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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan Shows Strong Results at Two-Year Anniversary

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 23, 2024

    Innovative Saskatchewan-Based Solutions to Recruit, Train, Incentivize, and Retain Enhance Competitiveness

    This month marks the two-year milestone of Saskatchewan’s historic Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan, which has delivered extraordinary health system progress within a short period of time.

    Since the launch of the HHR Action Plan in September 2022, over $300 million has now been invested in initiatives guided by the plan’s four pillars. These initiatives have expanded the current professional workforce to keep pace with provincial growth and supported stronger, more resilient future health care teams by opening doors to more educational seats and programs.

    The HHR Action Plan has advanced critical areas of the provincial health system in the past 24 months through targeted initiatives that have attracted top specialists, family physicians, registered nurses, and other in-demand health professionals to the province.

    “When our government unveiled the HHR Action Plan, we recognized it was ambitious but necessary to stabilize and reinforce our valued healthcare professionals,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Each pillar has had major positive impacts by recruiting hundreds of high priority health care workers, adding hundreds of post-secondary training seats and new programs for students, delivering incentives to benefit health service delivery in rural and northern Saskatchewan communities, attracting specialists, and investing in supportive programs to retain our valued health care workforce.”

    The HHR Action Plan is the result of ongoing support, collaboration and partnerships between multiple ministries, health employers, health partner agencies and post-secondary institutions, as well as professional regulators. A key step was establishing the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA) to accelerate and broaden efforts to recruit physicians, nurses, and other high priority professionals.

    “The establishment of SHRA brings the recruitment of health professionals to Saskatchewan under one umbrella,” SHRA CEO Terri Strunk said. “Our sole mandate is to implement strategies and best in practice activities to facilitate the regional, national and international recruitment, retention, transition and placement of health professionals in Saskatchewan. In collaboration with provincial and local stakeholders such as our health employers, provincial regulators, local health committees, and municipalities, we have made significant progress. There is still more work to do, but with the focused strategy of the Health Human Resources Action Plan, we are attracting top talent and addressing healthcare needs across the province.”

    Recruit

    Saskatchewan has seen impressive recruitment results since September 2022, with 218 physicians being recruited to Saskatchewan from outside of the province and 35 physicians from outside the country. These efforts resulted in 87 family physicians and 131 specialists establishing their practice in the province.

    Highly sought specialized health care providers recently hired include a pediatric gastroenterologist, four new psychiatrists, two perfusionists and a new physician assistant.

    The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has hired more than 1,400 recent nursing graduates from in-and out-of-province, and nearly 400 internationally educated nurses (IENs) have arrived from the Philippines. Approximately 280 IENs have successfully completed a transition to nursing in Canada programming and been placed in over 70 communities around the province. The remaining IENs are in the clinical portion of their training to obtain licensure.

    Twenty-seven new permanent Nurse Practitioner positions are posted in rural communities, and eight have already been filled.

    Train

    Advanced Education is centered on the “Train” pillar of the HHR Plan and targeted investments into health-related training programs have been achieved over the last two years, with over $100 million already invested to create approximately 870 new training seats in 33 health care programs at post-secondary institutions across the province.

    “The Ministry of Advanced Education has been playing a significant role in supporting the Health Human Resources Action Plan since its inception, and I am very proud of the work done in partnership with our institutions to operationalize this ambitious initiative,” Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young said. “Saskatchewan students now have more opportunities than ever before to train for a career in health care, which is pivotal for the sector and the people it serves.”

    The expanded seats will produce more graduates in critical health care fields such as nursing, mental health and addictions, medical diagnostic imaging, physicians, and many other professions. Saskatchewan is also introducing four new programs not previously offered in the province: occupational therapy, speech language pathology, respiratory therapy and physician assistants.

    Expanded seats and new programs are being made available at university and polytech campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, as well as some programs offered at various regional colleges across province including psychiatric nursing at North West College in North Battleford, sonography at Suncrest College in Yorkton, Mental Health and Wellness at Northlands College in La Ronge and Continuing Care Assistants at Southeast College in Weyburn.

    Incentivize

    A range of attractive incentive programs, such as the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) that includes a return-of-service agreement with recipients, has directly benefited over 50 communities across the province with more than 350 hard-to-recruit positions successfully filled.

    The Rural Physician Incentive Program was enhanced in 2024, and new incentives were introduced to support recruitment and retention of specialists in high demand, such as anesthesia, psychiatry, breast and interventional radiology in approved sites and certain pediatric subspecialities.

    The province has also disbursed over $1.3 million in bursaries, such as nearly 150 Final Clinical Bursaries, nearly 150 paramedic bursaries and other scholarships and available grants to encourage students to pursue a health care career. In addition, many graduates are eligible for the Graduate Retention Tax Credits and student loan forgiveness programs.

    “Our competitive HHR Action Plan has attracted a diverse group of new health care professionals to our vibrant and welcoming communities across rural and northern Saskatchewan,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod said. “These smaller centres provide unique opportunities to use a full range of skillsets and expertise within the workplace. It is exciting to see our young people receive rewarding employment opportunities upon graduation right here in Saskatchewan.”

    Retain

    Retention of health care staff has been a key area of focus by promoting the rewarding benefits of a career in health care, such as hiring 245 new and enhanced full-time permanent positions in high-priority occupations, including registered nurses, to stabilize staffing in rural and northern areas. Another 65 registered nurse positions have been increased from part time to full time in rural and remote locations with 36 positions filled.

    Scope of practice for pharmacists, nurse practitioners and advanced care paramedics has expanded to benefit patients and increase access to services for people living in rural communities, shorten wait times for primary care and give more options for obtaining certain health services.

    The SHA has implemented a variety of programs to enhance work environments and staff engagement opportunities including a mentorship program with over 200 participants, and actively engaging with First Nations and Métis communities and educational institutions to develop a First Nations and Métis recruitment and retention strategy.

    The SHA has also introduced multiple volunteer and career learning opportunities that are available to Saskatchewan high school students.

    “Our health care teams are the backbone of our health system,” SHA CEO Andrew Will said. “They are essential for delivering on our commitment to provide high-quality, culturally responsive and patient-centred care as close to home as possible. Our Health Human Resource strategies not only involve Saskatchewan Health Authority staff and physicians, but also leverage the strength of our volunteers, patient and family advisors, traditional knowledge keepers, and our network of community and health system partners.”

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada recognizes Won Alexander Cumyow as a person of national historic significance 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Won Alexander Cumyow played a leadership role in fighting for voting rights for Chinese Canadians

    Won Alexander Cumyow played a leadership role in fighting for voting rights for Chinese Canadians

    September 23, 2024                      Gatineau, Quebec                             Parks Canada

    National historic designations recall moments of greatness and triumph or cause us to contemplate the complex and challenging moments that helped define the Canada of today. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster better understanding and open discussions on the histories, cultures, and realities of Canada’s history.

    Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the designation of Won Alexander Cumyow as a person of national historic significance under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration.

    Born in 1861 at Port (Fort) Douglas in the colony of British Columbia, Won Alexander Cumyow was the first known person of Chinese descent to be born in what would become known as Canada. While he had hoped to become a lawyer, and articled at two law firms, he was barred from voting and the legal profession due to discriminatory laws. As a community broker and court interpreter in the justice system, he championed the rights of persons of Chinese origin and descent in Canada in the early 20th century. He fought to end racist voting laws and cast his first vote in 1949 at the age of 88, two years after Chinese Canadians regained the right to vote.

    Throughout his life, Cumyow served as a community activist and was often called upon to take leadership, speaking or translator roles in Chinese Canadian and Asian Canadian activities to fight racism.

    The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, and Parks Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada’s past and present. 

    –                                                                                                  30-

    Oliver Anderson
    Director of communications 
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    819-962-0686
    oliver.anderson@ec.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, Professor of International and Diplomacy Studies, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, University of South Africa

    There is growing global consensus among the members of the United Nations that the UN security council, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, requires reform or restructuring to reflect the current balance of forces, and to improve its working methods and ability to do its work.

    There is also growing consensus among members of the African Union that Africa deserves a permanent presence at the council.

    The debate took a new turn on 13 September, when the US announced it would support the creation of two new permanent seats for African countries, and a non-permanent seat for small island developing nations. This came after a pledge in 2022 by the Biden administration to support the expansion of the security council.

    The new permanent seats would come without the power of a veto vote.



    Read more:
    Africa on the UN security council: why the continent should have two permanent seats

    There are several reasons why, in my view, this quest to expand the council is likely to fail. I have followed and published on the South African experience of the UN security council and believe there is need for a sober assessment of what is achievable.

    First, those with permanent seats and veto power (Russia and China, the US, the UK and France) are reluctant to share it, for fear of diluting their own interests and influence.

    Second, if there was agreement on expansion, who would be worthy to fill the extra seats, and how would they be chosen? There are many deserving candidates, from Latin America to Europe and Asia.

    Third, how would Africa go about selecting two of its own to represent the continent on the council?

    Fourth, what would prevent such newcomers from being co-opted by the powerful (in this case, the US) to support or help implement western peace and security agendas at the expense of African and global south agendas?

    To offset the attractiveness and prestige of joining the premier international security club, Africa should be mindful of the entry requirements (namely, diplomatic nous, experience with peacekeeping and the ability to finance such), lest it find itself relegated to serving the security council’s longstanding members.

    Africa would be wise to select and support candidates that have experience, resources and a credible peacebuilding track record on the continent.

    Hurdles and dangers

    It is far from obvious that the continent’s two economic giants, Nigeria and South Africa, should represent Africa. Size counts but doesn’t always translate into attractiveness or credibility at home – a key requirement for a successful role in regional and international affairs.

    The unfortunate reality is that Africa remains divided on the basis of region, language and culture. The continent struggles to speak with one voice on critical matters such as peace and security – the priority of the UN security agenda.

    Under these conditions, a drawn-out and perhaps even unsuccessful process of selecting two out of the 54 members of the African Union is likely.

    In addition, the offer by the west for Africa to take up seats should not be viewed as an act of benevolence. Bringing Africa into the western sphere of influence is a strategic calculation to counter the growing impact of Russia and China on global affairs.

    The emergence of a new world order produces stresses and strains. The west, led by the US, continues to exercise hard power but declining influence, while an assertive alliance of global south states, led by China, is bent on eventually determining international affairs.



    Read more:
    Pan-Africanism remains a dream: four key issues the African Union must tackle

    Prominent members of the global south are enticed or pressured to partner with one or the other power bloc.

    Africa in particular is being courted precisely because of its large voting number (54 countries can swing decisions at multilateral meetings) but more strategically, because it constitutes the reservoir of the world’s future economy. Apart from being blessed with a youthful demographic, Africa can come into central focus due to its unique endowment of green transition minerals like cobalt, lithium and nickel.

    Where to from here?

    If all obstacles are overcome, the chosen countries would have their work cut out for them. Serving – never mind shaping – the UN security council agenda is a demanding, full-time task. The chosen African countries would have to commit significant human and financial resources, peacebuilding capacity and diplomatic leadership skills.

    South Africa is arguably the best placed to meet these criteria and can play a constructive role pushing the African agenda. But it needs to be wary.



    Read more:
    Rating agencies and Africa: the absence of people on the ground contributes to bias against the continent – analyst

    The country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was quick to respond to the US statement. On the eve of departing for the annual UN general assembly talk show he told the media

    We have been campaigning and the concept has been accepted and of course Africa continues to play through various countries on the continent, important roles, peacekeeping missions not only on our continent but around the world. So, we [have] got the capability, we know how and Africa needs to be given its rightful place in the UN system and its various structures.

    Some critical questions need to be answered by all African leaders first:

    • What are the benefits for an African country taking up a permanent seat on the UN security council?

    • How would it contribute, and what would it receive in return?

    • Would it be able to set agendas and norms, or would it be forced to carry out the tasks of those who allowed it a seat at the table?

    Africa is not unfamiliar with the workings of the United Nations system. It has benefited immensely from UN involvement as it strove for decolonialisation and overcoming the apartheid system. It works closely with the UN as it faces the challenges of underdevelopment, unequal trade, extreme weather and the ongoing exploitation of its human and natural resources.

    It is fitting and ethical for Africa to take up permanent seats at the apex institution and put the security council to work to address Africa’s peace and security challenges.

    To do so, its chosen members must chart an African course of action, supported by the other members of the council.

    Anthoni van Nieuwkerk 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. UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats – https://theconversation.com/un-security-council-african-countries-face-hurdles-and-dangers-in-getting-permanent-seats-239642

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Davis Celebrates House Passage of His Bipartisan Bill to Reform Child Welfare to Protect America’s Children

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    Bill Would Increase Guaranteed Funding for Key Child Welfare Services for the First Time Since 2006

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Danny K. Davis (D-IL) celebrated the passage by the House of Representatives of his bipartisan legislation with Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) to reauthorize and reform child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. The bipartisan Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act passed the House by a vote of 405 to 10 as part of H.R. 9076, Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, as amended”.  The bill  reauthorizes Title IV-B and delivers the first increase in guaranteed funding since 2006. With approximately 369,000 children currently in foster care, this legislation offers vital assistance to help strengthen and keep families together and support the safety and well-being of children in foster care.  

    The Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act encompasses policies from 16 different pieces of legislation from both Republican and Democrat members of the Ways and Means Committee. The bill follows the Committee’s extensive, year-long review of the nation’s child welfare programs to identify areas where these programs could better serve children and families.

    Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL) said, “I am proud to join with Chair LaHood in leading this important bill that will increase guaranteed funding for the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families program for the first time since 2006. In addition to providing essential new funding for both state and tribal agencies to strengthen families, this bill includes significant investments and policy updates to improve child safety and well-being. For example, it invests in aiding kinship caregivers in finding needed resources, in evidence-based programs that successfully help parents overcome substance use disorders to safely care for their children, and in independent legal representation to address racial inequities in child welfare. This bill also provides for new demonstration projects to promote meaningful relationships between foster youth and their incarcerated parents, powerful relationships that support both parents and youth.”

    Key policies included in the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act:

    • Reauthorizes Title IV-B for five years and makes reforms to modernize the program.
    • Reduces paperwork and data reporting for state agencies and caseworkers by at least 15 percent.
    • Strengthens support systems for the 2.5 million grandparents and relatives providing kinship care for children who would otherwise enter foster care.
    • Improves access for Indian tribes by streamlining funding, as well as monitoring state engagement with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
    • Addresses the caseworker crises by ensuring caseworkers have access to technology and training that support a strong workforce.
    • Improves outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care, including by allowing foster youth up to age 26 to be eligible for services and incorporating lived experience in the state planning of child welfare plans.
    • Supports the expansion of evidence-based services to prevent child abuse and neglect and ensures children are not separated from parents solely due to poverty-related neglect.
    • Supports adoption services by evaluating the effectiveness of pre- and post-adoption services available under Title IV-B to adopt the more than 65,000 children waiting to be adopted.

    The bill is supported by 228 national, state, and local organizations, including:  American Academy of Pediatrics; American Psychological Association Services, Inc.; American Public Human Services Association; Bolder Horizon; Child Welfare League of America; Children and Family Futures; Children’s Defense Fund; Children’s Trust Fund Alliance; Family Focused Treatment Association; FosterClub; Generations United; National Association of Counsel for Children; National Association of Counties; National Association of County Human Services Administrators; National Child Abuse Coalition; National Family Resource Coalition; National Indian Child Welfare Association; Prevent Child Abuse America; Think of Us; Voice for Adoption; and Zero to Three.

    A summary of the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act is available here; a section-by-section of the bill is here.

    Representative Davis serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means as the most senior Democrat on the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child welfare.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to High-Level Side Event: Ways to Include Women in the Future of Afghanistan [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The women and girls of Afghanistan face a deep crisis of gender-based discrimination and oppression.

    The new law enacted last month formalized the systematic erasure of women and girls from public life.

    Afghan women and girls are largely confined to their homes, with no freedom of movement and almost no access to education or work.

    They are even banned from singing or raising their voices in public.

    The law is the latest in a series of edicts and decrees that strip Afghan women and girls of their rights and freedoms across the board.

    At the same time, Afghan women suffer high rates of gender-based violence, so-called honour killings, and rising maternal mortality.

    They have told the United Nations that they feel unsafe, isolated and powerless as they lose the ability to provide for their families or contribute to their communities.  

    Many Afghan women speak of losing hope and living like shadows, moving around silently in the darkness, and always fearing punishment.

    Dear friends,

    Extreme gender-based discrimination is not only a systematic abuse of women and girls and a violation of human rights conventions and laws.

    It is self-harm on a national scale.

    It completely undermines the de facto authorities’ stated objective of economic self-reliance.

    Educating girls is one of the fastest ways to kick-start economic development and improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of communities and entire societies.

    Women’s participation and leadership has proven benefits for peace and security, social protection, environmental stability and more. 

    Afghanistan faces serious challenges in all these areas.

    Without educated women, without women in employment, including in leadership roles, and without recognizing the rights and freedoms of one-half of its population, Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage.
     
    Countries and organizations around the world, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have called strongly for respect for the fundamental rights of Afghan girls and women.

    I join them in demanding that the de facto authorities remove all discriminatory restrictions against women and girls immediately, and reopen schools and universities to girls beyond grade six.

    Dear friends,

    The United Nations continues to engage with Afghan women and women’s groups, to preserve the space for them to operate, and to serve as a conduit for dialogue with the de facto authorities.

    Afghan women show remarkable courage in demanding and pursuing their rights, running businesses in difficult conditions, delivering humanitarian aid, and in online campaigns.

    The international community stands in solidarity with them.

    We will continue to amplify the voices of Afghan women and call for them to play a full role in the country’s life, both inside its borders and on the global stage.

    We will never allow gender-based discrimination to become normalized anywhere in the world.

    What is happening in Afghanistan can be compared with some of the most egregious systems of oppression in recent history.

    I thank the Permanent Missions of Ireland, Qatar, Indonesia and Switzerland and the Women’s Forum on Afghanistan for convening these important discussions on how women and girls can play a full role in Afghanistan’s future.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to High-Level Side Event: Ways to Include Women in the Future of Afghanistan [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    he women and girls of Afghanistan face a deep crisis of gender-based discrimination and oppression.

    The new law enacted last month formalized the systematic erasure of women and girls from public life.

    Afghan women and girls are largely confined to their homes, with no freedom of movement and almost no access to education or work.

    They are even banned from singing or raising their voices in public.

    The law is the latest in a series of edicts and decrees that strip Afghan women and girls of their rights and freedoms across the board.

    At the same time, Afghan women suffer high rates of gender-based violence, so-called honour killings, and rising maternal mortality.

    They have told the United Nations that they feel unsafe, isolated and powerless as they lose the ability to provide for their families or contribute to their communities.  

    Many Afghan women speak of losing hope and living like shadows, moving around silently in the darkness, and always fearing punishment.

    Dear friends,

    Extreme gender-based discrimination is not only a systematic abuse of women and girls and a violation of human rights conventions and laws.

    It is self-harm on a national scale.

    It completely undermines the de facto authorities’ stated objective of economic self-reliance.

    Educating girls is one of the fastest ways to kick-start economic development and improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of communities and entire societies.

    Women’s participation and leadership has proven benefits for peace and security, social protection, environmental stability and more. 

    Afghanistan faces serious challenges in all these areas.

    Without educated women, without women in employment, including in leadership roles, and without recognizing the rights and freedoms of one-half of its population, Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage.
     
    Countries and organizations around the world, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have called strongly for respect for the fundamental rights of Afghan girls and women.

    I join them in demanding that the de facto authorities remove all discriminatory restrictions against women and girls immediately, and reopen schools and universities to girls beyond grade six.

    Dear friends,

    The United Nations continues to engage with Afghan women and women’s groups, to preserve the space for them to operate, and to serve as a conduit for dialogue with the de facto authorities.

    Afghan women show remarkable courage in demanding and pursuing their rights, running businesses in difficult conditions, delivering humanitarian aid, and in online campaigns.

    The international community stands in solidarity with them.

    We will continue to amplify the voices of Afghan women and call for them to play a full role in the country’s life, both inside its borders and on the global stage.

    We will never allow gender-based discrimination to become normalized anywhere in the world.

    What is happening in Afghanistan can be compared with some of the most egregious systems of oppression in recent history.

    I thank the Permanent Missions of Ireland, Qatar, Indonesia and Switzerland and the Women’s Forum on Afghanistan for convening these important discussions on how women and girls can play a full role in Afghanistan’s future.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF and philanthropic partners invest more than $18M to prioritize ethical and societal considerations in the creation of emerging technologies

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Awardees will contribute to the responsible advancement of emerging technologies to promote the public’s well-being and mitigate potential harms

    The U.S. National Science Foundation announced an inaugural investment of more than $18 million to 44 multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams across the U.S. through the NSF Responsible Design, Development and Deployment of Technologies (NSF ReDDDoT) program. NSF ReDDDoT invests in the creation of technologies that promote the public’s well-being and mitigate potential harms by seeking to ensure that ethical, legal, community and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation and use. NSF launched this program in collaboration with leading philanthropic partners including the Ford Foundation, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and Siegel Family Endowment.

    “NSF is committed to creating mutually beneficial research collaborations among diverse partners who contribute their expertise and resources to accelerating technology innovation that positively addresses pressing national, societal and geostrategic challenges,” said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “Through a robust public-private partnership with philanthropies, NSF’s investment in ReDDDoT aims to ensure that TIP advances the design, development and deployment of new technologies responsibly. This investment is consistent with the ‘CHIPS and Science Act of 2022,’ in which Congress called upon TIP to invest in exactly this approach when pursuing the key technology areas listed in that law.”

    NSF awarded 30 teams Phase 1 funding: 21 teams will receive planning grants of up to $300,000 each for up to two years to facilitate collaborative transdisciplinary and multi-sector activities to plan for submission of larger proposals, while an additional nine teams will receive Phase 1 funding of up to $75,000 each to plan and host workshops designed to raise awareness and identify relevant approaches and needs in the key technology areas identified in the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.”

    Additionally, NSF awarded Phase 2 funding to 14 teams that demonstrated maturity in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or natural and anthropogenic disaster prevention or mitigation, key technology areas in the statute that TIP emphasized for ReDDDoT funding. Each Phase 2 team will receive up to $1.5 million over three years to expand upon their identified experience in use-inspired and translational activities in responsible design, development and deployment of innovative technology.

    The ReDDDoT program invited proposals from teams that examined and demonstrated the principles, methodologies and impacts associated with ethical, legal, community and societal considerations of technology’s creation and use, especially those specified in the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.”NSF anticipates issuing a second ReDDDoT funding opportunity in the future that will build on this round of funding to ensure ethical, legal, community, and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation.

    NSF ReDDDot Awardees

    Awardees are grouped by award type and then listed in alphabetical order by organization. The full award list can be found on NSF Award Search webpage.

    Planning grants:

    • Carnegie Mellon University: Responsible AI Across the Transportation Sector (NSF award 2427699).
    • Case Western Reserve University: Designing a Responsible AI-enabled Digital Service Ecosystem in Finance and Healthcare (NSF award 2427505).
    • Data & Society: Assessing Environmental Impacts of AI Through Participatory Methods (NSF award 2427700).
    • DePaul University: AI-Enabled Support Services for Transplanted Populations: A Community-Centered Design and Development Approach (NSF award 2427713).
    • Georgetown University: Piloting a Framework to Measure the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Government Agencies (NSF award 2427748).
    • Harvard Medical School: Piloting an Impact Accelerator Model for Cultivating Equity and Ethics in Genetics Innovation (NSF award 2427533).
    • Michigan State University: Supporting Culturally Centered Artificial Intelligence Literacy through Community-Engaged Partnerships (NSF award 2427697).
    • New York University: Collaborative award: AI Summer Institute on Communities (NSF award 2427677).
    • North Central College: Collaborative award: AI Summer Institute on Communities (NSF award 2427678).
    • Northeastern University: An AI toolkit for Designing Inclusive Digital Activities for Older Adults (NSF award 2427714).
    • Pennsylvania State University: Prioritization of Housing & Behavioral Health Services to Individuals and Families (NSF award 2427737).
    • Rutgers University: Writing Education through Design-Oriented AI (NSF award 2427646).
    • TERC Inc.: Alternative Systems for Human Waste Management (NSF award 2427679).
    • Texas Tech University: Building Community-Driven Resilience and Empowerment through Adaptive Manufacturing Technologies (NSF award 2427747).
    • University of Akron: Materials Advancement through a Precede-Proceed framework for Safety (NSF award 2427693).
    • University of California Santa Cruz: Destigmatizing Disfluencies in Speech AI with Grassroots Stuttering Communities (NSF award 2427710).
    • University of Florida: Treatment Technologies for Phosphorus Mitigation (NSF award 2427542).
    • University of Michigan: Bridging Past and Future: Fostering Community-Researcher Synergy through Planning NSF award 2427332).
    • University of Wisconsin: Novel Cellular Technologies in Ecosystem Preservation: Ethics, Data Sovereignty and Implementation (NSF award 2427636).
    • Vanderbilt University: Towards Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of a GenAI-Enabled System for Dispatcher Training in Emergency Response (NSF award 2427711).
    • Virginia Tech: Facilitating Responsible, Ethical, and Explainable Ergonomic Exposure Assessments When Using Artificial Intelligence Methods (NSF award 2427599).

    Workshops: 

    • Arizona State University: Indigenous Approaches to Computational Futures (NSF award 2427641).
    • Association of Science-Technology Centers: Exploring Roles of Science and Technology Centers and Museums in Facilitating Public Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (NSF award 2427449).
    • Case Western Reserve University: Employing Public Interest Technologies to Promote Access in Education and Employment for People who have Physical Disabilities (NSF award 2427587).
    • Michigan State University: Generative AI Ethics Module Design Sprint for STEM Educators (NSF award 2427666).
    • Texas A&M University: Artificial Intelligence and Biosecurity: Technologies and Policy Options to Leverage Opportunities and Mitigate Risks (NSF award 2427760).
    • UC Berkeley: Workshop Towards the Promise of Open-Source AI Models – A Workshop to Co-Create a Vision for Responsibility and Corresponding Research Roadmap (NSF award 2427618).
    • UCLA: Responsible Quantum Innovation (NSF award 2427775).
    • University of California, Davis: Responsible Artificial Intelligence to Promote Sustainability, Climate Resilience, and Equitable Access to Healthy Food in US Food Systems (NSF award 2427769).
    • Virginia Tech: Situating Network Infrastructure with People, Practices, and Beyond (NSF award 2427606).

    Phase 2:

    • Columbia University: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data (NSF award 2429841).
    • Columbia University: Leveraging Urban AI as a Communal Tool for Connection and Exchange in Harlem (NSF award 2429672).
    • Development Gateway: The Digital Governance Design Project (NSF award 2429815).
    • Fred Hutchison Cancer Center: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data (NSF award 2429840).
    • Georgetown University: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data NSF award 2429838).
    • Indiana University: Collaborative award: Inclusive American Language Technologies (NSF award 2429338).
    • Iowa State University: Empowering Resilience: Innovations in Rural Electric Network Disaster Preparedness and Response (NSF award 2429602).
    • Louisiana State University: Climate-Informed Flood Risk Mitigation Sandbox (NSF award 2429888).
    • Michigan State University: Collaborative award: A User-Centered Platform for Digital Content Integrity (NSF award 2429836).
    • Mozilla Foundation: Collaborative award: Inclusive American Language Technologies (NSF award 2429337).
    • Rice University: Responsible Multi-Modal AI Systems for Multi-Hazard Resilience and Situational Awareness (NSF award 2429680).
    • Rochester Institute of Technology: Collaborative award: A User-Centered Platform for Digital Content Integrity (NSF award 2429835).
    • The University of Mississippi: Collaborative award: A User-Centered Platform for Digital Content Integrity (NSF award 2429837).
    • University of Maryland: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data (NSF award 2429839).

    About NSF ReDDDoT

    The NSF ReDDDoT program is a collaboration with philanthropic partners and crosses all disciplines of science and engineering. The program seeks to ensure ethical, legal, community and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation and use. The program supports research, implementation and education projects involving multi-sector teams that focus on the responsible design, development or deployment of technologies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President  Biden Commemorates Historic Climate Legacy during Climate Week  NYC

    Source: The White House

    President Biden will deliver remarks tomorrow highlighting his climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda, which is lowering costs, creating good-paying and union jobs, and reducing harmful emissions

    Meanwhile, House Republicans continue reckless attempts to roll back climate, conservation, and clean energy investments

    When President Biden took office, he pledged to restore America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Every day since, the Biden-Harris Administration has led and delivered on the most ambitious climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda in history, including securing the largest ever climate investment and unleashing a clean energy manufacturing boom that has attracted hundreds of billions of dollars in private sector investment; created hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs; and lowered energy costs for families while delivering cleaner air and water for communities across the country.

    As business leaders, government officials, young people, and other advocates from around the world gather in New York City to participate in Climate Week, tomorrow President Biden will deliver remarks in New York City highlighting his Administration’s unprecedented progress in tackling the climate crisis, cutting energy costs for everyday Americans, and creating good-paying union jobs.

    Meanwhile, as President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to implement their Investing in America agenda, many Congressional Republicans continue to deny the impacts of climate change and are actively working to roll back this Administration’s historic and urgent climate investments – in fact, House Republicans have voted more than 50 times to repeal parts of President Biden’s climate investments. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.

    From replacing toxic lead pipes and modernizing our electric grid to reducing air pollution and conserving our nation’s lands and waters, President Biden and Vice President Harris have positioned America to lead the global effort against climate change and protect the health, safety, and economic vitality of our communities and our environment for generations to come. 

    Biden-Harris Administration’s Top Climate Accomplishments

    Deploying Clean, Affordable Electricity and Strengthening America’s Power Grid
    Through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden has secured unprecedented investments in a clean power sector, unleashing a boom in American solar, wind, battery storage, nuclear, and other clean energy technologies that are creating good-paying jobs and saving families money on utility bills. President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry, transmission buildout and other power grid upgrades, residential solar for low-income households, investments in clean electricity across rural America, efficient permitting to get new projects built, and American manufacturing of clean energy technologies. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the US has added more than 100 gigawatts of new clean energy – enough to power more than 25 million homes. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, clean energy project developers get access to expanded tax incentives if they pay workers prevailing wages and employ registered apprentices,  build their projects with domestic content, or locate projects in historic energy communities—provisions that are helping make more clean energy jobs good-paying and union jobs, supporting American manufacturing, and driving clean energy investment to the places that can benefit the most.

     
    Bolstering Climate Resilience and Adaptation

    The Biden-Harris Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to addressing climate impacts, including through Federal climate adaptation planning and integrating consideration of climate impacts into Federal policies, programs, and funding. The Administration released a National Climate Resilience Framework and President Biden secured more than $50 billion for climate resilience and adaptation investments that are upgrading aging roads and bridges, including critical evacuation routes; restoring critical waterways, forests, and urban greenspaces; building forest health and reducing wildfire risk; bolstering water infrastructure and drought resilience across the American West; reducing the risk to federal assets from future floods; and modernizing our electric grid. Through portals like Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) and Heat.gov, the Administration is equipping communities with the information and resources they need to assess climate risks and implement adaptation actions in their communities. With historic investments from the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Administration stabilized the short-term security of the Colorado River and is making investments to ensure the long-term stability of the Colorado River Basin.
     
    Accelerating a Clean Transportation Future

    Last year, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, a landmark strategy for eliminating nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. transportation sector by 2050. The Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act invest tens of billions to decarbonize maritime,  trucking, transit, rail, and aviation, all while making communities more walkable, bikeable, and connected. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also investing $7.5 billion to build a nationwide network of convenient, reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along corridors and within communities, and $5 billion to put clean school buses on our roads. In addition, the President rallied automakers and autoworkers around a historic goal of having electric vehicles account for at least 50% of new passenger vehicles sold by 2030. To support this goal while driving down consumer costs, the Administration secured tax credits that reduce the cost of new or used clean vehicles by thousands of dollars directly at the dealership as well as tax credits to deploy EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure to support clean vehicle deployment needs for individuals and businesses within rural and low income communities. The Administration is also leading by example to electrify the federal vehicle fleet, including 66,000 U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicles over five years.

     
    Cutting Energy Costs and Pollution at Homes, Schools, and in Communities

    Last year, 3.4 million American families saved $8.4 billion from IRA home energy tax credits for heat pumps, insulation, solar, and other clean energy technologies, and today states across the US are rolling out IRA rebates of up to $14,000 per household to help low- and middle-income families afford cost-saving electric appliances and energy efficiency improvements. The President established a $20 billion national clean energy financing network that will support tens of thousands of clean energy projects and cost-saving retrofits, reducing or avoiding up to 40 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually over the next seven years. The Biden-Harris Administration has also strengthened energy efficiency standards to save households and businesses money, with standards updated by DOE for dozens of appliances expected to provide nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years, saving the average household more than $100 a year while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 billion metric tons. Schools across the country are using IRA clean energy tax credits and elective pay to install solar, energy storage, and ground source heat pumps.

    Revitalizing American Manufacturing for the Clean Economy

    President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has helped catalyze historic manufacturing growth, with factories opening across the nation. The private sector has committed over $910 billion in investments in American manufacturing and clean energy, including sectors central to our industrial strength. The President’s agenda is helping to make U.S. manufacturing the cleanest and most competitive in the world. The Inflation Reduction Act is investing more than $6 billion to slash climate pollution and support workers and community health at U.S. factories producing the steel, aluminum, cement, and other materials that form the backbone of our economy, nearly $2 billion to support shuttered or at-risk auto facilities retain or re-hire workers to support manufacturing in the electric vehicle supply chain, over $3 billion to bolster battery manufacturing, and over $4 billion through the Federal Buy Clean Initiative to bolster markets to buy cleaner materials. The Biden-Harris Administration’s historic steps to reduce super-polluting methane and hydrofluorocarbons are also harnessing American innovation and creating good-paying union jobs. 
     
    Advancing Environmental Justice

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to environmental justice. The President signed a historic Executive Order that mobilizes the federal government to bring clean energy and healthy environments to all and mitigate harm to those who have suffered from pollution and environmental burdens like climate change. Through the Justice40 Initiative, over 500 programs across 19 federal agencies are being reimagined and transformed to maximize the benefits of President Biden’s unprecedented investments – from clean energy projects to floodwater protections to wastewater infrastructure – to communities that need them most. At the same time, the Administration is taking unprecedented action to protect communities from PFAS pollution, accelerate Superfund and brownfield cleanups, tighten standards for hazardous air pollutants, and enhance air quality enforcement. To ensure the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of communities with environmental justice concerns are heard in the White House and reflected in federal priorities, policies, investments, and decision-making, President Biden also created the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
     
    Delivering Clean Water and Replacing Lead Pipes

    President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting to ensure a future where every American has access to clean, safe water. The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests over $50 billion in upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure – the largest investment in clean water in American history. The Administration has already launched over 1,700 projects to expand access to clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, improve wastewater and sanitation infrastructure, and remove PFAS pollution in water. The Biden-Harris Administration invested over $1 billion from the President’s Investing in America agenda to specifically accelerate the delivery of drinking water and community sanitation infrastructure projects in Indian Country, where almost 50% of communities are lacking this basic human right. President Biden has also made a commitment to replace every toxic lead pipe in the country within a decade, protecting families from lead poisoning that can irreversibly harm brain development in children.


    Empowering Every Community to Advance Climate Solutions

    The historic set of federal actions that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken are supporting communities across the country in seizing opportunities in the clean energy economy. The Administration has mobilized billions of dollars in investment in the energy communities and workers that have powered our nation for generations. To help young people access skills-based training for good-paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy, the Administration launched the American Climate Corps, which will mobilize a new, diverse generation of more than 20,000 Americans. And with direct support from the Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, more than 45 states and more than 200 Tribes, territories, and metro areas have now developed their own Climate Action Plans. All of these foundational efforts will support climate solutions in the near-term and for years to come, helping the nation achieve the goal of reducing climate pollution by 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030 and reaching a net-zero economy by no later than 2050.

    Conserving our Lands and Waters

    President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative is supporting and accelerating voluntary, locally led conservation and restoration efforts across the country, and with 42 million acres already protected under President Biden, the U.S. is on track to meet the first-ever national goal to conserve at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. The Biden-Harris Administration has established or expanded eight national monuments and restored protections for three more; created five new national wildlife refuges and significantly expanded five more; established two new national marine sanctuaries and begun the process to designate or expand protections for five more; created one new national estuarine research reserve; protected the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, the nation’s most visited wilderness area; safeguarded Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska from the impacts of mining; protected the Arctic Ocean from oil and gas development; and withdrawn Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Thompson Divide in Colorado from further oil and gas leasing which will protect pristine lands and thousands of sacred sites. The Administration also directed the conservation of old-growth and mature forests, put conservation on equal footing with development in managing our public lands, launched the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of our nation’s river and streams, protected vast areas of caribou habitat in the Western Arctic for future generations, and is advancing the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California.
     
    Rallying Leaders of the World’s Largest Economies to Raise Global Climate Ambition

    President Biden has restored America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Under his leadership, the Administration is securing commitments from more than 155 countries to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030; successfully galvanizing other countries at COP28 to commit, for the first time, to transition away from unabated fossil fuels, stop building new unabated coal capacity globally, and triple renewable energy globally by 2030 and nuclear energy by 2050; launching a new Clean Energy Supply Chain Collaborative to work with international partners to diversify supply chains that are critical to a clean and secure energy transition; mobilizing other governments to follow the U.S. lead and commit to achieve net-zero government emissions by 2050 through a new Net-Zero Government Initiative; and becoming a world leader in innovative debt-for-nature swaps that have helped countries restructure over $2 billion in debt and unlock hundreds of millions of new financing for nature and climate.

    Accelerating Federal Permitting to Deliver Clean Energy and Infrastructure More Quickly

    The Biden-Harris Administration has taken action to accelerate clean energy infrastructure and deliver other critical projects by securing and directing long overdue resources to improve and accelerate permitting and environmental reviews. The Administration also finalized the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule to address climate change, protect public health, encourage better environmental outcomes, and promote meaningful public input on Federal decisions and projects.

    House Republicans Continue Attempting to Roll Back Climate Protections

    As President Biden and Vice President Harris implement the most ambitious and impactful climate and conservation agenda in history, House Republicans are taking action right now that would roll back investments in climate, clean energy, and public health. House Republicans’ efforts to gut climate protections through a variety of avenues – including appropriations bills, Congressional Review Act resolutions, and other legislative actions – would raise consumer energy costs, undermine public health protections, worsen the impacts of extreme weather events, and destroy environmental safeguards for our lands and waters.

    Ongoing attempts by Congressional Republicans to roll back climate and environmental protections would:

    Raise Consumer Energy Costs, including by:

    Gut Public Health Protections, including by:

    • Trying to overturn Biden-Harris Administration rules that protect communities from coal plants’ water pollution, air pollution, and waste disposal.
    • Trying to overturn a Biden-Harris Administration rule that will reduce by 96% the number of people with elevated cancer risk near certain chemical plants, by reducing emissions of toxic chloroprene and ethylene oxide from those facilities.
    • Rolling back the Clean School Bus program that will reduce climate pollution and provide cleaner air for our nation’s children.
    • Undermining clean air progress by trying to overturn rules that reduce pollution from power plants, cars and trucks , and industrial sources.
    • Taking steps to block new Biden-Harris Administration rules to protect coal and other miners from toxic silica dust.

    Destroy Protections for Our Lands and Waters, including by:

    • Trying to eliminate Presidential authority to establish national monuments altogether.
    • Working to dismantle President Biden’s America the Beautiful Initiative.
    • Threatening to expose cherished landscapes to new drilling, including 13 million acres of special areas in the Western Arctic.
    • Planning to reduce accountability for oil and gas companies.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Force for Good: UN’s Sustainable Development Goals at risk of being missed – 9 urgent actions needed to unlock progress as cost of SDG gap rises by 10% to US$112-136 trillion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • A new report from Force for Good – “Capital as a Force for Good: Shifting the Global Order Through the Mass Mobilization of Solutions” – finds urgent action is needed now to unlock progress and achieve the SDGs
    • It identifies ‘Nine Big Ideas’ that, if scaled globally, have the potential to unlock SDG progress from less than 66% today, to nearly 90% by the end of the decade, helping correct the annual SDG funding gap of US$14-17 trillion
    • Ideas include climate transition frameworks, AI-enabled connectivity, and universal digital financial services, through coordinated action across governments, the private sector and multi-lateral institutions, proposing a high-impact roll-out across the world

    LONDON, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Force For Good: The world is failing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urgent action is needed to unlock progress and overcome the growing annual SDG funding gap, which now stands at US$14-17 trillion, a new report from Force for Good finds, US$112-136 trillion in total, up 10%, due to the costs of global climate transition and development needs in the Global South.

    Today, only 16% of the goal’s 169 underlying targets are on track to be met by 2030, with 50% falling behind, and 30% regressing below their 2015 levels when the SDGs were kicked off, the report finds.

    Nine ‘Big Ideas’, including climate transition frameworks, AI-enabled connectivity, and universal digital financial services, if scaled globally, have the cumulative potential to progress SDG achievement to nearly 90%, from less than 66% today, reigniting exponential progress.

    “This report shows how the global order and the systems itself can be transformed by delivering solutions en masse across the planet, engaging everyone in this endeavour … By leveraging the strengths of governments, private companies, NGOS and mobilising the individual as an agent of change, we can create a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future,” said Ketan Patel, Chair of the Advisory Council.

    The world’s failure to meet the goals is being driven by a series of interrelated economic, political, geopolitical and environmental shocks – including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and Gaza, the energy, cost-of-living and climate crises – interacting with one another to create a ‘polycrisis’ that is diverting attention and resources away from sustainable development.

    A mass and fast roll out of the ‘Nine Big Ideas’, sponsored by appropriate champions across government, private sector or multi-lateral institutions, working with the United Nations, can make a transformative impact on developing countries, while benefitting the global economy.

    While the mass mobilisation of solutions will take a global effort, the largest developing countries, particularly India, China, and Brazil, account for two-thirds of the world’s sustainable development potential. These countries represent the first wave of opportunity in a multi-wave project to realize the future faster.

    Meeting the SDGs is a crucial step for the world in the transition to the next era of human civilization, building a platform on which further breakthroughs and technologies can create a sustainable, secure and superior future.

    About Force for Good

    Force for Good’s mission is to mobilize capital, resources, and ideas as a force for good in the world at a time of profound change. The organization’s Capital as a Force for Good Initiative engages the world’s leading financial institutions and other stakeholders, to promote sustainable development through the deployment of capital and solutions to address global issues and enable the transition to a better future.

    The annual Capital as a Force for Good report, now in its fourth edition, is the result of collaboration with the United Nations and major global financial institutions, assessing the role of capital in addressing the world’s most pressing issues.

    Institutions actively engaged include Bank of America, BlackRock, Bridgewater Associates, Citi, Credit Suisse, Fidelity Investments, First Abu Dhabi Bank, GIC Singapore, Goldman Sachs, Great-West Lifeco, HDFC Bank, HSBC, Investec Group, Japan Post Holdings, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Lloyds Banking Group, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Nordea, Northern Trust, OMERS, Putnam Investments, Schroders, State Street, UBS, Wellington, and others.

    For further details, please visit www.forcegood.org

    CONTACTS

    Force For Good Contact:
    Lesley Whittle
    Lesley.whittle@forcegood.org

    *ESG News is a proud supporter of Force for Good

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Building on 50 years of friendship with Gangwon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The reaffirmation of Alberta’s and Gangwon’s sister province relationship took place in a ceremonial signing between Premier Smith and Governor Kim Jin Tae of Gangwon State, Republic of Korea as part of the Governor’s official visit to the province from Sept. 21 to 25.

    With this renewal, Alberta and Gangwon will strive to build on decades of co-operation by exploring opportunities to expand collaboration in health innovation and life sciences, technology and innovation, sustainable energy development, export growth, investment attraction and sport.

    “This monumental occasion is not just an opportunity to look back at our shared achievements, but also to forge new, mutually beneficial ties together. Gangwon is a valuable friend and partner to our province, and through the reaffirmation of this historic agreement, we are setting the stage to ensure our deep-rooted ties continue to grow even deeper for years to come. I am excited for our continued collaboration, which will enhance trade and investment that grows our economies, secures opportunities for businesses and industries, and ensures a prosperous future for people in Alberta and Gangwon.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “I vividly recall the news about the Gangwon-Alberta Sisterhood Agreement forged 50 years ago, and it is a great honor for me to serve as the Governor during this historical year. On the foundation of longstanding friendship and amity, Gangwon and Alberta now seek to expand their relationship into a robust economic partnership. In addition to the energy, bio-healthcare and sports that will be the part of this visit, we will continue to work closely with Alberta to facilitate substantive collaboration in other future-oriented industries as well.”

    Kim Jin Tae, governor of Gangwon State, Republic of Korea

    A memorandum of understanding establishing the sister province relationship between Alberta and Gangwon, Republic of Korea was originally inked on Sept. 3, 1974, and was the first ever international sister relationship for both Alberta and Gangwon.

    Collaboration under this agreement has traditionally focused on education, culture and sport exchanges, but has expanded over the years to include research and business-to-business relations.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta and Gangwon’s sister province relationship has been a catalyst for several successes over the past five decades. For example: 
      • From 1974 to 2020, Alberta participated in numerous sports exchanges with Gangwon, including alpine and Nordic skiing, whitewater canoeing, wrestling, golf, boxing, soccer, tennis, team handball, fencing and cycling.
      • Since 1984, the University of Alberta’s Kangwon Teachers of Education Program has helped more than 600 Gangwon Province teachers hone their English language teaching skills.
      • In 2015, Alberta’s government provided support for an international research collaboration between the University of Calgary and Gangwon, with additional funding provided by Opti pharm-M & D, Inc., a Gangwon-based biomedical company. The project focused on improving early diagnosis for breast cancer by examining cancer cells and tissue samples to measure biomarker expression in real-time.
    • The Republic of Korea, known informally as South Korea, is an important economic partner for Alberta.
      • Bilateral trade between Alberta and South Korea totalled about $1.3 billion in 2023.
      • Alberta’s total exports to the region in 2023 totalled $940.6 million, and consisted primarily of energy, nickel, meat, wood pulp, canola oil and cereals.
      • Several major South Korean energy companies have Canadian headquarters in Calgary, including KOGAS, Korea National Oil Corp (KNOC) and SK Eco-Engineering.
    • Alberta has a strong and vibrant Korean community, with about 24,000 Albertans with ethnic or cultural origin to Korea.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Dispute panel established to review certain tax credits under US Inflation Reduction Act

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DS623: United States — Certain Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

    China submitted its second request to establish a panel to determine whether certain tax credits under the United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are in line with WTO rules. The United States said it was not in a position to agree to China’s first request in July, justifying its actions as necessary to combat climate change. China stated that the IRA’s subsidies favour US goods over imports, violating WTO rules prohibiting such discrimination.

    The United States expressed disappointment over China’s decision to pursue a panel request and reiterated that the IRA is its most significant step toward clean energy, aimed at ensuring secure and sustainable supply chains for a global clean energy future.

    The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the European Union, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Norway, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and Venezuela reserved their third party rights to participate in the panel proceedings.

    DS597: United States – Origin Marking Requirement (Hong Kong, China)

    For the 12th time, the United States raised the matter of the panel ruling in DS597 at a DSB meeting. The US said it was raising the matter again as a result of recent developments in Hong Kong, China regarding free speech and human rights. The US referred back to its previous statements regarding its position on essential security and its reasons for placing this item on the DSB agenda.

    Hong Kong, China criticized the US for once again raising this matter at the DSB. It referred to previous WTO panels that dismissed US claims that invoking national security in defense of a trade-restrictive measure is entirely self-judging.  Any objections should be heard by the WTO’s Appellate Body, which remains blocked due to the US refusal to allow appointment of new Appellate Body members, said Hong Kong, China.

    China reiterated its firm belief that a restored appeal mechanism is the proper place to address claims of panel error made by the US and rejected in the strongest terms what it said was US interference in the internal affairs of another WTO member.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Speaking on behalf of 130 members, Colombia introduced for the 79th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States repeated that it does not support the proposed decision to commence the appointment of Appellate Body members as its longstanding concerns with WTO dispute settlement remain unaddressed.

    Twenty members then took the floor to comment. Many of these members referred to their previous statements made on this matter at earlier DSB meetings and underlined the urgent need to meet the mandates set out at the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences in 2022 and early 2024 respectively to conduct discussions with the view to having a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024.

    Several members welcomed the progress being made in the formal dispute settlement reform process now underway and the need to accelerate discussions to achieve the 2024 goal.

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of the 130 members, said it regretted that for the 79th occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the DSU to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.

    The DSB chair, Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Saudi Arabia), concluded by expressing his full support for the facilitator in the dispute settlement reform discussions, Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius, in her efforts towards achieving a positive outcome within the mandated time frame.

    Other business

    Surveillance of implementation

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

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

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

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 28 October.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.M. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara, Brunei Darussalam

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.M. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara, Brunei Darussalam.  The Secretary-General and the Sultan exchanged views on the Brunei-UN partnership.  They also discussed the important role of ASEAN in the region.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President  Biden and President Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates Before Bilateral  Meeting

    Source: The White House

    Oval Office

    12:30 P.M. EDT

    PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Sheikh Mohamed, welcome back to Washington. 

    PRESIDENT BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN:  Thank you, sir.

    PRESIDENT BIDEN:  You’ve been a good friend.  Our countries have — our strategic partners have rooted in decades — literally decades of close cooperation and friendship.  And I welcome the chance to open a new chapter. 

    We — UAE is a nation of trailblazers, always looking — always looking to the future, always making big bets.  And that’s something our countries have in common and our people have in common.

    In fact, it’s a cornerstone of our growing cooperation in AI, in clean energy, in space, and investing in infrastructure to connect regions.  And for many years, our forces also stood shoulder to shoulder in the same most difficult places.

    Today, we honor that legacy and carry our relationship forward, as UAB — UAE is going to become a major defense partner of the United States, joining only one other country: India.

    We also will discuss our efforts to end the war in Gaza and a number of regional issues.  I’ve been briefed on the latest developments in Israel and Lebanon.  My team is in constant contact with their counterparts, and we’re working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return to their home safely. 

    Mr. President, I want you to know that I remain committed to the UAE’s security.  And I look forward to our discussion; it’s going to cover a lot of areas. 

    So, again, welcome.

    PRESIDENT BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN:  Thank you, Mr. President.

    (As interpreted.)  Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet with you once again, and I would like to thank you for the warm reception.  And I look forward to continuously discussing our relationship between the two nations. 

    And I would like to reaffirm that the United Arab Emirates has a firm and unwavering commitment to work with the United States of America for the sake of deepening the strategic partnership between our two nations. 

    Once again, Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet you, and I would like to extend to you and the American people the best of wishes. 

    PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.

    Thank you, everyone.

    12:34 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister’s meeting with Vietnam’s State President and Party General Secretary

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 12:17AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in New York on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future at UNGA on 23 September 2024.

    Prime Minister congratulated President To Lam on assuming enhanced leadership responsibilities and expressed hope for continued collaboration towards strengthening bilateral ties between India and Vietnam.

    Prime Minister reiterated his sympathies and solidarity with Vietnam in the face of loss and damage caused by Typhoon Yagi earlier this month. President and General Secretary To Lam thanked Prime Minister for the timely supply of emergency humanitarian assistance and disaster relief by India under Operation Sadbhav.

    Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of deep civilizational and cultural links and growing strategic ties, marked by unwavering mutual trust, understanding and shared interests between the two countries. Recalling the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh to India last month, they discussed prospects of advancing bilateral cooperation and further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The leaders also exchanged views on important regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific and underscored a collective role for Global South at international platforms.

    *****

    MJPS/VJ/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2058085) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: U.S.-UAE Joint Leaders’ Statement Dynamic Strategic  Partners

    Source: The White House

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and President Joseph R. Biden Jr. met today at the White House during an official visit of His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to the United States.  The visit is the first-ever by a President of the United Arab Emirates to Washington and marks the leaders’ fourth bilateral meeting in the Biden-Harris Administration.  The leaders affirmed the enduring U.S.-UAE strategic and defense partnership, bolstered areas of deepening cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and discussed global and regional matters.  The leaders pledged to pursue new opportunities to strengthen their economic and defense partnership; promote peace and stability across the Middle East and wider region; and deliver global leadership on issues of shared importance.  The five decades of U.S.-UAE ties and friendship are rooted in a strong foundation of close collaboration that has underpinned our countries’ prosperity and security. 

    The leaders welcomed the significant progress between the United Arab Emirates and the United States during their tenure through cooperation in building trusted technology ecosystems, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the U.S.-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, and the Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD), all of which serve to uplift economic and trade ties between the two countries. 

    On particular issues of discussion:

    Dynamic Strategic Partnership: Trade and Advanced Technology

    Our countries’ strong foundation of partnership is reflected in our close alignment on key economic objectives and in the excellence of our private sectors that generate more than $40 billion of bilateral trade annually and an access of $26 billion of U.S. exports to the UAE.  The Leaders charted an ambitious course for the United Arab Emirates and the United States to lead global efforts to develop and expand new fields central to the global economy, particularly in advanced technologies and the clean energy required to power Artificial Intelligence.

    They welcomed the partnership between Microsoft and UAE’s Group 42 (G42) through Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in April 2024.  This investment is accelerating joint AI development to bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.

    The leaders further welcomed Microsoft and G42’s ongoing digital transformation in Kenya, which will leverage 1GW of geothermal energy to power data-centers to enable the deployment of cloud infrastructure and AI services for the public sector and regulated industries as well as enterprises.  Further, the partnership will support the development of local Large Language Models and the establishment of an East African Innovation Lab.  Additionally, the partnership hopes to encourage international and local connectivity investments, and collaboration with the government of Kenya to enable digital transformation programs across East Africa.

    These initiatives mark the beginning of our partnership and investments in the responsible deployment of advanced technologies, clean energy, and frontier technologies that will be the engine that powers our interconnected world.

    To meet the promise of this transformational moment and harness the potential of leading-edge technologies to improve human welfare globally, President Biden and His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the Common Principles for Cooperation on AI, endorsed today by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed, and through which the United States and the United Arab Emirates aim to further strengthen cooperation, develop regulatory frameworks, promote the safe and trusted deployment of critical and emerging technologies, and enable enhanced support for joint private-public sector research and academic exchanges.  

    Building on our collaboration in the field of advanced technology, this partnership incorporates safeguards to protect the national security of both countries, enable trusted investments and entrepreneurship, and facilitate cross-border innovation, while creating jobs and facilitating the protection of advanced U.S. technologies and respect for international principles, best practices, and human rights.  Moving forward, the leaders decided to promote the expansion of relationships among scientific, academic, and research and development communities. 

    Strengthening Critical Infrastructure and Supply Chain Resiliencies

    The leaders reviewed progress on efforts to build a more interconnected, integrated world in committing to secure and resilient supply chains through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI). 

    His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Biden discussed progress on the landmark India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) launched at the 2023 G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi together with the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.  The leaders reaffirmed that the corridor – connecting India to Europe by ship-to-rail connections through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe through Greece – will generate economic growth, incentivize new investments, increase efficiencies and reduce costs, enhance economic unity, generate jobs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enable the transformative integration of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

    They underscored that this transformative partnership has the potential to usher in a new era of international connectivity to facilitate global trade, expand reliable access to electricity, facilitate clean energy distribution, and strengthen telecommunication. The two leaders emphasized the importance of joint initiatives to promote a circular economy, reduce waste, facilitate recycling, and advance sustainable practices, underscoring their commitment to innovation for resource efficiency and environmentally responsible growth.

    The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to continue their efforts with international partners and the private sector to connect the continents to commercial hubs and facilitate the development and export of clean energy; support existing trade and manufacturing synergies; strengthen food security and supply chains; and link energy grids and tele-communication lines through undersea cables to expand access to electricity, enable innovation of advanced clean energy technology, and connect communities to secure and stable internet.

    The leaders additionally discussed the importance of ongoing efforts to cooperate on strategic investments in hard infrastructure and critical minerals-supply chains in Africa and emerging markets globally.  These investments aim to diversify sourcing of critical minerals that are essential components to clean energy and advanced technologies, including batteries, wind turbines, semiconductors, and electric vehicles.  President Biden recognized the United Arab Emirates’ leadership in strategic investments globally to ensure reliable access to critical infrastructure including, ports, mines, and logistics hubs through the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Abu Dhabi Ports, and DP World. 

    Both leaders committed to remain in close touch on future investment opportunities and maintain cooperation on strategic investments.  

    The leaders additionally highlighted that the U.S.–UAE 123 Agreement, which provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, is the “gold standard” for securing and propelling the next generation of technologies.

    Partnering to Protect our Planet Through the Clean Energy Transition

    The leaders underscored the importance of U.S.-UAE leadership at COP28, which galvanized world leaders to take action and address the climate crisis.  President Biden thanked His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his extraordinary commitment that was central to the groundbreaking outcomes at COP28 in Dubai resulting in the UAE Consensus. 

    The two leaders recognized that this moment represents a unique opportunity to create sustainable and clean energy jobs, revitalize communities, improve quality of life, and power digital infrastructure with renewable energy across both countries and around the globe.  In this context, the two leaders affirmed their shared commitment to protecting our precious planet and securing a sustainable future for humanity through united leadership across various platforms, including the upcoming COP29 and beyond, which will serve to advance climate action and strengthen global partnerships.

    The two leaders expressed their determination to leverage visionary initiatives, including the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C), the First Movers Coalition, the Net Zero Producers Forum, the Global Methane Pledge, Carbon Management Challenge, the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), the Global Biofuels Alliance, and Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Trust Fund; and encourage commercial partnerships to decarbonize our energy systems, reduce emissions in pursuit of a net zero economy, and deliver prosperity to future generations. 

    President Biden and His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed their strong commitment to collaborate on sustainability and climate resilience, emphasizing their commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. The two leaders underscored their joint efforts in advancing agri-tech and vertical farming innovations, key drivers in enhancing food security for future generations. They highlighted ongoing cooperation in humanitarian initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity in vulnerable regions, particularly through agricultural development and capacity building in climate affected areas. Recognizing the impact of climate change on public health, the leaders emphasized the need to integrate health resilience into comprehensive climate action strategies.

    President Biden also congratulated the United Arab Emirates on its many successes in its two Years of Sustainability (2023-2024), including the recent announcement on co-hosting the next UN Water Conference in 2026 with Senegal, noting the critical importance of accessible and affordable clean water to all; and its significance within various sectors in the clean energy transition, addressing climate change, and the sustainable development agenda.

    Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE)

    Under the U.S.-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, the United States and the UAE are announcing several initiatives that will continue our efforts to ensure a swift and smooth transition towards clean energy. The United States and United Arab Emirates remain committed to investing together in Africa and working to end energy poverty across sub-Saharan Africa.  Today, the UAE-based Averi Finance and AMEA Power are both private sector partners under the U.S.-led Power Africa Initiative, joining an existing partnership with UAE-based company Phanes. As private sector partners, these firms will be offered tailored assistance from transaction advisors and technical experts and can benefit from services offered by participating U.S. government departments and agencies.

    To support the Power Africa initiative, Averi Finance intends to facilitate $5 billion in investments, build 3GW of power generation projects, construct over 3,000 kilometers of transmission or distribution lines, establish over 500,000 new home and business connections, and aim for a CO2 equivalent reduction or avoidance of 90 million tons.  AMEA Power and Power Africa have recently entered into a partnership to accelerate power projects.  AMEA Power is targeting 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Africa by 2030, and to realize this target, intends to mobilize $5 billion in capital. 

    Additionally, under PACE, ADNOC has announced a 35 percent stake in ExxonMobil’s proposed low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Baytown, Texas.  This facility aims to produce up to approximately 900,000 tons of low-carbon ammonia per year, enabling the transition to cleaner fuels in hard-to-abate sectors.  Plynth Energy – a recently established Abu Dhabi government-owned early-stage fund focused on fusion technologies and supply chains – invested in the U.S. company Zap Energy, which plans to build scalable and commercially-viable fusion energy.  This investment will help fund the further development of Zap Energy’s small-format commercial fusion technology. Zap Energy is a participant in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program, and will receive DOE funding based on reaching development milestones to support the design of a fusion pilot plant.

    Lastly, as two of over 155 participants in the Global Methane Pledge, the U.S. and the UAE will accelerate their respective domestic methane reductions, work together to support countries undertaking methane abatement, and call on others to do the same by advancing methane reduction projects, strengthening methane standards and regulations, addressing methane super emitter events, and identifying appropriate financing for methane reduction.

    Partners in Space Exploration

    As founding nation members of the Artemis Accords, His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Biden reinforced the U.S. and UAE’s groundbreaking cooperation in space, the future of human exploration, and our shared interest in deepening our understanding of the universe. 

    The leaders recalled the role of this partnership in the historic launch of the first Arab probe to Mars, the Hope Probe in 2021, and the resulting and ongoing global scientific collaboration and contribution to the study of Mars’ atmosphere.  This strategic partnership in deep space missions is further exemplified by the UAE Space Agency’s announcement of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the first multi-asteroid tour and landing mission to the main belt, with the partner, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder.

    The leaders highlighted the January 2024 Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center agreement with NASA for the Center to provide an airlock for Gateway, humanity’s first space station to orbit the Moon supported by NASA’s missions for long-term Moon exploration under the Artemis Program.  The airlock will allow crew and equipment transfers to-and-from the habitable environment of Gateway’s pressurized modules to the vacuum of space.  This agreement will also enable the first Emirati astronaut to fly to the Gateway for joint exploration of the Moon. 

    This cooperation builds on NASA and the UAE’s previous human spaceflight collaboration.  In 2019, Hazaa Al Mansouri became the first Emirati astronaut to fly to space during a visit to the International Space Station (ISS), where he worked with NASA to perform experiments and educational outreach.  A second Emirati astronaut, Sultan Al Neyadi, launched to the ISS in 2023, where he participated in the floating laboratory’s scientific research to advance human knowledge and improve life on Earth.  The leaders welcomed continued training of astronauts, including two Emirati astronaut candidates in training at the Johnson Space Center, as well as ongoing work on Mars research and scientific studies to support mutual exploration goals.

    Sharing the common spirit and ambition of humanity’s journey in space, the leaders reaffirmed the principles of the Artemis Accords to explore and use outer space for peaceful purposes and usher in a new era of exploration, as well as obligations under the Outer Space Treaty, including the requirement that countries not place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kind of weapons of mass destruction.

    Partners in Security and Defense

    His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed and President Biden praised the strong security and defense partnership with the UAE.  President Biden strongly affirmed the United States’ commitment to the United Arab Emirates’ security and territorial defense, and to facilitating its ability to obtain necessary capabilities to defend its people and territory against external threats.  The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a strong bilateral security and defense relationship and to expanding defense and security cooperation to bolster joint defense capabilities against external threats, including through the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program.

    The leaders affirmed a shared vision of an interconnected, peaceful, tolerant, and prosperous region as outlined by President Biden during the GCC+3 Summit Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 16, 2022.  They reviewed the proud legacy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder, in peace and in conflict, including the UAE’s support for American-led counterterrorism missions since the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington on September 11, 2001, to deter threats, de-escalate conflicts, and reduce tensions globally.  Specifically, the leaders recalled the United States and the United Arab Emirates standing alongside each other in the global coalition against Da’esh, and prior conflicts: Somalia, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

    The leaders reviewed ongoing initiatives and investments in advanced systems that have made the United Arab Emirates one of the most capable U.S. military partners in the region, in addition to a robust schedule of bilateral and multilateral exercises.  They underscored the importance of strengthening efforts to combat regional threats, advance counterterrorism initiatives, reinforce maritime security and counter-piracy efforts, increase security cooperation, and intercept illicit shipments of weaponry and technology. 

    The leaders discussed deepening investment in U.S. defense systems and acknowledged that military-to-military cooperation with the United Arab Emirates’ armed services helps ensure interoperability with the United States through the provision of advanced defense articles and services.  They further decided to explore potential investment in our most advanced defense systems and to maintain regular exchanges to deepen partnership in research and development. 

    The leaders reaffirmed the 2017 Defense Cooperation Agreement, an important step for both countries that underscored their vital and longstanding collaboration in defeating terrorist groups, such as Da’esh and al-Qaida, securing regional stability, and combatting threats against their common interests including terrorist financing.  They underscored the importance of the annual Joint Military Dialogue as the foremost bilateral defense forum for advancing the U.S.-UAE defense partnership, including reviewing shared security interests, as well as discussing strategic objectives for the relationship and challenges in the region, such as maritime security, counter-piracy, counterterrorism cooperation, and domain awareness in the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, and East Africa.  They further noted the recognition by the Security Council in Resolution 2686 that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related forms of intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict.   

    Designation as a Major Defense Partner of the United States

    Acknowledging the U.S. and UAE’s deepening security partnership and cooperation in advanced technology and acquisition, shared interest in preventing conflict and de-escalation, President Biden today recognized the United Arab Emirates as a Major Defense Partner of the United States, joined by only India, to further enhance defense cooperation and security in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean regions.  This unique designation as a Major Defense Partner will allow for unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration, between the military forces of the United States, the UAE, and India, as well as other common military partners, in furtherance of regional stability.

    Both leaders committed to close and sustained cooperation among our militaries. 

    Partners in a Stable, Integrated, and Prosperous Middle East and Wider Region

    The leaders stressed the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law including the UN Charter.

    The leaders discussed persisting and emerging threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider region.  They renewed their commitment to upholding international law, particularly international humanitarian law, work with parties to resolve conflicts and protect civilians, and to provide urgently needed aid to alleviate human suffering.  They reiterated the importance of sustainable and enduring solutions to the security threats in the region, including those posed by non-state terrorist actors.  They discussed the enduring importance of the Abraham Accords and continuing on the path of peace, integration, and prosperity in the region.

    The leaders discussed the war in Gaza. They underscored their commitment to continue working together towards ending the conflict, calling for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2735, and affirmed that all sides to the conflict must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. President Biden commended the UAE’s extraordinary humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which have been critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis, including through the launch of a maritime corridor for movement of aid, opening a field hospital in Gaza, and supporting evacuations of wounded civilians and cancer patients.

    The two leaders emphasized the ongoing need for the urgent, unhindered, and sustained delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance, at a scale commensurate with the growing needs among the civilian population throughout Gaza.  They called on all parties to ensure the safety, security, and sustained access of aid workers to all those in need, and to create the conditions needed to facilitate an effective humanitarian response in Gaza.

    His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed commended the mediation efforts by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, to reach a lasting and sustainable ceasefire and hostage release deal to help end the war in Gaza.  His Highness also echoed the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and stressed the importance of building on this proposal in order to create a serious political horizon for negotiation.  To that end, the leaders discussed a path to stabilization and recovery that responds to the humanitarian crisis, establishes law and order, and lays the groundwork for responsible governance.  The leaders expressed their commitment to the two-State solution, wherein a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state lives side-by-side in peace and security with Israel, as the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with the internationally-recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative.  They stressed the need to refrain from all unilateral measures that undermine the two-State solution, and to preserve the historic status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites, recognizing the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard.

    On the conflict in Sudan, the leaders expressed their deep concern over the tragic impact the violence has had on the Sudanese people and on neighboring countries.  Both leaders expressed alarm at the millions of individuals who have been displaced by the war, the hundreds of thousands experiencing famine, and the atrocities committed by the belligerents against the civilian population.  They stressed that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sudan and underscored their firm and unwavering position on the imperative for concrete and immediate action to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities, the return to the political process, and transition to civilian-led governance.

    Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to de-escalate the conflict, alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the Sudanese people, and prevent Sudan from attracting transnational terrorist networks once again. Noting their shared concern about the risk of imminent atrocities, particularly as fighting continues in Darfur, they underscored that all parties to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and all individuals and groups that commit war crimes must be held accountable.  The leaders emphasized that the priority right now must be the protection of civilians, particularly women, children and the elderly, securing humanitarian pauses in order to scale up and facilitate the movement of humanitarian assistance into the country and across conflict lines, and ensuring the delivery of aid to those in need, especially to the most vulnerable.

    Partners in Cyberspace

    The leaders emphasized that safety and stability in cyberspace is critical for digital economic growth and development, and reaffirmed their commitment to an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable internet, underpinned by the multistakeholder model of internet governance. 

    They committed to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity and to enhance cyber collaboration to protect critical infrastructure, counter malicious cyber activity by state and non-state actors, and noted that the UAE’s significant contributions to the International Counter Ransomware Initiative reflects the strength of our cooperation.  The leaders committed to promote stability in cyberspace based on the applicability of international law including the United Nations Charter, the promotion of voluntary norms of responsible state behavior during peacetime, and the development and implementation of confidence building measures between states. 

    Looking Forward

    The United States and the United Arab Emirates are both entrepreneurial nations, joined together by a relentless focus on the future.  Our aspirations are rooted in a common resolve to pursue innovative partnerships in new fields, including AI, food security, infrastructure investment, and supply chain resilience, even as we continue to strengthen the foundational element of our partnership: our longstanding people-to-people ties.  These connections between our countries drive progress and expand horizons, from clean energy technologies, to AI, defense cooperation, space exploration, and ongoing coordination across priority areas of science, education, and culture.  This first-ever official visit by a President of the United Arab Emirates to the United States sets a new foundation for our countries’ cooperation for decades to come

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks at the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 10:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Excellencies,

    On behalf of India, the world’s largest democracy, and 1.4 billion Indians, Greetings to all of you. In the largest elections in human history held recently in June, the people of India have given me the opportunity to serve them, for a third consecutive term. And today I bring the voice of this one sixth of humanity to you. ,

    Friends,

    When we are discussing Global Future, we must accord the highest priority to a Human centric approach. While prioritizing sustainable development, we must also ensure human welfare, food and health security. By lifting 250 million people out of poverty in India, we have demonstrated that Sustainable Development can be Successful. And we are ready to share this experience of our success with the entire Global South. ,

    Friends,

    Success of Humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield. And for global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential. Reform is the key to relevance! Permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union at the New Delhi Summit, was an important step in this direction. While on the one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, areas such as cyber, maritime and space, are emerging as new theaters of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress, that, Global Action must match Global Ambition!,

    Friends,

    There is a need for balanced regulation for the safe and responsible use of Technology. We need global digital governance, which ensures that national sovereignty and integrity are upheld. Digital Public Infrastructure should be a Bridge, not a Barrier! For Global Good, India is ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the entire world.,

    Friends,

    For India, “One Earth, One Family, One Future” is a commitment. This commitment is also reflected in our initiatives such as “One Earth, One Health”, and “One Sun, One World, One Grid”. India will continue to work in thought, words and deeds to protect the rights of all humanity and for global prosperity.

    Thank you very much.

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister’s Address at the ‘Summit of the Future’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 11:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister addressed the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations in New York today.

    The theme of the Summit is ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’. The Summit witnessed the participation of a large number of world leaders.

    In his address, Prime Minister highlighted India’s vision for shaping a sustainable world for future generations. He noted that he was speaking at the Summit on behalf of one-sixth of humanity which seeks global peace, development and prosperity. Calling for the primacy of a human-centric approach in our collective quest for a bright global future, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s success at scaling sustainable development initiatives and, in this regard, noted that the country had lifted 250 million people out of poverty in the last decade. Expressing solidarity with countries of the Global South, he emphasized that India was privileged to share its development experience with them. He called for balanced regulations to promote safe and responsible use of technology, noting that India is open to sharing its digital public infrastructure for greater public good. He also underlined India’s commitment to “One Earth, One Family, One Future” as a guiding principle.

    Prime Minister noted that reform is key to relevance and called for urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the UN Security Council. He noted that global action must match global ambition. Full remarks of the PM may be seen here. https://bit.ly/4diBR08

    The Summit concluded with the adoption of an outcome document – A Pact for the Future, along with two annexes, Global Digital Compact and A Declaration on Future Generations.

    *****

    MJPS/VJ/SR/SKS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addresses a press conference in New Delhi today on the significant achievements of the first 100 days of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addresses a press conference in New Delhi today on the significant achievements of the first 100 days of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

    Increase of around 314% in expenditure from ₹24819 Cr in FY 2014-15 to ₹1,02,749.46 Cr in FY 2023-24 by 54 Central Ministries to NER

    Increase of Around 152% In Budget Allocation for DoNER Ministry From ₹2,332 Cr  (FY 2014-15) To ₹5,892 Cr (FY 2023-24)

    In Comparison To Period 2009-2014, A 384% Increase in Average Annual Budget Allocation  under Railways Totaling ₹9,970 Cr (FY 2023-24). 1,909 Km Increase in Railway Tracks

    In 100 days 6 Projects worth ₹419.13 Cr have been sanctioned including  for establishing  a State Cancer Institute at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh under PM-DevINE

    Policy reforms for simplification of Scheme Guidelines and Streaming of release of funds

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 9:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region  Shri JyotiradityaScindia addressed a press conference in New Delhi today on the important initiatives, decisions and achievements of the last ten years and first 100 days  of the third term of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    On this occasion,  Union Minister Shri JyotiradityaScindia launched the ‘EkPedMaaKeNaam’ mobile application along with Union MoS for Department of Telecommunications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. This campaign, launched on World Environment Day, 2024, encourages citizens to plant trees to honour their mothers, promoting nationwide environmental awareness and action. By leveraging technology, this  app empowers individuals to contribute to a greener India, fostering a culture of sustainability and community engagement.

     

     

    Addressing the media persons, Union Minister highlighted   the development activities in North Eastern Region by various Ministries/Department of Government of India. He informed that more than ₹5 lakh Cr  has been allocated in NER under 10% Gross Budgetary Support by 54 Ministries. The expenditure in NER has increased from ₹24819 Cr in FY 2014-15 to ₹1,02,749.46 Cr in FY 2023-24.  There is also 152% increase in Budget allocation of MDoNER from ₹2332 Cr in 2014-25 to Rs.5892 Cr in 2023-24.

     

    He said that during the  first ten years of Modi Government, there is 384% of increase in average Annual Budget Allocation of Railways  totaling ₹9970 Cr in 2023-24.  The Annual commissioning was 66.6 KM/year during 2009-2014 which has increased by 170% to   179.78 Km/Year (2014-23). There is 1,909 Km increase in Railway Tracks.19 Railway projects worth ₹81941 Cr are in different stages of execution.

    Talking about the revolutionary work done by the government in the last 10 years, he also highlighted completion of 46,296 Km Rural Roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) with an expenditure of ₹47,279 Cr. He made a mention of laying foundation stone and inauguration of many projects in NER  by Hon’ble PM  on 9th March, 2024 including inauguration of Sela Tunnel  for all weather connectivity to Tawang. Increase in number of airports from 9 to 17 (including operationalization of 72 routes under Udan Scheme), increase in Number of National  Waterways from 1 to 20 and an expenditure of ₹21,151 Cr on education  and establishment of 843 new Schools in NER during last ten years was also mentioned by Hon’ble Minister.

    100 Days Achievements:

    • Union Minister said that the during first 100 days of Modi 3.0, MDoNER has sanctioned 6 Projects worth ₹ 419.13 Cr under PM-DevINE, including establishment of State Cancer Institute at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, 3 Projects worth ₹152.6 Cr. under NESIDS (OTRI)including augmentation of Water Supply System at Namsai Township in Arunachal Pradesh and 5 Projects worth ₹ 370.16 Cr under NESIDS (Roads).

    • Union Minister has informed that guidelines of various Schemes of MDoNER have been simplified to jointly consider concept note and DPR of project proposals in one go to reduce the lead time in conceptualization and sanction of projects substantially. Financial and sectoral demarcation among the schemes of MDoNER have been rationalized and issued on 21.08.2024, to prevent duplication of sanction of projects. Funds flow process for projects sanctioned under Schemes of MDoNER/NEC  has been simplified to enable the release of funds for projects in 4 installments only.

    • MDoNER  has empanelled the Third Party Technical Inspection (TPTI) Agencies and Project Quality Monitors (PQMs) through NEDFi for inspection of ongoing projects to  strengthen the monitoring and inspection mechanism of ongoing projects sanctioned under various schemes of MDoNER.

    • Union Minister informed that  for supporting new Start-ups, Manipur Strart-up Venture Fund  with an initial corpus of Rs. 30 Crhas been initiated and two Start-ups  have received in-principle investment commitments from this fund.

    • The Ministry is organizing Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav-2024 from 6th to 8th December, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi to promote rich heritage, handicrafts, handloom, agri-produce and craft tourism of the North Eastern States.

    • North East Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster for innovation ecosystem: The Ministry of DoNER approved NEST on 13.8.2024, North east Science & Technology Cluster (NEST cluster) ecosystem exclusively for the North eastern Region similar to the S&T Cluster of the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor. 4 Verticals have been approved viz. (i) Innovation Hub on Grassroots Technologies,  (ii) Technology Hub for Artificial Intelligence & Semiconductor (iii) CoE for Innovation in Bamboo based Technology, Entrepreneurial promotion & skill development and Skill Development and (iv) Innovation Centre on Biodegradable, eco-friendly Plastics & Solid-Waste Management. The objective of the NEST cluster is to identify and address the issues and challenges of the people of NER through the technological interventions for the holistic development of North Eastern Region.

    • Launch of North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NE-RACE) Portal: It is a transformative step for the agricultural sector in North East, aligning with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and opening global markets to our farmers.The North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) in collaboration with North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) launched on 12th July 2024  a digital initiative called North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) to provide market linkage for agricultural and horticultural products from the North Eastern Region (NER) in both fresh and processed forms. The NE-RACE digital platform is funded by NEC and is developed and managed by the NEDFi.

    • Development of various Portals – On 22nd July, 2024, a portal was launched for robust monitoring and evaluation of the projects being implemented under various scheme of Government of India’s 54 Ministries/Departments (non-exempted under 10% GBS). The said portal has been developed. All the Ministries have been sensitized through a live demo on 6th September, 2024. This portal will help in robust monitoring and evaluation of the projects being implemented under various scheme of Government of India’s Ministries/Departments. Similarly, a portal has been developed to capture the expenditure being made under the 10% GBS of the 54 non-exempted Ministries/Departments. The expenditure details monitored will be State- wise and scheme-wise by respective Ministries/Departments. The portal will capture expenditure details State wise and scheme wise therefore ensuring effective evaluation and monitoring.

    ***

    MG/PD

    (Release ID: 2058063) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Merkley, Grassley, Hinson, and Adams Shine Light on Stillbirth Prevention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) teamed up with U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day.
    Earlier this year, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act—led by Merkley in the Senate and Hinson and Adams in the House—was signed into law by President Biden to help save the lives of mothers and babies across America. With at least 25 percent of stillbirths being potentially preventable, this resolution stresses the need for continued stillbirth prevention activities in the United States.
    “Thousands of families grapple with the unimaginable pain of stillbirths, and, devastatingly, Black women and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by these tragedies,” Booker said. “By designating September 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention Day, we will help raise awareness, promote research and develop solutions so all mothers and babies, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the care and support they deserve.”
    “A single family affected by stillbirth is one too many. Yet this tragedy impacts thousands across America, upending the lives of individuals and families from all walks of life,” Merkley said. “Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we must do more to reduce the alarming rate of stillbirth, which disproportionately impacts Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native women. This National Stillbirth Prevention Day we recommit to doing everything we can to end this public health crisis, so no one again ever has to experience the trauma of stillbirth.”
    “Iowa has made strides towards reducing stillbirths in our state. This bipartisan resolution recognizes researchers like we have in Iowa, as well as care providers and advocates. It also reaffirms our goal to improve maternal care resources, particularly in rural areas,” Grassley said. “No mom should know the heartbreak of a stillbirth. I’m glad to be partnering on a number of federal legislative efforts to help target contributing factors and save babies’ lives.”
    “Over 21,000 babies are stillborn in the U.S. each year. This rate is unacceptably high, and we must do more to ensure more women experience healthy pregnancies and have healthy babies. I am proud to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to recognize September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention so we can help save more moms and babies,” Hinson said.
    “I was proud to co-lead the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act and see it pass into law this year, which will increase awareness for families on how to prevent this painful, yet common experience. Today we recommit to ending stillbirth and to giving more families a chance to be whole. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to doing my part on behalf of all of America’s families,” Adams said.
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 175 U.S. births tragically result in stillbirth—accounting for nearly 21,000 stillbirths a year—more stillbirths annually than the number of babies who pass away during their first year of life. In the last two decades, the stillbirth rate in the United States declined by a negligible 0.4 percent. In a report published by the World Health Organization comparing progress in improving stillbirth rates, the United States ranked 183 out of 195 countries.
    “For the third year in a row, and under Senator Merkley’s leadership, we pause to recognize the crisis of stillbirth in this country and celebrate progress on stillbirth prevention efforts. When Congress recognizes this important day, when buildings and bridges are lit up across the country, and moms and dads make their voices heard through OpEds and sharing their personal stories of loss — progress happens and lives are saved. We mourn the tens of thousands of babies who should be with their families right now and accelerate progress so no other family has to endure the tragedy of stillbirth,” said Emily Price, Healthy Birth Day Inc. CEO.
    In the Senate, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). Healthy Birth Day Inc., Charles Martin Corvi Fund, Birth and Breastfeeding in Color Inc, American College of Nurse-Midwives, Aaliyah in Action, Yale University Reproductive and Placental Research Unit, Yale University, The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation, Nitamising Gimashkikinaan Our First Medicine Indigenous Perinatal and Lactation Support Circle, Division of Indian Work, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, 1st Breath, 2 Degrees, Dieudonne Foundation, Jace’s Journey, Start Healing Together, In the Arms Of Jesus Grief Support, Healing Our Hearts Foundation, Matties Memory, Society for Reproductive Investigation, March of Dimes, Measure the Placenta, Nurturing Babyhood N’ Beyond LLC, PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, March for Moms, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, Gifts from Liam, Mera’s Mission, and Kansas Birth Justice Society also endorsed the resolution.
    Previous Efforts
    Last year, Booker reintroduced the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act, legislation that aims to reduce the alarmingly high U.S. stillbirth rate. Named after Autumn Joy, a New Jersey baby who was stillborn in 2011, the bill would provide critical resources to states, local public health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other related federal agencies to improve data collection and increase education and awareness of stillbirth in the United States.
    The full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Ricketts, Bera, Wittman Launch Bipartisan, Bicameral Quad Caucus Ahead of Quad Leaders Summit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    September 20, 2024
    [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE)—members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee— joined U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) in launching the bipartisan Senate and House Quad Caucuses. This announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, where President Biden will welcome heads of state from Australia, India and Japan. The Quad is committed to supporting the region’s development, stability and prosperity to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders’ ambitious efforts include major initiatives on infrastructure, maritime security, public-private partnership, climate, health, critical and emerging technologies and space.
    “Over the years, the Quad has represented the United States’ steadfast commitment to the current and future prosperity, strength and stability of the Indo-Pacific region—and proof of our ability to come together with allies and partners to uphold our shared principles,” said Senator Duckworth. “In a strong display of bipartisan support for the region, I’m proud to help launch the Senate’s first-ever Quad Caucus alongside co-chair Senator Ricketts ahead of President Biden’s leaders’ summit this weekend. Together, we’re sending a strong message to our allies and partners—and our competitors—that the United States is here for the long haul.”
    “Partnerships like the Quad are our greatest strength in protecting a prosperous, free and open Indo-Pacific against coercion and malign aggression The launch of the bipartisan Senate Quad Caucus should send a clear signal about the growing importance of the United States, Australia, Japan, and India working closely together in the region. We are committed to finding tangible ways to bolster collaboration with our Quad partners,” said Senator Ricketts.
    “As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly important to global security and economic prosperity, it is essential that the United States continues to strengthen relationships with our Quad partners,” said Congressman Bera. “The launch of the Quad Caucus underscores our shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development in the region. By promoting collaboration on key issues like maritime security, infrastructure, and climate, we can ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all.”
    “Cooperation between the United States, Japan, India, and Australia is crucial for the future stability of the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Wittman. “The Quad’s support for the governance of emerging technologies, countering illegal fishing, and enhanced maritime domain awareness proves that we will build a better future for the region by working together. I am proud to join my colleagues to launch this bicameral, bipartisan Quad Caucus to foster stable collaboration for years to come.” 
    As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been a leader in strengthening relationships with countries in the Indo-Pacific. In July, Duckworth led an official Senate visit to Laos and Vietnam to reinforce America’s commitment to our partners in ASEAN and strengthen U.S.-ASEAN economic ties. In May, Duckworth led a bipartisan delegation to Singapore to participate in this year’s International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue, where she and other Senators reaffirmed our nation’s strong bipartisan commitment to our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific. Last year, Duckworth met with ASEAN leaders on an official Senate visit to Indonesia to reinforce U.S. partnership throughout the region and find opportunities to increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as countering climate change, increasing energy security and ensuring regional stability and freedom of navigation.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Doggett and Senator Warren Lead Members Urging Biden Administration to Lower Price of Popular Weight-Loss Drugs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led an effort to urge the Biden Administration to improve American health and well-being by lowering the cost of vital weight-loss drugs. Specifically, the members are calling for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to use existing legal authority to issue generic licenses for semaglutide, a prescription drug commonly used to treat obesity and diabetes and is sold under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy. Similarly, a coalition of more than 20 organizations has also called on Secretary Becerra to take such action.

    “With a sticker price of up to $1,400 per month, patients can rarely afford Wegovy or Ozempic out-of-pocket and few insurance plans offer complete coverage due to the prohibitive cost,” the members wrote. “One study has found that covering these drugs for just 10% of Medicare beneficiaries with obesity would cost taxpayers $27 billion a year. Coverage for all Americans would cost nearly $1 trillion. A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the cost to cover these drugs would outweigh any savings from reduced utilization of associated health services and treatments.” 

    “Manufacturers will frequently cite the cost of innovation and the need to recoup research and development costs as the reason for charging sky-high prices.  Yet, time and again, this is debunked,” the members continued. “In the case of Ozempic and Wegovy, the manufacturer has earned over $38 billion in revenue from these two drugs and Goldman Sachs Research predicts revenue will reach $100 billion within this decade.  Meanwhile, last year, the manufacturer spent nearly twice as much on enriching its shareholders with stock buybacks and dividends ($8.95 billion) than on research and development ($4.71 billion).

    Under Section 1498, a more than a century-old statutory authority, the Biden Administration may lower prices by permitting generic competitors to license patented inventions in exchange for reasonable compensation to the brand-name manufacturer. By exercising this existing authority, HHS could help stabilize the health care market while meeting high consumer demands at more affordable prices.

    Additional signers include Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Cori Bush (MO-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Greg Casar (TX-35) and Barbara Lee (CA-12).  

    The letter in full can be found here and below. 

    Dear Secretary Becerra:  

    We write to strongly urge you to use your existing legal authority under 28 U.S.C. § 1498 to protect the public’s health and safety to ensure reasonable prices on semaglutide, a prescription drug sold under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy and commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity.  By utilizing your competitive licensing authority to permit generic competitors to Wegovy and Ozempic, you can stabilize supplies at a time of enormous demand and lower outrageous prices that have severely limited access to these life-changing drugs.  

    Approximately 38 million, or one in ten, Americans has diabetes, and an additional 100 million American adults have prediabetes. Nearly one-third of adults are overweight and 42% are obese.  Diabetes and obesity are associated with heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and more.  Yet, the federal government has failed to restrain Big Pharma price gouging to ensure patients can afford the newest treatments.   

    With a sticker price of up to $1,400 per month, patients can rarely afford Wegovy or Ozempic out-of-pocket and few insurance plans offer complete coverage due to the prohibitive cost.  One study has found that covering these drugs for just 10% of Medicare beneficiaries with obesity would cost taxpayers $27 billion a year.  Coverage for all Americans would cost nearly $1 trillion. A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the cost to cover these drugs would outweigh any savings from reduced utilization of associated health services and treatments. 

    Due to budget-busting prices, only 16 states offer state employee or Medicaid coverage for these drugs.  About 34% of employer plans offer coverage and only about 1% of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans do the same.  Put another way, 99% of consumers with Marketplace plans have no access to these drugs, while 66% of workers with private employer plans and 68% of state employees and Medicaid recipients are denied access.  The few insurers that offer coverage for Ozempic and Wegovy often include several restrictions to limit the financial impact.  For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs requires patients with diabetes to try and fail with two or more medications before the VA will cover Ozempic.    

    We do not condemn the states and insurers that have limited access to these drugs under such difficult circumstances.  It would be irresponsible to offer unlimited coverage when prices are also unlimited.  The North Carolina State Health Plan ended coverage after spending $100 million in a single year on these drugs—spending that would have required insurance premiums to double to offset the cost. If half of all Americans with obesity could access these drugs, it would cost an estimated $411 billion a year, more than all existing prescription drug spending in the U.S. 

    We do not need to waste taxpayer dollars, bankrupt health systems, or deny patients access to effective treatments.  We can save consumers’ health and be fiscally responsible by stopping Big Pharma monopoly abuse.  These drugs cost Americans up to 15 times more than patients in peer countries like Canada, Japan, Germany, the UK, and Denmark. There is no reason for Americans to pay the world’s highest prices, substantially more than other wealthy Nations, for the exact same medicines.  

    Manufacturers will frequently cite the cost of innovation and the need to recoup research and development costs as the reason for charging sky-high prices.  Yet, time and again, this is debunked.  In the case of Ozempic and Wegovy, the manufacturer has earned over $38 billion in revenue from these two drugs and Goldman Sachs Research predicts revenue will reach $100 billion within this decade. Meanwhile, last year, the manufacturer spent nearly twice as much on enriching its shareholders with stock buybacks and dividends ($8.95 billion) than on research and development ($4.71 billion).   

    The exorbitant prices paid by Americans are financing corporate greed, not innovation.  While we recognize the important role of the private sector in research and development and support the ability to make a reasonable profit, industry interests should not outweigh meeting health and safety needs for all consumers and providing accountability to taxpayers.  When manufacturers use their monopoly power to extract unfair and unjustified prices at the expense of consumers, the federal government must restrain such abuse.   

    Under Section 1498, the Administration has the clear authority to license generic competition on any patented invention “used or manufactured by or for the United States.”  Rightly, patentholders are entitled to reasonable compensation set by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.  This law ensures Americans may access important goods while protecting the rights of inventors and providing fair compensation.  For over a century, this authority has been used across technologies, ranging from fraud detection banking software and electronic passports to methods of removing hazardous waste.  Section 1498 has also been used to authorize generic, lower cost drugs, and just the threat of this authority, has incentivized brand-name manufacturers to voluntarily cut prices.   

    You have the opportunity and responsibility to dramatically improve health care access and achieve substantial taxpayer savings by using Section 1498 to authorize generic competitors to Ozempic and Wegovy.  We strongly urge you to use your clear statutory authority and stand ready to assist in your efforts to deliver long overdue relief to American taxpayers and consumers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister chairs High Level Task Force meeting on air pollution in Delhi-NCR

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister chairs High Level Task Force meeting on air pollution in Delhi-NCR

    Reviews various measures being undertaken to prevent and abate air pollution in Delhi-NCR

    Emphasized on the need to shift to e-vehicles and also develop EV charging infrastructure in NCR areas

    Calls for strict implementation of the actions listed in GRAP

    Ensure commitment in eliminating paddy stubble burning across Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh: Principal Secretary

    Various steps to improve preparedness for dealing with the issue of adverse air quality in Delhi-NCR decided in the review meeting

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 8:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a High-Level Task Force meeting today at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to assess the readiness of stakeholders in addressing the issue of deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, particularly as the winter season approaches.

    The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing efforts to tackle pollution from various sources, including paddy stubble burning, vehicular emissions, road and construction dust, solid waste management, and diesel generator (DG) sets. Dr. Mishra emphasized the critical importance of strict and timely implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by all relevant agencies to mitigate worsening air quality during the winter months.

    Chairman, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Shri. Rajesh Verma presented details on the upcoming paddy straw generation, estimating 19.52 million tonnes in Punjab and 8.10 million tonnes in Haryana. Both states have committed to eliminating stubble burning this year. Punjab plans to manage 11.5 million tonnes of its paddy straw through in-situ crop residue management and the rest via ex-situ methods. Haryana will similarly manage 3.3 million tonnes in-situ and use ex-situ methods for the remainder. Over 1.50 lakh crop residue management (CRM) machines will be available in Punjab, supported by 24,736 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), while Haryana has 90,945 CRM machines supported by 6,794 CHCs.

    In addition, 2 million tonnes of paddy straw will be co-fired in 11 thermal power plants across the NCR region. The meeting stressed the need for regular monitoring of thermal plants to ensure co-firing targets are met, with penalties for non-compliance.

    Regarding industrial pollution, CAQM informed that 220 out of 240 industrial areas in the NCR region are now equipped with gas infrastructure, with the remaining areas set to be connected soon. Dust pollution from construction and demolition (C&D) activities is being remotely monitored through a web portal, with mandatory registration for projects over 500 square meters.

    Dr. Mishra instructed Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to rigorously monitor and implement action plans aimed at eliminating stubble burning as committed in their action plans. He stressed the need for full utilization of CRM machines, strengthening the supply chain for ex-situ management, and supporting small industries in briquetting and pelletizing operations to enhance the economic use of paddy straw. Strict enforcement actions against violators, with appropriate penalties and record entries, were also highlighted.

    Principal Secretary also requested Chief Secretary’s of NCR region states to augment their e-Bus services in the region. PM eBus Sewa Scheme aims to increase the e-Buses in our country by 10,000 e-Buses. States/UTs should judiciously aim to use the scheme to increase their fleet of eBuses.

    He also emphasized on the importance of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam program and its sentimental value for every individual should be used in greening the City.

    In terms of firecracker pollution, state governments and law enforcement agencies were asked to strictly enforce bans and restrictions, while the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was urged to expedite the collection of biomasses and accelerate the construction of compressed biogas (CBG) plants.

    The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Dr.T.V Somanathan, Delhi Police Commissioner and key officials from the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Power, Petroleum, Road Transport, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Animal Husbandry, along with representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and the Chief Secretaries and their representatives from the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and UT of Delhi.

    *****

    GS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SHS 2024 Campaign Hits 25% Cleanliness Milestone in 5.6 Lakh CTUs by Day 7!

    Source: Government of India

    SHS 2024 Campaign Hits 25% Cleanliness Milestone in 5.6 Lakh CTUs by Day 7!

    Over 3 Crore citizens have joined in voluntary action to transform urban and rural India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 8:37PM by PIB Delhi

    It’s Day 7 of SHS 2024 campaign, themed “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata,” and a noteworthy milestone has already been achieved! In just seven days since the campaign began, 25% of the identified Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) have already been transformed into clean spaces and beautified. More than 5 lakh CTUs – dark, difficult, and neglected spots – have been targeted for cleanliness drives across the nation. This initiative is one the significant pillars of the two-week campaign running from 17thSept., to 2ndOct., 2024, as Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U) completes an iconic decade of swachhata.

    For SHS 2024, more than 15 lakh events are taking place nationwide under the three pillars of Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi (CTUs), Swachhata Mein Jan Bhaagidaari and SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir, engaging over 3 Crore citizens. So far, cleanliness initiatives in CTUs are actively underway in over 4 lakh locations nationwide, showcasing impressive participation across various States. Over 1 lakh such units have already been transformed. Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront, having cleaned and transformed over 45,000 CTUs. Tamil Nadu follows closely with more than 28,000 units addressed, while Bihar has successfully tackled over 19,000 target areas, over 18,000 CTUs have already been transformed in Rajasthan, whereas Andhra Pradesh has completed transformation for nearly 17,000 target locations.

     

     

     

    As part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, over 1 million trees have been planted so far. In the past week, more than 7,000 food streets were cleaned, and nearly 50,000 cultural festivals showcasing regional traditions were held.

     

     

     

     

    Various Central Ministries are actively participating in Swachhata Hi Seva with large-scale cleanliness drives at designated CTUs, as well as plantation drives, cyclothons, plogathons, and cultural festivals. Leading from the front many State CMs initiated cleanliness drives at CTUs, launched SafaiMitra Shivirs, offered shramdaan, as the campaign rolled out nationally. Union Ministers also joined the ground action by actively participating in pledges, plantation drives, and other initiatives across the nation.

    Reaffirming their dedication to cleanliness in every aspect of daily life, states, urban local bodies, gram panchayats, faith organizations, NGOs, CPSUs, central ministries, and other state governments have united in action for Swachhata Hi Seva 2024. With growing momentum and active participation nationwide, the visible impact on the ground is significant. This collective effort not only strengthens the campaign but also advances the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban, aiming for garbage-free cities.

    *****

    Sushil Kumar

    (Release ID: 2058045) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Organises Cleanliness and Plantation Drive Under Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign-2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 8:28PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs organised the Mass Cleanliness Drive Program today with Shramdaan for Swachhata under Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Jan Andolan to achieve the objective of clean India. Nationwide “Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan 2024”is being observed from September 14th, 2024, to October 1st, 2024 on the theme of Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachhata. The Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan 2024 aims to create greater awareness about the importance of cleanliness and environmental stewardship, with tree plantation being a key activity. This initiative is a part of the government’s efforts to promote a clean and green India under the Swachh Bharat Mission, to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of its launch in 2014 by  Prime Minister on 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti).

     

    Shri Umang Narula, Secretary and Dr. Satya Prakash, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs led the Mass Cleanliness Drive at and around Kerala Education Society Sr. Sec. School, R. K. Puram, New Delhi. Officers and members of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs along with School children took part in the Shramdaan for the cause of Swachhata.

    A Cleanliness drive was undertaken for about three hours in the school besides its park and on the road in front. It was magnificent group of enthusiastic citizens including small school going children who were full of resolve to ensure cleanliness and make Garbage Free Bharat a reality. Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs thanked all the participants who contributed to a much-cherished dream of implementing Swachhata across the country.

     

    In line with the campaign, a tree plantation drive was conducted under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan, led by Shri Umang Narula, Secretary and Dr. Satya Prakash, Addl. Secretary, MoPA in Kerala Education Society Sr. Sec. School. The tree plantation symbolizes the Ministry’s commitment to environmental conservation besides its protection and the promotion of a cleaner and greener India.

    This event underscores the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to uphold the values of cleanliness and environmental responsibility as part of its larger mission to serve the public good. “Trees play an important role in keeping our environment clean. By providing clean air, they make us healthy.

     

    To imbibe the spirit of Swachhata amongst students, an Essay writing competition was also held in the same school on the theme of SHS 2024 “Swabhaav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata”wherein around 120 students from different classes participated.

     

    To encourage students, Secretary, MoPA awarded best three students of Essay competition with Cash prize and certificates for their performance in Essay writing competition.

     

    On the eve of Mass Cleanliness Drive, the Secretary, MoPA, underscored the significance of this campaign encouraging students of Kerala Education Society Sr. Sec. School and officials from MoPA to actively engage in promoting cleanliness and hygiene. Highlighting Mahatma Gandhi’s vision and  Prime Minister’s mission, Secretary emphasised the need for collective efforts to make cleanliness a regular practice, aiming to create a cleaner and healthier environment for students and communities.

    The Chairman of Kerala Education Society, Shri K. P. Menon informed that they have a very active Eco Club in their School consisting of hardworking and dedicated students with a most progressive mindset to keep their surroundings green and clean. He also thanked Secretary and Addl. Secretary of MoPA for choosing their School for Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign – 2024 .

    ***

    SS/KC

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addresses press conference to share important decisions and achievements taken by the Department of Posts in the 100 days of the third term of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addresses press conference to share important decisions and achievements taken by the Department of Posts in the 100 days of the third term of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

    15,466 Dak Chaupals conducted nationwide

    3400+ exporters onboarded on Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra

    DIGIPIN pilot completed in 1 town & 10 villages

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 8:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia along with Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar today addressed the media on achievements of the Ministry of Communications (DoT& DoP) and Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DONER)in 100 days of the Government in New Delhi. Secretary (Telecom), Secretary (Department of Post), Secretary DONER and senior officials of the ministries were present.

    Speaking at the Conference, Minister Scindia shared that “With the resolve of ‘Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa’ the India Post Department in the last 100 Days has focused on amplifying financial inclusion, incorporating new technology and applying a new approach to policy reforms.”

     

       

    Press Conference at National Media Centre

    The Department of Posts has accomplished significant milestones as part of its 100-day action plan, aimed at enhanced service delivery and operational efficiency for the benefit of the nation. Through a series of strategic initiatives, the Department has not only streamlined its services but also brought essential government schemes and programs closer to citizens, particularly in rural areas. From empowering rural exporters to creating a digital infrastructure for standardized addressing, the Department’s efforts have touched various facets of citizens’ lives. Key objectives such as holding more than 5000 Dak Chaupals, onboarding more than 3000 exporters on Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra, launching DIGIPIN as pilot in 1 town & 10 villages have successfully been completed.

    Details on the above achievements:

    Dak Chaupal: Bringing services to rural doorsteps –

    The Dak Chaupal initiative has proven to be a resounding success, with the Department organizing 15,163 Dak Chaupals nationwide, far surpassing the initial expectations. These Chaupals have facilitated vital government services directly at the rural level, engaging over 8.52 lakh citizens, with 44% of participants being women. The Dak Chaupal initiative enabled on-spot account opening, Aadhaar updates, and enrolment in various government schemes like Jan Suraksha, thereby significantly enhancing the accessibility of essential services in rural regions in a manner that actively contributes to the broader goals of “Vittiya Sashakhtikaran and Samaveshan”.

    Utersoo, Srinagar, J&K

    Mandapeta, Rajahmundry
     Andhra Pradesh Circle

     

    Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK): Boosting rural exports

     

    Under the Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK) initiative, the Department on-boarded more than 3,400 new exporters to support rural and small-scale exporters. This program, closely aligned with the ‘One District—One Product’ initiative, has provided exporters with services such as market information, documentation support, and paperless customs clearance. By doing so, the DNK has empowered micro-entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses to access global markets through postal channels easily. In the past 100 days, over 1.07 lakh shipments were processed under the DNK scheme, resulting in Rs. 8.50 crore in postage revenue and an export value of Rs. 23.01 crore. Additionally, Seven Exporters awareness workshops involving DGFT, MSMEs, Export Promotion Councils, State authorities and exporters were also organized.

     

    Glimpses from the workshop on Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra at Indore

     

     

    Standardized Geo-Coded Addressing System: Revolutionizing service delivery

    The Standardized Geo-Coded Addressing System has also made significant strides with successfully completing a pilot program in 10 villages and 1 town. This initiative aims to establish a digital public infrastructure for a standardized, geo-coded addressing system in India, which can simplify addressing solutions for citizen-centric delivery of public and private services to enable “Address as a Service” (AaaS) in India. This will simplify addressing across India by using automated DIGIPIN allocation using SVAMITVA data and other open-source GIS data. The beta version of DIGIPIN was launched on 19th July 2024, marking a key achievement in developing this system. The Department has forged key partnerships, including an MoU with the National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs, to further enhance this initiative.

     

    These partnerships aim to leverage advanced technologies and expertise to provide precise mapping and addressing solutions, ultimately revolutionizing service delivery across the country. This grid-based system will be a robust pillar of Geospatial Governance, leading to enhancements in public service delivery, faster emergency response, and a significant boost to logistics efficiency.

     

    The Post Office Act, 2023

     

    The Post Office Act, 2023 came into effect on 18th June 2024, replacing the Indian Post Office Act of 1898. This forward-thinking legislation has modernized the postal system, addressing both contemporary challenges and future needs. By focusing on improving customer experiences and service delivery mechanisms, the new Act positions the Department of Posts to be more responsive to the evolving requirements of citizens, embodying the principle of “Dak Sewa Jan Sewa.” The subordinate legislation, including the Post Office Rules, 2024 and Regulations 2024, are currently in the process of issuance.

     

    Indo-Africa Postal Leaders Meet

     

    Visit to India Post Mail Processing facility in  Mumbai

     

    Delegates at the closing ceremony of the

    India Africa Postal Leaders Meet

    The Indo-Africa Postal Leaders Meet, the first such event, was hosted by India from June 21st to 25th, 2024. It brought together over 50 senior delegates from 22 African countries, alongside representatives from the Universal Postal Union. The event highlighted India’s successful postal service model and underscored the critical role of postal services in financial inclusion and capacity building. It also opened new avenues for collaboration in postal technology and service delivery under the South-South and Triangular Cooperation framework.

    Delegates visit to Dak Chaupal in

    Navi Mumbai  Region

     

    Tracked Packet Service expansion

     

    On the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Postal Union Executive Council meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on 17th Aug 2024, India Post & Thailand Post signed the commercial document for a competitive bilateral exchange of Tracked Packet service between the two countries. This is an important step towards promoting cross border e-commerce exports.

     

     

     

    DBT disbursal to beneficiaries of Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

     

    The scheme Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin, launched by the Maharashtra Government in June 2024, aims to provide financial assistance and empowerment to women in the state and provides for disbursal of Rs.1,500 every month to eligible women, among other benefits. The IPPB has successfully disbursed approximately 465.5 crores in accounts of 15.51 lakh beneficiaries.

     

    MoU between Department of Posts & Khadi and Village Industries Commission

     

    Unit Verification

    A New Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Posts & Khadi and Village Industries Commission on 20.8.2024 for Physical Verification of the units set up by first-generation entrepreneurs. This verification will facilitate the adjustment of government subsidy to the loan account of beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Around 1.35 lakh PMEGP units will be verified by the end of FY 2024-25. Proof of concept has been completed successfully, and Roll out for the actual Physical Verification process PAN India will start after the completion of training to Officials of the Department of Posts .

     

    Increasing E-Commerce footprint in the NER

     

    In a major boost to its e-commerce operations, the Department entered into a strategic partnership with Amazon on 27th June 2024 to enhance its delivery services across the Northeast Region (NER). Under this collaboration, consignments booked in Guwahati are seamlessly transmitted and delivered by the Department to all states in the region. The range of items being handled includes apparel, household goods, mobile accessories, beauty products, books, toys, appliances, and sporting goods among others. In just the last two months, approximately 35,000 consignments have been successfully booked, generating a revenue of Rs. 31 lakh. This partnership is a significant step towards strengthening the Department’s e-commerce capabilities in the NER, improving access to essential products, and boosting regional connectivity through its extensive postal network.

     

    Leveraging PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

     

    The Department of Posts has gone live on the National Master Plan (NMP) portal, marking a key step in enhancing infrastructure and operational planning through geospatial technology. The Department now has its own dedicated layer on the NMP, alongside a separate portal embedded within it. Over 1.29 lakh assets of the Department have been mapped on this platform, organized into 14 data layers (4 administrative and 10 thematic) with detailed attributes for optimized decision-making.

    The use of layers and attributes of other Ministries/Departments on NMP and the Department of Posts’ layers by functional divisions/field formations of the Department will be a vital tool for functional divisions of the Department and administrative units for planning postal infrastructure and operations. Possible use cases are (a) visualization of all postal facilities on a single map for more efficient planning, (b) PIN code mapping, (c) route optimization (trucking routes, postmen’s beat), (d) planning outreach programmes for special schemes, (e) estates planning – ownership of land, category of land – forest etc.

     

     

    In consultation with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics       (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, an application has also been developed free of cost for the Department of Posts. With this application, additional assets can be mapped on NMP and already mapped assets can be updated so that postal infrastructure data is the latest available data. Circle/Region/Division /Functional Divisions of the Postal Directorate will be able to use the data.

     

     

     

    Under the able guidance of the Hon’ble Minister of Communications Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Department of Posts seeks to enhance citizens’ quality of life and promote inclusive growth and development nationwide through these new initiatives.

     

    *****

    MG/PD/DP

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal attends series of meetings and interaction with stakeholders on first day of Australia visit

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 7:50PM by PIB Delhi

    On the first day of his visit to Australia, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry had several productive engagements with various stakeholders in Sydney today, September 23, 2024.

    The Minister attended a business roundtable hosted by the Business Council of Australia in which prominent Australian and Indian CEOs participated. The Minister invited Australian business leaders to explore the opportunities presented by the high and sustained economic growth in India.  

    The Minister also met senior representatives from the Australian pension funds. Discussions focused on the robust policies and reform agenda of the Government of India which have boosted investor confidence. The Minister encouraged greater investments into the emerging sectors in the Indian market viz renewable energy, manufacturing, education, fintech, agritech etc.

    The Minister had a productive meeting with Ms Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia regarding ways to strengthen collaboration in the critical minerals sector between India and Australia. The Minister also met Mr. Joel Katz, Managing Director of the Cruise Lines International Association to explore opportunities for enhancing coastal tourism in India. The Minister interacted with Mr. Robin Khuda, Founder & CEO of AirTrunk and discussed India’s digitalisation growth and the significant potential for collaboration in the data infrastructure sector between India and Australia.

    The Centre for Australia-India Relations hosted a lunch in honour of the Minister with members of their Director network. 

    The Minister interacted with the representatives of the Indian community at a reception hosted by the Consulate General of India at Sydney Cricket Ground. He offered prayers at the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Parramatta and recalled his previous visit to the temple in 2022. The event was attended inter-alia by Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Chair of Parliamentary Friends of India and Hon Warren Kirby, Member of NSW legislature and Co-chair of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India. 

    Before proceeding to Adelaide on 24th September 2024, the Minister’s official bilateral engagements include the reception hosted in his honour by Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) and NSW Parliamentary Friends of India in the Parliament of New South Wales. A number of political dignitaries and prominent business representatives are expected to attend the event. 

    ***

    AD/VN

    (Release ID: 2058010) Visitor Counter : 47

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addresses press conference to share important decisions and achievements taken by the Department of Telecommunications in the 100 days of the third term of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addresses press conference to share important decisions and achievements taken by the Department of Telecommunications in the 100 days of the third term of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Shri JyotiradityaScindia says “Initiatives aims to ensure that digital and infrastructural links are ubiquitous, facilitating access to essential services and opportunities to all.”

    These initiatives reaffirm to expanding and enhancing India’s Telecom ecosystem, for a more digitally empowered future

    DoT’s initiative,’Ek Ped MaaKe Naam’ App also gets launched, combining environmental responsibility with a personal touch

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The Minister of Communications (Department of Telecom & Department of Post) and Development of Northeastern Region (DONER), Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia today said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s governmenthas prioritized connectivity for every citizen across the nation. He said, the initiatives of Department of Telecommunications aim to ensure that digital and infrastructural links are ubiquitous, facilitating access to essential services and opportunities. He emphasized that maintaining this connectivity is crucial for fostering inclusive growth and development throughout India.

    Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia along with Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekharwas addressing the media on achievements of the Ministry of Communications (DoT& DoP) and Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DONER)in 100 days of the Government in New Delhi. Secretary (T), Secretary (DoP), Secretary DONER and senior officials of the ministries were present.

    Shri JyotiradityaScindia also launched ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam(EPKMN) App, a uniqueinitiative of DoT, where citizens can plant a tree in honour of their mother and record the location, latitude, longitude, and timestamp of the dedicated tree.The app allows them to update the tree’s growth by uploading a new image every 30 days, allowing for continuous tracking.(The android application can be downloaded from https://usof.gov.in/en/ek-ped-maa-ke-naam).

     

    Highlighting the accomplishments of the Department of Communications during the first 100 days of the government, Minister Scindia gave a detailed outline of the work done. He pointed out that DoT has successfully completed several key initiatives as part of the Government of India’s 100-day programme. He said, during this period, DoT has made significant strides in strengthening the four goals of a developed telecom ecosystem – Samaveshit (ubiquitous connectivity fuelling inclusive growth), Viksit (developed India through triad of perform, reform and transform), Tvarit (accelerated development and swift resolution), and Surakshit (safely and securely). The major achievements of 100-day programme are:

     

    Samaveshit

    Under various initiatives funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (Erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)), 4G mobile coverage is being expanded to uncovered villages across India. These efforts are focused on regions such as aspirational districts, the North-Eastern region, border areas, islands, and areas affected by left-wing extremism. A total of 7,101 4G mobile towers have been commissioned by Telecom Service Providers (Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel & BSNL) under various Digital Bharat Nidhi funded 4G schemes including 4G Saturation scheme. Out of these 4G towers 2,618Towers have been made on-air since June 2024.

     

    5G technology has reached almost all districts of India. As of today, 98% districts in India have presence of 5G technology thereby empowering citizens with highspeed data network. 5G networks have been rolled out in all States/ UTs across the country and more than 4.5 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have been installed across the country.

     

    Viksit

    Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Bharat 6G Vision in March 2023 with the objective to be a front-line contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030. In line with the Bharat 6G Vision and to support India’s prominence in 6G technology and develop the 6G RAN for the world, the DoT invited proposals from academia, industry, and other bodies engaged in R&D. So far 111 project proposalshave been processed for funding to expedite the research under “Accelerated research on 6G Ecosystem”.

     

    • 100 5G Labs 

    Labs with indigenously developed 5G technology are being set up at 100 institutions, equally distributed across four zones in the country. The labs are being set up with the aim of capacity building in new telecom technologies and creating use cases in various socio-economic sectors for 5G technologies in collaboration with academia and start-ups. From June 2024 onwards, 41 out of the total 100 labs have been installed making the cumulatively installed labs to 81.

     

     

     

    A Centre of Excellence (CoE) on “Classical and Quantum Communications for 6G” has been established at IIT Madras.Another MoU has been signed between the Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE) India and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) – Visvesvaraya Research & Innovation Foundation (VRIF) to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Quantum Technology, focusing on associated 5G/6G technologies. TheseCoE will serve as a hub for innovation bringing together industry and academic experts to collaborate on cutting edge project in advance telecommunication technologies to foster and spearhead the development and deployment of 6G technology

     

    A MoU has been signed between TCoE India and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Gandhinagar for setting up of Centre of Excellence on Telecom Security. The MoU envisages strengthening the National cyberspace by securing the Telecom network and to develop an Indian telecom network security stack to enhance security of the nation’s communication infrastructure.

     

     

    Sangam Digital Twin with AI Driven Insights:Digital Twin with AI-Driven Insights is an initiative to revolutionize infrastructure planning. This two-stage initiative began with a creative exploration phase designed to build confidence among participants through networking events.Over 150 organizations and experts participated in Stage-I in the form of networking events held in July 2024, demonstrating a willingness and foundational capability to develop the envisioned ecosystem for advanced infrastructure planning.In the Stage-II of Sangam development and demonstration of specific use cases are being planned.

     

    PoC of Metro route planning: DoT, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have successfully conducted a Proof of Concept (PoC) to demonstrate the feasibility of using aggregated telecom data for metro route planning addressing privacy challenges. PoC explored solution’s flexibility to evolve and tackle ridership issues in ongoing metro projects by accurately identifying catchment areas, analysing arrival times, assessing interchange durations, utilization optimize operations, generating an Origin-Destination (OD) matrix for metro network planning and improving ongoing operational strategies. The promising results achieved endorse the Sangam Digital Twin initiative and represent a significant first step.

    To boost domestic manufacturing, investments and export in the telecom and networking products PLI scheme with a financial outlay of ₹ 12,195 Crores over a period of 5 years has been initiated. So far, 42 PLI beneficiary companies, collectively invested Rs. 3,718 crores achieved sales of Rs. 57,498 crore including export of Rs. 11,506 crores and direct employment of 22,315.

     

    Tvarit

    MSME Certification assistance scheme:DoTlaunched reimbursement scheme aimed at easing financial burdens for startups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the telecom sector. With the objective of fostering domestic manufacturing, attracting investments and enhancing exports, the scheme will reimburse up to INR 50 lakhs per startup or MSE for testing and certification costs essential for product quality and market access.

    With an objective of improving the telecom network performance, benchmarks will be gradually tightened for key network parameters like network availability, call drop rates, packet drop rates, etc. In this regard, TRAI has released its revised regulations, “The Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wirelines and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024 (06 of 2024)’.

    To update the existing laws and to address the challenges of the Telecom sector, Central Government enacted Telecommunications Act, 2023 on 24th Dec 2023. The Act replaces colonial era’s Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. Enforcement of its provisions and rules will enable effective and modern regulation of Telecom sector. It will provide clearly defined framework for Spectrum assignment and its optimal utilization, Effective and efficient RoW framework, Strong provisions for National Security and Public emergency, etc

    In accordance with section 1(3), the Central Government has on 21.06.2024 issued Gazette Notification enforcing sections 1,2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61 and 62 of the Telecommunications Act w.e.f. 26.06.2024. The Department has also, on 04.07.2024, notified sections 6 to 8, 48 and 59(b) of the Act w.e.f. 05.07.2024.

    Draft Rules for Security related provisions have been published for public consultation. Public consultation on draft rules for Adjudication, Amateur Station Operator and Commercial Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency to operate Global Maritime Distress and Safety System has been completed. Two set of rules i.e. Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 and Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 have come into force through gazette notification dated 31.08.2024 and 18.09.2024 respectively.

    • Spectrum Auction

    Spectrum Auction in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands was held in June 2024. A total of 141.4 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2500 MHz bands were sold at a market determined price of Rs. 11340.78 crores.

     

    Surakshit

    DoThas developed an online secure Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) under Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) Project for sharing information related to misuse of telecom resources among the stakeholders on near real time basis for prevention of cyber-crime and financial frauds. Different stakeholders are being onboarded on it including Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), law enforcement agencies, RBI, banks, financial institutions (FIs), GSTN, UIDAI and social media platforms. 32 States/UTs police, Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) have on boarded this platform during Jul-Aug 2024.

    Till date 750 users of various stakeholders have on boarded on DIP. These stakeholders include field units of Department of Telecommunications (DoT), telecom service providers (TSPs), MHA, Indian Cybercrime coordination centre (I4C), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), 32 States/UTs police, 460 banks, FIs, fintechs, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), SEBI, GSTN, IRCTC and social media platforms

     

    The Department of Telecommunications, through these 100 days achievements, reaffirm to expanding and enhancing India’s telecom infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, fostering innovation and preparing the country for a more digitally empowered future.

    ****

    MG/PD/DP

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Manohar Lal inaugurated COMPUTER SECURITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM – POWER (CSIRT–POWER) facility

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal inaugurated COMPUTER SECURITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM – POWER (CSIRT–POWER) facility at Northern Regional Power Committee, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi,today.

    On the occasion Union Minister said the CSIRT Power facility is a significant step forward in the mission to protect one of the most vital components of our national infrastructure—our power infrastructure.

    Shri Manohar Lal also said that  the threats we face today are unlike those of the past. Cyberattacks have emerged as a serious and growing concern, capable of causing significant disruptions with far-reaching consequences. The power sector, being at the heart of our national infrastructure, is a prime target for such attacks.

    He said that the CSIRT-Power, which is being inaugurated today, is a proactive response to these challenges. It is more than just a facility—it is a fortress, built to defend our power system from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

    The power sector’s digital infrastructure faces heightened threats from nation/state-sponsored adversaries with advanced capabilities. The existing sub-sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) lack the necessary legal mandate, resources, and skilled professionals to address cybersecurity incidents effectively. The sector’s ongoing digital transformation has expanded the attack surface, increasing vulnerabilities. Additionally, compliance with the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013, requires the establishment of sectoral CERTs, emphasizing the need for centralized coordination to strengthen cybersecurity efforts and support constituent utilities in decision-making and specialized responses.

    In response to potential cyber threats, the Ministry of Power, as part of the 100-day initiatives, following the National Cyber Security Policy and in collaboration with CERT-In, initiated the creation of a specialized Computer Security Incident Response Team for the power sector (CSIRT-Power). Equipped with advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, and key resources, CSIRT-Power is now well-prepared to tackle emerging threats. With a dedicated team of experts, it is set to become a cornerstone of the sector’s cyber defence, coordinating incident response, establishing a strong cybersecurity framework, and implementing crucial measures to enhance overall preparedness and resilience.

    The primary objective of CSIRT-Power is to build and enhance the cybersecurity resilience in the Indian Power Sector, through a structured and coordinated approach. The associated key objectives are:

    1. To serve as the responsible agency for responding to and preventing cybersecurity incidents within the power sector.
    2. To ensure a prompt and coordinated response to cyber threats in power sector.
    3. To collect, analyze, and share information regarding power sector-specific cyber threats.
    4. To ensure implementation of proactive measures to increase cybersecurity awareness and  improve the overall cybersecurity posture of the power sector.
    5. To promote sector specific best practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and security policies.
    6. To provide cybersecurity expertise and assistance to constituent utilities.
    7. To enhance cybersecurity in the power sector through capacity building measures like training, development of standards, and incident response drills, collaboration with educational institutions and industry.
    8. To facilitate cooperation among stakeholders in the power sector to build awareness and strengthen collective cybersecurity efforts.

    ****

    SUSHIL KUMAR 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman at the United Nations Development Program Event “Mobilizing Africa’s Sixth Region: Helping Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century”

    Source: USAID

    DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR ISOBEL COLEMAN: Good afternoon. Thank you to our colleagues at UNDP for bringing us together today, and to our partners joining the discussion. 

    It’s a pleasure to be with you as we explore the promise of African-led innovation in education, technology, and entrepreneurship to drive global progress.

    All of us here today know that the African continent is a powerhouse of promise. This year, the continent is poised to be the world’s second fastest-growing region – Africa is home to 12 of the 20 fastest growing economies on the planet. 

    The African continent also boasts an exceptionally young and growing population, with 60 percent of its inhabitants under the age of 25, and by 2040, Africa will have the largest workforce in the world – larger than China and India combined.

    If we are going to achieve the SDGs and build the peaceful and prosperous world we all seek to advance, we must invest in harnessing that enormous potential. 

    This past March, I visited Atlanta to take part in the Phambili Trade and Innovation Event. While in Atlanta, I started discussing with Helene Gayle, the President of Spellman college, the potential for connecting American Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, with universities and colleges in Africa – harnessing cultural ties, and connecting young people pursuing careers in STEM on both sides of the world, empowering the next generation of students that could develop relationships and trade between the continent and the United States. 

    Since then, USAID has been in conversation with Spellman and other HBCUs about making this idea a reality, starting with one class that could count toward the HBCU students’ college degrees. 

    The idea blossomed, and in May of this year, USAID officially announced the launch of this program during the official visit of Kenyan President Ruto to the United States.

    EdTech Africa will pilot in Kenya featuring a select cohort of students from two to three HBCUs in the United States – Howard University and the Atlanta University Consortium – and three Kenyan Universities – University of Nairobi, University of Embu, and the Open University of Kenya – focusing on data science.

    In addition to academic coursework, the partnership will provide workforce development training in association which will require a collaborative project as a capstone to the class. 

    They will also participate in an entrepreneurship bootcamp in Atlanta sponsored by Mastercard and project based work sponsored by Microsoft at their Microsoft Africa Research Institute in Nairobi. 

    This hands-on approach will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. 

    This is just the first partnership under EdTech Africa that will develop enduring connections with industry and between African and U.S. institutions focused on technology research and development and private-sector job growth. 

    The EdTech Africa initiative is poised to make a significant impact at a time when Africa is experiencing rapid digital transformation characterized by technological advancements, increased connectivity, and emerging job opportunities. 

    To thrive in this new digital landscape, a safe and secure ecosystem is essential, and the EdTech Africa initiative will contribute to building such an environment. 

    The United States is eager to partner with Africa to uplift the next generation of innovative, African-led solutions – helping generate broadly shared opportunity and prosperity that benefits families and communities across the continent, and sustainable growth that benefits economies across the world. 

    These are just a few of the ways USAID is investing in Africa’s future. 

    But we know our work is not done. 

    The African continent is teeming with potential to drive the next generation of global progress, and now, it’s up to all of us – governments, partner countries, UN organizations, and the private sector – to invest in that potential.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Auction for Sale (re-issue) of (i) ‘7.04% GS 2029’, ‘7.23% GS 2039’ and (iii) ‘7.09% GS 2054’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 7:10PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India (GoI) has announced the sale (re-issue) of (i) “7.04% Government Security 2029” for a notified amount of ₹12,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method, (ii) “7.23% Government Security 2039” for a notified amount of ₹12,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method and (iii) “7.09% Government Security 2054” for a notified amount of ₹10,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to ₹2,000 crore against each security mentioned above. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on September 27, 2024 (Friday).

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

    Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on September 27, 2024. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

    The result of the auctions will be announced on September 27, 2024 (Friday) and payment by successful bidders will be on September 30, 2024 (Monday).    

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

    ****

    NB/KMN

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    Read this release in: Hindi

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