NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating International Women’s Day

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    This International Women’s Day, the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) celebrates the theme: ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’.

    The ACTPS is a diverse, progressive public service within which 64.6 per cent of employees identify as female.

    Women now comprise 56 per cent of the ACTPS Senior Executive Service.

    A record low gender pay gap

    This increased representation of women in leadership has driven the Service’s narrowing gender pay gap over the last year.

    The ACTPS gender pay gap reached a record low of -0.1 per cent in June 2023. The ACT labour force sits at 10 per cent and the national gender pay gap at 13.3 per cent.

    Employee spotlight

    The ACTPS encourages an inclusive culture by acknowledging and showcasing the contributions of all staff.

    Below, five female employees share their thoughts on International Women’s Day, working for the ACTPS and how they’ve seen the gender landscape change at work throughout their careers.

    Rachael Dawes – Senior Director Urban Treescapes

    Urban Treescapes Senior Director Rachael Dawes

    Senior Director Rachael Dawes manages the Urban Treescapes business unit within City Services. Urban Treescapes is tasked with managing and protecting Canberra’s urban trees.

    “I’m incredibly proud to be a woman working in the ACTPS caring for our urban forest, but particularly proud of the positive results of increased gender diversity in the team,” she said.

    “When you have an inclusive environment, understanding and supporting each other, we can combine these diverse skills and lived experiences to respond to the changing conditions and needs of our environment”.

    “There has been significant advancement in ACT urban forest management in recent years with the release of the Urban Forest Strategy and Urban Forest Act, which could not have happened without the vision and drive of the women in our team,” she said.

    A career change led Rachael into forestry, and she urges women beginning their careers to look beyond perceived traditional career options.

    “Explore your networks, ask questions, take chances and follow your interests and see what career path they can lead you down,” she said.

    Arooj Fatima – Customer Service Operator, Access Canberra Contact Centre

    Arooj Fatima of Access Canberra

    Every day, Access Canberra Customer Service Officer Arooj Fatima assists Canberrans via phone.

    From vehicle registration enquiries to Fix My Street requests, Fatima is the first point of contact on many issues.

    First attracted to the role for its flexibility, she brings to it myriad skills including active listening, empathy, patience and problem solving.

    “There needs to be an acknowledgement and inclusion of women in all aspects of society. Women need to be fully included, supported, and empowered in all fields to contribute to a more prosperous future for all,” she said.

    Arooj says she has seen women make significant progress over the course of her career.

    “Women are serving and being valued at all employment levels i.e., manager, team leaders and administrative roles. They are excelling in every field,” she said.

    “I feel immensely proud to be a woman working for the ACTPS because of the respect, value, and recognition that I get. I feel so comfortable with the work environment, work life balance and flexibility. I feel included and appreciated for every little progress that I make. I am provided the opportunity to undertake various training and roles for my professional development,” she said.

    Katie Smith – Principal, Duffy Primary School

    Principal Katie Smith, right, with Deputy Principal Arilia Abell

    Principal Katie Smith leads an all-female leadership team at Duffy Primary.

    “By setting a strong example of supporting women, Deputy Principal Arilia Abell and I work to create a more inclusive and diverse work environment for future generations. Our presence in the school community showcases the importance of investing in women, inspiring both girls and boys to expect equality and inclusivity in their future workplaces,” she said.

    Katie has seen progress in terms of gender equality during her career.

    “One notable advancement is the increased representation of women in leadership roles such as principals and executive roles. Efforts to promote gender equality in education have led to greater recognition of female educators’ contributions and capabilities,” she said.

    This year’s IWD theme resonates with Katie. “It speaks to our commitment to uplifting and supporting the capabilities of all women in our school community, providing opportunities for growth and success,” she said.

    “For young women starting their careers: believe in yourself, set clear goals, seek mentorship, embrace learning, build a supportive network, speak up, prioritise balance, embrace challenges, stay flexible, and stay true to your values and passions.”

    Rebecca Power, Project Director, CIT Woden Campus – Women in Construction advocate

    Project Director Rebecca Power, third from right

    Project Director Rebecca Power works describes her work as “Celebrating gender diversity, equity and inclusion in construction and on Major Projects Canberra construction sites”.

    “In an industry where gender inclusion is still challenging, Major Projects Canberra strives towards our social objectives to encourage and enable women and girls to reach their potential, contribute to innovation and ideas, and be leaders in their individual fields and professions within our industry,” she said.

    “I’m excited by the opportunity to continue to tell women’s stories in our industry, empower women to achieve and grow their careers while opening up mentoring pathways for women who are just beginning their careers, laying the foundations for a brighter future in infrastructure to inspire real progress. I want to continue to advocate for meaningful change and I am committed to this cause.”

    Rebecca advises women in construction to join the NAWIC ACT Mentoring program.

    “It provides guidance and leadership while empowering women to achieve their goals and aspirations in the construction industry,” she said.

    Janet Zagari, Deputy CEO, Canberra Health Services

    Janet Zagari is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Canberra Health Services.

    With 28 years in the health industry under her belt, her focus is on the service’s strategic direction, looking at cross-government priorities, operational planning and commissioning of new services.

    “We know that diversity in the workforce generates better outcomes,” Janet said.

    “Acknowledging the well-documented barriers that women face to participating in employment and the under representation of women in some industries and at senior levels, investing in women to create greater opportunities and genuinely believing that there is a value add to doing so is key to moving organisations forward.”

    She cites increased representation of women graduating from medical school as a pronounced change in Australia.

    “It is useful to stop and look back over the course of your career to think about what has changed, because it is easy to only see how far we still have to go and not to think about how far we have come,” she said.

    “There are more women in traditionally male dominated areas of clinical practice, and better recognition of the value that women bring.”

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: VTR Biotech to Showcase Innovative Feed Solutions at VIV Asia 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BANGKOK, THAILAND, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VTR Biotech successfully participated in VIV Asia 2025, one of the premier international events for the animal feed and livestock industry. Held at Impact Bangkok, Thailand, from March 12-14, 2025, VTR Biotech presented its cutting-edge solutions at Booth No. 3-4122, focusing on optimizing feed efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in animal production.

    VIV Asia 2025 brought together professionals from the global animal feed, livestock, and food industries, offering a dynamic platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and business development in animal health and nutrition.

    As global demand for sustainable and efficient animal feed solutions continues to grow, VTR Biotech remains at the forefront of developing advanced feed enzymes, including phytase, protease, xylanase, and Macleaya cordata extract. These innovations are designed to enhance feed efficiency, reduce production costs, and improve the overall economic performance of animal feed producers worldwide.

    VTR Biotech hosted an exclusive technical session titled “Optimizing Economic Efficiency of Production with Exogenous Feed Enzymes” on March 12, 2025, at Jupiter 5, IMPACT Bangkok. Led by Dr. Juan Antonio Javierre, an expert in feed optimization and biotechnology, the session explored how exogenous feed enzymes can revolutionize animal production by improving both economic efficiency and sustainability.

    VTR Biotech’s Feed Solutions at VIV Asia 2025

    As Southeast Asia’s livestock industry faces increasing pressure from feed cost inflation and sustainability concerns, VTR Biotech is stepping up to offer innovative solutions. At VIV Asia 2025, VTR Biotech highlighted the need for more efficient feed systems that balance cost with optimal animal health. One of the company’s most exciting developments is its new multifunctional enzyme, which outperforms traditional single enzymes by improving feed utilization and digestibility. This enzyme is designed to support poultry health and reduce feed costs by optimizing nutrient absorption, making it a valuable addition to the feed industry’s toolkit. With these advancements, VTR Biotech is addressing the key challenges of feed efficiency and animal welfare while contributing to the sustainable growth of Southeast Asia’s livestock sector.

    VTR Biotech developed a comprehensive portfolio of feed solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of animal production. With a focus on optimizing feed utilization and reducing production costs, the company offers a range of innovative feed enzymes designed to meet the evolving needs of the animal feed industry.

    • Microtech Phytase: VTR Biotech made significant strides in microbial enzyme technology, exploring new ways to optimize feed performance through microbial-based solutions. These technologies improve animal health, enhance nutrient absorption, and increase overall feed efficiency.
    • Acid Protease:VTR Biotech explored the potential of acid protease to enhance protein digestion in animals, optimizing feed conversion and reducing feed costs. This enzyme significantly improves the efficiency of protein digestion in acidic environments, such as the stomach, leading to better animal performance and healthier growth.
    • Xylanase: VTR Biotech’s Yiduozyme xylanase significantly improved fiber digestion in animals, enabling more efficient feed utilization. This enzyme helped break down complex fibers in plant-based feeds, improving nutrient absorption and enhancing overall animal health and growth.
    • Glucose Oxidase: In a recent trial focused on broiler poultry, glucose oxidase demonstrated significant potential in improving gut health, enhancing feed efficiency, and boosting overall poultry performance. This innovation helped poultry producers reduce feed costs while maintaining or improving growth rates.
    • Lipase: Lipase played a crucial role in the digestion of fats in animal feed. VTR Biotech investigated how lipase could improve the digestion and utilization of fats, leading to better growth rates, improved feed efficiency, and enhanced overall animal health. This enzyme optimized fat digestion, ensuring more efficient nutrient absorption and contributing to better weight gain in animals.
    • β-mannanase: β-mannanase proved to be a promising enzyme that breaks down non-starch polysaccharides, a major component of plant cell walls. By improving the digestibility of these fibers, β-mannanase increased nutrient availability, improved animal performance, and reduced feed waste. VTR Biotech’s research in this area aimed to optimize fiber utilization, leading to more efficient feed and better overall animal health and productivity.
    • Macleaya Cordata Extract: A natural plant extract that has been shown to improve feed efficiency and support animal health by reducing oxidative stress and promoting gut health.

    About VTR Biotech
     VTR Biotech is a global leader in biotechnology solutions, specializing in the development of advanced feed enzymes, bioproducts, and plant extracts. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, VTR Biotech is committed to supporting animal health, improving feed efficiency, and promoting responsible agricultural practices worldwide.

    For more information, please visit www.vtrbiotech.com or www.vivasia.nl.

    Contact:
      VTR Biotech
     Email: vtr@vtrbio.com
     Website: www.vtrbiotech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 4.58m festival passengers forecast

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Immigration Department today estimated that around 4.58 million passengers will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Ching Ming festive period from April 3 to 6.

    In consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, the department estimates that around 3.91 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points.

    The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on April 4 and 6, with around 561,000 and 608,000 passengers respectively.

    It is estimated that passenger traffic at the Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay control points will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 231,000, 211,000 and 149,000 passengers respectively.

    To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the department has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks.

    Additionally, the department, together with Police, the Customs & Excise Department and the MTR Corporation, will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements.

    It will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.

    All land boundary passengers should plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at boundary control points are available on the department’s website.

    Passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land boundary control point at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: US policy report rejected

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly disapproved of and rejected the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of Hong Kong in the US’ so-called 2025 Hong Kong Policy Act Report, saying it was apparent the report was compiled to serve the political purpose of maintaining US hegemony.

    By piling up false stories and narratives, they were clearly crafted to serve the political interest of the US in order to suppress the development rights and security interests of others, the Hong Kong SAR Government added.

    In a statement, it strongly condemned the wanton slander and political attacks in the report on Hong Kong where the “one country, two systems” principle is successfully implemented.

    “The Hong Kong SAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, and as a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the principle of “one country, two systems”, comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People’s Government.

    “The US once again told fallacies about Hong Kong by replacing the rule of law with political manipulation and confounding right and wrong, and blatantly interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are entirely China’s internal affairs. The US’ attempt to undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong will only expose its slyness and will never succeed.”

    The statement said that the so-called “sanctions” arbitrarily imposed against the officials of the Hong Kong and the central authorities who perform their duties in accordance with the law by the US at the same time as publishing the report smacks of despicable political manipulation to intimidate the relevant officials safeguarding national security.

    “These grossly interfere in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, and seriously violate the international law and the basic norms governing international relations. It once again, clearly exposed the US’ barbarity under its hegemony, which is exactly the same as its recent tactics in bullying and coercing various countries and regions.

    “Despising the ‘sanctions’ by the US and not intimidated by such despicable behavior, Hong Kong will resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, and its government will make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all personnel.”

    The statement also broke down in detail its solemn rejection of the report’s slandering remarks.

    As repeatedly stressed by the Hong Kong SAR Government, the laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong are for safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; and ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems” under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

    “The US Government has vilified the Hong Kong SAR’s legislative work, as well as law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial and judicial authorities, in claiming that fulfilment of their duties constituted an ‘erosion of rights and freedoms’.

    “The fact is that the US has been ignoring the non-interference principle under international law, interfering with other countries’ internal affairs, grooming agents, instigating ‘colour revolutions’, and even creating social unrest and multiple humanitarian disasters through economic and military coercion, causing suffering to people in many countries.”

    Referring to the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), the statement noted that they have an extraterritorial effect.

    As the law enforcement department of Hong Kong safeguarding national security, Police are duty bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security overseas, and those absconders hiding in the US and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security.

    Police are duty bound to put the persons concerned on the wanted list in accordance with the law, and it is necessary to take all lawful measures, including the measures specified under section 89 of the SNSO, to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such action is fully justified, necessary and legitimate.

    “The extraterritorial effect for the laws safeguarding national security fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. Quite a number of countries would also impose similar measures on wanted criminals, including cancellation of passports.”

    As regards the electoral system, the statement pointed out that the improved electoral system puts in place legal safeguards to ensure the full implementation of “patriots administering Hong Kong”.

    Noting that keeping political power in the hands of patriots is a political rule commonly adopted around the world, it said that regardless of one’s background in Hong Kong, whoever meets the requirements and criteria of patriots can participate in elections in accordance with the law and serve the public by entering into the governance structure after getting elected.

    Additionally, reforming District Councils (DCs) is an important part of improving district governance, and the DCs have returned to their rightful positioning under Article 97 of the Basic Law as advisory and service bodies that are not organs of political power, and the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” has been fully implemented, which is of great significance.

    The statement highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Government safeguards independent judicial power and fully supports the Judiciary in exercising its judicial power independently, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law.

    The Court of Appeal in an important judgment decided in May 2024 that there are at least three areas where the court would make judgment while giving the executive deference on assessment on national security: first, where a fundamental right of the person affected by the measure is engaged; second, where the requirement of a fair trial is in issue; and third, where the question of open justice is raised.

    The vilification of the US against Hong Kong that the executive influences how the court should interpret laws’ goes completely against the fact, the statement said.

    Saying that all cases concerning offences endangering national security will be handled by the prosecution and judicial authorities of Hong Kong in a fair and timely manner in strict compliance with Article 42(1) of the HKNSL, the statement added that so-called ‘indefinite detention’ does not exist at all.

    “The US’ detention against an individual whom it sees as a ‘terrorist’ for up to 20 years without charge is the real ‘indefinite detention’.” 

    The statement emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law, noting that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law.

    The HKNSL and the SNSO also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, and that the rights and freedoms its residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law.

    Just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc.

    Regarding national education, the statement stressed that it is an important part of the curricula for primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens with a view to deepening Hong Kong students’ understanding of the country’s national affairs, history and culture, the Constitution and the Basic Law as well as national security.

    “Implementation of national education, including national security education, is the legitimate duty of education authorities all over the world.

    “Different places attach great importance to implementing national security education and developing their students’ sense of national identity, including knowledge of their respective constitution, their own history, culture, geography, etc.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: River governance pact signed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today met Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying at Government House to witness the signing of an arrangement on the management and co-operation of water-related affairs.

    The arrangement was signed by Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn and the minstry’s General Office Director-General Tang Liang, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Water Resources respectively.

    It will strengthen the governance and protection of the Pearl River Estuary and the rivers along the Guangdong-Hong Kong boundary.

    It will also promote co-operation in disaster prevention and mitigation, water supply safety, planning and management of major projects, information sharing, talent cultivation, hydraulic technology and more.

    Mr Lee thanked the ministry for its continuous and full support of Hong Kong’s efforts in water supply and flood prevention.

    Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, Mr Lee said it is of great significance that the arrangement was signed at this milestone to strengthen co-operation on water-related affairs in the Greater Bay Area.

    He said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to adhere to the principles of water conservation and enhancement of utilisation efficiency, and work together with the ministry to ensure the safety of the water supply to Hong Kong.

    It will also join efforts with the ministry to ensure flood control safety of the Pearl River Estuary as well as the rivers along the Guangdong-Hong Kong boundary, in order to provide water resources support and guarantee for the bay area’s high quality development, Mr Lee added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Maris-Tech Enters Into Distribution Agreement with Thrikasa Technologies to Expand Presence in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Thrikasa Technologies will serve as key local distributor, strengthening Maris-Tech’s reach in the Indian defense markets

    Rehovot, Israel, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maris-Tech Ltd. (Nasdaq: MTEK, MTEKW) (“Maris-Tech” or the “Company”), a global leader in video and artificial intelligence (“AI”)-based edge computing technology, today announced that it has entered into a new distribution agreement with Thrikasa Technologies (“Thrikasa”), a veteran Indian supplier of computing solutions for rugged environments. Pursuant to the agreement, Thrikasa will serve as a key distribution partner for Maris-Tech’s solutions across India.

    With its headquarters in Hyderabad, Thrikasa brings deep experience in delivering advanced technology to defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure clients across the region. The collaboration will include joint marketing, exhibition participation and coordinated sales efforts, which Maris-Tech expects will allow it to better serve Indian customers with localized expertise and support.

    “We are excited to announce this agreement with Thrikasa, a highly respected participant in India’s defense technology ecosystem,” said Israel Bar, Chief Executive Officer of Maris-Tech. “We believe that Thrikasa’s technical knowledge and trusted relationships make them an ideal collaborator, as we continue to establish our presence in India and bring our advanced edge computing and AI video solutions to the Indian market.”

    About Maris-Tech Ltd.

    Maris-Tech is a global leader in video and AI-based edge computing technology, pioneering intelligent video transmission solutions that conquer complex encoding-decoding challenges. Our miniature, lightweight, and low-power products deliver high-performance capabilities, including raw data processing, seamless transfer, advanced image processing, and AI-driven analytics. Founded by Israeli technology sector veterans, Maris-Tech serves leading manufacturers worldwide in defense, aerospace, Intelligence gathering, homeland security (HLS), and communication industries. We’re pushing the boundaries of video transmission and edge computing, driving innovation in mission-critical applications across commercial and defense sectors.

    For more information, visit https://www.maris-tech.com/

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect”,” “may”, “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, the Company is using forward-looking statements when it is discussing: the anticipated benefits of the distribution agreement between the Company and Thrikasa and the Company’s expansion of its advanced edge computing and AI video solutions  in the Indian market. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: its ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional securities; its planned level of revenues and capital expenditures; belief that our existing cash and cash equivalents, as of December 31, 2024, will be sufficient to fund our operations through the next twelve months; its ability to market and sell our products; its plans to continue to invest in research and development to develop technology for both existing and new products; its plans to collaborate, or statements regarding the ongoing collaborations, with partner companies; its ability to maintain our relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and other partners; its ability to maintain or protect the validity of our intellectual property; its ability to retain key executive members; its ability to internally develop and protect new inventions and intellectual property; its ability to expose and educate the industry about the use of our products; its expectations regarding our tax classifications; its qualification as an emerging growth company or a foreign private issuer; interpretations of current laws and the passages of future laws; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates including those related to recent unrest and actual or potential armed conflict in Israel and other parts of the Middle East, such as the multi-front war Israel is facing; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, and its other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations:

    Nir Bussy, CFO
    Tel: +972-72-2424022
    Nir@maris-tech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: POET Receives Lightwave Award for Outstanding AI Hardware at OFC Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company“) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), a leader in the design and implementation of highly integrated optical engines and light sources for artificial intelligence networks, today announced that its executive team accepted the Elite Score award from Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews at an exclusive gala reception held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California on Monday night. The reception took place on the eve of the annual Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) Conference.

    Accepting the award on behalf of the Company were POET Chairman & CEO Dr. Suresh Venkatesan and Chief Revenue Officer Raju Kankipati. A panel of judges, comprised of experts from the optical communications and broadband communities, recognized the POET Optical Interposer™ as an innovative advancement that will have a significant impact on the industry.

    “We couldn’t ask for a better way to start our 2025 OFC experience than to collect this meaningful award,” Venkatesan commented. “Knowing that a recognized authority in our industry has judged our technology as one of the best on the market provides a strong amount of momentum heading into the next few days.”

    POET has previously announced that it will demonstrate its latest innovations at the OFC conference. These include POET Teralight™, a line of 1.6T highly integrated transmit and receive optical engines and the new POET Blazar™, an advanced light source solution that will be viewable by invitation only. Among the customers whose products are scheduled to be showcased with POET’s products already integrated is Adtran, which commended the Company on its accolade.

    “POET is deserving of industry recognition because of the innovation they have achieved with their optical engines. We value their efforts in helping us to create a next-generation optical module that addresses the demand for greater connectivity,” said Ross Saunders, General Manager, Adtran Optical Engines. Adtran will demo its highly integrated Quattro 100G LR4 in its private demo room that features POET’s optical engines.

    The Lightwave+BTR award recognized the inventiveness and applicability of the POET Optical Interposer, the foundation for the Company’s highly integrated silicon-based optical engines and light sources that are designed to power AI hardware applications and data center hyperscalers to the next level of speed and performance.

    The trophy will be displayed alongside POET’s other recent awards at the Company’s OFC Booth (#5315) through the conference, which ends on April 3, 2025.

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers.  POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems.  POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.  POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore.  More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.


    About Lightwave+BTR
    Bringing over 36 years of trusted technical insights to today’s optical communications professionals. Through our integrated media portfolio, Lightwave delivers content focused on fiber optics and optoelectronics, the technologies that enable the growth, integration and improved performance of voice, data and video communications networks and services. Our experienced editorial team provides trusted technology, application and market insights to corporate executives, department heads, project managers, network engineers and technical managers at equipment suppliers, service providers and major end-user organizations. Our unique ability to inform our audience’s business-critical decisions is based in our 35+ year relationship with the entire optical community—technology vendors, communications carriers and major enterprises—and our recognition of the interplay among its members. Lightwave’s media portfolio includes the Lightwave Direct email newsletter and LightwaveOnline magazine.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Company’s expectations with respect to the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations regarding its successful development of high speed transceiver solutions and its penetration of the Artificial Intelligence hardware markets.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the completion of its development efforts with its customers, the ability to build working prototypes to the customer’s specifications, and the size, future growth and needs of Artificial Intelligence network suppliers. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure to produce optical engines on time and within budget, the failure of Artificial Intelligence networks to continue to grow as expected, the failure of the Company’s products to meet performance requirements for AI and datacom networks, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, and the ability of its customers to deploy systems that incorporate the Company’s products. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Locafy to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference April 3rd

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PERTH, Australia, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locafy Limited (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) (“Locafy” or the “Company”), a globally recognized leader in location based digital marketing solutions, with market leading SEO capabilities, today announced that CEO Gavin Burnett will present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

    Burnett will discuss how Locafy is addressing the rapidly evolving online and AI search landscape. He will highlight the Company’s proprietary entity-based SEO technology, which enables businesses to achieve fast, cost-effective Page 1 visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered platforms. Burnett will also explore how AI is transforming search behavior and emphasize the importance of unique, authentic business content and optimized digital infrastructure for gaining recognition in both AI and organic search. Additionally, he will preview Locafy’s upcoming AI Chat and Voice Bot solutions—designed to boost customer engagement and drive conversions—as part of the Company’s broader strategy to scale globally through strategic partnerships and a subscription-based business model.

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask questions in real time. An archived webcast will be made available after the event for those unable to attend live.

    Online investors are encouraged to pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Learn more and register at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Locafy
    Locafy (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) is a globally recognized software-as-a-service technology company specializing in local search engine marketing. Founded in 2009, Locafy’s mission is to revolutionize the US$700 billion SEO sector. We help businesses and brands increase search engine relevance and prominence in a specific proximity using a fast, easy, and automated approach. For more information, please visit www.locafy.com.

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

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

    Locafy Investor Relations Contact
    Matt Glover
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    (949) 574-3860
    LCFY@gateway-grp.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 10 More MLSs deploy Restb.ai advanced AI features

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Restb.ai, the real estate industry’s leader in AI-powered computer vision technology, continues its rapid expansion by serving 10 additional Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) throughout the US. With these new integrations, over 45,000 thousand more real estate professionals will gain access to AI-driven tools that enhance property listings, streamline compliance, and improve the home search experience. Restb.ai technology reaches more than 800,000 agents and brokers across North America.

    “These MLSs are embracing artificial intelligence to deliver real, tangible value to their members,” said Dominik Pogorzelski, President, MLS at Restb.ai. “By deploying AI-powered solutions, they are reducing manual work for agents and ensuring more complete, accurate, and searchable property listings – benefits that directly impact both agents and consumers.”

    MLSs that are bringing for the first time advanced Restb.ai technology to their members/subscribers include:

    Mid-America Regional Information Systems, Inc. (MARIS)
    Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Mid-America Regional Information Systems (MARIS) is a regional MLS in the heart of the Midwest with a mission of providing an orderly marketplace of cooperation and compensation for participants through a common database of real estate information. Established in 1995, MARIS supports over 15,000 subscribers in 14 Associations covering 67 counties.

    MIBOR Broker Listing Cooperative®
    The MIBOR Broker Listing Cooperative® (BLC) is the engine that powers the local real estate market. By providing best-in-class listing services to members in 17 counties throughout central Indiana, the BLC empowers REALTORS® to facilitate transactions with timely, accurate, and reliable listing information, which creates an efficient marketplace. Owned by the MIBOR REALTOR® Association, founded in 1912, MIBOR proudly represents more than 10,000 real estate professionals in central Indiana.

    All Jersey MLS (formerly CJMLS)
    ALL JERSEY MLS, formerly known as Central Jersey MLS, is New Jersey’s most comprehensive real estate resource, with statewide listing services covering the entire state of New Jersey. All Jersey MLS provides premier business solutions to appraisal and real estate professionals statewide.

    Maine Listings
    Maine Listings, a subsidiary of the Maine Association of REALTORS®, is the state’s official Multiple Listing Service, providing over 6,900 real estate professionals with comprehensive property data, compliance tools, and advanced listing solutions to enhance accuracy and market transparency.

    Montana Regional MLS
    Montana Regional MLS serves real estate professionals covering Central and Western Montana from the Rocky Mountains to the Idaho state line. With the most up-to-date, accurate, and complete information on real estate for sale in Montana, the Montana Regional MLS is REALTOR® owned.

    Capital Area Technology & REALTOR®Services (CATRS – Tallahassee Board of REALTORS®)
    CATRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tallahassee Board of REALTORS®. It serves real estate professionals in the state’s capital and surrounding area by providing resources and opportunities to support their success.

    Bryan-College Station Multiple Listing Service
    The Bryan-College Station MLS, wholly owned by the Bryan-College Station Regional Association of REALTORS®, serves as the primary MLS for the region with approximately 1,800 subscribers and over 3,000 listings on the market.

    Vail Multi-List Service (VMLS)
    The Vail Multi-List Service serves real estate professionals throughout Colorado’s entire Vail Valley market. VMLS is recognized as the most accurate source for local real estate data and market analysis tools and provides relevant technology and accurate accessible data to its members.

    St. Augustine & St. Johns County Board of REALTORS®
    Founded in 1964, the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Board of REALTORS® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, whose core purpose is to help its members become more profitable and successful. The association provides its members access to a wide range of value-added offers as well as significant savings on products and services they use daily.

    Longview Area Association of REALTORS®
    The Longview Area Association of REALTORS® (LAAR) has been a cornerstone of professionalism and integrity in the East Texas real estate industry since its formation. LAAR is committed to supporting its members with cutting-edge tools, expert guidance, and strong advocacy for private property rights.

    “MLSs adopting AI aren’t just improving efficiency. They’re setting the foundation to power future real estate technology,” said Nathan Brannen, Chief Product Officer at Restb.ai. “This expansion is another step toward a smarter, more streamlined industry where AI helps agents focus on what they do best: serving home buyers and sellers.”

    More information about Restb.ai MLS software solutions is here – restb.ai/customers/MLS.

    About Restb.ai
    Restb.ai, the leader in AI-powered computer vision for real estate, provides image recognition and data enrichment solutions for many of the industry’s top brands and leading innovators. Its advanced AI-powered technology automatically analyzes property imagery to unlock visual insights at scale that empower real estate companies with relevant and actionable property intelligence. Its proprietary artificial intelligence technology transforms property imagery into actionable insights, helping clients unlock new value from visual data and providing deep insight into each of the 1 million property photos uploaded daily.

    For more information on Restb.ai, visit its website. For Restb.ai-related media inquiries, please contact Maya Makarem at contact@restb.ai or maya@restb.ai or Kevin Hawkins at 1-206-866-1220 or kevin@wavgroup.com.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b657c390-46bc-4a81-8845-a02d7a1223d2

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e24dad74-069d-4ae1-9c37-7f3d5b486563

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AGNICO EAGLE ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN RUPERT RESOURCES LTD.

    Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

    Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

    TORONTO, April 1, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle”) announced today that it has acquired 2,602,500 common shares (“Common Shares”) of Rupert Resources Ltd. (“Rupert”) in a non-brokered private placement at a price of C$4.50 per Common Share for total consideration of C$11,711,250 (the “Private Placement”).

    Concurrent with the closing of the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle exercised its right under an investor rights agreement dated February 11, 2020 between Agnico Eagle and Rupert to designate a nominee, Carol Plummer, to be appointed, or nominated for election to the board of directors of Rupert (the “Rupert Board”). Rupert has advised Agnico Eagle that it will nominate Ms. Plummer for election at Rupert’s upcoming annual general meeting and will include the required information in its proxy circular.

    Ms. Plummer is Executive Vice-President, Sustainability, People and Culture at Agnico Eagle and possesses extensive experience in project evaluation, mine building and operations, particularly in Finland, where she was previously the general manager of Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä mine. Agnico Eagle believes that Ms. Plummer’s expertise will be a valuable asset to the Rupert Board as Rupert advances the Ikkari project and continues exploring the full potential of the property.

    Prior to the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle owned 30,169,111 Common Shares, representing approximately 13.3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. On closing of the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle owned 32,771,611 Common Shares, representing approximately 14.0% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.

    Agnico Eagle acquired the Common Shares for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Agnico Eagle may, from time to time, acquire additional Common Shares or other securities of Rupert or dispose of some or all of the Common Shares or other securities of Rupert it owns at such time.

    An early warning report will be filed by Agnico Eagle in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact:

    Agnico Eagle Mines Limited 
    c/o Investor Relations
    145 King Street East, Suite 400 
    Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7
    Telephone: 416-947-1212 
    Email: investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com

    Agnico Eagle’s head office is located at 145 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7. Rupert’s head office is located at 82 Richmond Street East, Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1.

    About Agnico Eagle

    Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this news release has been prepared as at April 1, 2025. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will” or similar terms.

    Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to the nomination of Carol Plummer as a director of Rupert, the inclusion of certain information regarding Carol Plummer in Rupert’s proxy circular and Agnico Eagle’s acquisition or disposition of securities of Rupert in the future.

    Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Other than as required by law, Agnico Eagle does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

    View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnico-eagle-announces-investment-in-rupert-resources-ltd-302417054.html

    SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to engineer microbes to enable us to live on Mars

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samuel McKee, Associate Tutor and PhD Candidate in Philosophy of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University

    Alones/Shutterstock

    A field known as synthetic biology has become one of the most highly anticipated in science. Its outputs range from golden rice, which is genetically engineered to provide vitamin A, to advances stemming from the Human Genome Project, which successfully mapped the entire human genome. Prominent voices in biotechnology have heralded it as the next wave of the future of innovation.

    Synthetic biology is the use of genetic engineering and other advances in biotechnology to generate new organisms or manipulate existing ones to produce the effects you desire. It is what the British biologist Jamie A. Davies calls “the creation of new living systems by design”.

    What is perhaps less obvious is that it may even be useful in space exploration. We might eventually use microbes to detoxify Mars – helping humans to one day live on the red planet.

    Synthetic biology has transformed many lines of technological breakthrough in biology already. Thanks to technologies such as the Nobel-winning genomic “scissors” Crispr Cas9, gene editing is now cheap, fast and accurate, as is gene sequencing.

    All this means genomics can be done in the field and even in space thanks to new technology – such as the MinION by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which allowed Nasa astronaut Kate Rubins to sequence the genomes of microorganisms on the International Space Station with a handheld device.

    Structural biology has also been revolutionised by breakthroughs in cryo-electron microscopy (enabling us to view large molecules in a solution), and more recently by the Nobel prize-winning protein-folding program “AlphaFold” by Google’s DeepMind.

    We can now know the structure and sequence of organisms at speed and with tremendous accuracy – and at low cost. Ultimately, this also presents an opportunity to make accurate changes to sequences and structures.

    This has important implications for space exploration, according to the Mars Society, Nasa and the Royal Society. Specifically, advances in synthetic biology are opening up new avenues for exploring and colonising Mars.

    So, how can we engineer microorganisms to make Mars habitable? Here are a few possibilities.

    Eating radiation

    Microbes could help us with the damaging radiation on Mars. We know there are bacteria and other single-celled organisms known as archaea living in some of the most hostile places on Earth. For example, Thermus Aquaticus thrives in extremely high temperatures, and psychrophiles live in extreme cold.

    The tardigrade genome, for example, is a rich source of information, explaining how these microorganisms can survive in the vacuum of space. Extremophiles that can digest radiation and toxicities are already used to clean up everything from oil spills to the fallout of radioactive sites.

    This means we could engineer microbes that are resistant to freezing temperatures and high levels of radiation. Such synthetic microorganisms could then be put to use on Mars in a variety ways to help shield us and our habitats from these extremes – or to develop crops with resistance.

    The Milnesium tardigrade.
    wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    For example, it is now well known that the Martian soil is full of perchlorates, which are toxic to humans. Nasa has several ideas of how this can be dealt with, including synthetic biology.

    Fixing atmospheric gases

    Long ago on ancient Earth, cyanobacteria flourished. They filled an ecological niche which transformed Earth’s atmosphere by enriching it with oxygen. We owe our existence in large part to this fertile bloom.

    Could they do the same for us on Mars? The atmosphere on the red planet is extremely thin and primarily made of carbon dioxide. The cyanobacteria would need a lot of help, which we could provide with synthetic biology. Theoretically, microorganisms could be engineered to survive the Martian environment and in turn pump out oxygen and nitrogen.

    Warming the surface

    Visions of terraforming the red planet (altering it to make it habitable for humans) often involve putting space mirrors in orbit to heat up Mars and melt its ice. This would cause a runaway greenhouse effect that would transform the planet into a more Earth-like state.

    But synthetic biology could (theoretically) skip this stage, which has been proposed to take at least 200 years at the very best estimate. Some five years ago, scientists proposed planetary engineering using synthetic biology to engineer microbes for ecological transformation.

    Given that microbes helped make Earth habitable, we could use synthetic biology to engineer microbes to speed up a similar process for Mars. Finding organisms that reduce greenhouse gases, remove toxicity and exhale helpful substances could help remove higher levels of greenhouse gases on Earth, too.

    Seeding new life on Mars

    We are not yet sure there is no life on Mars. The question of how ethical it is to engineer new life and then spread it to other bodies in the Solar System for our own ends is deep and complex. But these conversations need to happen.

    However, it certainly seems that synthetic biology may be our best technological bet to becoming an interplanetary species – and a lot of space and biotech agencies are taking it very seriously.

    According to recent research from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia: “From a holistic point of view, the ultimate synthetic biology approach to make the most of plant-based food on Mars would be to develop multi-biofortified crops with improved nutritional properties and enhanced quality traits (e.g., extended shelf life and reduced allergenicity).”

    Among emerging technologies, it may be that using synthetic biology improves our future more than any other factor – on Earth and beyond.

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

    – ref. How to engineer microbes to enable us to live on Mars – https://theconversation.com/how-to-engineer-microbes-to-enable-us-to-live-on-mars-253456

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Commemorative activities for VE Day and VJ Day in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    A series of activities and events will be held in Portsmouth to honour veterans and engage residents in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 1945.

    These events, organised by Portsmouth City Council, aim to keep history alive and promote civic pride and historical awareness as the number of living WWII veterans decreases and help to ensure the city is a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive place in which to live, work, and visit.

     Commemoration activities:

    • Multi-faith service will be held on 4 May 2025, 11:00am at Governor’s Green, Portsmouth, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at sea to honour the sacrifices made during WWII.
    • Exhibition at Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library to feature local WWII images with interactive engagement and also temporary plaques on lampposts across the city.
    • Victory in 80 Objects, is an online exhibition created and led by the D-Day Story Museum, in national partnership with six leading military museums, showcasing 80 WWII victory-related objects and their stories.
    • WWII veterans’ interviews will be shared by The D Day Story Museum, providing a personal and poignant insight into the experiences of those who lived through the war.
    • VE Day event at The D Day Story will be held on 11 May to offer an immersive experience for visitors to learn about and celebrate VE Day, including re-enactments, activities, and military vehicle exhibitions.

    Leader of the council, with responsibility for culture, Cllr Steve Pitt said: “We’d like to invite all residents to join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, and to take part in these activities. We’re proud to host events like these, to honour veterans, engage the community, and promote civic pride and historical awareness”.

    Residents are invited to contribute to the meaningful exhibition at Portsmouth History Centre by sharing their WWII and V-E Day photographs. You can take your photos to the Portsmouth History Centre at the Central Library for copying, or by emailing them to portsmouthhistorycentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. Your contributions will play a vital role in preserving and celebrating our shared history.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Catechist and martyr Peter To Rot will be Papua New Guinea’s first Saint

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 31 March 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis has authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to publish the decree for the canonization of catechist and martyr Peter Tor Rot, who will thus become the first Saint from Papua New Guinea. The date will be set during the Consistory (still to be scheduled) announced by the Pope a month ago while he was being treated for bilateral pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital.The requests and prayers of the Church of Papua New Guinea, which asked the Pope a few months ago during his visit to Asia and Oceania to intervene in the canonization process of the catechist and martyr (see Fides, 6/9/2024), have been heard.Born in Rakunai in 1912, Peter belonged to the Tolai community, who live in the easternmost part of the island. The exact date of his birth and baptism is unknown, as the documents were confiscated by the Japanese police during World War II. What is certain is that he grew up in a large family and was primarily educated by his father, a village chief. After receiving his First Communion, probably between 1922 and 1926, he served as an altar boy, moved by a deep devotion to the Eucharist.From 1930, he attended Saint Paul’s Catechist Training College in Taluligap and returned to his village three years later to actively exercise his ministry as a catechist. He also devoted himself to works of charity, with a particular focus on the poor, the sick, and orphans. At the age of 23, he married Paula La Varpit and became the father of three children.At the outbreak of World War II, the Japanese occupied Papua New Guinea and imprisoned all missionaries, but this did not initially hinder his pastoral work. Peter To Rot made every effort not to abandon the Christian community, continuing his catechetical activities and preparing couples for the sacrament of marriage.When the occupiers forbade him from continuing his work, he carried it out secretly and with extreme caution so as not to endanger the lives of the faithful, knowing full well that this decision could cost him his life.During the occupation, he opposed the reintroduction of polygamy, which the Japanese had allowed to curry favor with the local tribes, and thus also turned against his older brother. The latter denounced him to the police, and for these reasons, he was arrested in 1945 and sentenced to two months in prison. During his imprisonment, he received only visits from his mother, his wife, and his children. He was treated more harshly than the other prisoners and died of poisoning in prison in July 1945.Peter To Rot was beatified by Saint John Paul II on January 17, 1995, in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.On March 18, 2024, the bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands requested that the miracle be waived on the path to Peter To Rot’s canonization. At the same time, they noted that while there is ample evidence, it is very difficult to document the required miracle because there are few hospitals capable of providing the scientific documentation necessary to prove a supposed miraculous healing, and because the culture of the local population is largely based on oral communication, making it difficult to document any miracles in writing.In addition, up to 820 dialects are spoken in the State, so few people are able to write in correct, understandable English. For these reasons, the request was granted, and on March 22, 2024, the Dicastery was authorized to conduct the special process with a dispensation of miracles for the canonization of Peter To Rot.This is a process by which the Pope, after due examination, recognizes a cult that has already existed for some time, without waiting for the recognition of a miracle. It differs from formal beatifications and canonizations, for which the Church provides for a regular investigation and the corresponding miracle. Furthermore, the Pope can always make special decisions. Pope Francis did this in the case of John XXIII, who was canonized based on his decades-long worldwide reputation for holiness, without a second miracle being recognized. Benedict XVI also applied an extraordinary process with regard to John Paul II, whose canonization process was initiated a few weeks after his death, without waiting the required five years.As for To Rot, after his beatification, his reputation for holiness grew considerably and extended to all the dioceses of Papua New Guinea, as well as to the neighboring Solomon Islands and Australia. Hundreds of works about him have been published on behalf of churches, institutions, and groups associated with his memory.There are also many acts of grace attributed to his intercession, collected after his beatification, when his person became better known. His reputation for holiness is widespread today. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/3/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – Dominican Father: now is the time for compassion, even towards enemies

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Archdiocese of Mandalay

    Mandalay (Agenzia Fides) – “We share the suffering and pain of so many affected individuals and families in this difficult and devastating time. May the Lord guide those who are working for the wounded. This is a time of compassion towards the people of Myanmar. We ask everyone to pray and help Myanmar,” Father Paul Win Aung Myint (OP), a Burmese Dominican from Myitkyina, who studied and lived for years in the Diocese of Mandalay, told Fides.”The earthquake has devastated Myanmar, especially the areas of Mandalay and Sagaing, and struck a country plagued by war, violence, and floods. It is a terrible blow. We believe the number of victims will continue to rise. And in many areas where there is no civil government, the situation is even more critical,” the religious said.The priest reports on the devastation in the cities of Mandalay and Sagaing, “the two most damaged cities with the highest number of victims.” “Relief programs have been launched, and people are doing their best,” he reports. “Sagaing,” he continues, “is 80 percent destroyed. People need water, food, and medicine. Local volunteers are busy evacuating people or reaching those still buried under the rubble to save lives. In Sagaing alone, there are already over 200 dead and thousands injured. Many churches in this city have been damaged. Parts of the Catholic Church of Mary Help of Christians in Sagaing collapsed, but fortunately not during the worship.”The church of St. Vincent de Paul, the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition and the pastoral center of the Dominican Fathers in the municipality of Sintgain, in the diocese of Mandalay, were also damaged. The Dominican religious are still in shock and, due to the aftershocks, they still have to stay outdoors for safety.Father Paul appreciates the international aid: “Rescuers and aid are arriving from many countries around the world. We see that international solidarity has been mobilized, and Caritas has also activated donations. We would like to thank all the countries, communities, organizations, and all the people who are helping: The suffering people in Myanmar are very grateful. We pray and entrust to God all the volunteers who are providing aid with great humanity and courage so that they can do their work and be safe.”Father Paul concludes with a spiritual reflection on the solidarity that can be found in Myanmar at this time, where “a seed of good can be seen in the heartbreaking situation on the ground”: “When a life needs to be saved, in an emergency situation, only that human life counts and nothing else. There is no longer an enemy. Even when natural disasters bring pain and death, in such emergency situations we see that hatred, hostility, and the exploitation of others take a back seat. Now it is about saving lives. We also see this in the volunteers who have volunteered to help. There are no factions or enemies, there is no politics, no war.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 1/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Myanmar earthquake latest: entire communities flattened, aid teams say

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    As the death toll continues to rise in Myanmar after last Friday’s earthquake tragedy, UN humanitarians have been rushing to support severely deprived and traumatized victims, warning that the window for lifesaving response is closing.

    Speaking to journalists from Yangon on Tuesday, Julia Rees, Deputy Representative of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the country described seeing massive needs rising by the hour, after a 7.7 magnitude quake.

    “Entire communities have been flattened,” she said, with children and families sleeping out in the open with no homes to return to.

    “I met children who were in shock after witnessing their homes collapsed or the death of a family member… some have been separated from their parents and others are unaccounted for,” she explained.

    Some 72 hours after the quake rocked Mandalay and Sagaing regions as well as Nay Pyi Taw and southern Shan state, the death toll has risen to around 2,000, according to the country’s military junta, with hundreds unaccounted for and thousands injured.

    “The window for lifesaving response is closing,” Ms. Rees said, while across the affected areas, families face acute shortages of clean water, food and medical supplies. But conditions remain extremely challenging as aid teams are working “without electricity or sanitation, sleeping outside, like the communities we serve”.

    International response

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that local search and rescue teams, supported by international rescue units from a number of countries including China, India, Russia, Thailand and Bangladesh, have been “intensifying their efforts” particularly in central Myanmar, which has continued to experience aftershocks.

    The UN’s top humanitarian official on the ground, Marcoluigi Corsi, freshly back from a visit to the country’s capital Nay Pyi Taw said that as the critical window for finding survivors under the rubble was narrowing, conditions in the affected areas continued to deteriorate.

    “You have no electricity, you have no running water,” he said, while people were battling the summer heat. “Often there are aftershocks and people are scared to go inside their homes,” he added.

    Hospitals overwhelmed

    Dr. Fernando Thushara, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Myanmar, said that in Nay Pyi Taw, he saw hospitals “overwhelmed with patients”.

    “The medical supplies were running dry. There were electricity disruptions in some hospitals… and shortages of running water,” he said, adding that in some cases power generators were not working and hospitals were short on fuel.

    Dr. Thushara warned that a lack of fresh water and sanitation could fuel outbreaks of infectious diseases “unless we control them very quickly”.

    He recalled that a few months back, several townships in Mandalay had been affected by cholera. About 800 cases of the water-borne disease had been reported until February across nine states and regions in Myanmar, while other infectious diseases such as dengue, hepatitis, malaria may spread further.

    The dire health situation is not the only crisis confronting the people of  Myanmar. UN refugee agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Babar Baloch stressed that the country is “reeling” from four years of conflict sparked by a military coup in 2021, while the UN’s Mr. Corsi said that in the past few years it has suffered a cyclone and massive flooding.

    Mr. Baloch spoke of a “double tragedy” for the people of Myanmar, highlighting the fact that even before the devastating earthquake hit, all the affected areas already hosted 1.6 million displaced people.

    Mr. Corsi stressed that the disaster-affected communities’ resilience is now highly compromised. Close to 20 million people across the country were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake hit and over 15 million were going hungry. Over three months into the year, the UN’s $1.1 billion humanitarian appeal for Myanmar remains only five per cent funded. “This is time…for the world to step up and support the people of Myanmar,” he concluded.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Canada’s propane exports to Asia are growing, making up more than 40% of exports in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    April 1, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly; Canada Energy Regulator
    Note: Canada’s propane exports to the Pacific Basin include three shipments to Hawaii, according to Vortexa (less than 200,000 barrels each in 2021, 2023, and 2024).

    Canada’s propane exports have steadily increased over the last decade, reaching record highs in 2024 as new marine export terminals streamlined the flow of propane from western Canada to export destinations, particularly to Asia. U.S. propane imports from Canada have stayed relatively consistent since Canada began waterborne exports in 2019.

    Propane spot prices in Edmonton, Alberta, are typically at a discount to prices in both East Asia and Conway, Kansas, the propane market hub for the Midwest. Competitive pricing in Canada underpins the demand for Canada’s propane in both East Asia’s and the United States’ propane markets. Most propane exported from Canada to East Asia is consumed as petrochemical feedstock, while propane exported from Canada to the United States is used mostly for space-heating demand, particularly in the Upper-Midwest and Northeast during the winter.

    Data source: Bloomberg, L.P.
    Note: Propane prices were negative at Edmonton, Alberta, in 2015 because of record-high inventories with low seasonal demand, causing producers to pay for propane distribution due to limited takeaway capacity.

    Canada has two marine export terminals on the coast of British Columbia that take propane arriving by rail from Western Canada. Waterborne propane exports out of Canada began in 2019 when Canada’s AltaGas started operating the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal (RIPET) with an initial capacity of 46,000 barrels per day (b/d). The plant’s capacity is now 92,000 b/d. Pembina began operating the Prince Rupert Terminal, which has a shipping capacity of 25,000 b/d of propane, in 2021. These facilities have provided Canada with its first large-scale outlets for direct propane shipments to Asia.

    Canada’s waterborne propane exports grew 10% from 2023 to 2024, with almost all going to either Japan or South Korea, according to Vortexa. Since the propane export terminals are located on the Pacific Coast, a vessel can reach East Asia 15 days faster than a vessel leaving the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    AltaGas and Dutch company Vopek are planning to build an additional propane export terminal adjacent to RIPET called the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF). The companies expect to complete the 55,000-b/d-capacity first phase by the end of 2026. The planned capacity addition is expected to lead to more waterborne propane exports to markets in Asia, and, to a lesser extent, the western coast of South America and Mexico.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Canada Energy Regulator, and company filings
    Note: b/d=barrels per day; RIPET=Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal; REEF=Ridley Island Energy Export Facility

    The growth in Canadian propane exports comes against a backdrop of increasing global demand for propane, driven by petrochemical production, particularly in Asian markets. Until 2018, all of Canada’s propane exports went to the United States. Although the United States is still the largest destination for the country’s propane exports, it accounted for just 58% of exports in 2024 as shipments to Asia have risen sharply.

    Most of Canada’s propane exports to the United States have shipped by rail since 2015, with 81% arriving by rail last year. Shipping propane by rail is scalable in the winter months, when propane demand is at its highest in the United States. Propane shipped to the U.S. West Coast by rail typically goes to Ferndale, Washington, where Canadian company AltaGas operates a propane and butane export terminal. Propane is either re-exported to East Asia or distributed for U.S. residential or industrial consumption.

    A smaller portion of Canada’s propane exports is transported by pipeline, about 8% in 2024. From 2010 to 2014, before the Cochin Pipeline reversal, pipeline exports from Canada to the United States accounted for about 30% of Canada’s propane exports. Lines 1 and 5 of the Enbridge Mainline carry y-grade, a mix of natural gas liquids, from Alberta across the Great Lakes. Propane is extracted in Superior, Wisconsin, and Rapid River, Michigan, before the pipeline terminates in Sarnia, Ontario.

    Canada’s propane exports will likely continue growing as production increases. With additional marine export capacity expected to come online on Canada’s West Coast, most growth will be to the Pacific Basin, especially East Asia.

    Principal contributor: Josh Eiermann

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Triller Group Executives to Attend Exclusive Mar-a-Lago Luncheon Ahead of TikTok Ban

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    As TikTok ban nears, Triller makes moves to capture market share for its short-form video platform

    Los Angeles, CA, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Triller Group Inc. (“Triller” or “the Company is set to participate in an exclusive luncheon at President Donald J. Trump’s Palm Beach, Florida club Mar-a-Lago. Triller Group CEO Wing Fai Ng and CFO Mark Carbeck will represent the company at this prestigious gathering, marking Triller’s first official engagement at the esteemed venue.

    The luncheon presents a strategic opportunity for Triller to connect with new investors, forge key relationships, and explore potential growth avenues ahead of the impending TikTok ban, currently slated for April 5, 2025. As the Company continues to expand its influence in the digital and creator-driven economy, securing strong partnerships remains a top priority.

    “The Mar-a-Lago luncheon is the perfect forum for Triller to connect and engage with industry leaders who share our vision for innovation and disruption in the digital space,” said Wing Fai Ng, CEO of Triller Group. “This gathering gives us the opportunity to showcase Triller’s unique position at the intersection of AI, entertainment, and social media.”

    With a global footprint and a strong commitment to empowering creators, Triller continues to revolutionize digital engagement. The Company looks forward to leveraging this event to strengthen its financial strategy and drive future success.

    About Triller Group Inc.

    (Nasdaq: ILLR) Triller Group Inc. is a technology powerhouse with a portfolio of high-growth businesses poised to break through in the Creator Economy. Triller App is the most creator-focused social platform offering discovery, monetization, and ownership. Supported by Triller Platform, it serves as a cutting-edge social media platform designed for creators, offering innovative tools for content creation, marketing, and brand partnerships. It enables creators to connect with fans, monetize their work, and build meaningful relationships with brands.

    Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) stages live and streaming combat sports events that are rapidly gaining popularity with fans globally. With a focus on exciting matchups and high-energy performances, BKFC has established itself as the fastest-growing combat league in the industry. TrillerTV is Triller Group’s premier live streaming platform, showcasing a diverse array of in-house and third-party sports and entertainment content. With its robust infrastructure, TrillerTV is committed to delivering high-quality live events that captivate audiences and drive subscriber growth.

    Additionally, AGBA serves as a one-stop financial supermarket, providing independent distribution of a wide range of financial products and services. By connecting consumers with essential financial solutions, AGBA enhances Triller Group’s ecosystem, making it easier for users to access the tools they need for financial success.

    Together, these diverse businesses form a unique and integrated ecosystem that positions Triller Group at the forefront of innovation in social media, live entertainment, combat sports, and financial services. For more information about our businesses, visit www.trillercorp.com and www.agba.com.

    # # #

    Investor & Media Relations:
    Bethany Lai
    ir@triller.co

    Breanne Fritcher
    triller@wachsman.com

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI Commemorates Completion of its 90th year

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) celebrated its 90th anniversary today. To recognize this important milestone, an event was organised by the Reserve Bank of India today with the Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar also graced the event.

    In his welcome address, Governor, RBI expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India for her participation in the event. He emphasized the Reserve Bank’s commitment to improving the financial system and contributing proactively and vigorously to India’s economic progress.

    The Union Minister of Communications in his address acknowledged RBI’s contributions over the decades in ensuring financial sector resilience and supporting economic growth. He highlighted that RBI’s collaborative approach in striking a balance between regulation and innovation was a beacon of hope not just for the Global South but also developed economies especially in areas such as digital payments.

    The Hon’ble President, in her address, emphasized the important role of RBI in India’s journey and its economic and financial transformation. She highlighted that RBI has earned the trust of people by its commitment to maintaining price stability, growth and financial stability over the last nine decades. While underlining several important initiatives of the Reserve Bank in the areas of institution building, financial inclusion, consumer protection, digital payments, financial awareness and sustainable finance, the Hon’ble President also expressed confidence that RBI will continue to play a critical role in steering India towards a future of prosperity and global leadership.

    To mark this momentous occasion, a commemorative postage stamp was released by the Hon’ble President.

    The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries from the Government, financial sector regulatory institutions, industry, academia, the directors of the Central board of the Reserve Bank, heads of banks and other financial institutions and senior executives, both past and present, of the Reserve Bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/8

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers

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

    The Labor party on Wednesday will urge the Fair Work Commission to grant a real wage increase to Australian workers on awards.

    This goes further than Labor’s recommendations in earlier years, which have been for real wages not to go backwards.

    In the new submission, Labor will say that the increase should be “economically sustainable.” It says a rise in minimum and award wages should be consistent with inflation returning sustainably to the Reserve Bank’s target band of 2% to 3%.

    The move sets up a debate between the government and opposition about what are responsible wage increases.

    The submission says: “Labor believes workers should get ahead with a real wage increase. Despite heightened global uncertainty and volatility, the Australian economy has turned a corner. Inflation is now less than one third of its peak, unemployment remains low, there are over 1 million additional people employed than in May 2022, and interest rates have started to come down.

    “Economic growth rebounded at the end of last year and the private sector is now a key contributor to growth. Importantly, real wages growth has now returned and is forecast to continue across 2024-25 and 2025-26. A soft landing in our economy looks more and more likely.”

    More than 2.9 million workers have their pay set by an award and are directly affected by the commission’s Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage is presently $24.10 an hour, which is $915.90 for a 38 hour week, equivalent to $47,626.80 a year.

    The submission points out that women are disproportionately represented in jobs that are under awards and low paid.

    The government argues that its position is both economically responsible and fair, and will ensure low paid workers can get ahead as inflation moderates. It says that if its recommendation is accepted, this will help about three million workers, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled that during the 2022 campaign he was asked if he supported a wage increase for low paid workers.

    After he said “absolutely”, the Liberals had said this would wreck the economy,

    “Since then we’ve seen wages going up, inflation coming down and interest rates starting to fall. This campaign will again advocate for workers to get a pay rise to not only help them deal with the pressures of today, but to get ahead in the future.”

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers said: “The choice at this election is between a Labor government which has been creating jobs, getting wages moving again, rebuilding living standards and rolling out responsible cost-of-living help versus a Coalition that wants Australians working longer for less.”

    In its submission Labor says an economically sustainable real wage increase would complement the measures the government has introduced to ease cost-of-living pressures.

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

    – ref. Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers – https://theconversation.com/labor-will-urge-fair-work-commission-to-give-real-wage-rise-to-three-million-workers-253560

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Planned blackouts are becoming more common − and not having cash on hand could cost you

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jay L. Zagorsky, Associate Professor Questrom School of Business, Boston University

    Are you prepared for when the power goes out? To prevent massive wildfires in drought-prone, high-wind areas, electrical companies have begun preemptively shutting off electricity. These planned shutdowns are called public safety power shutoffs, abbreviated to PSPS, and they’re increasingly common. So far this year, we’ve seen them in Texas, New Mexico and California.

    Unlike regular power failures, which on average last only about two hours while a piece of broken equipment is repaired, a PSPS lasts until weather conditions improve, which could be days. And these shutoffs come at a steep price. In 2010 alone, they cost California over US$13 billion. A 2019 analysis of shutoffs in Placer County, California, found that they harmed 70% of local businesses.

    I am a business school professor who studies how people pay for things, including during emergencies. As I point out in my new book “The Power of Cash: Why Using Paper Money is Good for You and Society,” many people have abandoned paper money and switched to electronic payments such as credit cards and mobile apps. This can become a big problem during an emergency, since these systems need electricity to operate. The switch to electronic payments is making the world less resilient in the face of increasing numbers of major natural disasters.

    So if a public safety power shutoff strikes and you don’t have any cash, you may be doubly vulnerable. On the other hand, keeping cash can protect you – and not just you and your family, but also local businesses and your community. After all, keeping the economy moving during shutoffs reduces the financial damage they cause.

    Why do they keep turning off the power, anyway?

    It’s all about risk.

    The world has experienced a number of very destructive wildfires recently. In 2025, large parts of Los Angeles burned to the ground, with over 18,000 buildings destroyed or damaged. In 2023, wildfires in Hawaii killed over 100 people. Massive wildfires have also occurred recently in South Korea, Portugal and Australia.

    Governments, people whose houses burned and insurance companies are all looking for someone to blame and pay for the damage. Climate change, which is increasing the world’s average temperatures and drying out trees and grass, is setting the conditions. Since Mother Nature cannot be sued, utilities make handy scapegoats with deep pockets. Electrical utilities are sued because their power lines, transformers and other equipment often start blazes.

    So to prevent lawsuits as well as fires, power companies are increasingly turning off the power when the conditions are ripe for a catastrophic blaze. There’s no uniform set of standards for when to impose a shutdown, but in general, power companies do it when there are hot, dry and windy conditions. For example, a PSPS is triggered in Hawaii if there’s a drought, wind gusts are over 45 miles per hour and relative humidity is under 45%.

    Power shutoffs are a relatively new idea. They were proposed in California in 2008 and first allowed in 2012.

    Since then, power companies across the entire western U.S. from Texas to Hawaii have adopted these plans. Shutoff plans also stretch from southern border states such as Arizona to northern border states such as Idaho and Montana.

    Shutting off the power is a huge problem, since it causes massive disruption to communities. People depend on power to run medical equipment, work and keep communities safe. Even people with a desperate need for electricity, such as those on medical life support, are not immune to a safety shutoff.

    How to prepare for a PSPS

    As the world warms, the chance of being caught in a preemptive power shutoff increases. What can you do to minimize the impact?

    Having solar panels won’t protect you: Utilities shut off customers with solar panels to block those panels from pushing power onto the grid, since the whole goal is to shut off the grid. The only way for you to still have power is to buy a battery storage system and a transfer switch, which allows you to take your system completely off the grid. But this is very expensive.

    Getting a portable generator is only a partial solution for a multiday shutoff, since most last only six to 18 hours on a single tank of gas. Plus, generators run very hot, which creates its own fire risk.

    Another way to minimize the impact of both a power shutoff and a wildfire is to create a small disaster relief kit, or “go bag.” Creating one is relatively inexpensive. It should contain key items such as water, your medicines, some shelf-stable food – and importantly, some cash. Even some government websites forget to mention this.

    It’s also important to use paper money before a shutoff happens. I have all too frequently seen gas station attendants, supermarket checkout clerks and restaurant servers have no idea how to handle cash.

    Recently at my local supermarket, for example, I paid with a $20 bill. The cashier had to ask another employee which kinds of coins to use to make change. If people don’t know how to handle cash during normal times, it ceases to be useful during emergencies.

    As the world warms, public safety power shutoffs will occur more frequently. The shutoffs clearly highlight the trade-off between economic and social disruption versus preventing dangerous wildfires. These shutoffs show there are no easy solutions – only hard choices.

    There are a few sensible and easy steps to take to reduce the impact of these shutoffs. One is to understand that during one of the very moments you might really need to spend money, modern payment systems fail. Holding and frequently using old-fashioned cash is a simple and low-cost way to protect yourself and your family.

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

    – ref. Planned blackouts are becoming more common − and not having cash on hand could cost you – https://theconversation.com/planned-blackouts-are-becoming-more-common-and-not-having-cash-on-hand-could-cost-you-253319

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Income limits altered for allowance

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government announced today that income and asset limits under the Working Family Allowance (WFA) Scheme have been adjusted starting from this month.

    The new limits are applicable to all claim months from April 2025 to March 2026.

    The income limits for households with six people or more will remain at the 2024-25 level, while the limits for five-person households will be aligned with those for four-person households.

    The income limits for other household sizes will be increased according to the established mechanism.

    The Government explained that under the mechanism, and based on the 2024 figures, the income limits for households with six or more persons would have been tightened, while the limits for five-person households would have been lower than those for four-person households.

    However, in light of ongoing economic challenges in Hong Kong and their effects on income levels of lower-income households, the Government decided to make the adjustments as announced.

    Meanwhile, it will increase the asset limits for all household sizes according to the established mechanism.

    Additionally, if the Appropriation Bill 2025 is passed by the Legislative Council, the Government will, as proposed in the 2025-26 Budget, disburse a one-off extra allowance to WFA households.

    It expects to give out the one-off grant a month after the bill’s passage at the earliest.

    The scheme aims to support lower-income working families that are not on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance.

    Call 2558 3000 for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Indian president exchange congratulations on 75th anniversary of ties

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

    BEIJING, April 1 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    China and India, Xi said, both ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of the “Global South,” are both at a critical stage of their respective modernization efforts.

    The development of China-India relations demonstrates that it is the right choice for China and India to be partners of mutual achievement and realize the “Dragon-Elephant Tango,” which fully serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, Xi said.

    He called on both sides to view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, seek a way, which features peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, mutual benefit and common development, for neighboring major countries to get along with each other, and jointly promote a multi-polar world and greater democracy in international relations.

    Xi also said he stands ready to work with Murmu to take the anniversary of ties as an opportunity to enhance strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination in major international affairs, jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the China-India border area, push forward a sound and steady development of bilateral relations and contribute to world peace and prosperity.

    For her part, Murmu said India and China are two major neighboring countries that are home to one-third of the world’s population, noting that a stable, predictable and friendly bilateral relationship will benefit both countries and the world.

    She proposed to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to jointly promote the sound and steady development of India-China relations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MASTER PLAN TO DEVELOP MEGA PORTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Six port clusters out of which four port clusters, namely, Cochin – Vizhinjam Port cluster, Galathea South Bay Port, Chennai – Kamarajar – Cuddalore Port cluster, Paradip and other Non-Major Ports cluster with capacity of more than 300 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) and two port clusters, namely, Deendayal and Tuna Tekra Port cluster, Jawaharlal Nehru – Vadhavan Port cluster with capacity of more than 500 MTPA are to be developed as Mega Ports by the year 2047.The activities to be undertaken by Major Ports for augmentation of capacity and improving infrastructure are included in the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047. The works for infrastructure enhancement and capacity augmentation in the Major Ports are already under progress through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode and also through internal resources.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

    ***** 

    GDH/HR/SJ

    (Release ID: 2117248) Visitor Counter : 126

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cannabis retail expansion in Canada came with only a small uptick in the number of consumers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Michael J. Armstrong, Associate Professor, Operations Research, Brock University

    Ever since recreational cannabis was legalized across Canada in 2018, researchers have been studying what that decision changed for Canadians.

    We’ve learned, for example, that some patients immediately left the medical cannabis system, presumably to use recreational products instead. Conversely, legalization appeared to have no effect on Canadian alcohol sales.

    We’ve similarly seen how cannabis retailing has evolved since it became legal.

    Retailers suffered from product shortages during legalization’s first six months, but steadily expanded soon after. Canada went from having some 210 stores in April 2019 to 3,500 in April 2023. The ensuing competition pushed prices down 28 per cent during that period.

    Meanwhile, provincial governments have tried various regulatory approaches. Some initially restricted the number of stores to avoid tempting non-users. Québec still has 10 times fewer stores per capita than Ontario does as a result. Other provinces have set minimum prices to discourage people from overindulging. For example, Ontario won’t let wholesale prices drop below $2.28 per gram.

    These developments in business and government policy prompted my latest research. I wanted to understand what effect retail expansion had on cannabis use. To do this, I analyzed consumer responses on government surveys collected between 2019 to 2023. I then compared these responses to the recreational cannabis consumer price index and the numbers of licensed stores in each province.

    Did Canadians consume cannabis more widely, more frequently and at younger ages as it became more accessible and affordable? The answer was mostly no.

    More women and older adult consumers

    The percentage of men who used cannabis stayed around 28 per cent between 2019 and 2023 — despite retailers’ massive store growth and notable price cuts.

    But usage did grow slightly among women — rising from 21 per cent in 2019 to 23 per cent in 2023. My analysis suggests this was related to the increasing affordability of cannabis, not its retail convenience. More women consumed cannabis when prices fell, not when more shops opened.

    A similar contrast appeared between younger and older adults. Cannabis use among Canadians aged 25 and over crept upward from 21 to 23 per cent. That increase again seemed related to falling prices rather than expanding stores. Meanwhile, usage among those aged 16 to 24 varied year-to-year, but remained around 46 per cent.

    The average age of first-time use consequently rose from 19.2 in 2019 to 20.8 years old in 2023. This finding also seemed correlated with both falling prices and expanding stores.

    Same frequency, more edibles

    One thing that didn’t change much was frequency of use. About one-quarter of cannabis consumers used it five or more days per week in both 2019 and 2023.

    However, their product preferences shifted. The percentage who smoked dried cannabis decreased while the percentage of consumers who consumed edibles increased. Some consumers used both types of products, or used other products entirely — such as vapes. Both changes seemed related to prices rather than the number of retail stores. Consumers seemingly traded-up from basic dried cannabis to processed edibles as prices fell.

    So overall, Canada’s substantial retail developments came with only modest usage growth.

    The apparent relationships between usage and price might partly be coincidental. Product selection and quality also improved, so they likely contributed too. But falling prices do seem to be a plausible explanation for the increased cannabis consumption that was seen.

    The lack of relationship between stores and usage might seem surprising. After all, Canada experienced a 16-fold explosion in stores between 2019 and 2023. But this finding correlates with what my previous research found; it showed that between 2018 and 2020, there was a similar non-relationship between retail expansion of cannabis stores and usage.



    Read more:
    Cannabis store openings in Canada only slightly affected the number of users

    So, perhaps the main effect of retail stores was to draw existing users away from illegal dealers, rather than to tempt new ones.

    I suspect retailers probably influenced usage somewhat in their local neighbourhoods. For example, someone who walked by a new store daily on their way to work might have decided to try cannabis. But this effect would have been too small to appear in province-level measurements.

    Price restriction

    The findings from my study suggests some tentative lessons for regulators.

    If opening more stores has minimal impact on usage, there’s little need to limit their numbers. Provinces don’t need to ration store licenses, and municipalities (like Markham and Oakville in Ontario) don’t need to ban them.

    But since price declines tempt more consumers, it’s important for policymakers to prevent prices from getting too low.

    Other countries who are considering legalizing cannabis may want to consider these points, too.

    For example, medical cannabis use is surging in Australia, much like it was in Canada a decade ago. And Australia’s Green Party is campaigning for recreational legalization in the upcoming federal election. If that election produces a coalition government, legalization might be on its agenda. They could look at our policies and hopefully improve on them.

    Meanwhile in Germany, the previous government legalized recreational use, but not sales. So, Germans must grow their own plants or join a club that does. Commercial products are sold only through the country’s medical cannabis system. Unsurprisingly, medical use is soaring there. Based on what my research suggests, Germany will likely see similar usage growth, whether it allows stores or not. But allowing stores would mean consumers could buy products from licensed sources instead of illicit dealers.

    Canada’s cannabis legalization was controversial at the time. But some Canadians say it has become a memorable part of Justin Trudeau’s complicated legacy. Now that he’s no longer prime minister, that’s something he and his biographers can contemplate.

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

    – ref. Cannabis retail expansion in Canada came with only a small uptick in the number of consumers – https://theconversation.com/cannabis-retail-expansion-in-canada-came-with-only-a-small-uptick-in-the-number-of-consumers-252008

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fisheries Practices in the Bay of Bengal

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India (GoI) has taken several initiatives to ensure sustainable fisheries practices in India’s EEZ including in the Bay of Bengal region.  This includes the implementation of a uniform fishing ban for a period of 61 days, from 15th April to 14th June on the East Coast and from 1st June to 31st July on the West Coast in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to protect the breeding stock. Similar fishing bans are implemented within the territorial waters by Coastal States/Union Territories including in the Bay of Bengal region. During the fishing ban period, financial assistance is provided by the Government towards livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward, active traditional fishers.  

    The DoF, GoI has notified the ‘National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF), 2017’ towards responsible and sustainable fishing across the country including the Bay of Bengal region.   The DoF, GoI has also issued orders to prohibit destructive fishing practices like bull or pair trawling and the use of artificial lights/LED lights for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and similar prohibitions are also imposed within territorial waters by the coastal States/UTs. Further, necessary provisions are made by the State Government in their respective Marine Fishing Regulation Acts Rules (Amendments) for the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) for the protection of sea turtles.  Besides, the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department inter alia envisages support towards the installation of artificial reefs along the coast, sea ranching, and mariculture including seaweed cultivation, all of which add to the sustainability. In addition, India as a member of the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP)-IGO has been actively taking various initiatives in cooperation with other member countries for sustainable fisheries practices like the adoption of the National Plan of Action for Sharks, Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project.

    The NPMF, 2017 inter alia emphasizes that Information Technology (IT) and Space Technology (ST) will be put to optimum use for harnessing the benefits in support of the fisher community and also recommends the use of space technologies for real-time Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories; and weather forecasts for the benefit of fishers. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Hyderabad has reported that Oceansat Satellite data from Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) are used to prepare the Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories indicating the potential fishing areas and provided to the fishermen in all States/UTs.  Besides, the PMMSY inter alia envisages support towards the installation of transponders in fishing vessels, providing safety kits to traditional fishermen and motorized fishing vessels, support for Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) devices & network including the cost of installation, construction of deep sea fishing vessels aiming at exploring untapped resources and upgradation of fishing vessels for export competency. Under the PMMSY emphasis is also given to technology-driven more crop-per-drop initiatives in aquaculture like fish culture through Re-Circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc aquaculture systems, cage culture in reservoirs, open sea cage culture, seaweed cultivation, bivalve cultivation including pearl farming and ornamental fisheries.

    Currently there are no such projects proposed to be implemented to improve livestock health and breeding practices in member countries. However, as per the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, germplasm from indigenous breeds, Murrah buffalo and Sahiwal cattle has been shared with member countries mainly Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the form of semen doses, embryos, and live animals.       

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PRADHAN MANTRI ANUSUCHIT JAATI ABHYUDAY YOJANA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati AbhyudayYojana (PM-AJAY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented since 2021-22. The Scheme has three components namely (i) ‘Adarsh Gram’, (ii) ‘Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects for Socio-Economic betterment of Scheduled Caste(SC) Communities’ and (iii) ‘Hostel’. The objectives of the Scheme are:

    • To improve socio-economic developmental indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and requisite services in the SC dominated villages.
    •  To reduce poverty of the SC communities by generation of additional employment opportunities through skill development, income generating schemes and other initiatives.
    • To increase literacy and encourage enrolment of SCs in schools and higher educational institutions by providing adequate residential facilities in quality institutions, as well as residential schools where required, especially in the aspirational districts/ SC dominated blocks and elsewhere in India.

    Skill development is one of the interventions covered under Grants-in-aid Component of the Scheme. 25 States have submitted Perspective Plans for 2023-24, 2024-25 & 2025-26 and Rs. 457.82 Crore has been released for 8146 projects including 987 projects for skill development during 2023-24 & 2024-25 under Grants-in aid Component.

    In 2021-22, the erstwhile scheme of Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana has been subsumed under the umbrella Scheme Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY). The villages having more than 40% SC population and a total population of 500 or more are eligible for selection under the Scheme. The selected villages are saturated with identified 50 Socio-Economic developmental indicators, under 10 domains namely Drinking Water and Sanitation, Education, Health and Nutrition, Social Security, Rural Roads and Housing, Electricity and Clean Fuel, Agricultural Practices, Financial Inclusion, Digitization, Livelihood and Skill Development, which are the minimum requirements for any person residing in a village. Since 2018-19, 29,847 villages have been selected out of which 11,076 villages have been declared as Adarsh Gram. During 2024-25, 4,991 villages have been declared as Adarsh Gram.

    The Hostel Component aims to increase literacy and encourage enrolment of SCs in schools and higher educational institutions by providing adequate residential facilities in quality institutions, as well as residential schools where required. Till now, 891 hostels have been sanctioned under PM-AJAY of which 27 hostels have been sanctioned during 2024-25.

    Under PM-AJAY, upto 5% of the total funds is allocated for Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Scheme. During 2024-25, Rs. 6.64 Crore has been utilized as Administrative expense under PM-AJAY.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICEAND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: STEPS TO CHECK DRUG TRAFFICKING

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The cases registered, arrests made and quantity of drug seized under Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 by various Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) as reported to Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) during 2020 to 2024 is at Annexure-I. The specific details of incidents regarding number of killings, anti-social atrocities on women and children under the influence of various types of narcotics and chemical drugs in the country are not maintained.       

    As part of its drive against drug smuggling to make India a drug free nation, Government is taking various measures, some of which are mentioned below: –

    (i)      The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, as amended from time to time contains stringent provision to deal with illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled substances as defined under Section 2 (viiib). Further, Chapter IV of the NDPS Act, 1985 provides detailed provisions for offences committed in contravention of the relevant provisions of the Act and penalties thereto.

    (ii)     Considering the international obligations or having regard to the available information and evidence with respect to the nature and effects of and the abuse or scope for abuse, Department of Revenue has scheduled 134 narcotic drugs under section 2(xi)(b), 173 psychotropic substances under section 3 and 45 controlled substances under section 9A in order to  exercise  due  regulation,  control  or  prohibition  in  public interest while ensuring availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific use subject to the relevant provisions to the NDPS Act and rules/ regulations made thereunder.

    (iii)    A 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for ensuring better coordination between Central & State Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders in the field of controlling drug trafficking and drug abuse in India has been established. An all in one NCORD portal has been developed for information related to drug law enforcement.

    (iv)    A dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) headed by Additional Director General/ Inspector General level Police Officer has been established in each State/ Union Territory to function as the NCORD Secretariat for the State/ Union Territory and follow-up on compliance of decisions taken in NCORD meetings at different levels.

    (v)     To monitor the investigation of important and significant seizures, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Chairmanship of Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been set up by Government of India.

    (vi)    Border Guarding Forces (Border Security Force, Assam Rifles and Sashastra Seema Bal) have been empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 to carry out search, seizure and arrest for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs at international border. Further, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been empowered under NDPS Act to check drug trafficking along the railway routes.

    (vii)   Narcotics  Control Bureau (NCB)  coordinates   with   other  agencies  like, Navy, Coast Guard, Border Security Force, State ANTF, etc., to conduct joint operations to control the drug trafficking.

    (viii)  Electronics scanning of consignments for drug detection at all Ports are being ensured.

    (ix)    Towards the capacity building of Drug Law Enforcement Agencies of the country, NCB is continuously imparting training to the officers of other Drug Law Enforcement Agencies.

    (x)     To strengthen NCB and to increase its pan India presence, 536 posts in  different  level  has  been  created  in  NCB.  During  this  restructuring, special focus has been laid on cyber, legal, and enforcement aspects for more effective drug law enforcement.

    (xi)    A task force on Darknet and Crypto-Currency has been set up under the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) mechanism with a focus on monitoring all platforms facilitating Narco-trafficking, sharing of inputs on drug trafficking amongst Agencies/MAC members, interception of drug networks, continuous capturing of trends, modus operandi & nodes with regular database updates and review of related rules & laws.

    (xii)   To assist all DLEAs/other investigation agencies for investigation and proactive policing, National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders (NIDAAN) portal is developed. It provides data of narcotics offenders involved in narcotics offences under Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

    (xiii)  A National Narcotics Helpline No. 1933 “Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra” (MANAS) has been created as 24×7 toll-free National Narcotics Call Centre helpline. Accordingly, MANAS has been envisioned as  an  integrated  system  providing  a  single  platform for citizens to log, register, track and resolve drug related issues/problems through various modes of communication like call, SMS, Chat-bot, e-mail & web-link.

    (xiv)  A high-level dedicated group has been created in National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in November 2022 to analyze the drug trafficking through maritime routes, challenges and solutions (Maritime Security Group – NSCS).

    (xv)   Director General level talks by NCB are organized with neighboring and other countries such as Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, etc. to resolve various issues on drugs trafficking having international implications and issue of maritime trafficking.

    (xvi)  Launched Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in all districts of the country through more than 10000 master volunteers. It has reached out to more than 14.79 crore people including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women.

    (xvii) Government is providing financial assistance to 350 Integrated     Rehabilitation  Centers for Addicts   (IRCAs),  46  Community  based  Peer Led Intervention (CPLI) Centers, 74 Outreach and Drop In Centers (ODICs), 142 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs), 124 District De-addiction Centres (DDACs) across the country.

    (xviii)    A Toll-free Helpline No.14446 for de-addiction is operated for providing primary counseling and immediate assistance to persons seeking help.

    (xix)  Government through its autonomous body National Institute of Social Defense (NISD) and other collaborating agencies like State Counsel of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), etc. provides for regular   awareness generation and sensitization sessions for all stakeholders including students, teachers, parents.

    (xx)   Navchetna Modules, Teachers Training Modules have been developed by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) for sensitizing students (6th – 11th standard), teachers and parents on drug dependence, related coping strategies and life skills.

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    Annexure-I

     

    Year

    Case

    Arrest

    Quantity (in Kg)

    2020

    55,622

    73,841

    10,82,511

    2021

    68,144

    93,538

    16,09,612

    2022

    1,02,769

    1,26,516

    12,53,662

    2023

    1,09,546

    1,32,954

    13,89,725

    2024

    89,913

    1,16,098

    13,30,600

    Cases registered, arrests made and quantity of drug seized under Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 by various Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) as reported to Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) during 2020 to 2024

    Source: Narcotics Control Bureau

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICAL CAPABILITIES OF WATERWAYS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:30PM by PIB Delhi

    To promote National Waterways (NWs) for the efficient and cost-effective transportation of cargo including food grains and other essential commodities to remote and underserved areas, 111 National Waterways (NWs) were declared in the country vide National Waterways Act, 2016. Some of the initiatives for promoting Inland Water Transport (IWT) are as under:

    • A scheme for providing 35% incentive to promote the utilization of inland waterways transport sector by cargo owners and for establishing scheduled service for cargo movement on NW-1 and NW-2 and NW-16 via Indo Bangladesh Protocol has been approved by the Government.
    • The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties / Terminals) Regulations 2025 has been notified, allowing private companies to invest and operate Inland Waterways infrastructure by providing a clear regulatory framework to attract private sector investment for facilitating the growth of inland waterways sector.
    • For modal shift of cargo to waterways, more than 140 Public Sector Units have been approached to plan their movement using Inland Water Transport mode. They have been requested to outline their current status of cargo movement through the waterways and their plan for modal shift of cargo.
    • Fairway maintenance works (river training, maintenance dredging, channel marking and regular hydrographic surveys) are taken up in various National Waterways (NWs).
    • 49 community jetties, 20 floating terminals, 3 Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs) and 1 Inter-Modal Terminal (IMT) have been constructed on NW-1 (River Ganga) in addition to 5 pre-existing permanent terminals.

    · 9 Permanent Inland Water Transport terminals with godowns and 2 Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax terminals have been constructed on NW-3 (West Coast Canal in Kerala).

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health chief meets national official

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau met National Medical Products Administration Deputy Commissioner Xu Jinghe today to have an in-depth exchange on the regulatory regime and reform of drugs and medical devices.

    Prof Lo said that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has been ushering in immense opportunities for medical and biotechnological developments in recent years.

    The National 14th Five-Year Plan, he stressed, has expressed clear support to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub while biomedicine and medical innovation represent immense new quality productive forces.

    The Resolution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee also pointed out the need to deepen medical and healthcare reform and to support the development mechanisms for innovative drugs and medical devices.

    Prof Lo highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strenuously works in line with the national objective of deepening medical and healthcare reform by pursuing innovation in the medical field.

    “While integrating into the national development, the Hong Kong SAR will capitalise on its unique advantages of international influence and professions to the fullest to develop the city into an international health and medical innovation hub, thereby enabling the innovative medical technologies to go global and attract foreign investment and developing new quality productive forces in biomedicine.”

    He added that Hong Kong will strive to give full play to its strengths to serve the country’s needs amid the comprehensive deepening of reform.

    While introducing the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices, Prof Lo emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will expedite the reform of the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices to meet the institutional requirement necessary for the health and medical innovation development.

    The purpose for doing so, he explained, is to strengthen the drug approval capability of the Hong Kong SAR; and take forward preparatory work for legislating for the statutory regulation of medical devices to dovetail with the timetable for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES ‘Create in India Challenge’ Crosses 85,000 Registrations with 1100 International Participants

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES ‘Create in India Challenge’ Crosses 85,000 Registrations with 1100 International Participants

    750 Finalists from 32 Challenges to participate in WAVES ‘CreatoSphere’ at Mumbai from 1st to 4th May, 2025

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

    The Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season-1, launched as part of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) set to take place at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai from 1st  to 4th May, 2025, has achieved a new milestone of crossing 85,000 registrations including 1,100 International participants. Over 750 finalists, selected after a meticulous selection process, from across 32 diverse challenges, will get a unique opportunity to showcase the outcome and output of their individual challenge, their talent and skills, apart from networking opportunities with business leaders from their respective sector including pitching sessions, and learn from global stalwarts through masterclasses, panel discussions, conferences etc. The winners of the Create in India challenges will be felicitated with ‘WAVES Creator Awards’ in a grand ceremony at Mumbai.

    These challenges have made a powerful entry into the creative landscape, igniting a wave of innovation and engagement across India and beyond, emerging as a premier platform for creative talent on a global scale. Featuring 32 diverse and dynamic challenges including the high-energy Reel Making Competition, the solution-oriented Truth Tell Hackathon, the visionary Young Filmmaker’s Challenge, and the imaginative Comics Creator Championship, CIC offers a unique opportunity for creators to showcase their skills. Other flagship events such as the A.I. Avatar Creator Challenge, WAM! Anime Challenge, Esports Tournament, Trailer Making Competition, Theme Music Competition, and the cutting-edge XR Creator Hackathon further establish CIC as a definitive launchpad for the next generation of storytellers, designers, and digital innovators.

    By uniting creators across disciplines, borders, and generations, CIC not only celebrates India’s creative energy — it has sparked a global dialogue around the future of storytelling and digital expression. With this remarkable foundation, CIC is poised to scale new heights in the seasons ahead, continuing its mission to empower creators and shape the cultural landscape of tomorrow.

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Register for WAVES now.

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