NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PROVISION OF MARKET FACILITY UNDER DAM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The government has approved the Digital Agriculture Mission on 2nd September 2024 with an outlay of Rs. 2817 Crore. The mission seeks to enable a robust digital agriculture ecosystem in the country for driving innovative farmer-centric digital solutions and making available timely and reliable crop-related information to all the farmers in the country. The Mission envisages the creation of Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture such as AgriStack, Krishi Decision Support System, Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map and other IT initiatives undertaken by Central Government/State Governments. AgriStack project is one of the major components of this Mission, which consists of three foundational registries or databases in the agriculture sector, i.e., the Farmers’ Registry, Geo-referenced village maps and the Crop Sown Registry, all created and maintained by the State Governments/ Union Territories. The government is providing administrative and technical support to all the states for implementation of the mission. AgriStack provides comprehensive and useful data on farmers’ demographic details, land holdings, and crops sown, enabling farmers to digitally identify and authenticate them for accessing benefits and services such as credit, insurance, procurement etc. It also enables state to design solutions that open access for farmers to the digital economy such as Purchase and Sell of Inputs and Produce online in a trustful manner.

    Further, Government is implementing National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), a virtual platform integrating physical wholesale mandis/ markets of different States/ Union Territories (UTs) to facilitate online trading of agricultural commodities through transparent price discovery method to enable farmers to realize better remunerative prices for their produce. As on 31stDecember, 2024, 1410 mandis of 23 States and 04 Union Territories (UTs) have been integrated with e-NAM platform.

    This information was given by Minister of State the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Assessment of impact of PM-KISAN

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

    Assessment of impact of PM-KISAN

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- per year is transferred in three equal instalments, into the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

    A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without involvement of any middlemen. Maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr. in 18 installments since inception.

    The Government of India is committed to include all eligible left out farmers in the Scheme and to saturate the scheme with all eligible farmers, the Government has launched several campaigns. A major saturation drive was taken up from the 15th Nov 2023, under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, with more than 1 Cr. eligible farmers included under the scheme. The Government of India also undertook another saturation drive from June, 2024 and within first 100 days of the new Government, over 25 lakh eligible farmers were included in the Scheme. With the significant efforts taken by the Government, the number of beneficiaries who have received benefits in the 18th instalment increased to 9.59 Cr.The State-wise details of the beneficiaries benefited through the 18th instalment of the PM-Kisan is attached at Annexure-1.

    An independent study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in 2019. According to the study, funds disbursed under the PM-KISAN have acted as a catalyst in rural economic growth, aided in alleviating the credit constraints of farmers, and increased investments in agricultural inputs. Further, the scheme has enhanced farmers’ risk-taking capacity, leading them to undertake riskier but comparatively productive investments. The funds received by recipients under PM-KISAN are not only helping them with their agricultural needs, but it is also catering to their other expenses such as education, medical, marriage, etc. These are the indicators of the positive impact of the scheme on the farmers of the country. PM KISAN has truly been a game changer for the farming community of our country.

    Annexure

    Number of beneficiaries benefitted under PM-KISAN during 18th instalment (August 2024-November 2024)

    State Name

    No. of Beneficiaries

    ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

    12,832

    ANDHRA PRADESH

    41,22,499

    ARUNACHAL PRADESH

    90,464

    ASSAM

    18,87,562

    BIHAR

    75,81,009

    CHANDIGARH

     

    CHHATTISGARH

    25,07,735

    DELHI

    10,829

    GOA

    6,333

    GUJARAT

    49,12,366

    HARYANA

    15,99,844

    HIMACHAL PRADESH

    8,17,537

    JAMMU AND KASHMIR

    8,58,630

    JHARKHAND

    19,97,366

    KARNATAKA

    43,48,125

    KERALA

    28,15,211

    LADAKH

    18,207

    LAKSHADWEEP

    2,198

    MADHYA PRADESH

    81,37,378

    MAHARASHTRA

    91,43,515

    MANIPUR

    85,932

    MEGHALAYA

    1,50,413

    MIZORAM

    1,10,960

    NAGALAND

    1,71,920

    ODISHA

    31,50,640

    PUDUCHERRY

    8,033

    PUNJAB

    9,26,106

    RAJASTHAN

    70,32,020

    SIKKIM

    28,103

    TAMIL NADU

    21,94,651

    TELANGANA

    30,77,426

    THE DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN AND DIU

    11,587

    TRIPURA

    2,29,362

    UTTAR PRADESH

    2,25,78,654

    UTTARAKHAND

    7,96,973

    WEST BENGAL

    45,03,158

    Grand Total

    9,59,25,578

     

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary launches Swavalambini, a women entrepreneurship programme, for the Northeast

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary launches Swavalambini, a women entrepreneurship programme, for the Northeast

    ‘Swavalambini’: An initiative to nurture entrepreneurial aspirations of women in Higher Education Institutes

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant push towards promoting women entrepreneurship in the northeast, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog launched Swavalambini – a Women Entrepreneurship Programme – in Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram. This initiative is aimed at empowering female students in select Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the northeast by equipping them with the essential entrepreneurial mind-set, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey.

    For the first time MSDE through Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) in collation with NITI Aayog, a structured stage-wise entrepreneurial process—from awareness to development, mentorship, and funding support, has been introduced. Those who successfully build their ventures will be recognized and awarded, ensuring that their success stories inspire others. This initiative will define a clear process for how we nurture and scale women-led enterprises in India. 

    The virtual programme witnessed the inauguration of the initiative in 9 colleges and universities by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India. Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE along with other senior officials of the Ministry were also present during the launch.

    The program is being implemented across several HEIs, including Gauhati University, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Kiang Nangba Government College, RiBhoi College, Mizoram University, Government Champai College, Lunglei Government College, Handique College and Dispur College, among others.

    Speaking on the transformative initiative, Shri Jayant Chaudhary stated: “The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme is a commitment to empower, enable, and elevate young women as job creators and leaders of tomorrow. The program aims to nurture talent focusing on a region brimming with potential and will provide the support necessary to scale their ideas into sustainable businesses.”

    “Our government has consistently championed women-led entrepreneurship through key programs like Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, PM Mudra Yojana, and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform. The recently announced Union Budget 2025 further reinforces this commitment, with increased funding and policy support for start-ups, including a 10,000 crore fund and an extension of the 100% tax exemption on start-up profits for another five years. By providing targeted support, mentorship, and funding, Swalambini represents a new chapter in our journey towards women-led entrepreneurship, which is critical to India’s transformation,” he added.

    The initiative aims to provide structured training through the Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) which introduces 600 female students to entrepreneurship as a viable career option through a 2-day session covering basic entrepreneurial concepts and opportunities. For 300 selected students, the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) offers an intensive 40-hour training covering crucial business aspects such as training and skilling, access to finance, market linkages, compliance and legal support, business services, and networking opportunities. This will be followed by six months of mentorship and handholding support to help participants translate their ideas into sustainable prospects.

    The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has already laid the foundation for an entrepreneurship-driven curriculum by emphasising skill integration, industry collaboration, and hands-on experience. Swalambini will build on this framework, ensuring that young women particularly in North-Eastern states receive the necessary guidance and financial backing to transform their ideas into scalable businesses, unlocking the immense entrepreneurial potential of women in these regions.

    Recognising the critical role of educators in promoting an entrepreneurial mind-set, the program will also focus on upskilling the faculty in the HEIs with a 5-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP), enabling them to effectively train and mentor students in entrepreneurship. Faculty members will undergo specialised training modules designed to provide them with the latest industry insights, business incubation strategies, and hands-on coaching techniques.

    A unique aspect of the program is the Award to Rewards Initiative, which will celebrate and recognise successful women entrepreneurs emerging from Swalambini. This will act as an inspiration for the next generation of female business leaders, reinforcing the message that women-led enterprises are instrumental in shaping India’s economic future. This program will also utilise workshops, mentoring support, and seed funding to create sustainable women-led enterprises.

    The Swavalambini Programme is set to create avenues for women in business, aspiring to see 10% of EDP trainees launch successful enterprises. By instilling a culture of entrepreneurship within HEIs, this initiative is a significant step in the right direction to celebrate and uplift the next generation of women leaders.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Contract Farming

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Agriculture and Agriculture Marketing is a state subject. 15 States and Union Territories (UTs) have made enabling provisions for contract farming provisions in their APMC Acts.  Contract farming, inter alia, provides for an institutional arrangement for registration of sponsoring companies, recording of contract farming agreements and indemnity to farmers’ land.  Any disputes arising out of contract are resolved as per the arbitration and dispute resolution mechanism specified therein.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Use of AI in agriculture

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers. Some of the initiatives are given below:

    1. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with responses to the queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs.
    2. National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops.
    3. AI based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crop.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Chairs Meeting on Accelerating Aircraft Component Manufacturing in India

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Chairs Meeting on Accelerating Aircraft Component Manufacturing in India

    Unified National Roadmap to Propel India as a Global Aerospace Hub

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Civil Aviation Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a high-level meeting to review and advance aircraft component manufacturing in the country today. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Secretary Sh. V. Vualnam, AAI Chairman Sh. Vipin Kumar, DGCA Director General Sh. Faiz Ahmed and representatives from industry associations, OEMs, MROs, research institutes and various government departments. The discussions centered on strengthening domestic production and enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the field of aircraft component manufacturing.

    Fueled by strategic alliances with leading global aerospace firms and the growing demand for air travel, India’s aircraft component manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth. Major international OEMs are progressively sourcing components from India, underscoring the exceptional quality and dependability of our domestic industry.

    The Union Minister while chairing the meeting stated, “Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision for Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the aerospace sector, I can confidently state that we are already at a respectable position in the global civil aviation arena but our ambition now is to be in the lead. It is imperative that we build a comprehensive ecosystem—encompassing skill development, design, manufacturing, maintenance, certification, and knowledge sharing—through close collaboration among our ministries and departments with industry. India is well on its way to emerging as both a major hub for civil aviation and a center for aircraft component manufacturing. With our deep reservoir of talent and resources and by integrating valuable industry insights, we can chart a unified national roadmap that transforms these opportunities into concrete, strategic outcomes.”

    The Minister assured industry stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to developing a comprehensive and inclusive roadmap. He articulated a dual-pronged strategy that aims to both expand the indigenous aircraft component manufacturing by utilizing the supply chain network of our MSMEs and simultaneously giving greater international market access to Indian component OEMs.

    Secretary, Sh. V. Vualnam remarked, “This meeting marks significant first step in a long journey. We are committed to organizing multiple such meetings regularly with all stakeholders, ensuring continuous feedback and assistance to drive the growth of this industry.” The meeting concluded on a positive note with all participants reaffirming their commitment to collaboration and strategic partnerships. Through a concerted effort focused on skill development, technology adoption and infrastructure enhancement, the ministry is committed to create a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected “space oil drug” worth about $1 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected “space oil drug” worth about $1 million (with photo)
    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected “space oil drug” worth about $1 million (with photo)
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         Hong Kong Customs detected a case involving etomidate (the main ingredient of “space oil drug”), a kind of Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about one kilogram of suspected “space oil drug” with an estimated market value of about $1 million on February 5.           Through risk assessment, Customs officers on the aforementioned date inspected one air parcel, declared as lactose, arriving in Hong Kong from India. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected “space oil drug” concealed inside a carton box of the parcel.           After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers today (February 7) conducted a controlled delivery operation in Cheung Sha Wan and arrested a 39-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case.           The arrested man has been charged with one count of importing prohibited articles not under and in accordance with an import licence. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (February 8).           Customs will continue to step up enforcement against “space oil drug” through intelligence analysis and maintain close contact with the logistics industry. The department reminds logistics companies to remain vigilant and report to Customs any suspicious activities.     Under the Import and Export Ordinance, importing prohibited articles not under and in accordance with an import licence is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). 

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 21:00

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Events launched in commemoration of ACAN’s 60th anniversary (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Events launched in commemoration of ACAN’s 60th anniversary (with photos)
    Events launched in commemoration of ACAN’s 60th anniversary (with photos)
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         ​This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). ACAN and the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau are taking the opportunity to co-organise a series of commemorative events, including interactive roving exhibition in education institutions and the community, community engagement activities and competitions etc, with a view to consolidating anti-drug awareness in the community. The opening ceremony of commemorative events series was held this afternoon (February 7) at Hong Kong City Hall.           Officiating at the opening ceremony of the commemorative events, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said that the drug problem was once rampant in reviewing the 1960s and 1970s. Since its establishment, ACAN has been providing advice to the Government and mobilising community resources, which has contributed significantly to the anti-drug work efforts.      Mr Tang said that the Government and ACAN will continue to respond positively to the rapidly evolving drug situation. He said, “The Government plans to gazette the listing of etomidate, the main ingredient of the ‘space oil drug’, as a dangerous drug in a week’s time, with immediate effect from February 14, when possession, vaping or drug trafficking is liable for very serious criminal punishment. Our law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have been well-prepared for it.”           In addition, speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, said that since its establishment in 1965, ACAN has been committed to working with different sectors of the community to combat drug abuse and to “detoxify” the community. Over the past 60 years, ACAN has been diligently providing advice and reflecting on frontline observations to help the Government enhance the effectiveness of its anti-drug work.           Dr Li added that the drug trend has been complex and is rapidly changing. In view of the recent “space oil drug” problem, he said that “space oil drug” abuse has severe long-term harmful effects. It causes addiction, nausea, unconsciousness, and even death. He has earlier publicly indicated that ACAN fully supported the Government in stepping up the control of etomidate and welcomed the crackdown by LEAs on “space oil drug”-related crimes. He said he hoped that the control of etomidate as a dangerous drug starting from February 14 this year, as well as the increase in liabilities for relevant offences, will be effective in deterring the situation of “space oil drug” abuse.           The roving exhibition in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of ACAN is one of the events commemorating ACAN’s 60th anniversary. The roving exhibition adopts the concept of a time tunnel, taking visitors through different time periods to learn about anti-drug work in the past, present and future. The roving exhibition features a theme zone dedicated to the 60th anniversary of ACAN, in which a number of anti-drug posters produced between 1960 and 2025 are displayed. The poster collection will not only provide an excellent review of various anti-drug publicity campaigns, but also reflect the changes in design and communication strategies of anti-drug publicity in response to the development of society over the years.           The anti-drug black-and-white film “Suicide On Hire Purchase”, produced by ACAN in the 1960s and was once screened in cinemas, is also displayed in the theme zone. Famous comic character Old Master Q makes a guest appearance in the video, which portrays the story of the male protagonist who became a drug addict under the influence of bad company but was able to begin his life anew after undergoing treatment. Movie screenings were one of the main ways of conveying messages to the public in the 1960s. This video proves that ACAN was already well aware of the importance of publicity and education to anti-drug work in the community when it was first established.           Apart from that, a number of precious historical photos, anti-drug videos and anti-drug TV Announcements in the Public Interest are displayed at the theme zone, reviewing the changes in Hong Kong’s anti-drug work over the years as the times evolved.           Including the elements of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and multimedia, the roving exhibition is divided into different theme zones with games, digital exhibition panels and photo booths to share anti-drug knowledge with visitors, and provide them with information about criminal liability for drug offences, how to seek help and so on. By combining the historical part of the exhibition and incorporating the old and the new, visitors will be able to learn from the past and have a better understanding of the harmful effects caused by drugs after the exhibition visit, so as to stay away from drugs.           The first stop of the roving exhibition is open to the public free of charge until February 10 (Monday), from 10am to 8pm, at the Exhibition Hall, 1/F, Low Block, Hong Kong City Hall. After the first stop, the roving exhibition will be held at shopping malls in different districts and tertiary institutes throughout the year. For more details of the roving exhibition, please visit the dedicated webpage on the ND’s website (www.nd.gov.hk/en/ACAN60A_exhibition.html).

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 20:55

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC, India’s two-week online short-term internship for university-level students concludes

    Source: Government of India (2)

    NHRC, India’s two-week online short-term internship for university-level students concludes

    70 students from various universities in different regions and far-flung areas of the country completed the internship

    Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal in his valedictory address encouraged students to internalise core human values of empathy and sensitivity to make meaningful contribution to the society

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The two-week online short-term internship programme organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has concluded today. It started on 27th January, 2025 with 70 students from various universities in different regions and far-flung areas of the country.

    NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal in his valedictory address congratulated the students for the successful completion of their internship. He urged the interns to reflect on the knowledge they gained in various sessions on different aspects of human rights and carry it forward to make meaningful contributions to society.

    Shri Lal said the nation earned its hard-fought freedom to have a Constitution guaranteeing civic and political rights to every individual. In recent years, concerted efforts are being made to ensure socio-economic and cultural rights and dignity to all. A massive effort is on to improve the quality of life, ease of living and dignity to all. The idea is that no one is left behind. It is for the youth of the country to make the best use of the constitutional provisions for the all-round development of the country with new ideas in keeping pace with the changing times.

    The Secretary General also encouraged the students to internalise core human values of empathy and sensitivity. He stressed that once the opportunity to help someone is lost, it is lost forever. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that there is improved quality of life, enhanced ease of living, access to all basic amenities, safe and secure public spaces and workplaces, education for all and the rights of every individual including the vulnerable and marginalized, are protected,

    Lt Col Virender Singh, Director, NHRC, India presented the internship report. Besides the sessions on different aspects of human rights by the senior NHRC officers, experts and civil society representatives, the interns were also taken for virtual tours to the Tihar Jail and Asha Kiran Shelter Home in Delhi. They were given an understanding of how different government institutions function, the mechanisms to protect human rights, the realities on the ground, and the necessary steps to protect the rights of vulnerable sections of society. He also announced the winners of the book review, group research project presentation, and declamation competition.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    Source: Government of India (2)

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    A Historic Platform for India’s Comic Talent

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    A Historic Platform for India’s Comic Talent

    Introduction

    The Comic Creator Championship, a key event under the WAVES summit, is set to redefine India’s comic book industry. Divided into Amateur and Professional categories, the competition will unfold across three stages, offering a platform for both emerging and established creators to showcase their talent globally. In a historic move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has partnered with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), marking the most significant collaboration among Indian comic book publishers in over three decades.

    The championship is part of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which has attracted over 70,000 registrations and launched 31 competitions to foster a thriving creative ecosystem. These challenges are a highlight of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a premier forum for industry leaders and innovators to shape the future of India’s Media and Entertainment sector, drive collaboration, promote trade, and position India as a global creative hub.

    Key Milestones in the Championship 

    On 29 January 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), in collaboration with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), announced the 76 semi-finalists of the WAVES Comics Creator Championship. Spanning 50 cities across 20 states and the National Capital Region, the selected creators reflect India’s diverse and thriving comic book culture. Among them, 40 are amateurs and 30 are professionals, with participants ranging from 10 to 49 years old. Additionally, six young artists received special mentions, underscoring the championship’s dedication to fostering talent at every level.  

    Comic Creator Championship – Overview

    The Comic Creator Championship will take participants through three phases, each designed to test their storytelling, artistic skills, and ability to reflect Indian themes and sensibilities. While the themes are diverse, every story must have an inherently Indian context. Participants can create their comics in either Hindi or English, with no language preference in the judging process. They can apply individually or in teams of up to two members.

    Phase 1: Foundation

    • Open to all entrants.
    • Create two mandatory pages based on one of the eight themes.
    • An optional cover page can be submitted but will not impact selection.

     

    Phase 2: Development

    • 100 participants from Phase 1 will advance.
    • Expand the story by adding three to four more pages.
    • Further develop characters, narrative, and artwork.

     

    Phase 3: Conclusion

    • 25 finalists from Phase 2 will proceed.
    • Complete the story with three to four final pages.
    • Refine artwork for a polished, engaging comic.

     

    By the end of the competition, each finalist will have a coherent 8–10 page comic, with or without a cover page. This process will highlight creators who can craft compelling narratives and high-quality artwork within the given themes and guidelines.

    Themes

    Participants, whether competing individually or as a team of two, must choose one of the following themes:

    1. Horror Comedy: Blend humour and horror to create a uniquely engaging comic.
    2. Era of Gen-Z India: Capture the lives, struggles, and aspirations of India’s Gen-Z through relatable storytelling.
    3. India in Space: Craft a thrilling narrative inspired by India’s space programme and the mysteries of the cosmos.
    4. Folktales Reimagined: Give a modern twist to ancient Indian folktales, merging tradition with innovation.
    5. Sport Legends: Celebrate India’s sporting icons and unforgettable moments through dynamic storytelling.
    6. Science Fiction: Take readers on a journey into speculative and futuristic worlds filled with adventure and discovery.
    7. Indian Tourism: Showcase India’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and heritage through visually compelling narratives.
    8. Indian Armed Forces: Honour the courage and sacrifices of India’s armed forces with powerful and respectful storytelling.

    Eligibility and Guidelines

    Category Definitions

    The Comics Creator Championship is open to both amateur and professional participants, with no age restrictions in either category.

    • Amateur – Individuals who have never published a comic (digitally or physically) through self-publishing or a third party. Posting a few comic strips or pages on social media as a hobby does not count as professional work unless it has a substantial following. Amateurs are typically those who do not earn a living from creating comics or artwork.
    • Professional – Individuals with at least one published comic, whether digital or physical, through any means. Artists who take commissions, have significant social media followings, or generate income from their artwork fall under this category.

     

    Art Style Guidelines

    AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. The competition is designed to celebrate original creativity, encouraging participants to experiment and express their artistic vision.

    The Comics Creator Championship welcomes diverse artistic expressions, including:

    • Colour and black-and-white (B&W) artwork
    • Manga and non-manga styles
    • Inked and non-inked illustrations
    • Digital artwork created using any software
    • Traditional hand-drawn artwork

    Judging Criteria

    Entries for the Comics Creator Championship will be evaluated based on five key aspects:

    • Originality: Fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and innovative concepts that bring something new to the table.

     

    • Creativity: Imaginative storytelling, engaging plot twists, and artistic expression that set the comic apart.

     

    • Writing: Engaging dialogue, well-developed characters, and a coherent narrative that captivates the reader.

     

    • Art: Technical skill, visual appeal, and effective storytelling through illustrations.

     

    • Impact: The ability to evoke emotions, resonate with readers, and leave a lasting impression.

     

    Awards and Recognition

     

    Professional Category

    Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology. Each winning participant/team will receive:

    • ₹1,00,000 cash prize
    • Opportunity to represent India at a prestigious event (subject to WAVES’ discretion).

    Amateur Category

    • Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology.
    • Each winning participant/team will receive a ₹60,000 cash prize.

     

    Additional Prizes

    • Top 100 participants (Phase 2) – Digital Certificate of Appreciation.
    • Top 25 participants (Phase 3) – Exclusive Goodie Bag.

    References:

    Click here to see in PDF:

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah posts on ‘X’ about a major breakthrough against drug syndicates of India, with NCB dismantling a significant drug network in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah posts on ‘X’ about a major breakthrough against drug syndicates of India, with NCB dismantling a significant drug network in Mumbai

    NCB Mumbai seizes 11.54 Kg of high-quality cocaine and 4.9 kg of hydroponic Ganja

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah terms it as a significant achievement, posts, “Bharat crushes drug cartel with zero tolerance”

    It is a testament to the success of the top-to-bottom approach to investigation adopted to make PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision for a drug-free India a reality: Shri Amit Shah

    NCB Mumbai also seizes 5.5 kg of cannabis gummies and recovers ₹ 1.6 Lakh in cash

    Seizure was a direct outcome of sustained intelligence gathering and operational diligence following an earlier seizure of 200 grams of cocaine in January 2025

    Preliminary investigations reveal operation being orchestrated by individuals based abroad, using sophisticated methods to smuggle narcotics

    Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah congratulates team NCB on this massive success

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has posted on X platform about a major breakthrough against drug syndicates of India, with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) dismantling a significant drug network in Mumbai. He added that it is a testament to the success of the top-to-bottom approach to investigation adopted to make Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a drug-free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat) a reality.

    In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said, “Bharat crushes drug cartels with zero tolerance. A major breakthrough in Mumbai in seizing very high-grade cocaine, ganja, and cannabis gummies and arresting four people. It is a testament to the success of the top-to-bottom approach to investigation adopted to make PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision for a drug-free India a reality. Congratulations to team Narcotics Control Bureau on this massive success.”

    This seizure was a result of concerted effort made by the team NCB Mumbai on the leads developed during a recent previous seizure of 200 gms Cocaine in the month of January, 2025. After working on the leads generated in this case and through technical and human intelligence, the Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU) of NCB was finally able to reach at the source of the contraband and 11.540 kgs very high-grade Cocaine, 4.9 kgs hybrid strain Hydroponic Weed/Ganja and 200 packets (5.5 kgs) of Cannabis gummies & Rs.1,60,000/- were recovered from Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra on 31.01.2025.

    In this case, the initial recovery, from an international courier agency in Mumbai, was from a parcel which was destined to Australia. NCB MZU was able to backtrack the supply to the bulk quantity, which was concealed at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

    Investigation conducted so far revealed that this syndicate is being operated by a group of people based abroad and some quantities of the seized contraband were sourced from USA to Mumbai and being sent to multiple receivers in India and abroad through courier/small cargo services and human carriers. The persons involved in this case are anonymous to each other, using pseudo-names for day-to-day conversations on drug dealing.

    In this case, four persons have been arrested so far. Further, the investigations to identify the backward and forward linkages of the drug syndicate are underway.

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    Raj Kumar / Vivek / Ashutosh / Priyabhanshu / Pankaj

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    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MoU signed between ISLRTC and NBT at World Book Fair for making NBT Books Accessible in Indian Sign Language

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:56PM by PIB Delhi

    An MoU was signed between the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under D/o Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, and the National Book Trust (NBT), at the NBT Pavilion during the World Book Fair 2025.

    This MoU aims to convert 500 NBT storybooks, general reading materials, and other engaging books into accessible formats for Deaf children through Indian Sign Language (ISL).

    The MoU was signed by Shri Kumar Raju, Director, ISLRTC and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT in the presence of Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, and Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairperson, NBT.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajeev Sharma and Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe emphasized that this is a great joint venture by ISLRTC and NBT, highlighting its significance in developing accessibility and inclusivity in education.

    Director ISLRTC and Director NBT also addressed the audience, reaffirming their commitment to making reading literature available for deaf children across the country. They expressed that this collaboration is a step forward in ensuring that Deaf children have access to quality reading materials in their preferred mode of communication.

    The signing and exchange of the MoU mark a significant milestone in promoting accessible inclusive education. Officials from ISLRTC and NBT were also present at the event, showing their collective dedication to this initiative.

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    VM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB), CSIR-NIScPR publishes special issue on the Opportunities & Challenges in Biological Chemistry

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB), CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi, has brought out a special issue in association with Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campusand theSociety of Biological Chemists –India, (SBC-I) on the theme, “Biological Chemistry: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward” . As a leading public funded Science publishing institute in India, CSIR-NIScPR publishes 15 journals in various STI disciplines, and all of them are indexed by reputed national/international agencies like Science Citation Index (Web of Science), Scopus, NAAS and UGC CARE.

    IJBB, a monthly premier peer-reviewed research journal in the subject area of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, with the JIF score of 1.5. With reputed national/international experts on Board, the journal has been receiving considerable attention from researchers and academicians across the globe. Its commitment to publishing quality research makes it a vital resource for those seeking to stay at the forefront of these critical scientific disciplines. This special issue (March 2025 IJBB Vol. 62 Issue no. 3) has 9 review papers and 1 original research paper broadly covering the emerging trends in the Biological Chemistry contributed by reputed researchers in the subject area.

    The articles cover (i) Phosphodiesterase 4 as a candidate therapeutic target of cancer (ii) A review on repurposing anti-diabetic drugs for the amelioration of betel-nut induced carcinogenesis; (iii) Chromatin higher order structure and possible therapeutic target (iv) From 2D to 3D: decoding tuberculosis pathobiology and drug development with ex vivo disease models; (v) Transport mediated antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis; (vi) Phenotypic antibiotic resistance: Involvement of genes and additional factors; (vii) An overview of response pathways for protection of mitochondria from protein misfolding stress (viii) Advances in myogenic differentiation: Role of stem cells, RNA-binding proteins, molecular pathways, and detection Techniques; (ix) Aspergillusnigeracidogenic metabolism: A biased view from the C and N interface; and (x) Camptothecin exerts anti-cancer effects through FoxM1 inhibition

    Publication of this special issue was possible only with the intensive effort of Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi, and able guidance of the Editorial Board comprising globally renowned experts Prof. Stephen Dimitrov (Chief Editor, IJBB), Prof DN Rao (Executive Editor, IJBB), Guest editors Prof. Suman Kundu and Prof. Meenal Kowshik, from BITS, Goa Campus, and the initiative taken by Dr. NK Prasanna, Editor, IJBB. We appreciate the kind encouragement from Dr Charu Verma, Head, Research Journals. Contribution from authors, reviewers, and the technical support provided by the print production team of CSIR-NIScPR for successful timely publication of this issue deserves special mention.

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    NKR/PSM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates National IP Moot Court Competition

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates National IP Moot Court Competition

    Students selected for international moot court competition to be sponsored by Centre: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

    • Shri Goyal calls for strong AI regulatory framework to ensure ethical use and effective deployment
    • Competition to take place from 7th February 2025 to 9th February 2025, has prize money of Rs 3.25 lakh
    • Theme of the moot court competition is “Artificial Intelligence and Copyright”

     

    Students selected for an international moot court competition on International Property Rights (IPR) will be sponsored by The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his address at the inaugural ceremony of Vidhi Pragati: National IP Moot Court Competition, 2025 today in New Delhi.

    DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with Centre for Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Competition (CIIPC) and IPR Chair, National Law University Delhi is organising the Vidhi Pragati: National IP Moot Court Competition, 2025. This competition is designed for participants to increase their advocacy skills, work on contemporary legal issues, and gain comprehensive knowledge of Intellectual Property Laws, its enforcement, and the latest case laws.

    There is a need to create a robust regulatory framework with legal and policy assistance to withstand the unethical use of AI and also support effective deployment of modern technology, he said. Shri Goyal noted that Artificial Intelligence is as good as the person who utilises its potential. He stated that technology can become a tool but can never substitute the human mind.

    Speaking of the Moot Court Competition, the Minister highlighted the format’s practicality in helping the students refine their legal acumen and open their minds. He also noted that participation in this format will enable the scholars to become thinkers, thinkers into innovators and innovators into leaders.

    Shri Goyal highlighted that copyright and Artificial Intelligence is at the crossroads of an uncertain future. We can either ethically use AI to our advantage in regulating copyright or unethical means can be used to violate copyright protection. AI can either add to creativity or it can disrupt the authorship of genuine innovators and their rights, he said. Minister Goyal noted that the Government is planning to engage with experts and young minds for suggestions on changes in regulations to adapt with modern technology.  

    Elucidating on the innovation boost received in the Union Budget 2025, the Minister noted that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) have been announced and Rs 20,000 crore announced as part of the Centre’s contribution in Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Fund. He also highlighted the Rs 10,000 crore announced in the Budget for the Fund of Funds for startups and entrepreneurs to boost innovation. Shri Goyal also mentioned the Government academic initiative, One Nation One Subscription, to provide country-wide access to scholarly research e-journals to students. He also spoke about the AI for Education fund of Rs 500 crore allotted in the Budget 2025 for the academia, government and the private sector to collaborate to promote innovation.  

    The Minister during his address suggested IPR to be made a mandatory subject in law colleges across the country. Law also needs to be understood by concepts of right and wrong in which AI can play an important role, he added.

    Justice Shri Prathiba M. Singh, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Shri Himani Pande, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) graced the event as guests of honor.

    The theme of the competition is “Artificial Intelligence and Copyright.” This theme is of paramount importance in today’s digital landscape, where the rapid advancement of AI technologies are fundamentally transforming the creative industries. As AI-generated content

    becomes increasingly prevalent, crucial questions arise regarding authorship, originality, and the extent of copyright protection. This competition aims to nurture young legal minds, promote innovative thinking in intellectual property law, and underscore the importance of adapting copyright regulations in the context of artificial intelligence advancements. This competition presents an opportunity for the participants to critically engage with the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to the realm of copyright.

    Scheduled to take place from 7th February 2025 to 9th February 2025, this premier event will witness participation from law schools across the nation, thus fostering a vibrant spirit of mooting and scholarly discourse. In anticipation of reassuring responses from across the law schools, a total of 26 teams are lined up to exhibit a battle of the best showcasing a sheer competitive spirit. With a prize pool of Rs. 3.25 lakh, this moot will sufficiently reward the investment of time and resources in the participation.

     

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    Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Various steps have been taken to promote the use of nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers by the Department of Fertilizers

    Source: Government of India

    Various steps have been taken to promote the use of nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers by the Department of Fertilizers

    Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations

    Spraying of Nano fertilizers through drones – a cost-effective method

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to promote the use of Nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers, the following steps have been taken:

    1. Use of Nano Urea is promoted through different activities such as awareness camps, webinars, nukkad nataks, field demonstrations, Kisan Sammelans and films in regional languages etc.
    2. Nano Urea and Nano DAP are made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by concerned companies.
    3. Nano Urea has been included under monthly supply plan issued by Department of Fertilizers regularly.
    4. ICAR through Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal recently organized National Campaign on “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizer (including Nano-fertilizers)”.
    5. Promotion of use of nano fertilizers was done during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) which was launched on 15th November, 2023.
    6. For ease in application and utilization of Nano fertilizers like Nano Urea through foliar application, initiatives such as spraying of Nano Urea through drones and distribution of battery operated Sprayers at retail points are undertaken. For this purpose, pilot training and custom hiring spraying services through Village Level Entrepreneurs are actively promoted.
    7. DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has initiated a Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations.  Further, DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has also launched campaign for field level demonstrations and awareness programs of Nano Urea plus in 100 districts of the country.

    At present, there is no provision for subsidy by Department of Fertilizers. However, DoF is encouraging its companies to set up Nano fertilizer plants.

    Spraying of Nano fertilizers through drones has emerged as a cost effective method.  During the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, farmers had shown interest in adopting this new technology of spraying.

    At present, there is no proposal to bring production of nano fertilizers under any Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Lok Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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    MV/AKS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority fixes ceiling prices in respect of the drugs specified in Schedule-I to Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013

    Source: Government of India

    The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority fixes ceiling prices in respect of the drugs specified in Schedule-I to Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013

    NPPA has fixed ceiling prices of 131 scheduled anticancer formulations under National List of Essential Medicines to make cancer drugs affordable and accessible to the masses

    NPPA has also fixed retail prices of 28 anti-cancer formulations of applicant manufacturing and marketing companies, under the DPCO, 2013 provisions relating to fixing of retail prices of new drugs

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals fixes ceiling prices under the provisions of Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013) in respect of the drugs specified in Schedule-I to DPCO, 2013. Manufacturers of scheduled medicines (both branded and generic) are required to sell their products within the ceiling price (plus applicable Goods and Service Tax) fixed by NPPA. In addition, NPPA fixes the retail price of new drugs as defined in DPCO, 2013. The retail price of a new drug is applicable to the applicant manufacturer and marketer, who are required to sell the new drug within the price notified by NPPA. In case of non-scheduled formulations, a manufacturer is at liberty to fix the maximum retail price (MRP) of drugs launched by it. However, as per DPCO, 2013, a manufacturer is required to not increase MRP of a non-scheduled drug by more than 10% of MRP during the preceding 12 months. In addition to the above, the ceiling price of a drug may also be fixed under certain circumstances, in public interest.

    The aforesaid Schedule to DPCO, 2013 consists of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), 2022 notified by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. NLEM, 2022 includes 63 anti-cancer drugs, including immunosuppressives and medicines used in palliative care.

    Various measures have been taken to make cancer drugs affordable and accessible to the masses, including, among others, the following:

    1. NPPA has fixed ceiling prices of 131 scheduled anti-cancer formulations under NLEM. These include 111 formulations whose prices were fixed under the NLEM, 2015. Refixation of the same under NLEM, 2022 has resulted in reduction of around 21% from the ceiling prices fixed under NLEM, 2015, leading to annual savings of around ₹294.34 crore to patients.
    2. NPPA has fixed retail prices of 28 anti-cancer formulations of applicant manufacturing and marketing companies, under the DPCO, 2013 provisions relating to fixing of retail prices of new drugs.
    3. In addition, NPPA has put a cap of 30% trade margin on 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, in public interest, which has resulted in reduction of MRP of 526 brands of these medicines by an average of around 50% and annual savings of around ₹984 crore to patients.
    4. Government reduced customs duty to nil and GST rates from 12% to 5% for three anti-cancer drugs in the financial year (FY) 2024-25 and NPPA has issued directions to companies to reduce MRP to pass on the tax benefit to consumers.
    5. Exemption/concessions in customs duty on identified anti-cancer medicines has also been announced in the budget for FY 2025-26.  

    With the objective of promoting domestic manufacturing of drugs, the Department of Pharmaceuticals is implementing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals with total financial outlay of ₹15,000 crore with scheme tenure till the financial year 2027-28. 54 anti-cancer drugs are being manufactured under this scheme.

    Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), health assurance/insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary or tertiary care hospitalisation to about 60 crore beneficiaries is being provided. The treatment packages under AB-PMJAY are comprehensive and cover various treatment related aspects, including drugs and diagnostic services. Further, under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, quality medicine are offered through Jan Aushadhi Kendras at rates that are typically 50% to 80% lower than the prices of branded medicines available in the market. In addition, under the Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) initiative of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, medicines for treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases, implants, surgical disposables and other consumables etc. are provided at significant discounts of up to 50% of market rates through AMRIT Pharmacy stores set up in some hospitals/institutions. Moreover, financial assistance is provided to poor patients belonging to families living below poverty line, who suffer from major life-threatening diseases including cancer, under the umbrella scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi and the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG). Financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh is provided under the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund under the umbrella scheme of RAN, and assistance of up to ₹1.25 lakh is provided under HMDG to defray part of the treatment cost.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Lok Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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    MV/AKS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Matawinie Regional County Municipality of Québec Province in Canada suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 7) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Matawinie Regional County Municipality of Québec Province in Canada, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 400 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Canada last year.

         â€‹”The CFS has contacted the Canadian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New milestone in indigenous development of gaseous detector important for mega science FAIR project in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Researchers have developed an innovative technique using a radioactive source that can simplify the study of radiation effects on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors, a crucial step in nuclear and particle physics experiments.

    Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector are particle detectors used as tracking devices in high-energy physics experiments that utilizes a thin, perforated foil with a high electric field to amplify particles produced by ionizing radiation, allowing for precise detection of particles like muons by significantly multiplying the initial signal generated by the particle’s interaction with the gas within the detector.

    They are also strong candidates for diagnostic applications in medical technology because of their good position resolution. First introduced by Prof. Fabio Sauli in 1997, GEM detectors consist of a 50 μm thick Kapton foil, with 5 μm copper cladding on both sides.

    Despite their advantages, the inclusion of Kapton, a radiation-resistant polyimide film with excellent insulating properties, in the active volume makes these detectors sensitive to radiation-induced effects, particularly the charging-up of the dielectric medium. During operation, ionizing radiation deposits energy into the detector, initiating electron avalanche formation.

    This process results in charge accumulation on the Kapton foil, which in turn enhances the electric field within the GEM holes—the primary region for electron multiplication. This increase in the electric field boosts the detector’s gain and efficiency. Over time, a dynamic equilibrium is established, stabilizing the gain and ensuring consistent detector performance.

    India has the full responsibility of building all the GEM chambers that will be used in the future Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at FAIR and will be operated at very high radiation environment. For this, it is important to enhance the understanding of the charging-up effect in GEM detectors, a phenomenon that remains inadequately understood.

    Fig 1: Schematic of the charge accumulation on the Kapton foil inside GEM hole. The dynamical accumulation of the charges on the surface of the Kapton increases the electric field thence the gain of the chamber.

    To investigate this phenomenon, Dr. Saikat Biswas and his PhD student, Dr. Sayak Chatterjee along with the other collaborators from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, conducted an in-depth investigation into the charging-up effect on the Kapton foil and its subsequent impact on detector performance.

    The team from Department of Physical Sciences at Bose Institute, developed a specialized experimental setup to study the charging-up effect in triple GEM detectors by studying its gain variation as a function of time.

    Analysis of the charging effect indicated that as either the detector gain (the ratio of the primary charges to the charges detected by the readout board) or irradiation rate increased, the charging-up time decreased significantly. This behavior was attributed to higher particle densities, which facilitated faster charge equilibrium within the GEM holes.

    Fig 2: (a) Variation of the normalized gain as a function of time fitted with a polynomial function to extract the charging-up time (p2) of a DM triple GEM chamber. (b) Variation of charging-up time of the DM triple GEM chambers as a function of the irradiation rates from a Fe-55 source at a fixed detector gain of ~ 5000.

    The findings from this study provide valuable insights for predicting behavioral changes in GEM detectors, critical components in high-rate experiments, when subjected to external radiation. These insights will inform design considerations and operational parameters for GEM chambers in radiation-intensive environments such as the CBM experiment at FAIR, Germany. These results are not only important for CBM experiment only but also for other high-rate experiments where GEM will be used.

    Fig 3: Variation of charging-up time of the DM & SM triple GEM chambers as a function of the gain of the chambers for different irradiation rates using the Fe-55 X-ray source.

     

    The researchers plan to extend their work to investigate the impact of GEM foil geometry on the charging-up effect and to explore behavioral changes under various types of irradiations, extending beyond the capabilities of laboratory setups. The studies published in the Journal of Instrumentation & Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, are crucial milestones for indigenous gaseous detector development.

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    NKR/PSM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY’S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON ARRIVES AT CHANGI NAVAL BASE, SINGAPORE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Veera entered Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 06 Feb 25. The visit is part of the Long-Range Training Deployment of the Squadron to South East Asia signifying a vital step in strengthening maritime cooperative engagement and fostering mutual understanding. The squadron had previously visited Singapore in Oct 2023.

    During the port call, Dr Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore visited 1TS ships. He was briefed on the training activities undertaken by the Squadron. He also interacted with the Sea Trainees and emphasised the crucial role of Indian Navy towards enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo Pacific region. Senior Officer, 1TS along with the Commanding Officers of INS Sujata and ICGS Veera called on Col Rinson Chua Hon Liat, Commander, Maritime Training and Doctrine (MTDC) and held discussions on maritime issues of mutual interests.

    During the visit, the ships will engage in several activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and inter-operability between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Professional Exchanges, Cross Training Visits and friendly sports fixtures are planned during the ship’s stay. The extant visit reinforces strong maritime partnership and collaboration between the two Navies underscoring the commitment of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Buddhist Confederation to Launch a Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition

    Source: Government of India

    International Buddhist Confederation to Launch a Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition

    A Unique Motorcycle Expedition from Lumbini, Nepal (The Birthplace of Lord Buddha) to Galle, Sri Lanka

    Expedition will be Flagged Off by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, The Former President of India, from Bodhgaya on 25th February 2025

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will announce the launch of the historic Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition. This collaborative initiative brings together the armed forces of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, in partnership with the IBC, to launch a unique motorcycle expedition from Lumbini, Nepal (the birthplace of Lord Buddha) to Galle, Sri Lanka. The expedition, featuring defence personnel from all three nations, will travel through key Buddhist heritage sites, symbolizing the historical spread of Buddhism and reinforcing the shared cultural and spiritual connections between these countries.

    The primary objectives of the expedition include promoting peace and harmony, enhancing tourism, raising environmental awareness, and, most importantly, celebrating the deep-rooted ties between India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

    As the organizing partner for the Indian chapter of the expedition, the IBC will guide participants through significant Buddhist landmarks, such as Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Nagarjuna Sagar (Andhra Pradesh), and Udaygiri (Odhisa), among others. The expedition will be formally flagged off by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India, from Bodhgaya, an iconic Buddhist site on 19th February 2025.

    Upon reaching Sri Lanka, the expedition will be ceremonially flagged off by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ms. Harini Amarasuriya in Jaffna on 5th March 2025 marking the culmination of a momentous journey across three nations bound by the Buddha’s teachings.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Advancing Mental Healthcare in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    “India’s vision of good health implies not just being free of disease but to ensure wellness and welfare for everyone. The goal is to ensure physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

                                                                           Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

    What is Mental Health

    Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how people think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects decision-making, stress management, and relationships. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

    Impact of Poor Mental Health

    • Impact on Productivity: Poor mental health leads to lower workplace performance, increased absenteeism, and reduced efficiency.
    • Social and Emotional Well-being: Mental well-being affects interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, and social interactions.
    • Economic Impact: According to WHO, mental disorders contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, and untreated conditions can lead to high economic costs.

    Mental Health Scenario in India

    • WHO Data Insight
      • India contributes to 18% of the global population. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1. The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
    • Prevalence:
      • The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.
      • The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%.
      • National studies reveal that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention.
      • Urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural (6.9%).
    • Treatment Gap
      • 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals.
      • According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000.

    Insights from Economic Survey 2024-25

    Mental wellbeing is the ability to navigate life’s challenges and function productively. Recognising its importance, Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted that Mental well-being encompasses all our mental-emotional, social, cognitive, and physical capabilities. This can also be construed as the mind’s composite health. It emphasised a whole of community approach to tackling mental health problems and stated that it is about time to find viable, impactful preventive strategies and interventions. India’s demographic dividend is riding on skills, education, physical health and, above all, mental health of its youth.

    The Economic Survey 2024-25 suggested:

    1. Enhance Mental Health Education in Schools: Early intervention strategies to address anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues in students.
    2. Improve Workplace Mental Health Policies: Address job stress, long working hours, and burnout.
    3. Expand Digital Mental Health Services: Strengthen Tele MANAS and integrate AI-based mental health solutions.

    Mental Health Infrastructure in India

    • As part of the National Mental Health Programme, in 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned set up to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment.
    • 47 PG Departments in mental health have been established or upgraded in 19 government medical colleges. Mental health services are also being introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.
    • 47 Government-Run Mental Hospitals including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions, viz. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
    • Integration of Mental Health Services in Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs)

    Under Ayushman Bharat, the government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These HWCs provide:

    • Basic counselling and psychiatric medication at PHC levels.
    • Training for general physicians to handle mild-to-moderate mental health conditions.
    • Linkages to district hospitals for advanced psychiatric care.

    This initiative ensures that mental healthcare is available in both urban and rural areas, reducing dependence on specialized hospitals and making psychiatric care more community-centric.

    Policies and Schemes Undertaken by the Government of India

    National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) – 1982

    Recognizing the growing burden of mental disorders and the shortage of mental health services, India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982. The primary goal was to ensure that mental healthcare becomes an integral part of the general healthcare system, rather than being confined to specialized hospitals.

    Key components include:

    District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) was introduced under NMHP to expand community mental health services.

    • Covers 767 districts
    • Provides counselling, outpatient services, suicide prevention programs, and awareness initiatives.
    • 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities at the district level.

    NIMHANS Act, 2012

    The NIMHANS Act, 2012, was a significant step towards enhancing mental health education and research in India. Under this act, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, was declared an Institute of National Importance. This recognition allowed NIMHANS to expand its academic and research capabilities, making it the premier institution for psychiatry, neuropsychology, and mental health sciences in India.

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act which replaced the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 1995, expanded the definition of disability to include mental illness and introduced stronger legal protections for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. The Act aligns with India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and aims to ensure equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.

    National Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

    The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, was enacted to ensure the right to mental healthcare services, protect the dignity and rights of individuals with mental illness, and align India’s mental health laws with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Act replaced the Mental Health Act of 1987 and introduced several progressive changes to mental health care and services in India like the Right to affordable and quality mental healthcare services and the decriminalization of suicide in India.

    National Health Policy, 2017

    The National Health Policy (NHP), 2017 was a landmark that acknowledged mental health as a national health priority. This policy aimed to address mental health issues through a multi-pronged approach, integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare, strengthening human resources, and improving treatment accessibility.

    By placing mental health at the center of India’s healthcare framework, NHP 2017 aimed to bridge the treatment gap by making psychological services available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat.

    iGOT-Diksha Collaboration for Mental Health Training

    The government has also collaborated with the iGOT-Diksha platform, a digital learning initiative in 2020, to train healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community health volunteers in mental healthcare. This program focuses on:

    • Building capacity for mental health care at the grassroots level.
    • Equipping doctors and nurses with skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
    • Promoting mental health awareness in rural areas.

    Through iGOT-Diksha, India has expanded its mental health workforce, ensuring better early intervention strategies and community support mechanisms.

    National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS), 2022

    Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) was a game-changer in India’s digital mental health infrastructure. Tele MANAS provides free, 24/7 mental health support to individuals through a national toll-free helpline (14416 / 1800-89-14416). Available in 20 Indian languages.

    As of February 7, 2025, the Tele MANAS helpline has handled over 1.81 million (18,27,951) calls since its launch in 2022, providing essential mental health support across India. There are 53 Tele MANAS Cells across various states, ensuring local access to mental health services. The program is supported by 23 Mentoring Institutes nationwide, along with 5 Regional Coordinating Centers, ensuring efficient service delivery and expert guidance in mental healthcare.

    Tele MANAS services include:

    • Immediate tele-counselling by trained professionals.
    • Referral support to psychiatrists for severe cases.
    • Mental health awareness campaigns via digital platforms.
    • Mobile-based mental health interventions, ensuring accessibility in rural and remote areas.

    Tele MANAS Mobile App & Video Consultation

    • The Tele MANAS App was launched in October 2024.
    • Offers self-care strategies, stress management tools, and direct access to mental health professionals.
    • Video consultation services introduced in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and J&K.

    WHO Recognition

    The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Tele MANAS as an effective and scalable mental health solution, making mental healthcare more inclusive and affordable.

    KIRAN Helpline Merged into Tele MANAS

    The KIRAN Helpline (1800-599-0019), initially launched in 2020, was merged into Tele MANAS in 2022 to enhance the efficiency of mental health support services. This transition streamlined mental health helpline operations, making it more accessible and better integrated with India’s healthcare system.

    During COVID-19, the government took crucial steps to support mental health. A 24/7 helpline provided nationwide psychosocial assistance, while health workers received online training through the iGOT-Diksha platform. Public awareness campaigns spread stress management strategies via media, and official guidelines and advisories were issued to promote mental well-being. These interventions played a vital role in addressing the psychological challenges of the pandemic.

    National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2022

    The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022, with the goal of reducing suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Recognizing suicide as a public health concern, the strategy focuses on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.

    Key components of NSPS include:

    • Mental health screenings for students in schools and colleges.
    • Establishing crisis helplines and psychological support centers.
    • Community awareness programs to break the stigma around mental illness and suicide.
    • Stronger implementation of workplace mental health programs.

    By focusing on high-risk populations, such as students, farmers, and young adults, the strategy ensures targeted intervention to prevent self-harm and improve overall well-being.

    Conclusion

    India has made notable progress in mental healthcare through policy reforms, digital initiatives like Tele MANAS and expanding access to services under programs such as NMHP, Ayushman Bharat HWCs, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Moving forward, India must strengthen awareness campaigns, expand workforce training and invest in digital mental health solutions. A mentally healthier India is vital for individual well-being, economic growth, and national development, requiring a whole-of-society approach to make mental healthcare accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ****

    Santosh Kumar / Sarla Meena / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2100706) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 284 Crore Aadhaar Authentications in January 2025; 32% jump y-o-y sign of g͟rowth of digital economy with Aadhar playing an integral role in daily life

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Over 284 Crore Aadhaar Authentications in January 2025; 32% jump y-o-y sign of  g͟rowth of digital economy with Aadhar playing an integral role in daily life

    Aadhaar’s AI-powered Face Authentication becoming popular with 12 Crore transactions recorded in January in sectors spanning finance, health, telecommunications, etc.

    Union and State Departments embracing Aadhaar Face Authentication for swift delivery of citizen centric s ervices

    Expanding Digital Frontiers: Aadhaar e-KYC transactions cross 43 crore in January 2025

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    In January 2025, Aadhaar holders conducted more than 284 crore authentication transactions, highlighting the continued expansion of the digital economy in India. This significant number demonstrates the g͟rowth of digital economy in the country.

    The authentication transactions in January 2025 have recorded a growth of over 32% when compared with January 2024, when 214.8 crore such transactions were carried out.

    Growing adoption and utility of Aadhaar

    On an average over nine crore authentications are taking place every day. This shows the growing adoption and utility of Aadhaar in the daily lives of people. Nearly 550 entities are using Aadhaar authentication service.

    Aadhaar face authentication transactions too are getting good traction. In January, almost 12 crore Aadhaar face authentication transactions were carried out. Cumulatively, Face Authentication transaction numbers have crossed 102 crore, since it was first introduced in October 2021. Nearly 78 crore of the total face authentication transactions were recorded in the past 12 months alone.

    The AI/ML based face authentication solution, developed in house by the UIDAI, is being used across diverse sectors including finance, insurance, fintech, health and telecommunications. Several Government departments both at the centre and states are using it for smooth delivery of benefits to targeted beneficiaries.

    Crucial role of Aadhaar e-KYC servic

    Aadhaar e-KYC service continues to play an important role for banking and non-banking financial services by providing transparent and improved customer experience, and helping in ease of doing business.

    More than 43 crore eKYC transactions were carried out during January this year. By the end of January 2025, the cumulative number of Aadhaar e-KYC transactions gone past 2268 crore.

    ****

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2100685) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu meets Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu met Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi today and discussed the problems being faced by red chilly farmers in Andhra Pradesh. During the meeting Senior officers from the Ministry of Agriculture were also present. Later, speaking to the media Shri Rammohan Naidu said the Government of Andhra Pradesh is planning to procure red chilies and he urged the Union Agriculture Minister to provide financial support to the state government under various schemes. Stating that Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded positively to the request of Andhra Pradesh Government.

    Shri Rammohan Naidu said he had handed over a letter from Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Chandrababu Naidu explaining the problems of red chilli farmers to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

    *****

    MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100682) Visitor Counter : 82

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Merchants Corporation Announces Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MUNCIE, Ind., Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Merchants Corporation declared a cash dividend on February 7, 2025 of $0.35 per share. The dividend is payable on March 21, 2025, to common shareholders of record as of March 7, 2025. For purposes of broker trading, the ex-date of the cash dividend is March 6, 2025.

    About First Merchants Corporation:

    First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The Bank also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors (as a division of First Merchants Bank).

    First Merchants Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. Quotations are carried in daily newspapers and can be found on the company’s Internet web page (http://www.firstmerchants.com).

    FIRST MERCHANTS and the Shield Logo are federally registered trademarks of First Merchants Corporation.

    For more information, contact:
    Nicole M. Weaver, First Vice President and Director of Corporate Administration
    765-521-7619
    http://www.firstmerchants.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall in USTR Nominee Hearing: How Can We Build on President Trump’s Trade Success? 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. participated in the nomination hearing for President Trump’s U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Nominee, Jamieson Greer, in the Senate Finance Committee this week. 
    Senator Marshall questioned Mr. Greer on President Trump’s history of tariffs and trade, and how he will properly utilize United States trade relations to prioritize American interests. 
    Jamieson Greer has a storied career dedicated to the military, trade, and international relations. He also served in Kansas as an officer in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was deployed to Iraq as Chief of Military Justice. He worked in private firms focusing on trade law and international trade. As Chief of Staff to the previous USTR, Robert Lighthizer, he has the experience and the record of playing a pivotal role in President Trump’s successful trade negotiations across the world. 
    [embedded content]
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning. 
    Highlights from Mr. Greer’s nomination hearing include: 
    On Joe Biden’s vs. President Trump’s history of fair, reciprocal trade agreements: 
    U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.: “…Under President Trump, he gave us [the United States-Mexico-Canada] Agreement. He gave us South Korea to improve Japanese trade agreement, so important to American beef and China Phase One. Mr. Greer, what trade agreements were accomplished under Joe Biden?”
    Mr. Jamieson Greer, Nominee, U.S. Trade Representative: “Senator, I’m not aware of any.”
    Senator Marshall: “Okay, I want to compare and contrast a little bit here more. Let’s talk about Mexico. I think it’s one of the simpler ones to understand…Under Joe Biden, Mexico undermined American farms. He harmed commerce. He bullied U.S. companies. He shut down the GMO corn exports, forcing a huge dispute. Mexico hampered U.S. energy protection under Joe Biden, and Mexico seized a U.S. mining company operation near Cozumel. What can you do? What can we do to reverse this behavior?”
    Mr. Greer: “…any trade agreement we have is only as valuable as the enforcement behind it. And so my view is, all these issues you talked about with Mexico, whether it be energy or corn, et cetera, we need to enforce that. I know that, you know, there’s a case that was done on the corn issue. I’m going to enforce that. I know that there were consultations open on energy. We’re going to we’re going to bring that up with the Mexicans as well. Listen, good fences make good neighbors. If we want to have good, ongoing trade relations with folks, we have to hold them accountable.”
    On leveling the global trade playing field for American biofuels: 
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about biofuels for a second. I’ve never seen such an uneven playing field for American biofuels. The U.S. is subject to 18% tariffs going into Brazil with biofuels, yet Brazil enjoys virtually free access to the U.S., and in many cases, thanks to some scientific voodoo, they’re actually giving Brazil a preference over American biofuels as well.”
    “The EU continues to be protectionist against us, ethanol. Chinese used cooking oil exports. You’re familiar with how they’re abusing that. You would think that if we’re going to give tax credits, we would make sure they’re not going to benefit foreign entities, especially those who wish to harm us. What can you do to help the biofuels industry and try to level that playing field?”
    Mr. Greer: “Well, Senator, this is the specific kind of unfairness that drives me crazy. And it’s not just me. The President himself, he sees these kinds of unfairnesses and the unlevel playing field. And it’s so it’s so obvious, it’s so blatant. It’s gone for so long. You know, again, in the first instance, you can certainly go to somebody like the Brazilians and say, you need to fix this, but it has to be followed up with or else, right? I mean, that’s a little crude, but we need to have leverage, and if we need to gain leverage by taking investigatory actions or other actions, we’ll do that. It would be much better to do this on a negotiating basis, but we’ll do whatever we need to do to try to fix the situation.”
    On ensuring Chinese compliance with President Trump’s Phase One trade deal: 
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about China for a second…How can we build on President Trump’s success under Phase One with China?”
    Mr. Greer: “We need to start by reviewing it and actually assessing whether or not the Chinese have complied with it, or to what degree. In fact, the President has already directed the office of the USTR to do this…We want to be able to very clearly see where they did or did not comply. And then from there you move to dispute settlement, and you move to enforcement if you need to. And again, hopefully, this is an area where countries will understand the unfairness and change because they know that President Trump is serious about this, that I’m serious about this. If they don’t, then you move for that last part of enforcement.”
    On utilizing tariffs as a tool to advance American interests:
    Senator Marshall: “…You know, under President Trump, he used tariffs, but we saw minimal inflation – so at the end of the day, those tariffs were not passed on to Americans in the big picture… the big picture is for one reason or another, those tariffs were used properly, and we were able to not pass that on to American consumers. Mr. Greer, is there a way to do that going forward as well, to effectively use, these tariffs as a weapon, as a tool?”Mr. Greer: “I agree 100% with that. What we learned from the first term is that President Trump and his economic team are very good at managing the economy. And we saw real median household income go up by $7,000 over three years before the pandemic hit – and this was at a time when we were imposing tariffs in a way we hadn’t done in many years. And when we look at inflation under the Biden administration that happened in 2022, it wasn’t about tariffs. It was about health care and housing and food, things we don’t import from China, right? So we know that we can manage this. We know we have a strong economic team, and if I’m confirmed, I expect to be able to take strong trade action while helping ensure that the economy is growing for average Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – World Trade Organization’s concerns regarding the EU’s F-gas Regulation – E-000401/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000401/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Miriam Lexmann (PPE)

    Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gas Regulation) envisages a complete phaseout of F-gases in several industrial applications by 2035. As F-gases are important for numerous industries within global supply chains, this Regulation prompted concerns from several World Trade Organization (WTO) members, including the United States, Australia, Japan and Canada. These concerns highlighted the EU’s duty to avoid creating unnecessary trade barriers under the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

    With the new Trump administration in the United States, the risk of protectionist policies, including retaliatory trade measures against the EU, is rising. New tariffs, for example on cars, would have a devastating impact on Europe’s automotive industry, including in Slovakia.

    • 1.Is the Commission willing to remove full bans on F-gases for certain applications from Annex IV before these bans enter into force in the 2030s, respecting the principle of technological neutrality?
    • 2.Regarding Article 35(5), will the Commission consider carrying out a review of F-gas restrictions earlier than 2030, maybe in 2025, in order to alleviate the concerns of WTO members?
    • 3.Would the review consider the specific role of HFOs as an alternative to the previous generation of F-gases (HFCs), especially given their low global warming potential and the fact that no impact assessments on their full ban have previously been carried out?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested in Salisbury Park after pursuit

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been arrested following a pursuit through the northern suburbs.

    About 8pm on Friday 7 February, police attempted to stop a silver Holden sedan on Montague Road, Pooraka after officers noticed the number plates didn’t match the vehicle.

    The driver refused to stop and immediately sped off. The Holden was last seen heading north on Bridge Road.

    PolAir was up at the time and commenced tracking the vehicle as is drove through the backstreets of Salisbury East.

    Police were able to spike the car’s tyres on Main North Road, but it continued driving on to Saints Road.

    The tyres were successfully spiked a second time in Malinya Drive, Salisbury Park.  The driver then abandoned the vehicle in Riversdale Drive, Salisbury Park and fled the scene.

    He was quickly arrested after being found in a reserve adjacent to Smedley Place.

    A 40-year-old man from Richmond was charged with driving dangerously to escape police pursuit, driving while disqualified and unassigned plates. He was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 27 March.

    The vehicle was impounded and towed from the scene.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Non-Opioid Treatments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  This week, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) led the introduction of the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide greater access to non-opioid treatments for pain management for seniors.

    “The opioid crisis continues to wreak havoc on families and communities across the country, including in North Carolina,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan, pragmatic legislation will help prevent opioid addiction before it starts by leveling the playing field for non-opioid alternatives, ensuring seniors have uninterrupted access to non-opioid, non-addictive alternatives.”

    “Arizona seniors managing pain deserve real choices—not a system that steers them toward addictive opioids just because they’re the cheaper option,” said Senator Kelly. “By expanding affordable access to safer, non-opioid treatments, we’re helping prevent addiction and giving seniors better options for attending their health.” 

    “One way to prevent opioid addiction is by avoiding unnecessary exposure to prescription opioids,” said Chris Fox, Executive Director, Voices for Non–Opioid Choices. “To do so, providers and patients must have easy and equal access to non-opioid pain management options. Unfortunately, non-opioid approaches are all-too-often out of reach for many Americans due institutional preferences and economic incentives that lead to our reliance on opioids to treat pain. This results in millions of Americans developing a new, long-term opioid use pattern every year. The Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (“Alternatives to PAIN”) Act would ensure that non-opioid approaches are just as easily accessible as other medications. The legislation will go a long way towards ensuring that all Americans in all settings can access such approaches. It is a much needed step towards preventing opioid addiction in America and Voices for Non-Opioid Choices proudly supports and urges enactment of this critical legislation.” 

    Background:

    The Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act is cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ted Budd (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jim Banks (R-IN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mark Warner (D-VA). 

    The United States is facing a public health crisis caused by prescription drug addiction. Unfortunately, our country’s seniors are not immune to the worsening opioid epidemic. In 2021, 1.1 million seniors were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, and 50,000 seniors experienced an opioid overdose-from prescription opioids, illicit opioids, or both. Tragically, the number of Americans aged 65 and older who died as the result of a natural or semisynthetic opioid overdose increased 63 percent between 2012 and 2020.

    Now, more than ever, we must prevent unnecessary opioids from becoming prevalent in medicine cabinets, homes, and communities. We can do this by increasing the use of non-opioids for pain management. Non-opioid treatments and therapies can be successful in replacing, delaying, or reducing the use of opioids which is why we believe it is necessary for Congress to advance policies that give practitioners and patients more access to these non-addictive treatments.

    The opioid epidemic is estimated to cost U.S. taxpayers $1.5 trillion every year. Too often, cost considerations incentivize Medicare Part D sponsors to employ utilization management practices intended to steer patients towards lowest cost options, which typically end up being generic opioids. This has resulted in opioid prescribing in Medicare Part D increasing over the past decade. In fact, Medicare Part D’s share of overall opioid prescriptions dispensed in the United States has increased 75 percent just since 2011. With several new opioid alternatives in the pipeline and others currently on the market, it is essential we encourage robust access to these therapies for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. 

    This bipartisan legislation would: 

    • Limit patient cost-sharing for patients receiving non-opioid based pain relief under Medicare Part D plans;
    • Prohibit the utilization of step therapy and prior authorization for these drugs; and
    • Encourage the continued dialogue between patients and their healthcare professionals about preferences in pain management choices.  

    This legislation builds on the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NO PAIN) Act, legislation supported by Senator Tillis that was signed into law in December 2022. The NO PAIN Act directed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide separate Medicare reimbursement for non-opioid treatments used to manage pain in both the hospital outpatient department (HOPD) and the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) settings. Prior to the NO PAIN Act being signed into law, hospitals received the same payment from Medicare regardless of whether a physician prescribed an opioid or a non-opioid. As a result, hospitals relied on opioids, which are typically dispensed by a pharmacy after discharge at little or no cost to the hospital. 

    The Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act is supported by the following organizations:  Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, American Addiction Recovery Coalition, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Psychological Association Services, Asheville Equine Therapy, A Better Life-Brianna’s Hope, A Voice in the Wilderness Empowerment Center, Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center, CA Black Health Network, Center of Addiction & Faith, Chatham Drug Free, Clean Living Exceptional Alternative Recovery Residences (CLEARR), Danny’s Ride, Dove Recovery Center for Women, Elderly Advocates, Families of Addicts, Freedom Through Recovery, Georgia for Recovery, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, Healing On The Fly Inc, Hear Alex’s Story, Hep Free Hawaii, Hernando Community Coalition, Herren Project, Holistic Homes for Us, Hope Haven, Inclusive Recovery, InStep Indy, Iron Tribe Network, Jake’s Reach, Journey House Foundation, LITE Recovery Café, Lifeboat Addiction Services, Medicare Rights Center, Mental Health America, Mental Health America of Illinois, Metro Drug Coalition, Michigan Women Veterans Empowerment, National Association of Social Workers, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Rural Health Association, National Safety Council, National Transitions of Care Coalition, Operation First Response, Inc, Operation PAR, Overdose Lifeline, Parrott Creek Child and Family Services, Partnership for A Healthy Iowa, Partnership to End Addiction, Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association, Pledge for Life Partnership, Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction, Inc. (PAACA), Prevention Action Alliance, Prevention Alliance of Tennessee, Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, PTSD Awareness Summit, REAL LIFE, Recovery Café- Ft. Wayne, Recovery Café- Muncie, Recovery Mobile Clinic, RetireSafe, Safe Haven Recovery Engagement Center, Salvage USA, Shatterproof, She Recovers Foundation, Sobar, Society for Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Society of Behavioral Medicine, South End – Roxbury Community Partnership, Stayin Alive 24 Coalition, Team Sharing, Inc., The Battle Within, U.S. VETS, VetPark’s A.T.V., Veterans National Recovery Center, Voices For Awareness, Warren Coalition, Warrior Path Home, West Warwick Prevention Coalition, Will Bright Foundation, Wyoming Valley Drug & Alcohol Services, and Young People in Recovery.

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE. 

    Additional statements of support are available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Antitrust Legislation To Take On Algorithmic Price Fixing, Bring Down Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 07, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined their Senate colleagues in introducing the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act to prevent companies from using algorithms to collude to set higher prices. As recent reporting, a Justice Department lawsuit, and multiple private lawsuits have shown, big corporations are using algorithms to raise prices and limit competition, including companies like RealPage that have facilitated collusion to increase rents by more than $3 billion in 2023 alone. This legislation would make such collusion illegal to lower costs for families and support small businesses.

    “These pricing algorithms are just one more tactic corporations use to get around the law and screw regular people. It’s how the poultry industry colludes to keep the price of chicken high,” said Murphy. “If we really care about lowering costs and disrupting the corrupt status quo, this is the kind of bill that Congress should pass.”

    “Predatory algorithms significantly suppress competition in today’s markets and allow companies to collude to raise prices to unaffordable levels. The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act will eliminate coercive anticompetitive software and empower consumers,” said Blumenthal.

    Price fixing and other forms of collusion are illegal under current antitrust laws. However, current antitrust laws may be insufficient when competing companies delegate their pricing decisions to an algorithm without agreeing to fix prices. Current law requires proof of an agreement to fix prices before condemning the conduct. When pricing decisions of multiple competitors are delegated to a single algorithm, that agreement may not exist even though the use of the algorithm may have the same effect as a traditional agreement to fix prices. This type of conduct has already occurred in rental housing, and we must ensure that it does not spread to other sectors of our economy with the proliferation of algorithmic pricing.  

    To strengthen current price fixing law, this legislation would:

    1. Close a loophole in current law by presuming a price-fixing “agreement,” when direct competitors share non-public information through a pricing algorithm to raise prices;
    2. Increase transparency by requiring companies that use algorithms to set prices to disclose that fact and give antitrust enforcers the ability to audit the pricing algorithm when there are concerns it may be harming consumers;
    3. Ban companies from using non-public, competitively sensitive information from their direct competitors to inform or train a pricing algorithm; and
    4. Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study pricing algorithms’ impact on competition. 

    U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) also cosponsored the legislation.

    The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act is endorsed by Consumer Reports, the Open Markets Institute, and Accountable.US. 

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso Bill Fixes Unfair Funding Issues for Rural Hospitals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), recently introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that hospitals caring for large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients in Wyoming and other rural states receive their fair share of federal funding.
    The Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act would establish a nationwide federal funding minimum for disproportionate share hospitals (DSH). Current payment levels are based on a 1992 formula that has seen few updates and has assigned Wyoming the lowest payments of any state by far. In 2023, Wyoming’s DSH funding totaled only $300,000 while the second-lowest state received $11 million.
    “Wyoming’s hospitals serve more Medicaid and low-income patients than other states, but our share of funding hasn’t caught up for decades,” said Senator Barrasso. “We’ve been overlooked for our fair share while our rural hospitals fight to keep their doors open. This legislation will fix outdated funding issues for hospitals across Wyoming and rural America.”
    “By enabling states to increase payments to hospitals providing uncompensated care, our bill will help more uninsured and low-income people across Hawai‘i access the care they need,” said Senator Schatz.
    “I joined my colleagues in introducing the Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act to ensure hospitals receive appropriate support to care for Medicaid and uninsured patients,” said Cramer. “By establishing a new federal floor for rural states like North Dakota, this legislation will support access to care for our state’s most vulnerable patients.”
    “Hospitals in rural communities like Vermont are seeing more and more Medicaid and low-income patients. These hospitals provide essential health care services, so it’s crucial they get the support they need,” said Senator Welch. “I am proud to join Senator Barrasso to introduce this bipartisan legislation to provide stable funding for these hospitals to continue to do the important work of serving our most vulnerable patients.”
    The Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act:
    Establishes a federal floor of $20 million per state for the Medicaid DSH program, which will then grow at a “low” DSH percentage inflation rate after the first five years.
    Increases DSH funding to Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –