- new data to reflect the use of non-pasture feed for dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep
- New Zealand-specific nitrous oxide emission factors from animal excreta split by stock type and hill slope.
Previous examples of projects recently funded

Reports from completed GHGIR funded research

For general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rural Flood Resilience Partnership launched to help farmers and rural communities adapt to a changing climate
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Partnership unites six organisations including: Action with Communities in Rural England; Association of Drainage Authorities; Country Land and Business Association; Environment Agency; National Farmers Union; and Natural England
With rural communities increasingly on the frontline of extreme weather and the devastating impacts of flooding, a unique partnership has been launched today (23 September 2024) to support rural flood resilience and help farmers and communities adapt to a changing climate.

Climate change means that people, places and nature are facing more frequent and more severe storms and floods. Last winter saw one of England’s wettest periods since records began in 1836.

The Rural Flood Resilience Partnership has been established to improve collaboration, deepen understanding of vulnerabilities, and support rural communities and agricultural businesses in building their resilience to present and future flood risks and coastal erosion.

The Partnership unites organisations representing government agencies, trade associations, rural communities and businesses to tackle a joint challenge with joint solutions.

The six equal founding partners are: Action with Communities in Rural England; the Association of Drainage Authorities; Country Land and Business Association; the Environment Agency; the National Farmers Union; and Natural England.

Today, the Partnership publishes its work plan covering 2024 to 2026. Partners and a wide range of projects will work together to improve their evidence base and will draw on this to co-develop solutions.

The work plan sets out 21 actions supporting seven strategic outcomes focused on: developing the evidence base behind decision-making to increase resilience; ensuring communities, farmers and landowners have access to quality advice and support; and engaging rural communities in flood resilience.

James Blake, Chair of Trustees Action with Communities in Rural England, said:

It’s vital that everyone living and working in rural communities – not just those involved in land management and agriculture – have an opportunity to engage with and influence plans to manage the consequences of climate change.

As one of the founding members of this partnership, we look forward to drawing on the experience and reach of ACRE members to build the capacity of rural communities to come together and consider what can be done based on local circumstances in response to this most pressing global issue.

Robert Caudwell, Chair of the Association of Drainage Authorities, said:

Our climate is changing rapidly, and those living and working in rural parts of England are some of the most aware of, and most vulnerable to, those changes.

Listening to the voice of rural communities is essential if we are to build England’s resilience to flooding and drought in the future.

The best solutions can often be achieved when public authorities work together with local businesses and communities, combining their land and water management expertise with a deeper understanding of our local landscape and those impacted.

ADA is proud to play its part in this new Partnership in support of our members, England’s flood and water management authorities.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan said:

The damage to rural land and businesses from flooding is localised but acute, and the frequency of these events will increase with climate change.

It is crucial to improve the resilience of rural businesses and communities to flooding. The CLA hopes this partnership will provide the evidence, awareness of risks, and access to practical advice that will allow them to improve their resilience.

This partnership will look for short and medium-term solutions whilst raising awareness of the rural-specific costs and challenges from flooding which our members face.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency, said:

Flooding presents specific challenges to those living and working in rural communities, from ruined crops to having road access cut off by floodwaters.

Since 2015, flooding and coastal change projects have been completed to protect more than 400,000 hectares of agricultural land better. This includes 280,000 hectares between 2015-2021, helping to avoid more than £500 million worth of economic damage to agricultural land production.

While the Environment Agency continues to work to strengthen rural flood resilience, no single organisation can tackle these challenges in isolation. This partnership provides the opportunity to accomplish more than any one organisation can manage alone.

The new Rural Flood Resilience Partnership will help farmers, land managers and rural communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change while retaining the vital role of managing land and producing sustainable food.

NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said:

The NFU is pleased to be involved in this new Partnership and hope it will enable farmers and rural communities to strengthen the resilience of their homes and businesses by providing practical solutions based on tangible evidence to some of the challenges they face in the event of flooding.

It will also give rural communities the means to influence decision making, provide access to resources and support action on the ground, strengthening rural resilience to flooding in a changing climate.

Farmers are on the frontline of climate change – our biggest challenge. The extreme weather this brings is one of the main threats to UK food security and more severe storms, devastating floods, and increased periods of little or no rain are all impacting our ability to produce food.

The country has just experienced its wettest 18 months since records began in 1836 which left many thousands of acres of productive farmland under water. There are still many farm businesses in dire need of support, and we are awaiting details of how the Farming Recovery Fund can help those businesses recover from the impacts of the devastating flooding and saturated ground.

Natural England’s Greener Farming & Fisheries Director, Brad Tooze, said:

Natural England champions the power of nature and nature-based solutions to help tackle the joint climate and biodiversity emergencies.

NE welcomes the opportunity to join this partnership and add our science and evidence expertise and our local farm advice offer into the mix. Together we can support farmers and land managers to farm in more flood resilient ways – supporting communities to become more flood resilient and recovering nature at the same time.

From signing up to the Sustainable Farming Incentive to manage arable land for flood/drought resilience and water quality or by working with others to restore a river and floodplain in Landscape Recovery every farmer and land manager can make a difference.

The Partnership forms part of the wider work that all partners are undertaking on flood and coastal resilience.

All flood and coastal risk management schemes delivered by risk management authorities in England are carefully assessed to make sure they benefit the most people and property. Approximately 40% of all schemes and 45% of investment better protect properties in rural communities.

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Published 23 September 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: Consultation open on mandatory Food and Grocery Code

Source: Australian Treasurer

The Albanese Government is committed to supporting a competitive and sustainable food and grocery sector that works for Australian families and farmers.

Today we are releasing an exposure draft of the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code (Code) and an exposure draft of amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 for consultation.

The new Code will see Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and Metcash subject to multi‑million‑dollar penalties for serious breaches. The Code increases protections for suppliers by introducing strengthened dispute resolution arrangements, and new obligations to protect suppliers from retribution, which will be complemented by the creation of an anonymous supplier and whistle‑blower complaints pathway through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The new Code implements the recommendations of Dr Craig Emerson’s independent review of the code in full and would commence on 1 April 2025.

The amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 will introduce higher maximum penalties for breaches of the Code, as well as higher infringement notice penalties for alleged breaches of the Food and Grocery Code and other industry codes. Legislation will be introduced into the Parliament later this year.

The Government’s economic plan is all about easing the cost of living for Australians. The new Code will help to ensure our supermarkets are as competitive as they can be so Australians get the best prices possible.

Strengthening the Food and Grocery Code is only one part of the Government’s broad competition reform agenda, which includes an ACCC supermarket inquiry, progress on the most significant merger reforms in Australia in almost 50 years, consultation on reforming non‑compete clauses, funding for CHOICE to conduct quarterly price monitoring and working with the states and territories to revitalise National Competition Policy.

Submissions on the exposure draft of the mandatory Food and Grocery Code are open until 18 October 2024.

Submissions on the exposure draft of amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 are open until 4 October 2024.

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI China: 7th Chinese farmers’ harvest festival celebrated across China

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

7th Chinese farmers’ harvest festival celebrated across China

Updated: September 23, 2024 07:33 Xinhua

A villager airs crops at Yangchan Village in Huangshan City, east China’s Anhui Province, Sept. 22, 2024. This Sunday marks the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival. [Photo/Xinhua]

A farmer loads harvested corns onto a truck at Bianqiao Township of Linyi City, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A farmer holds harvested rice at Yuanyang County of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Farmers harvest rice at Zhanglou Village of Xinyang City, central China’s Henan Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A farmer harvests grapes at an orchard of Xixiaoyi Village in Tangshan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Farmers harvest rice at Wanchang Township in Yongji County, northeast China’s Jilin Province, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows harvesters working in a paddy field in Fangzheng County of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 22, 2024. This Sunday marks the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival. In recent years, China’s major grain production province Heilongjiang has enhanced its grain production capacity and advanced the quality of high-standard farmland development. [Photo/Xinhua]

Harvesters work in a paddy field in Fangzheng County of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows a paddy field in Fangzheng County of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Folk artists throw molten iron to create fireworks in Haiyang, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 21, 2024. The event aims to commemorate the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival which falls on Sept. 22 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]

Folk artists throw molten iron to create fireworks in Haiyang, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier says nation on course for bumper grain harvest

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

ZHENGZHOU, Sept. 22 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong said on Sunday that China is on course for another bumper grain harvest this year after farmers and cadres at all levels across the country worked hard to overcome the adverse impacts of natural disasters and realize increased summer grain output and the steady production of early rice.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a tour to Lankao in central China’s Henan Province, where he attended a national main event celebrating the seventh Chinese farmers’ harvest festival.

Liu called for solid efforts in promoting comprehensive rural revitalization by implementing the policies and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee so as to lay the foundation for the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, as well as for building China into an agricultural powerhouse.

During the event, Liu also went to an exhibition showcasing the achievements through learning from and applying the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program, and saw the display of high-quality agricultural products and rural craftsman skills.

Liu also called for persistent efforts in farm field management, disaster monitoring, early warning, as well as disaster prevention and response during the autumn grain harvest season.

MIL OSI China News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: 205-2024: Unplanned Service Disruption: Monday 23 September 2024 – COLS

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

Monday 23 September 2024

Who does this notice affect?

All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment.

Information

Start time:

As of 09:05 Monday 23 September 2024 (AEST).

The Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) is currently experiencing an unplanned service…

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: Brigades of CFA: Warracknabeal

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Warracknabeal Fire Brigade may be one of Victoria’s oldest fire brigades – but its members have always had a focus on innovation and progression.

Located in the state’s north-west, Warracknabeal brigade has a history dating back to CFA’s formative years. The brigade began in the 1890s when local volunteers secured a 26-person Merryweather hand-operated manual pump enabling them to officially join the newly created Country Fire Brigades Board (now CFA).

By 1919, the Country Fire Brigades Board (CFBB) had seen the potential of motorised firefighting vehicles which were considered a great advance on horse-drawn vehicles. Following the war, there were also huge developments in the design and use of motorised water pumps, which made firefighting more efficient and effective.

Warracknabeal’s then captain, local entrepreneur Tom Gardiner seized upon this opportunity, establishing Gardiner-Aussie Workshops in the early 1920s with the goal of building trucks and pumpers suitable for rural firefighting. His innovative design would prove successful and was quickly adopted by the CFBB. Tom’s workshop was commissioned to develop 55 pumpers prior to his death in 1935.

The new pumpers would not be the first motorised vehicle produced out of Warracknabeal. A belt drive bike with a small four stroke engine and pedal assist was built by the Mallee Cycle works in 1905.

Another of the brigade’s early leaders has strong ties to CFA’s history and was instrumental in improving CFA’s early communication with members. In 1947 Captain Norman Tosh recognised the need for a regular publication to share information with brigades across the state. With approval from CFA, he became the founder and first editor of ‘The Fireman’ (now Firewise), a newspaper for volunteer firefighters which is still in circulation today.

Warracknabeal Fire Brigade has grown significantly in the years since, and members are firmly focused on the future.

Current brigade captain Cameron Whelan says, like its early years, Warracknabeal brigade continues to have a progressive and innovative lens focused on improvement.

The brigade’s new, state-of-the-art station opened in mid-2023 replacing the 35-year-old station. The station features improved facilities such as drive through engine bays, a laundry, changerooms and other amenities. The brigade was able to provide a significant contribution to improve the size of the meeting room, rear shed, install bi-fold doors as well as make other improvements.

“We’ve always been a vibrant and progressive brigade, so the modern design of the new station represents us well,” Cameron said.

“We’ve built this station for the next 30 years so the vision is not only to support the needs of Warracknabeal today; we’re also looking beyond that to what will be required in the future.

“Our Fire Equipment Maintenance servicing is key to the brigade continuing to improve facilities and operational equipment.

“The brigade also has an active social Auxiliary membership primarily supporting the brigade through fundraising programs and assisting local community groups such as the Scouts and Guides.”

The brigade has about 70 members and attends about 40 incidents a year locally; members also provide support across the state during the fire season.

With one of the key industries in Warracknabeal and surrounds being broadacre cereal farming, harvesting-related fires are one of the main risks the brigade encounters over the fire danger period. Its members have been heavily involved in the development of the joint CFA and Victorian Farmers Federation Grain Harvesting Guidelines.

“The main incidents we turn out to are running grass and scrub fires through to harvesting machinery fires,” Cameron said.

“Like many other towns we also have a range of other risks from hospital/aged care, large chemical storage facilities through to household or structural fires.”

The brigade has a very stable membership and whilst they will always welcome new members, Cameron says they are lucky they don’t need to actively seek members.

“Like many rural brigades, we can see a drop off when members reach 18-19 years old because they leave for university or work,” Cameron said.

“A strong Juniors program aims to encourage skill development and succession from the junior to senior ranks.

“To encourage retention, we include fire ground practise as part of our Junior training to build their skills and eagerness.”

Cameron said volunteering with CFA is for anyone who is willing to help their community, better themselves and join a bigger family.

“The thing I’m most proud of in leading our brigade is the values our members display,” Cameron said.

“Values such as care, respect and integrity are common attributes amongst our cohort.”

This story is part of our profile series Brigades of CFA which highlights our brigades and the great work they do in their communities.

Submitted by CFA News

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: 206-2024: Services Restored: Monday 23 September 2024 – COLS

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

23 September 2024

Who does this notice affect?

All importers and customs brokers who are required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment.

Information

Resolved time:

As of: 09:40 Monday 23 September 2024 (AEST).

The unplanned service disruption to the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) has been resolved. Clients can now submit lodgements as normal.

Action

No action…

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: 207-2024: Unplanned Service Disruption: Monday 23 September 2024 – Biosecurity Portal

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

23 September 2024

Who does this notice affect?

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal using the ‘Sign in with your digital identity’ (myGovID) pathway.

Information

Start time:

As of: 20:05 Friday 20 September 2024 (AEST).

Detail:

The…

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024

Category: Agriculture

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurates the two-day National Symposium of CLFMA of India in Goa yesterdaySeveral schemes aims at organizing the unorganized dairy sector and addressing the shortage of feed and fodder: Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

World Food India 2024 concludes todayRemarkable turnout of 1557 exhibitors, 20 country pavilions ; notable participation from 809 buyers from 108 countries & 2390 foreign delegates

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Is there a perfect solution?

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Warracknabeal Fire Brigade may be one of Victoria’s oldest fire brigades – but its members have always had a focus on innovation and progression.

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Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurates the two-day National Symposium of CLFMA of India in Goa yesterday

Several schemes aims at organizing the unorganized dairy sector and addressing the shortage of feed and fodder: Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

World Food India 2024 concludes today

Remarkable turnout of 1557 exhibitors, 20 country pavilions ; notable participation from 809 buyers from 108 countries & 2390 foreign delegates