NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARTICIPANTS OF CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN PEACEKEEPERS OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH CALL ON THE PRESIDENT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:34PM by PIB Delhi

    A group of participants in the Conference for Women Peacekeepers of the Global South called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (February 24, 2025).

    Addressing the participants, the President said that the presence of women in a peacekeeping mission makes it more diverse and inclusive. Women peacekeepers often have greater access to local communities and can serve as role models for women and children. They are better equipped to address gender-based violence, build trust, and promote dialogue.

    The President said that peacekeeping missions with a higher percentage of female personnel have been more effective in reducing violence and achieving long-lasting peace agreements. It is therefore essential that we induct more women in UN peacekeeping missions.

    The President recalled India’s proud history of contribution to UN peacekeeping, with over 2,90,000 India peacekeepers having served in more than 50 UN peacekeeping missions. Today, there are over 5000 Indian peacekeepers in 9 active missions, deployed in often hostile conditions, for the cause of international peace and security. She was happy to note that Indian women peacekeepers have been at the forefront of the call of duty. Today there are over 154 Indian women peacekeepers deployed in six ongoing UN missions. Right from the 1960s in Congo, to policing in Liberia in 2007, our women peacekeepers have exhibited the highest traditions of professionalism and conduct.

    The women peacekeepers are in New Delhi to participate in a Conference on the theme “Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective”, being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Centre for UN Peacekeeping, New Delhi. The Conference aims to bring together women officials from the Global South to discuss issues of contemporary relevance to peacekeeping and the various challenges being faced by peacekeeping Missions.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2105749) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joins 20-state coalition defending Presidential authority over executive branchRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Today, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined 19 other state attorneys general in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to uphold the President’s constitutional at-will removal authority over executive branch officials. Within one week, South Carolina has joined in Bessent v. Dellinger, Storch v. Hegseth, and Wilcox v. Trump, reinforcing the vital principles of separation of powers and state sovereignty. 

    The three briefs defend President Trump’s ability to hire and fire cabinet officials within both the executive branch and independent agencies. Indeed, the President wields the Constitutional authority to remove such officers without restrictions. 

    “The Constitution gives the President clear authority to manage the executive branch, and that includes removing officials who no longer have his confidence,” said Attorney General Wilson. “When Congress or courts interfere with that power, they disrupt the accountability South Carolinians and all Americans expect from their federal government. This case is about protecting the balance of power that safeguards our state’s sovereignty.” 

    The 20-state coalition—including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia—warns that the concept of maintaining independent executive officers free from Presidential oversight threatens our Federalist system. Recent Supreme Court cases like Seila Law v. CFPB   underscore the President’s plenary removal power and highlight the historical limits on judicial intervention in such cases. 

    “We’ve joined this battle three times now because it’s critical to our system of government,” Wilson added. “South Carolina stands firm in defending the President’s authority and the principles that keep power in check.” 

    The three cases are Bessent v. Dellinger, Wilcox v. Trump, and Storch v. Hegseth. 

    The as-filed briefs are available here, here, and here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release- Exploring our Wildfire Future is Theme of 2025 Hawai’i Wildfire Summit, Feb. 24, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release- Exploring our Wildfire Future is Theme of 2025 Hawai’i Wildfire Summit, Feb. 24, 2025

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

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
     CHAIRPERSON

     

     

    EXPLORING OUR WILDFIRE FUTURE IS THEME OF 2025 HAWAI‘I WILDFIRE SUMMIT

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 24, 2024

    HONOLULU — Wildfire experts, community leaders, emergency responders and policymakers will gather together for the 2025 Hawai‘i Wildfire Summit, Feb. 27-28 in Kona on Hawai‘i Island. They’ll share insights and tackle challenges aimed at building a stronger, more wildfire resilient Hawai‘i.

    Organized and hosted by the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) and supported by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the National Park Service (NPS), the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency, U.S. Army Fire, the Western Fire Leadership Council, and all four county fire departments, the summit hopes to “ignite action.”

    Elizabeth Pickett, co-executive director of HWMO said, “On the first day we have a series of expert panels and interactive sessions. Our focus will be on wildfire resilience, lessons from recent fires, and innovations in wildfire safety and planning.

    The first day of the summit includes the following panels:

    • Keynote Panel: Lessons from Lahaina
    • Why the Built Environment Matters
    • Firewise Communities in Action
    • Fire Weather, Technology and Notifications
    • Policy Updates and Next Steps

    On the second day participants can chose from two pathways.

    Key sessions for Pathway 1:

    • Understanding Wildfire Risk from Local to National
    • Wildfire Resilient Land Management Strategis
    • Our Wildfire Funding and Policy Context
    • Wildfire Advocacy, Communications and Media Engagement

    Key sessions for Pathway 2:

    • Fire Weather and Fuel Monitoring
    • WIldfire Pre-Attack Plans
    • Incident Management Best Practices
    • Codes and Standards

    Pickett added that the summit is an opportunity to gain insights from leading professionals in wildfire resilience and management and to build connections with peers, policymakers, and advocates.

    “Across the state, we need to face our increasing wildfire risks together and for the long term. We hope to ignite action by having everyone leave the summit committed and connected to each other, and with actionable knowledge, tools and resources to strengthen wildfire preparedness.” Pickett said.

    One day before the summit (Feb.26) and one day after (March 1), HWMO is offering Home Ignition Zone Assessment and Mitigation (HIZAM) workshops, which is hands-on training for wildfire risk potential and mitigation measures.

    Media coverage is welcome.

     

    # # # 

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    2025 Hawai‘i Wildfire Summit and Home Ignition Zone Assessment and Mitigation workshop:

    FAQs: attached

     

    Media Contact: 

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    808-587-0396

    Email: Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: DLIR HOSTS JOB FAIR FOR FEDERAL WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: DLIR HOSTS JOB FAIR FOR FEDERAL WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS

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

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

    KA ʻOIHANA PONO LIMAHANA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    JADE T. BUTAY

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    DLIR HOSTS JOB FAIR FOR FEDERAL WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 24, 2025

     

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) is hosting a hiring fair on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, aimed at addressing the state’s labor shortages and supporting workers affected by federal layoffs, resignations and other employment transitions.

    “We invite individuals impacted by recent federal policy changes to explore career opportunities within our department or consider other state positions,” said DLIR Director Jade T. Butay. “We have immediate openings and an expedited hiring process for those interested in continuing their careers in public service.”

    “We value the experience and dedication of federal workers,” said Department of Human Resources Development Director Brenna H. Hashimoto. “We are eager to welcome those impacted by the changes at the federal level to our workforces, as we believe they will make an immediate, positive impact.”

    Attendees will have the chance to explore open positions within DLIR’s divisions, meet with hiring managers, participate in on-the-spot interviews, and receive support with job-matching and applications for DLIR.

    The event, “Operation Hire Hawaiʻi: A Workforce Transition Initiative,” will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 830 Punchbowl St., Rooms 310, 313 and 314, in Honolulu.

    # # #

    Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
    Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
    TDD/TTY Dial 711 then ask for 808-586-8842

    View DLIR news releases:

    http://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/

    Media Contact:

    Chavonnie Ramos

    Public Information Officer

    Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

    Phone: 808-586-9720

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: http://labor.hawaii.gov

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – HAWAIʻI ISLAND 2025 SPRING BEARDED TURKEY SEASON, Feb. 21, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – HAWAIʻI ISLAND 2025 SPRING BEARDED TURKEY SEASON, Feb. 21, 2025

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

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ʻOIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
     CHAIRPERSON

     

    HAWAIʻI ISLAND 2025 SPRING BEARDED TURKEY SEASON

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Feb. 21, 2025

     

    Hilo, Hawaiʻi – The 2025 Spring Bearded Turkey Hunting Season opens on Saturday, March 1 and will run for 46 consecutive days through Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The spring season will be for bearded turkeys only in locations identified below.

     

     

    Open Turkey Hunting Areas Special Conditions Season Dates Hunting Hours
    Unit A – Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and GMA Mammal hunting with rifle, muzzle- loader, handgun, and shotgun is limited to above treeline during spring turkey season. Archery hunting is allowed below treeline with blaze orange garment.  

     

     

     

     

    March 1 – April 15, 2025

    (46 consecutive days)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    		 One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
    Unit C – Upper Pīhā and Upper Laupāhoehoe Forest Reserves NA
    Unit F – Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve All gates must be closed. Paddocks where cattle are present will be closed to hunting.
    Unit G – Ka‘ohe GMA Also open daily to mammal hunting for archery.
    Private Lands Hunters required to have valid hunting license, current turkey tags and landowner permission.
    Unit E – Kīpuka ‘Ainahou Nēnē 

    Sanctuary

    		 Archery only March 1 – March 31, 2025

    (31 consecutive days)

     

     

    Bag Limits and Tags

     

    The daily bag limit will be three bearded turkeys per hunter, with a season bag limit of three. All hunters must have a current unused turkey tag in their possession while hunting. Tags are currently $5 per tag for residents and $20 per tag for nonresidents. Turkey tags are nontransferable. Traditional tags must be fastened with snaps, and printed tags must be placed in a sealable plastic bag and secured tightly around the neck or leg of any bird taken immediately after the kill. Tags may be purchased in person at the Hilo Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) office or online.

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

     

    Hunting information: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting

     

    Gamebird hunting information and rules: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/bird/

     

    Purchase turkey tags: https://gohunthawaii.ehawaii.gov/public/tags

     

    Photograph – attached

     

    For more information, contact DOFAW at:

     

    Hilo: 808-974-4221

    Waimea: 808-887-6063

    Main office (Oʻahu): 808-587-0166

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    Communications Office: 808-587-0396

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: IOLANI SCHOOL WINS THE 2025 HAWAIʻI LIFESMARTS STATE COMPETITION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCCA NEWS RELEASE: IOLANI SCHOOL WINS THE 2025 HAWAIʻI LIFESMARTS STATE COMPETITION

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

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

    BUSINESS REGISTRATION DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    TY Y. NOHARA

    COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES

    IOLANI SCHOOL WINS THE 2025 HAWAIʻI LIFESMARTS STATE COMPETITION

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 21, 2025

    HONOLULU — The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division and Insurance Division, and Hawaiʻi Credit Union League (HCUL) announces that the team from Iolani School today won the annual Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Competition at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.

    The competition tests students on their knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities. Following the preliminary online portion of the competition, top scoring teams from Kalani, Iolani and Waipahu High Schools were invited to compete in today’s in-person competition, where they tested their skills through a “speed smarts” activity, and game show-style buzzer rounds.

    Iolani School will go on to represent Hawaiʻi at the National LifeSmarts Competition in Chicago, Illinois from April 24 – 27, 2025. Members of the team are: Kevin Fleming (team captain), Jeremy Choi, Cade McDevitt, Tyler Hijirida, and Ryan Chan.  The team was coached by Kit U Wong.

    “Congratulations to Iolani School as it advances to the National Competition in Chicago,” said Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Director Nadine Ando. “The LifeSmarts program teaches our students practical, real-life skills that they will need as they enter adulthood, and we are proud to be a sponsor of this statewide program. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and community partners for their generous contributions towards another successful year of Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts.”

    2025 Hawaiʻi State Competition Community Supporters include:

     

    • Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union
    • Amazon Web Services
    • Better Business Bureau
    • Big Island Federal Credit Union
    • Cisco
    • Coastal Construction Co., Inc.
    • eWorld Enterprise Solutions, Inc., Google Cloud
    • Farmers Hawaiʻi
    • Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union
    • Hawaiʻi Credit Union League
    • Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA)
    • Hawaiʻi Information Service
    • Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
    • HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Foundation
    • Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA)
    • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 1186
    • Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET)
    • Outrigger Resorts & Hotels
    • Pacxa
    • Pasha Group and Pasha Hawaiʻi
    • Pearl Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union
    • Schofield Federal Credit Union
    • SHI International Corp.
    • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business, Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE)
    • Walmart

     

    Visit www.LifeSmartsHawaii.com for more information.

    LINK: PHOTOS AND B-ROLL

    LifeSmarts is a national consumer education program that prepares students to enter the real world as smart consumers by teaching them the skills needed to succeed in today’s global marketplace. The program is run by the National Consumers League and sponsored locally by the DCCA Business Registration Division and Insurance Division, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Credit Union League.

    ###

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Voyaging Canoe Lost in Lahaina Wildfires Being Replaced, Feb. 21, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Voyaging Canoe Lost in Lahaina Wildfires Being Replaced, Feb. 21, 2025

    Posted on Feb 21, 2025 in Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

     

     

    VOYAGING CANOE LOST IN LAHAINA WILDFIRES BEING REPLACED

    Donations Came From Around the State

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

    Feb. 21, 2025

     

    KAHULUI, Maui — A trucker, a shipping company, a canoe builder, and the DLNR are helping Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua replace a voyaging canoe that burned in the Lahaina wildfires.

     

    The Mo‘olele was birthed 50 years ago and was in a park along the ocean, at 525 Front Street, when it burned. Timothy ‘Timi’ Gilliom is a captain and the builder of the Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani and the new canoe that’s replacing the Mo‘olele, the Nāleilehua.

     

    He’d been working in Lahaina on August 8, 2023, and had gone to the boat hale where the Mo‘olele was being restored. As he was evacuating the burning town he looked back and recalls, “When I looked at Mo‘olele, I knew I’d never see her again. And she was already finished, ready to go.”

     

    Gilliom said it was a devastating blow. Building Polynesian canoes is a laborious, painstaking and expensive process. It’s rich in Hawaiian tradition, which explains the kōkua his group received through a series of connections and donations.

     

    Tons of koa, land and ocean shipping and fiberglass hulls – all donated – has Gilliom and his crew of three working to try and have Nāleilehua finished this year.

     

    “Mo‘olele was 42 feet. This (Nāleilehua) is 44 feet, a little longer, same crab claw sail, same parts, and everything. And we moved from Lahaina (to Kahului) which is where our nonprofit was. It’s called Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua, the group of the double hull canoes,” Gilliom explained.

     

    He said they didn’t know if they would be able to use koa for the new canoe, because it was hard to get. “Then we got ahold of David Tsuchiya (Kaua‘i Branch District Superintendent for the DLNR Division of State Parks-DSP) and he ended up sending us a container load. So, we got a lot of koa now. It was 22,000 pounds,” Gilliom commented.

     

    Some of the koa was salvaged from tree fall from lessees, but most of it was collected in Koke‘e State Park when it falls across roadways and other common areas of the park. It is stored for potential future public auction, which has happened in the past. DSP Administrator Curt Cottlrell said, “There was no question that State Parks preferred to donate this koa for Nāleilehua.”

      

    From Koke‘e, trucker Timmy Lopez, drove the long shipping container to the harbor, where Pasha-Hawai‘i loaded it onto a container ship for the voyage to Maui.

     

    “The trucking was free…the shipping was at the discounted employee rate. The koa that we have is heavy koa. So, it’s older koa,” Gilliom said. “It was overwhelming,” he added.

     

    “My actual genealogy is from Pi‘ilani, from that area where Mo‘olele lived before,” remarked Makaio Lorenzo as he sawed and cut fiberglass hatch covers. He describes Nāleilehua as, “Kind of riding the line, right in the middle. So, functions as traditional, looks very traditional, but we have more modernized stuff, like hatch covers for our storage. I’m sure back then our kūpuna had something like storage containers, but it’s just the cleaner, more modernized way of doing it.”

     

    But, it’s the sense of tradition and ancestry that has Lorenzo all in, “100%” he says. “I get to be what Timi was to Mo‘olele, to this canoe now. And it doesn’t stop with Timi and Mo‘olele. It goes further with his teachers, Uncle Leon, and it’s continuing that genealogy through our canoes.”

     

    Lorenzo looks forward to sailing on the Nāleilehua. One day he’d like to be its captain. “I dream about it every single night and I just keep thinking about her. I have no idea what’s going to happen. I don’t know if I’m going to cry. I don’t know if I’m going to just stand there and be like, good job. No idea,” Lorenzo concluded.

     

    # # #

     

         RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

     

    HD video – A New Wa‘a for Lahaina (web feature):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/52ldhm7ucwf2fog160z2f/A-New-Wa-a-for-Lahaina.mov?rlkey=i4om3yjk4ncjixcz5aiuvxyrz&st=zdmffla8&dl=0

     

    HD video – New wa‘a for Lahaina media clips (Feb. 19, 2025)

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a2yqbwx2852oz5x7bb942/New-Wa-a-for-Lahaina-media-clips-Feb.-19-2025.mov?rlkey=j6zf39npth3pvopjjpn9xrech&st=pwcuoh9e&dl=0

    (Shot sheet/transcriptions attached)

     

    Photographs – New wa‘a for Lahaina (Feb. 19, 2025):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/iacc0ic3vexhs5zvffdka/ABYFZYpXQ_ihpxQqboKDVqs?rlkey=7ripzvh88hclphdlito6kbr4u&st=pdlv7w8k&dl=0

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panel to examine measures adopted by Türkiye targeting Chinese electric vehicle imports

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DS629: Türkiye — Measures Concerning Electric Vehicles and Other Types of Vehicles from China

    China submitted its second request for the establishment of a dispute panel to rule on various measures taken by Türkiye concerning electric vehicles (“EVs”) and certain other types of vehicles originating in China. China’s first request was blocked by Türkiye at the previous DSB meeting on 27 January. China said challenges faced by one member’s industry need to be addressed in a way consistent with its WTO obligations and should not be used as an excuse for abandoning the core principle of non-discrimination that is the bedrock of the WTO and of the rules-based international trading system.

    Türkiye said it is deeply concerned that China is making such a request before all possible bilateral consultations are exhausted. China’s request relates to a major sector that has been facing strong challenges for many years due to uncompetitive practices, subsidization and excess capacity, Türkiye said.

    The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. The European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, the Russian Federation, Thailand and India reserved their third-party rights to participate in the panel proceedings.

    DS593: European Union — Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-Based Biofuels

    Indonesia noted the panel ruling circulated on 10 January, which it said found that the European Union’s 2018 renewable energy directive and related regulations unfairly discriminated against Indonesia’s palm oil biofuels. The economic impact of these discriminatory measures is substantial and has severely affected Indonesian palm oil exports, impacting millions of farmers and businesses, Indonesia said. It called on the EU to adjust its policy and the measures at issue so that they are in line with the WTO agreements; Indonesia will closely monitor implementation and expects swift compliance.

    The European Union said it welcomed the panel’s findings, which confirm that the EU has the right to take measures to ensure that its policies on renewable fuels do not exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions associated with indirect land-use change. While it raised some concerns regarding the panel’s findings, the EU said the panel found that the EU measures aim to achieve legitimate environmental objectives and that they are science-based.

    Russia, Brazil, the United States, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (for the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States) took the floor to comment on the panel report.

    The DSB took note of the statements and adopted the panel report.

    DS599: Panama — Measures Concerning the Importation of Certain Products from Costa Rica

    Costa Rica made a statement criticizing Panama’s decision to appeal the panel report in DS599, which upheld Costa Rica’s complaint regarding Panama’s import restrictions on various fruit, dairy and meat products from Costa Rica. Costa Rica proposed a bilateral agreement to Panama that would enable both parties to proceed to arbitration under Article 25 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU), but Panama refused, Costa Rica said. Panama’s appeal “into the void” should serve to highlight the importance of alternative avenues under the DSU to resolve disputes, Costa Rica said.

    Panama said it reaffirms its commitment to international law and to the WTO agreements in general and the DSU in particular, and its willingness to settle any dispute with its trading partners.

    The European Union, Canada and Colombia made statements on the matter.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 84th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States repeated that the US is currently transitioning to a new administration and that, as US concerns with WTO dispute settlement remain unaddressed, it does not support the proposed decision.

    Twenty-two members then took the floor to comment, one speaking on behalf of the ACP Group. Most reiterated their support for the joint proposal and for the urgent need to restore a fully functioning dispute settlement system. Several welcomed the progress made in the dispute settlement reform discussions last year and supported the proposal by the previous General Council Chair to commence consultations on advancing the discussions.

    Ten members (China; Canada; Hong Kong, China; Switzerland; Singapore; the European Union; Australia; Norway; Japan; and New Zealand) urged members to consider joining the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arrangement (MPIA), a contingent measure to safeguard the right to appeal in the absence of a functioning Appellate Body.

    Colombia said on behalf of the 130 members that it regretted that, on 84 occasions, members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and, in line with 17.2 of the DSU, members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said on behalf of the group.

    Surveillance of implementation

    The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “United States — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”, DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”

    The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”

    Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.” 

    Election of Chairperson

    At the end of the meeting, the DSB elected Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand as Chair of the DSB for the coming work year.

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 24 March.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSTB responds to media enquiries on art fair cancellation announcement

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         In response to discussions and media enquiries arising from an announcement on the cancellation of an art fair originally scheduled to be held next month, a spokesman for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) gave the following response today (February 24):

         The said art fair applied for Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund (the Fund), but failed to provide adequate information on the proposed event for assessment of its artistic merits, attractiveness to tourists, and economic benefits, etc. As such, the Fund did not offer any funding to the art fair.

         When the Fund received the said application, tickets for the event were already on sale. The CSTB would like to take this opportunity to appeal to any event organiser to prepare sufficient funding for their events before the sales of tickets, so as to avoid cancellation and ticket refund due to insufficient resources.

         Event organiser should handle cancellation and ticket refund arrangement properly, and maintain good communication with affected ticket holders.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah interacts with 250 children from Jammu and Kashmir under ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah interacts with 250 children from Jammu and Kashmir under ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme in New Delhi

    The main objective of the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme is to familiarize the youth of J&K with the social and cultural diversities of the country and to bring about an emotional connect among them

    PM Modi united the entire country by abolishing Article 370, now the children of Kashmir have as much right over the country as the children of any other state

    Our goal is to make Jammu and Kashmir such that not a single person of Jammu and Kashmir dies due to terrorism

    The peace that has come to Jammu and Kashmir has to be converted into permanent peace

    In the last 10 years, stone pelting, bomb blasts and terrorism have ended in Jammu and Kashmir and development has gained new momentum

    Union Home Minister appeals to the children to go back and talk about peace, harmony and development to their families, friends and villages

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 8:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah interacted with 250 children from Jammu and Kashmir under ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme in New Delhi today. Union Home Secretary and Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) were also present on the occasion. The program aims to introduce the youth and children of Jammu and Kashmir to the nation’s dynamic progress, rich social fabric, and cultural diversity, fostering a strong sense of social, cultural, and emotional connection.

     

     

    During the interaction, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah described the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ program as an initiative to deepen the understanding of our country. He said that our country is our home and just as we are familiar with every part of our home, we should also know our country in the same way. Shri Shah said that this vision led the Government of India to launch the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ program. Home Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has united the whole country by abolishing Article 370 and now the citizens of Kashmir have the same rights on the country as the citizens of any other state.

     

    Shri Amit Shah underlined that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, significant efforts have been made over the past decade to make India prosperous, modern, and a global leader. He expressed confidence that in the future, students from around the world will come to India for education. As India advances, it will naturally drive progress for all. Home Minister emphasized that a more prosperous, modern, and developed India will bring benefits to everyone.

    Union Home Minister said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant development in education, industry, healthcare, and infrastructure. He highlighted that the world’s highest railway arch bridge, Asia’s largest tunnel, and the country’s only cable suspension bridge have all been built in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is also the only region in India to have two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), along with two Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It also has 24 major colleges, and eight universities. He emphasized that Kashmir, once badly affected by bomb blasts and terrorism, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Incidents of stone pelting, bomb blasts, and terrorism have been eliminated, allowing schools to function smoothly. Infrastructure development, including roads, hospitals, and universities, has progressed rapidly. Moreover, 36,000 elected public representatives now have their rightful authority at the Panchayat and Municipality levels, strengthening grassroots democracy in the region.

    Shri Amit Shah said that development can only happen when there is peace. He said no one benefits from terrorism. In the last 30 years, 38 thousand people have been killed in Kashmir due to violence. Shri Shah said that there has been an 80 per cent reduction in the death of civilians in Kashmir, and people are happy about this, but true happiness will come when not a single citizen of Jammu and Kashmir loses their life. Union Home Minister said that it is our goal to make Jammu and Kashmir a place where not a single person dies due to terrorism. He said that the responsibility of creating such a Jammu and Kashmir lies with the children and youth.

     

     

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation told the children that the entire country belongs to them and they should go back to Kashmir with the same spirit. He said that peace and tranquility is the most important thing and peace has come there under the rule of PM Modi. He said that under the Modi government, educational systems have been established, industries have come, hospitals have been built, drinking water facilities have been provided, and large infrastructure projects have been carried out. Shri Shah stated that no government can maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir, only children can do so. He mentioned that if every child in Jammu and Kashmir explains to their parents and neighbours that the entire country belongs to us, and we need to live in peace with everyone while driving terrorism out of here, then there will be no need for police or army. He further said that the day is not far when there will be no weapons in anyone’s hands, and there will be no need for police or army with weapons.

    Shri Amit Shah appealed to the children to go back to their villages and talk to their parents, siblings, friends, relatives, and people in their village about peace, harmony, and development. He said that this country belongs to everyone, and it is important to instill this belief in the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Shri Shah said that Prime Minister Modi has brought so much development to the country, creating numerous avenues and opportunities that await the youth and children, and they should take advantage of these opportunities. He added that we all must work together to transform the peace established in Jammu and Kashmir into lasting peace.

     

    Two hundred fifty children from weaker sections of Jammu and Kashmir including 62 girls and 188 boys in the age group of 9-18 years visited Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi under ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme organized by Social Welfare Department of the Govt of J&K in coordination with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). During their exposure trip, started on 15th February, 2025, the children visited many important and historic places in Jaipur and Ajmer. They reached Delhi on 23rd February to meet dignitaries and to visit Qutub Minar, Red Fort and other important places in the national capital. The children will return to Jammu & Kashmir on 27th February, 2025.

    The Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Jammu and Kashmir have been conducting Youth Exchange programme.  The main objective of the programme is to expose the youth and children of Jammu and Kashmir to vibrant development and social and cultural diversity of India so that they can feel socially, culturally and emotionally integrated with rest of the country. The programme is expected to have positive impact on the thinking of the youth.

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the MHA is committed to such initiatives for development and progress of youth and children of Jammu and Kashmir. ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme in one such initiative through which, children of terrorism affected families and/or weaker sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir identified by J&K Rehabilitation Council are taken for exposure trip.

    The youth and children are mainly selected from the various orphanages in the districts of J&K. Preference is given to children from terrorism affected families, destitute children and children from weaker sections. The other criterion for selection apart from socio economic background, is proficiency in education, sports and cultural activities.  So far, about 2868 youth/children have participated in ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in Jhumoir Binandini programme in Guwahati, Assam

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Jhumoir Binandini 2025, a Mega Jhumoir programme in Guwahati, Assam today. Addressing the gathering, he said there was a reverberating atmosphere filled with energy, enthusiasm and excitement at the event. He noted the impressive preparations by all the artists of the Jhumoir, which reflected the fragrance and beauty of the tea gardens. He mentioned that just as the people have a special bond with the Jhumar and tea garden culture, he too shares a similar connection. He added that such a large number of artists performing the Jhumar dance today will set a record. Recalling his visit to Assam in 2023 when a record was made involving 11,000 artists performing Bihu Dance, the Prime Minister said that it was an unforgettable memory for him and added that he was anticipating a similar enthralling performance. He congratulated the Government of Assam and its Chief Minister for organizing a resplendent cultural performance. He noted that today is a proud day for Assam, with the tea community and the tribal people participating in the celebrations. He conveyed his best wishes to everyone on this special day.

    Noting that such grand events were not only a testament to the pride of Assam, but also showcase India’s great diversity, the Prime Minister noted that there was a time when Assam and the Northeast were neglected in terms of development and culture. He highlighted that now, he himself has become the brand ambassador of Northeastern culture. He mentioned that he is the first Prime Minister to stay in Kaziranga, Assam, and promote its biodiversity to the world. He also noted that a few months ago, the Assamese language was granted the status of a classical language, a recognition the people of Assam had been waiting for decades. Additionally, Charai Deu Moidam has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, a significant achievement attributed to the efforts of their Government, he added.

    Talking about the pride of Assam, the brave warrior Lachit Borphukan, who defended Assam’s culture and identity against the Mughals, Shri Modi highlighted the grand celebration of Lachit Borphukan’s 400th birth anniversary and mentioned that his tableau was also included in the Republic Day parade. The Prime Minister noted that a 125-foot bronze statue of Lachit Borphukan has been erected in Assam. He also mentioned the initiation of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to celebrate the heritage of the tribal society. To immortalize the contributions of the tribal bravehearts, tribal museums are being established across the country, he added.

    Remarking that their Government is developing Assam and serving the ‘Tea Tribe’ community, the Prime Minister highlighted the announcement of bonuses for Assam Tea Corporation workers to increase their income. He emphasized the support being provided to approximately 1.5 lakh women in tea gardens, who receive ₹15,000 during pregnancy to alleviate financial concerns. Additionally, the Assam government is opening over 350 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in tea gardens for the families’ health, he added. Shri Modi noted that more than 100 model tea garden schools have been opened for the children of the Tea Tribe, with another 100 schools planned. He also mentioned the provision of a 3% reservation in the OBC quota for the youth of the Tea Tribe and the assistance of ₹25,000 for self-employment provided by the Assam government. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the development of the tea industry and its workers will drive the overall growth of Assam and elevate the Northeast to new heights. He extended his advance thanks to all the participants for their upcoming performance and wished them well. 

    The Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Dr. S Jaishankar, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, Union Minister of State, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    The Jhumoir Binandini (Mega Jhumoir) 2025, is a spectacular cultural extravaganza with 8,000 performers participating in the Jhumoir dance, a folk dance of Assam Tea Tribe and Adivasi Communities of Assam that embodies the spirit of inclusivity, unity and cultural pride, and symbolises Assam’s syncretic cultural mélange. The Mega Jhumoir event symbolises 200 years of the tea industry, and also 200 years of industrialisation in Assam.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The India-EU Trade and Technology Council first Workshop on Electric Vehicles (EV) Charging Technology paves the way for new advancements in standardisation and sustainable mobility

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 8:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The EU and India are deepening their partnership as part of a new strategic agenda to enhance prosperity, stability, security and people-to-people connections, to which the cooperation in the area of research brings a dynamic contribution.

    The first India-EU Workshop on Electric Vehicles Charging Technology was held in Pune, India, on 24th Feb 2025 under the auspices of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, successfully bringing together policy-makers, representatives from electro-mobility industry, standardisation associations and technical testing facilities, to foster harmonised solutions for sustainable transport.  The workshop was attended by Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty (Adviser) and Dr Hafsa Ahmad (Scientist) from Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, Dr. Reji Mathai (Director) and Mr. Abhihit Mulay (Deputy Director) from the Automotive Research Association of India and Mr. Nitish Kumar Jain, Deputy Director, Bureau of Indian Standards. Participants from European Commission included Dr. Liliana Pasecinic, Dr. Harald Scholz, Mr. Dirk Groβmann and Dr. Saki Gerassis, who joined online. Stakeholders from the Indian and European industry also actively participated in the workshop.

    The workshop has been one of milestones in the TTC Working Group 2 work agenda and will be discussed as an achievement in the forthcoming 2nd TTC Ministerial meeting to be held in New Delhi on 28th Feb 2025.

    Organised by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), with the support of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, the workshop addressed key policy and technical aspects of EV charging, covering all size classes of electric vehicles, and focusing on standardisation, and strategic cooperation. The workshop featured expert presentations, policy dialogues, and panel discussions, covering critical topics such as:

    • The EU- and Indian charging standards, infrastructure requirements, requirements for communication and interoperability targets;
    • Insights about the future strategic directions in India and the EU in sustainable mobility, including potential synergies leading to economies of scale;
    • EV Charging system testing capabilities and pre-normative research, with focus on ARAI and JRC facilities;
    • Industry perspectives to enhance India-EU collaboration in EV-charging

    The workshop provided the opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation on harmonising standards for EV charging infrastructure, including cooperative, pre-normative research for harmonised testing solutions and knowledge exchange in the field of electro-mobility.

    Additionally, the participants were provided the opportunity to visit the ARAI laboratory, gaining first-hand exposure to India’s state-of-the-art EV and electro-mobility testing facilities.

     

    About the Trade and Technology Council set up by India and the EU

    The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was first announced by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in April 2022. Established on February 6, 2023, this strategic coordination mechanism allows both sides to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology, and security, and deepens cooperation in these fields. Establishing India-EU TTC is a key step towards a strengthened strategic partnership for the benefit of all people in India and the EU.

    The TTC is a key forum to deepen the strategic partnership on trade and technology between the two partners. Geostrategic challenges have reinforced the EU and India’s common interest in ensuring security, prosperity, and sustainable development based on shared values.

    The TTC consists of three Working Groups:

    1. Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity
    2. Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies; and
    3. Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains.

    Working Groups are now jointly working to advance identified objectives and key actions. The India-EU TTC Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies is being led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India from the Indian side and the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission from the EU side.

    Both sides expect to report at the next TTC Meeting at Ministerial level, in 2025, on the progress made in this area through initiatives such as this workshop on Standardisation Strategy and trustable testing possibilities in EV mobility.  

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Auction for Sale (re-issue) of (i) ‘6.79% GS 2031’ (ii) ‘6.92% GS 2039’ and (iii) ‘7.09% GS 2054’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 8:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India (GoI) has announced the sale (re-issue) of (i) “6.79% Government Security 2031” for a notified amount of ₹10,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method, (ii) “6.92% Government Security 2039” for a notified amount of ₹12,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method and (iii) “7.09% Government Security 2054” for a notified amount of ₹10,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to ₹2,000 crore against each security mentioned above. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on February 28, 2025 (Friday). 

    Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the securities will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.

    Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on February 28, 2025. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 

    The result of the auctions will be announced on February 28, 2025 (Friday) and payment by successful bidders will be on March 03, 2025 (Monday).    

    The Securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates the First-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates the First-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice

    74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Celebrated

    Director General, ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo Praises India’s Efforts in Doubling Social Protection Coverage to 49%

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the first-ever two-day Regional Dialogue on Social Justice under the Global Coalition for Social Justice in New Delhi today. Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, graced the event with his presence. Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Ms. Shobha Karandlaje, Secretary (Labour & Employment), Ms. Sumita Dawra, along with other dignitaries were also present at this prestigious international dialogue.

    Commemorating the 74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), an award ceremony to felicitate achievements across its organisations was also held.

    Launched in 2023, the Global Coalition for Social Justice calls for a collaborative approach and commitment towards promoting decent work, social protection, responsible business conduct and fair work. The Global Coalition has around 340 members of the Global Coalition including Governments, academia, private sector, financial institutions, etc.

    Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized India’s role as a proud member of the Asia Pacific Coordinating Group, leading the first Regional Dialogue. He expressed joy in championing the key Coalition intervention, stating, “India is privileged to spearhead the initiative on Responsible Business Practices for Sustainable and Inclusive Societies.” Union Minister commended the BMS and the CII-EFI’s shared commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices, respect for workers’ rights, and inclusive economic growth. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has undertaken significant steps towards economic transformation. The next five years present a unique opportunity to realize our vision of ‘Sabka Vikas’—balanced growth for all regions and communities,” he asserted.

    During the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya launched the e-Shram mobile app, a key step in strengthening social benefits delivery by offering real-time access to government welfare schemes, intelligent benefit filtering, curated job listings aligned with users’ skills and location, and multilingual support.

    Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, congratulated the Government of India for the efforts in doubling India’s social protection from 24.4% to 48.8% as reported in the World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024. Recognizing India’s important role in ILO’s leadership, DG ILO remarked that India’s efforts in business growth along with social protection serves as a good example to inspire change and improve social protection systems across the world. He mentioned that this remarkable achievement is an outcome of the decisive actions taken by the Central Government in expanding social protection in the past few years.

    Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, emphasized that social justice cannot be achieved through a one-size-fit-all approach. She underscored that social justice is embedded in India’s constitutional commitments. Reiterating India’s remarkable progress reported in the WSPR, she highlighted that India’s efforts in improving social protection, drove a 5% increase in the global social protection coverage. Congratulating ESIC on its 74th Foundation Day, she acknowledged its role in strengthening social security and announced the government’s plans to extend coverage to unorganized, agricultural, construction, gig, and platform workers.

    Addressing the gathering, Secretary MoLE, Smt. Sumita Dawra, praised the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice for strengthening global cooperation. Highlighting India as the fastest-growing major economy with a vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, she emphasized the country’s foundation on social justice principles, strong demographic dividend with 65% of the population under the age of 35, and a commitment to employment generation, equity, and welfare. She reiterated India’s goal of achieving 70% females engaged in economic activity by 2047, and applauded industry leaders for adopting responsible business practices, including youth skill development, education, and women’s workforce participation.

    During the occasion, India’s largest workers association, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) joined the Global Coalition for Social Justice. Through a Joint Statement on Responsible Business Conduct presented by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and the Confederation of Indian Industry-Employers’ Federation of India (CII-EFI), these organisations showcased their commitment towards this agenda.

    Additionally, several key publications were unveiled, including Best Practices on Responsible Business Conduct in India, Position Paper on Transforming India’s Social Protection Landscape through Data Pooling, Compendium of Social Protection in India, Social Security for Informal Workers: Reflections & Learnings from ISSA-ESIC International Seminar, 2025, and Shram Samarth: A Journey to Excellence.

    An exhibition on the sidelines of the event showcased the innovative use of technology in labour welfare, social security, medical care, personnel management, industrial safety, and more. Participants demonstrated how technology is driving positive change in the ecosystem, enhancing services and outreach for workers.

    A series of insightful technical sessions brought together global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance discussions on youth empowerment, social justice, and inclusion. These sessions explored strategies to bridge the education-to-employment gap, expand social protection for informal workers, and promote gender equality in the workforce. Key stakeholders from India, the Philippines, Namibia, Germany, Australia, Brazil, and international organizations such as the ILO and UN Women shared best practices, including digital skilling platforms, social security frameworks, and gender-responsive workplace policies. Emphasizing collaboration and innovation, the discussions reinforced the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering inclusive economic growth and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

    Today’s event showcases the progress India has made on the global centre stage. India’s social justice growth journey including 3.2% unemployment rate, modernized labour codes, 48.8% social protection coverage, partnering with ILO on determining living wages, building responsible business conduct, showcasing success business case studies, leading the regional agenda in Asia Pacific, is an epitome of India’s confidence and critical positioning.

    Taking a collaborative approach to further strengthening India’s social protection coverage, making significant strides in developing the G20 international referencing classification of occupations, and advancing the decent work country programme with focus on living wages, AI and Future of Work and Global Value Chains, the two-day summit will prove to be a pathbreaking initiative and a global movement for strengthened cooperation.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Holds Bilateral Meeting with Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of International Labour Organization in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Holds Bilateral Meeting with Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of International Labour Organization in New Delhi

    India’s Commitment to Quality Employment, Skill Development, and Social Protection Aligned with Vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047: Dr. Mandaviya

    Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo Commends India’s Progress in Doubling Social Protection Coverage from 24.4 percent to 48.8 percent in 2024

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on February 24, 2025, in New Delhi. The meeting took place on the side-lines of the two-day Regional Dialogue on Social Justice being held in New Delhi and provided a platform to strengthen the partnership between India and the ILO, with a focus on advancing social justice, decent work, and inclusive economic growth.

    During the discussion, Dr. Mandaviya underscored India’s proactive role as a member of the Coordinating Group of the Global Coalition for Social Justice from the Asia-Pacific region. He expressed India’s interest to champion the Coalition’s key intervention, “Responsible business practices for sustainable and inclusive societies.” He also emphasized India’s dedication to quality employment, skills development, and social protection as pillars of social justice, aligning with the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

     

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that India’s National Career Service portal bridges the gap between job seekers and employers, with over 4 million registered employers and 44 million vacancies mobilised so far.

    On social protection, Dr. Mandaviya shared that the e-Shram portal, India’s National Database for Unorganized Workers, has registered over 306 million users, providing them access to social security schemes. With the Government of India’s recent budget announcement, more than 1 crore gig workers will receive unique identity cards and healthcare benefits under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

    Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, DG ILO, commended India’s progress in enhancing social protection coverage, noting the ILO’s World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26, which acknowledged the doubling of India’s social protection coverage from 24.4 percent to 48.8 percent in 2024.

    Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, DG ILO, appreciated India’s efforts in leveraging digital platforms such as the e-Shram and NCS portals to enhance employment opportunities and social security coverage, acknowledging them as significant steps towards inclusive economic growth. He also acknowledged India’s key and positive role in shaping global social security and labour welfare agenda.

    In this context, both leaders agreed to strengthen India’s role in the ILO as a powerful voice for developing economies and a key advocate for global labour welfare. Both the leaders also agreed on the need for a robust and collaborative data pooling exercise to enhance accuracy in social protection coverage assessments in the country.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Indian Railways is marching towards achieving the objective of Net Zero” -Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Source: Government of India

    “Indian Railways is marching towards achieving the objective of Net Zero” -Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Power purchasing agreement of 170 MW signed between Indian Railways and Madhya Pradesh Government, marking the procurement of cheapest renewable energy in India

    Railways Minister Urges states to share solar & wind energy to Indian Railways

    Till date, Indian Railway has tied up 4,260 MW (installed) of Solar and 3,427 MW (installed) of wind energy for its energy requirements

    Commitment to achieve 100% electrification in Railways and maximize renewable energy usage

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Addressing investors and entrepreneurs at the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined Indian Railways’ vision for electrification and the adoption of alternative energy sources.

    Shri Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Shri Rakesh Shukla, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of Madhya Pradesh were also present in the event.

    Participating via video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, the Union Railway Minister emphasized the Indian government’s goal to achieve ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions for Indian Railways, with 100% electrification slated for completion in the 2025-26 financial year. The next objective is to maximize renewable energy procurement.

    With this vision, Indian Railways has already tied up 1,500 MW of renewable energy. Further strengthening this commitment, a significant 170 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed today with the Madhya Pradesh government. This milestone marks the procurement of India’s cheapest solar power at Rs 2.15/kWh and the Minister reaffirmed enthusiasm for exploring wind and nuclear energy procurement. The Government of Madhya Pradesh, through Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Limited (RUMSL), is supplying solar power to Indian Railways from its largest solar park.

    Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw commended Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav for his active role in advancing railway development in the state. He reiterated the Indian government’s strong commitment to a sustainable and green future for the country’s transportation network.

    Today’s PPA was signed between key stakeholders, including West Central Railway (WCR), represented by Dy. CEE/HQ Shri Chetan Gulwani; RUMSL, represented by Executive Engineer Shri Avneesh Shukla; and Waree Forever Energies Pvt Ltd, the solar power developer.

    The Minister also added that Indian Railways is committed to achieving net-zero emissions and shifting from road to rail transport to promote environmental sustainability, reduce oil imports, and lower overall logistics costs. As part of this vision, it is meeting its energy requirements through non-fossil sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. The collaboration with RUMSL is a significant step in this direction.

    In addition to setting up its own solar systems, Indian Railways is also securing solar power through PPA arrangements with developers. By 2030, Indian Railways’ traction power requirement is projected to reach 10,000 MW. So far, it has secured 4,260 MW of installed solar capacity and 3,427 MW of installed wind capacity to meet its energy needs, the Minister said.

    Call for Nationwide Collaboration in Renewable Energy

    Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw urged all Indian states to contribute renewable energy—be it solar, wind, hydro, or nuclear power—to Indian Railways, emphasizing a collaborative approach to sustainable energy. He praised the successful partnership model between the Railway Ministry and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, which facilitates direct PPA agreements between the state’s energy generators and Indian Railways.

    Historic Budget Allocation for Madhya Pradesh Rail Infrastructure

    Highlighting the record-breaking budget of ₹14,745 crore allocated to Madhya Pradesh’s railway sector for FY 2025-26, the Minister stated that this is the highest-ever budgetary allocation for the state. Infrastructure development has accelerated significantly, with railway track laying increasing from 29 km per year before 2014 to 230 km per year today—a 7.5x increase.

    Overview of RUMSL

    Parameter

    Details

    Capacity

    1500 MW

    Solar Parks Location

    Agar, Shajapur, and Neemuch districts in Northwest Madhya Pradesh

    Quantum to Railway

    195 MW equivalent (Total installed 400 MW) (Annual Solar Power Supply is 757 Million Units)

    Tariff

    Rs 2.15 /kWh for Neemuch unit (lowest in the country)

    CUF (Capacity Utilization Factor)

    44.3% under Optimum Scheduling

    Joint Venture Partners

    Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL)

    PPA Duration

    25 years

    Nodal Railway

    WCR (Power supplied via grid to Indian Railways in six states)

    Target Completion Date

    December 2025

     

    Tied up solar Installed capacity with Indian Railways:

    Project

    Installed Capacity (in MW)

    Rooftop of stations and Rly service building

    203

    Bhilai

    50

    MCF

    3.13

    Diwana

    2

    Bina

    1.7

    RUMS (Rewa)

    400

    BSUL (Bundelkhand)

    800

    IRCON (Pavagarh, Karnataka)

    500

    RERTC (SECI) (Rajasthan)

    100

    900 MW RERTC (Bikaner NTPC, Jaisalmer 450 MW, Fatehgarh 200 MW)

    1300

    600 MW RERTC (NTPC, Bikaner, TEQ Green Barmer)

    901

    Total

    4260.83

     

    About the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Limited (RUMSL)

    RUMSL, designated as a Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD) by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), was entrusted with developing large-scale solar parks in Madhya Pradesh under the Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Projects (UMREPP) scheme of the Government of India. To ensure efficiency and expertise in executing and operating such large-scale projects, RUMSL adopted the DBFOO (Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate) model. The initiative significantly contributed to India’s renewable energy sector, increasing the country’s solar power generation capacity by 2.50%. Notably, it achieved the lowest-ever tariff awarded for a solar public-private partnership (PPP) in India, at INR 2.97 per kWh, without any viability gap funding from the government. Recognized for its innovation and impact, the project was included in the Prime Minister’s “Book of Innovation” and was honored with the prestigious “President Award” from the World Bank.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2105892) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Poster Making Competition

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Where Art Meets Film

     

    Introduction

    India’s deep connection to cinema is reflected in its iconic film posters which capture stories and emotions. To celebrate this art form the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) introduces the Film Poster Making Challenge as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season 1.’ In association with NFDC-National Film Archive of India, the International Federation of Film Archives and ImageNation Street Art, this competition highlights the rich heritage of Indian film posters. With 296 registrations already the event promises a vibrant showcase of creativity.

    The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector.

     

    The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.

    The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.

    The Film Poster Making competition falls under the fourth pillar Films, which is centered around celebrating the essence of Indian cinema. It highlights the artistic richness and craftsmanship behind iconic film posters with a particular focus on reimagining them for contemporary audiences.

    Competition Category

    The Film Poster Making Competition will be held in two categories:

    Digital Posters

    Registration:

    For the Digital Poster category began on October 1st and will remain open until March 15th, 2025. There is no registration fee for participation. To register visit the website and select one film from the 20 titles displayed in the image:

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    1. Poster design entries open: October 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Final artwork must be submitted by: March 15th 2025
    3. Winner announcement: 1st April, 2025
    4. Selected artist’s exhibition and award ceremony: April, 2025

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    • Kindly name the artwork with the following file naming structure: artistname_filmname_year_waves2024.jpeg

    Awards and Recognition:

    Outstanding digital posters will be recognized with the top 20 selected artworks showcased at the WAVES Summit and out of 20 top 3 receiving prestigious awards. Cash prizes and digital certificates of appreciation will be awarded. Here are the details:

    Hand Painted Posters

    Registration

    Candidates can participate in the hand-painted film poster-making competition through selected art institutions. Institutions interested in hosting the competition can email imagenationstreetart[at]gmail[dot]com with nfaifilmcircle@nfdcindia in cc.

    • The posters must be based on 20 film titles, the same as those in the digital poster-making list.
    • Each institution will choose three candidates from their internal competition to represent them in the semi-finals.
    • This competition is exclusive to institutions and not open to individual participants.

    Important Deadlines:

    1. Internal college competitions: November 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Shortlisted candidate announced: 1st April, 2025

    Guidelines for Finale:

    Here are the guidelines for the live handmade poster-making competition:

    • The film titles options for the live handmade poster-making competition will be announced 10 days before the live event.
    • Participants and their institutions must bring all required materials.
    • The organizers will communicate travel details to the participants at a later stage.

    Specifications for the live painting competition:

    • Materials: Participants must bring their own materials. The medium should be suitable paper for handmade poster design.
    • Poster Size: 24 x 36 inches (vertical)

    Awards and Recognition:

    A total of 25 selected artists will compete in a live event chosen through a juried selection from all submitted entries. They will create hand-painted posters within a set time frame at the WAVES Summit with the top three artworks receiving prestigious awards. The awards include a First Prize of INR 50,000, a Second Prize of INR 30,000, and a Third Prize of INR 10,000, with certificates for the top three winners. Additionally, a Digital Certificate of Appreciation will be awarded to the remaining participants, along with their respective cash prizes.

    Registration

    Registration for the competition began on February 5th, 2025 and will close on March 5th, 2025. There is no fee for participation, and you can register and submit your artwork through the provided link on website. Choose one film from the 10 available titles to create your poster.

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    • Registration and Submission Period: Feb 5, 2025 – March 5, 2025
    • Winner Announcement: April 1, 2025
    • Exhibition and Award Ceremony: April 2025

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Open to individuals of any nationality outside India.
    • Participants must be 18 years or older.

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    •  

    Awards and Recognition:

    The International Digital Poster Making Competition will recognize and celebrate outstanding creativity with awards and recognition for exceptional entries. Here are the key highlights:

    • The top 20 selected digital artworks will be showcased at the WAVES Summit.
    • The top 3 artworks from the exhibition will be honored with prestigious awards.
    • Additional details on the awards will be declared soon.

    Conclusion

    The Film Poster Making Competition at WAVES offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase creativity in both digital and hand-painted art forms. Through this platform artists from around the world can connect, create and be part of the vibrant future of the entertainment industry culminating in a prestigious exhibition and award ceremony at the WAVES Summit in May 2025.

    References:

    1. https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025
    2. https://www.nfdcindia.com/waves-poster-challenge-2025/
    3. https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia/status/1845466425575735387

    Click here to download PDF

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    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2105891) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comic Chronicles

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Transform Ideas into Reality with AI-Driven Storytelling

     

    Introduction

    The WAVES Comic Chronicles is set to unleash a world of creativity, offering storytellers a unique opportunity to transform their ideas into vibrant comics using AI-powered tools. As part of the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), this challenge invites participants to craft and present AI-generated comics through Dashtoon Studio, showcasing their stories on the Dashtoon mobile app. Organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the competition has already garnered 774 registrations as of 15 February 2025, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for digital creativity.

    The WAVES Summit, scheduled from 1 to 4 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent. The event is structured around four foundational pillars: Broadcasting and Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media and Innovation, and Films. The WAVES Comic Chronicles is part of the Digital Media and Innovation pillar, which delves into the dynamic digital landscape, exploring emerging trends and technologies, the evolving app economy, and the growing influence of social media and influencer marketing. This pillar also addresses regulatory challenges like data privacy and security while promoting ethical content creation and responsible digital consumption.

    The Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, are central to the WAVES Summit’s vision of promoting creativity and innovation. With over 73,000 registrations, these challenges, including the WAVES Comic Chronicles, offer a vibrant platform for creators to bring their ideas to life, fostering artistic expression, technological experimentation, and cultural storytelling.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Guidelines

    1. There is no limit on the length of the comic, but valid submissions must contain at least 60 panels (One image or scene counts as one panel).

     

    1. The comic should follow the vertical scroll format (Webtoon format).

     

    1. The comic must be in English.

     

    1. All comics must be created using Dashtoon Studio and published on the Dashtoon mobile app. While participants can use other tools for post-production or edits, the final comic must be assembled on Dashtoon Studio and published through the Dashtoon app.

     

    1. Participants are free to download and use their comic elsewhere or share it on social media.

     

    1. Originality is crucial: Characters and stories must not be copied from any copyrighted material (No fan fiction allowed).

     

    1. Content Restrictions: Submissions must not include:

     

    • NSFW or sexually explicit content
    • Racist or casteist content
    • Political or advertising content

     

    1. Participants can create a comic on any topic of their choice.

     

    1. Previously published or released works, whether shared personally or by a third party, cannot be submitted. All entries must be new, unpublished works that have not been publicly shared.

    Timeline

    Evaluation Criteria

     

    Rewards and Recognition

     

    Additional Rewards

    1. Top 3 Winners: Opportunity to present their comics at the WAVES Summit.
    2. Top 25 Participants: Receive a goodie bag sponsored by Google Play and Dashtoon, along with a certificate of excellence and recognition by IAMAI and Dashtoon.
    3. All Participants: Get a certificate of participation upon valid entry.

    Conclusion

    The WAVES Comic Chronicles is a key component of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under the WAVES Summit. These challenges, led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aim to inspire creativity, promote innovation, and nurture talent across the Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. As part of the Digital Media and Innovation pillar of the summit, the WAVES Comic Chronicles invites participants to harness AI-powered tools on Dashtoon Studio, offering a vibrant platform for original storytelling. This competition not only celebrates fresh talent but also aligns with the Create in India vision of positioning India as a global hub for artistic and technological excellence.

    References:

    1. https://eventsites.iamai.in/Waves/comic-chronicles/
    2. https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025

    Click here to download PDF

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    Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2105887) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Piyush Goyal calls for bolstering supply chains and providing high-quality electronic products globally at competitive prices

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri Piyush Goyal calls for bolstering supply chains and providing high-quality electronic products globally at competitive prices

    Shri Goyal urges electronics industry to shun protectionism, prioritise consumer interests

    India should become one stop shop for electrical goods, aspire to reach the international trade export target of USD 100 billion in seven years: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s electronic goods industry must work together towards more resilient supply chains, upgrade quality standards and provide high quality goods and services to the world at competitive rates. This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his address as a Chief Guest at the 16th Edition of ‘ELECRAMA’ organised by the Indian Electrical And Electronics Manufacturer’s Association (IEEMA) today in New Delhi.  The Minister urged the participants to work together to bring competitive advantages in manufacturing.

    The Minister highlighted that the industry has a responsibility to care for consumers by ensuring that the consumers are provided better deals. He urged the industry leaders and participants in attendance to shun protectionism and focus on balancing the interests of the industry, particularly the MSME sector. Protectionism beyond a point starts hurting the consumer. Balancing the interests of the MSME sector along with the customers should be the industry’s biggest priority, he said.

    Minister Goyal noted that the export volume of electronic goods ranks second in the country in 2025, compared to 167th ranked sector in 2015. In January, 2025 export volume of electronic goods was USD 3 billion alone, he said. He said that India should become the one stop shop for electrical goods and urged the industry to aspire to reach the international trade export target of USD 100 billion in the next seven years.

    The Minister pointed out that the electronics goods industry has doubled its transmission infrastructure, renewable energy capacity and installed capacity in the last decade. He further stated that the Government has helped set up 1,800 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the country. He stated that the Government aims to develop a future ready workforce and promote innovation leveraging the high number of STEM graduates produced in the country.

    Speaking on the theme of the special plenary ‘Bharat – The Vishwa Mitra’, Shri Goyal said that India takes pride in looking at the nation as one family that wishes to work with all countries of the world in a fair, equitable and balanced partnership with each other. India wishes to engage with the developed world from a position of strength offering them goods and services of high quality at affordable prices.  

    The Minister asserted that the Government’s various initiatives like ‘Digital India’, ‘Make in India’, ‘Design in India’ and ‘Serve from India’ along with its efforts to make customers buy local products and enable businesses to go global will help the country’s growth. “Government’s commitments to transform the economy, skill and train the workforce for high quality manufacturing and provision of services, policy certainty and speed and scale of development has led to this milestone, ” he stated.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SECI signs MoU with Government of MP for 200 MW Solar Project at Dhar

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

     

    Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Navratna CPSU under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Madhya Pradesh for setting up 200 MW Solar Project in Dhar under the CPSU Scheme and a 1000 MWh Battery Storage Project in the state. The MoU was signed at the two-day Global Investors Summit 2025 ongoing at Bhopal from 24th to 25th February 2025.

    The Global Investors Summit 2025, organised by the Government of Madhya Pradesh was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in the presence of  Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel  and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mohan Yadav.

    The MoU was signed by Shri Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director (Power Systems) SECI and Shri. Manu Srivastava, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (NRE) in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of New & Renewable Energy of Madhya Pradesh Shri Rakesh Shukla and Shri. R P Gupta, IAS (Retd) Chairman and Managing Director, SECI.

    The 200 MW Solar Project is part of a 500 MW Agreement which was executed in 2023 with MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL) for a period of 25 years under which SECI will supply the electricity to the state. SECI has proposed a phase-wise capital expenditure of Rs 2500 Cr for expansion and development of Renewable Energy in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

    The summit was attended by various stakeholders of the Government of India and representatives of various countries and states.

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    Navin Sreejith 

    (Release ID: 2105881) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 22nd EGM: IREDA Shareholders Approve up to ₹5,000 Crore Fundraising via QIP

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Shareholders of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) have approved the company’s proposal to raise up to ₹5,000 crore through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) of equity shares, in one or multiple tranches. The approval was granted by the shareholders in favour of the resolution via remote e-voting during the 22nd Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) held today through video conferencing. The meeting was chaired by Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director, IREDA and attended by Directors on the Board and shareholders.

    IREDA’s Board had earlier approved the fundraising plan on January 23, 2025, which includes the dilution of the Government of India’s shareholding in the company by up to 7% post-issue equity, in one or multiple tranches.

    Addressing the shareholders, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, highlighted IREDA’s strong financial performance in the first nine months of FY 2024-25, with a loan book of ₹68,960 crore, loan sanctions of ₹31,087 crore, and disbursements of ₹17,236 crore. “The funds raised through QIP will strengthen our green financing capabilities, accelerate loan book growth, and support India’s clean energy targets,” he stated.

    Shri Das further informed shareholders that IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of IREDA, recently received the Certificate of Registration from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA), allowing it to commence business as a Finance Company at GIFT City, Gujarat. “This milestone strengthens IREDA’s commitment to lending and serving in foreign currency by reducing hedging risks,” he added.

    In addition to the fundraising approval, shareholders also consented to amendments in IREDA’s Articles of Association. These amendments include provisions for formation of joint ventures and subsidiaries in India and abroad, along with empowering the Board to exercise enhanced powers under ‘Navratna’ status, subject to government guidelines.

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    Navin Sreejith 

    (Release ID: 2105878) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Kuwait National Day Reception (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Kuwait National Day Reception today (February 24):Consul General (Consul General and Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in Hong Kong, Mr Naser S Al-Ghanim), Deputy Commissioner Pan (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong), Your Excellencies, Consuls General, ladies and gentlemen,     Good evening.      It is my great pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate with you the 64th National Day of the State of Kuwait.     Kuwait is the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with China. You are also an active participant in our country’s Belt and Road Initiative.       These provide a solid foundation for the growing ties between our two economies. As alluded to earlier by the CG (Consul General), it is heartening to see that our bilateral trade is growing rapidly. Last year, the bilateral goods trade between Hong Kong and Kuwait rose more than 20 per cent year on year, reaching more than US$240 million. On many other fronts, our connections are deepening.       And this is part of a burgeoning relationship between Hong Kong and the Gulf countries. Over the past two years or so, the Chief Executive, myself as well as senior government officials and corporate leaders have been leading delegations to the region, seeking to strengthen connections with our partners in trade, finance, legal services, innovation and technology, cultural exchanges, and much more.       With Kuwait’s presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 2025 under the leadership of the Amir, much is anticipated on what we can do together to boost our bilateral ties, and the Hong Kong-Gulf relations at large. Indeed, the Secretary-General of the Council, His Excellency Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, also a Kuwait national, came to Hong Kong last month to attend the Asian Financial Forum. I also had a fruitful meeting with His Excellency at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos.        There is a strong will from both sides to strengthen co-operation on multiple fronts. In particular, Hong Kong wants to advance discussions on signing a free trade agreement with the GCC, and looks forward to the support from Kuwait and other Council members. We believe that solidifying our trade partnership will only be beneficial to our respective economies. In light of rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics marked by unilateralism and protectionism, it calls for action to build a fair, open and more resilient global economic and trade system.        Hong Kong is a perfect partner for Kuwait in realising the Kuwait Vision 2035, which covers your nation’s strategic and forward-looking plans for infrastructure development, digital transformation, green transition and global participation, and, above all, a more diversified economy.       Under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Hong Kong is a place that enjoys unique connectivity with both the Mainland and the rest of the world. We are a converging point of global capital, investors and talent, the gateway not only to China but also the rest of Asia. Kuwaiti businesses and entrepreneurs can capitalise on the city’s full suite of fund-raising options, world-class professional services, and extensive transport and logistics network to expand and thrive.      Hong Kong is keen to share knowledge and expertise with Kuwait, and find new growth frontiers together. For example, Hong Kong’s start-ups, with innovative solutions ranging from AI (artificial intelligence) to biotech, and from greentech to fintech, are keen to support the exciting projects in your country.      Ladies and gentlemen, the promising prospects for our co-operation extend well beyond – to education, arts and culture, and much more.      Since 2023, Kuwait has been actively participating in our Asia+ Festival, giving our residents a taste of your country’s rich cultural heritage. Your Kuwaiti Culture, Art and Literature Week last year, with a host of community-based activities, was a heartening success.       And I can’t tell you how delighted I am to meet with some of Kuwait’s brightest students who are studying in Hong Kong tonight. You are the ambassadors who will build more bridges of understanding and friendship between our two economies.       With all the goodwill and friendship, I am confident that the bonds between Hong Kong and Kuwait will flourish and endure for generations to come.      For that, ladies and gentlemen, please join me now in a toast: to the people of Kuwait.     Cheers.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Ayush Felicitates Ayurveda Stalwarts with ‘National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards’ for pioneering contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Ayush Felicitates Ayurveda Stalwarts with ‘National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards’ for pioneering contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine

    The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards showcase India’s immense contribution to global healthcare: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, conferred the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards for the current year on three distinguished practitioners for their exceptional contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine. Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, conferred the awards upon the three distinguished Vaidyas during an event held at Mumbai on 20.02.2025.

    This year’s recipients of the coveted award are Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, renowned Nadi Vaidya and author; Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal, a distinguished scholar of Dravyaguna Vigyana with six decades of service; and Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference. Each recipient receives a citation, a trophy featuring the Statue of lord Dhanwantari, and a cash prize of ₹5 Lakh. The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards represent India’s commitment to advancing holistic healthcare while preserving traditional medical knowledge.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients, stating, “The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards showcase India’s immense contribution to global healthcare. These visionaries have demonstrated exceptional dedication in promoting Ayurveda worldwide, perfectly aligning with our mission to integrate traditional wisdom with modern healthcare systems.”

    Adding his perspective, Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha remarked, “Through decades of research and innovation, these practitioners have modernised Ayurveda practices while maintaining their authentic essence. Their work exemplifies how traditional knowledge can be adapted to address contemporary health challenges.”

    Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, renowned for his mastery as a Nadi Vaidya, has also distinguished himself as an insightful author. His thought-provoking publications have opened new doors for explorative Ayurveda learning, encouraging a new generation to dive deep into the science of life. His career, adorned with numerous accolades, is a testament to his impact on the ever-evolving landscape of Ayurveda.

    Equally inspiring is the journey of  Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal from Uttar Pradesh, a visionary in Dravyaguna Vigyana. With over six decades of unwavering dedication, his prolific writings and stellar administration have inspired many. His recognition with the Vanoushadi Vanaspati and Lifetime Achievement Awards further cements his legacy in raising Ayurveda’s stature worldwide. His work exemplifies how tradition, when blended with modern insight, can become a global force for wellness.

    Adding to this league of legends is Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, whose contributions span more than four decades. The founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference and Vishwa Ayurveda Prabodhini, he has built platforms that have transformed Ayurveda education. His initiatives have not only advanced innovative practices but have also sparked global dialogues that continue to enrich Ayurveda’s relevance in contemporary healthcare.

    A Legacy Etched in Time: The History of the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award

    The story of the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards is one of tradition, excellence, and vision. Instituted by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, these awards were conceptualised to recognise the stalwarts who have dedicated their lives to Ayurveda. Over the years, the awards have evolved into a symbol of national pride, celebrating those who have pushed the boundaries of Ayurveda from local roots to global reach. By honouring individuals who have excelled in research, practice, and the propagation of Ayurveda, the awards inspire new generations to embrace holistic health practices that promise a healthier and happier society.

    With every award ceremony, the commitment to making Ayurveda a cornerstone of global healthcare strengthens. The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards are not just accolades; they are milestones in a journey that celebrates the wisdom of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future.

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    MV/AKS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mobilizing Finance is Key to Achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Source: Government of India

    Mobilizing Finance is Key to Achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Renewable Energy Financing Obligation is the need of the hour: Union Minister Joshi National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy Concludes in Mumbai

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai : 24 February 2025

    Mobilising finance is key to achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030, said Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi. He was addressing the National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy organised by Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in Mumbai today. Union Minister Joshi also called for collective efforts from financial institutions and policymakers to ensure accessible funding to Renewable Energy (RE) sector. The Minister along with the Minister of State, (MNRE), Shri Shripad Naik also addressed a Press Conference held in conjunction with the Workshop.

    Highlights of the Workshop

    The Minister stated that the idea for the workshop emerged after a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions focused on accelerating flagship schemes like PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. Highlighting the scale of India’s energy needs, Shri Joshi said that as the country aims to become the third-largest economy, its energy demand is expected to double. He stressed that renewable energy must be scaled up to match thermal energy production, ensuring a reliable and resilient power supply.

    The Minister also spoke about India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. He called upon financial institutions to align their lending policies with India’s renewable energy growth strategy and emphasized that carbon-intensive industries will face reduced export opportunities in the future. Shri Joshi noted that India has already made significant progress in renewable energy, with capacity increasing to 222 GW today. He pointed out that solar tariffs have drastically reduced, with a recent bid in Madhya Pradesh touching ₹2.15 per unit, compared to ₹11 per unit earlier. However, he stressed the importance of battery storage solutions to support large-scale renewable deployment.

    Speaking on the role of decentralization, the Minister highlighted that PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar empower farmers to become “Urjadata” (energy providers), while also reducing transmission losses. He urged banks to simplify financing processes, particularly for rooftop solar projects, and called for the introduction of a Renewable Energy Financing Obligation to ensure dedicated funding for the sector, similar to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) for discoms.
    Shri Joshi underscored India’s leadership in green hydrogen (GH2), stating that the country has already received major export orders and is ahead of several developed nations in this field. He noted that global investors are increasingly looking at India as a preferred destination for manufacturing and clean energy investments, recognizing its young workforce and strong industrial capacity.

    The Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s directive to engage global financial institutions for renewable energy investments, citing India’s recent success in securing commitments worth ₹34.5 lakh crore during a global RE summit in Gandhinagar. He emphasized that the transition to renewable energy is not optional—it is a necessity.Concluding his address, Shri Pralhad Joshi called for a national movement in renewable energy financing, stating that PM Surya Ghar is not just a scheme but an Andolan (movement). He urged financial institutions to streamline lending processes, reduce unnecessary compliance burdens, and adopt a more supportive approach towards financing clean energy projects.

    Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Y Naik said that achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 will require an investment of approximately ₹30 lakh crore, covering infrastructure, transmission, and storage systems. He urged the stakeholders to adopt innovative financing models, extend flexible lending terms, and prioritize green investments that will accelerate our energy transition.

    In her context setting speech, Secretary MNRE Smt. Nidhi Khare emphasized the critical role of affordable finance, green bonds, and innovative funding models in driving India’s renewable energy transition.

    The National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy featured four key sessions focused on addressing financing challenges in the renewable energy sector. The first session examined the financing landscape for utility-scale renewable energy (RE) projects, assessing challenges faced by developers, banks, and NBFCs in securing funding. Discussions covered interest rates, perceived risks, and potential solutions for financial institutions to support large-scale RE projects. The second session focused on financing new and emerging RE technologies, such as offshore wind, floating solar, and green hydrogen. Panelists, including experts from NABARD, and leading financial institutions, discussed capital allocation strategies, policy interventions, and mechanisms to reduce financial risks for private sector investments in these technologies.

    The third session addressed financing challenges for Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) and innovative RE applications, including rooftop solar, canal-top PV, and Agri-PV. Experts explored financing constraints for startups, perceived investment risks, and policy support required to scale up these solutions. The final session focused on regulatory and capacity-building measures for banks and NBFCs, discussing RBI guidelines, sector-specific lending policies, and strategies to enhance financing in consumer-oriented RE applications. Stakeholders highlighted the need for better regulatory frameworks, risk-sharing mechanisms, and financial instruments to unlock capital for India’s renewable energy ambitions. The discussions reinforced the necessity of collaborative efforts among policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to mobilize large-scale investments and achieve India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.

    The discussions led to several key takeaways, including the need for lower-cost financing, improved access to global climate funds, and enhanced risk-sharing mechanisms for new technologies. Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding green financial instruments to support India’s clean energy transition. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work towards innovative financing models and policy frameworks that can unlock large-scale investments in the renewable energy sector.

    Senior officials from major public and private sector banks such as State Bank of India, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, IDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab & Sind Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank and Bank of Maharashtra also attended the event.

    The workshop marked a significant step toward ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder India’s renewable energy ambitions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a clean, sustainable, and financially inclusive energy future. The workshop provided a platform for key stakeholders, including banks, NBFCs, policymakers, and industry leaders, to discuss strategies for mobilizing large-scale
     
    investments in renewable energy. Participants reiterated their commitment to supporting India’s clean energy transition, ensuring energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The event marked a significant step in bridging the financial gap for renewable energy projects, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in the clean energy revolution.

    Dhanlaxmi/Preeti

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CAQM Sub-Committe on GRAP revokes Stage-II of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 186 as per the daily AQI Bulletin furnished by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), clearly indicating a downward trend. In view of notable and consistent improvement in the air quality of Delhi witnessed over the past days and also considering the meteorological/ weather forecasts by IITM/ IMD, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the preventive/ restrictive actions under Stage-II of GRAP already in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since 22.10.2024. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee observed as under:

    • Owing to improvement in mixing height and ventilation coefficient and much favorable meteorological conditions for dispersion of pollutants, the AQI of Delhi has since shown a significant improvement.
    • The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 186 for 24. 02.2025 which is 114 points below the 300 mark to implement the stage-II as per the extant directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Further, the forecast by IMD /IITM predicts the AQI mainly to remain in moderate/poor category.

    Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM indicating the average air quality of Delhi to stay in ‘Moderate/ lower-end of ‘Poor’ category in the coming days (for which forecast is available), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP today unanimously decided to revoke actions under Stage-II of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

    Actions under Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned, in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-I of extant schedule of GRAP.

    The Commission urges all agencies responsible for implementation of various actions listed under Stages–I of the extant schedule of GRAP and citizens/ residents to strictly implement and solemnly follow the provisions/ charter of GRAP under Stage-I to obviate the need for re-imposition of Stage-II of the extant schedule of GRAP in NCR.

    The Sub-Committee, shall keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM. The extant schedule of GRAP can be accessed via the Commission’s official website, i.e., https://caqm.nic.in/

    *****

    VM/GS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO VISIT BIHAR, MADHYA PRADESH AND GUJARAT FROM FEBRUARY 25 TO MARCH 1

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat from February 25 to March 1, 2025.  

    On February 25, the President will grace the centenary celebration of the Patna Medical College in Patna, Bihar.

    On February 26, the President will grace a Mass Wedding ceremony, organised by Shri Bageshwar Jan Seva Samiti, at Gadha, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. On the same day, the President will pay her tributes at the Statue of Unity and witness the Narmada Aarti at Kevadia, Gujarat.

    On February 27, the President will visit the Ekta Skill Development Centre at Kevadia and grace the 44th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Design at Ahmedabad.

    On February 28, the President will grace the 3rd convocation of the National Forensic Sciences University at Gandhinagar. On the same day, the President will visit the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial at Bhuj.

     On March 1, the President will visit Dholavi​ra – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prolific Alien Smuggler Extradited from Mexico to the United States in Joint Task Force Alpha Investigation

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities culminated in the extradition of an alleged alien smuggler who operated in Mexicali on the U.S.-Mexico border for several years as part of an international alien smuggling conspiracy.

    Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 49, was arrested in Mexico on March 2, 2023, pursuant to a U.S. request for his extradition, and was surrendered by Mexico to U.S. authorities on Feb. 21 to face charges previously filed in the District of Arizona. Saucedo-Huipio made his initial appearance on Feb. 21 in the Southern District of California. His co-conspirator, Ofelia Hernandez-Salas, 62, was extradited to the United States from Mexico in 2023 and pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024, to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and substantive counts of bringing an alien to the United States.

    According to court documents, Saucedo-Huipio conspired with other smugglers, including Hernandez-Salas, to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants into the United States from and through Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas allegedly charged the migrants as much as tens of thousands of dollars to make the journey and directed the migrants where to unlawfully cross the border into the United States, including by providing them with a ladder to climb over the border fence. Saucedo-Huipio and co-conspirators also allegedly robbed the migrants of money and personal belongings while armed with guns and knives.

    In June 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed corresponding sanctions on this transnational criminal organization.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel C. Hernandez for the District of Arizona, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola, made the announcement.

    ICE HSI Yuma is investigating the case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; FBI; and the U.S. Marshals Service, working in concert with ICE HSI Tijuana, INTERPOL, and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI also received substantial assistance from CBP’s National Targeting Center/Counter Network Division and OFAC.

    Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Zander for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners, who were instrumental in arresting Saucedo-Huipio, and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office and the Mexican Foreign Ministry for making the extradition possible.

    The indictments against Raul Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas, and their subsequent arrests and extraditions, were coordinated through Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse, or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, the District of Arizona, the District of New Mexico, and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; OIA; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This investigation is also supported by the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or raise grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Redwood Services Announces 17th Partnership with Indiana-Based Hope Plumbing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Redwood Services (“Redwood”), an established home services firm focused on investing in leading HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services companies in growing U.S. markets, announced that it has partnered with Hope Plumbing. This partnership marks Redwood’s seventeenth platform investment, highlighting the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to expansion.

    Hope Plumbing, based in Indianapolis, has built a loyal customer base by providing quality service since 2007. The company has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, doubling revenue and achieving substantial bottom-line results. With an established and capable management team in place to sustain current operations and implement plans for further infrastructure development, Redwood is looking forward to supporting even further growth for the Indiana area.

    “Redwood and Hope Plumbing share many core values, such as delivering exceptional services to customers and cultivating a growth-driven culture,” said Richard Lewis, CEO of Redwood Services. “We are excited to be part of Hope Plumbing’s continued growth and to support this impressive management team.”

    “Hope Plumbing has experienced tremendous growth over the years, and we are ready to build on that momentum to ensure we reach our potential,” said Jack Hope, Co-President of Hope Plumbing. “Under the guidance of Redwood’s leadership and support, our partnership will help us continue to perfect our craft and exceed customer expectations.”

    Hope Plumbing is one of the most recognized home service brands in Indianapolis and has more than doubled in size since 2021. With over 5,000 Google reviews and an average rating of 4.9, the Hope team also has a history of delivering exceptional customer service.

    Owners Jack Hope and Brad Persic will retain a significant minority ownership stake as part of the investment. The Hope Plumbing team will continue to operate and manage the business under its banner and name, while Redwood will offer operational, strategic, and financial support to enhance the company’s growth.

    About Redwood Services
    Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Memphis, Redwood Services is a nationwide people-focused platform dedicated to empowering elite contractors in the essential home services industry. Redwood provides world-class resources, coaching, and strategic partnerships to 17 leading companies across the United States, enabling its partners to deliver exceptional HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to residential customers. Redwood’s mission is to unleash the full potential of its partners, supporting them in providing high-quality service and building lasting relationships with customers. For more information, visit www.redwoodservices.com.

    From left to right: Raj Midha, David Katz, Adam Hanover, Richard Lewis, Jack Hope, Sue Reas, Brad Persic, Scott Brinkley, John Conway, Sandra Koblas, Shaun Hardick

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21b6289b-ba25-4095-ae52-da2e4a11287e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do you speak other languages at home? This will not hold your child back at school

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Valeria Maria Rigobon, Lecturer in Literacy, Australian Catholic University

    Serwin365/Unsplash, CC BY

    It is common for Australian children to grow up with languages other than English in their family lives.

    More than one-fifth of Australians report speaking a language other than English at home.

    But when it comes time to start school, it’s common for parents to worry about raising a child to be bilingual or multilingual.

    They may wonder, am I harming my child’s English development if I speak another language at home?

    The short answer is no. Research shows speaking more than one language doesn’t hinder a child’s academic progress – in fact, it can even help.

    What does the research say?

    Up until the 1980s, some studies incorrectly suggested early exposure to more than one language could harm a child’s academic achievement. But these findings have since been widely criticised because many of the children in the studies came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (and so were already disadvantaged in terms of their schooling).

    More recent Australian research has found when socioeconomic status is accounted for, multilingual children are “indistinguishable from their monolingual peers” in literacy and numeracy by the time they are eleven years old. This is provided they have adequate English vocabulary skills by the time they finish Year 2.

    Some studies show multilingual students even surpass monolingual children in different academic areas. This includes English reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation as well as numeracy. Research suggests multilingual students’ enhanced mental flexibility from switching between languages may explain their higher academic performance later in school, but this is not yet confirmed.

    Recent Australian studies show bilingual and multilingual children keep up with their peers at school.
    PNW Promotion/ Pexels, CC BY

    Do you need to learn one language before starting the other?

    Research shows children can learn multiple languages at the same time, starting from infancy.

    This means you don’t have to wait for a child to become fluent in one before you start learning another.

    Similarly, a child does not have to be a highly skilled English speaker to start to learn to read in English. They can develop their spoken and written/reading language skills at the same time.

    It is also important to look at children’s skills across all the languages they know.

    Research on children aged up to 30 months found multilingual children often had smaller vocabularies in English than their monolingual peers. But they had a healthy range when assessed on words they knew in all languages.

    A common misconception is multilingual children may “confuse” words between languages, but this is not the case. They actually learn quite quickly whom they can communicate with in each language, and switch between languages without much effort.

    For example, Valeria’s niece Aurora is four and is already fluent in Hungarian, Spanish and Ukrainian. There are videos of Aurora speaking Spanish with her Venezuelan father and grandmother, turning to respond to her grandfather in Hungarian, and switching to Ukrainian to speak with her mother, all in one conversation.

    Regular calls or visits with family members who speak the home language will help your child develop their languages skills.
    Tima Miroshnichenko/ Unsplash, CC BY

    How can I help my child learn multiple languages?

    Research shows it is important a child receives lots of exposure to each language through meaningful interactions with people who speak those languages.

    There is no clear definition of the amount needed, but it should be regular – for example, everyday talk with parents or visits or phone calls with grandparents who share the home language.

    Also, if you’re worried your child isn’t getting enough English exposure outside school, do not abandon your home language. Instead, create other English opportunities, such as in playgroups, daycare, sports teams or other out-of-school activities.

    Ultimately, the best thing parents can do to support their children’s multilingual learning is build a community filled with native speakers of English and the home language(s).

    Staying consistently connected to this community of people who value each language, especially after children start school, will also support a child’s motivation to keep growing in each language.

    Rauno Parrila receives funding from Australian Research Council and Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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

    – ref. Do you speak other languages at home? This will not hold your child back at school – https://theconversation.com/do-you-speak-other-languages-at-home-this-will-not-hold-your-child-back-at-school-250405

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prolific Alien Smuggler Extradited from Mexico to the United States in Joint Task Force Alpha Investigation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities culminated in the extradition of an alleged alien smuggler who operated in Mexicali on the U.S.-Mexico border for several years as part of an international alien smuggling conspiracy.

    Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 49, was arrested in Mexico on March 2, 2023, pursuant to a U.S. request for his extradition, and was surrendered by Mexico to U.S. authorities on Feb. 21 to face charges previously filed in the District of Arizona. Saucedo-Huipio made his initial appearance on Feb. 21 in the Southern District of California. His co-conspirator, Ofelia Hernandez-Salas, 62, was extradited to the United States from Mexico in 2023 and pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024, to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and substantive counts of bringing an alien to the United States.

    According to court documents, Saucedo-Huipio conspired with other smugglers, including Hernandez-Salas, to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants into the United States from and through Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas allegedly charged the migrants as much as tens of thousands of dollars to make the journey and directed the migrants where to unlawfully cross the border into the United States, including by providing them with a ladder to climb over the border fence. Saucedo-Huipio and co-conspirators also allegedly robbed the migrants of money and personal belongings while armed with guns and knives.

    In June 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed corresponding sanctions on this transnational criminal organization.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel C. Hernandez for the District of Arizona, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola, made the announcement.

    ICE HSI Yuma is investigating the case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; FBI; and the U.S. Marshals Service, working in concert with ICE HSI Tijuana, INTERPOL, and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI also received substantial assistance from CBP’s National Targeting Center/Counter Network Division and OFAC.

    Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Zander for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners, who were instrumental in arresting Saucedo-Huipio, and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office and the Mexican Foreign Ministry for making the extradition possible.

    The indictments against Raul Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas, and their subsequent arrests and extraditions, were coordinated through Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse, or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, the District of Arizona, the District of New Mexico, and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; OIA; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This investigation is also supported by the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or raise grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –