NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Continued decline in new HIV cases in 2024 reflects success of prevention and control efforts in Hong Kong (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Department of Health (DH) today (April 3) summarised the situation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and released the findings of a survey on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) in Hong Kong in 2024. The decline in the number of new cases of HIV infection in Hong Kong for the ninth consecutive year and a prevalence rate well below the global average reflected the success of Hong Kong’s prevention and control efforts. However, due to the high proportion of late presentation, the DH encouraged the public to undergo HIV antibody testing, and to use condoms regularly and correctly to minimise the risk of HIV infection.

    “In the year of 2024, the DH received 365 new HIV cases, including 297 males and 68 females aged between 14 and 89. Among the cases with a reported route of transmission, 312 cases (99 per cent) acquired the infection through sexual contact, including 216 through homosexual or bisexual contact and 96 through heterosexual contact. Almost half of the cases (44 per cent) were reported by public hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, followed by Acquired Immuodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) service organisations. The cumulative total of locally reported HIV infections since 1984 is 12 403. The prevalence of HIV infection among the general public in Hong Kong remained at 0.1 per cent, well below the global average, demonstrating the effectiveness of AIDS control and prevention in Hong Kong,” said the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Public Health Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Bonnie Wong.

    “A total of 74 new AIDS cases, including 63 males and 11 females, were reported during the same period. Since 1985, a cumulative total of 2 557 confirmed AIDS cases has been reported in Hong Kong. The most common AIDS-defining illness was Pneumocystis pneumonia,” she added.

    Although the number of new HIV infection has declined for nine consecutive years since 2015, the proportion of late presenters among newly reported cases in Hong Kong has been as high as 40 to 50 per cent, with a higher proportion of late presenters among those not belonging to high-risk populations, such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and sex workers.

    Late presenters refer to individuals with a very low CD4 cells (one kind of immune cell) count (less than 200 cells/mm3) or those who have already progressed to AIDS at the time of HIV diagnosis. Late presentation indicates that these individuals were not diagnosed and put on treatment in a timely manner at an earlier stage of infection, resulting in a weakened immune system. Late presentation can lead to an increased risk of opportunistic infections and malignancies, leading to a higher mortality rate. In addition, as a result of an unsuppressed viral load, late presenters contribute to an increased risk of HIV transmission in the community.

    In addition, the DH has recently completed a community survey related to transmission risk of HIV and STIs, titled “HIV/AIDS Response Indicator Survey 2024 for Female Sex Workers” (HARiS 2024 for FSWs).

    “The survey is a public health surveillance programme conducted by the DH to regularly monitor the situation of HIV infection and the related risk behaviours among female sex workers to guide the implementation of the Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong (2022-2027). The survey revealed that the proportion of respondents who had their last HIV test in the preceding year increased from 37 per cent in a similar survey in 2022 to 55 per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions. Since the Strategies’ target of 80 per cent has not been achieved, prevention efforts should continue. The survey also revealed that condom use among respondents was generally satisfactory, with 99 per cent of respondents using condoms when having sex with non-regular clients. However, condom use when having sex with regular clients was less consistent among some respondents, indicating the need to strengthen the condom promotion programme,” Dr Wong said.

    She reminded members of the public to use condoms consistently and properly to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV and STIs. In addition, vulnerable populations at higher risk of contracting HIV and STIs (including men who have sex with men, FSWs and their clients and injecting drug users) should undergo HIV and STI testing regularly, at least once a year. People with HIV should seek specialist care and HIV treatment as soon as possible for viral suppression and health restoration. The DH will continue to collaborate with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to raise awareness and knowledge among FSWs on HIV and STI prevention.

    There are community resources available that enable members of the public to undergo HIV antibody testing. Members of the public can reserve a free, anonymous and confidential HIV antibody test by visiting the HIV Testing Service website or calling the AIDS Hotline (2780 2211). They can also order HIV self-test kits (oral fluid-based and blood-based (finger prick) testing kits) on the HIV Testing Service website, and collect the self-test kits at various pick-up locations in Hong Kong.

    ​Dr Wong stressed that HIV infection is a manageable chronic disease. Early HIV treatment with antiretroviral drugs can effectively prevent the progression to AIDS and other complications. Lifelong antiretroviral treatment is indicated for all people with HIV, and the treatment remarkably improves their health and possibility of survival. Moreover, those who achieve sustained viral suppression to an undetectable level with treatment will not transmit the virus through sex, i.e. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

    The public may visit the following pages for more information on HIV/AIDS: the Virtual AIDS Office, the Red Ribbon Centre, the HIV Testing Service website and the Gay Men HIV Information website.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HARBOUR AND SEA TRAINING PHASE OF INTERNATIONAL CREW OF IOS SAGAR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Navy’s maiden initiative of Indian Ocean Ship Sagar (IOS Sagar) concluded its harbour and sea training phase at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, and the ship with her crew, has left for Karwar.

    44 International trainees of 09 friendly foreign countries underwent a specially curated training capsule ranging from basic seamanship activities to state-of-the-art simulator training. Truly signifying the motto of ‘One Ocean One Mission’, the international crew was trained together on various facets of Communication skills, Firefighting and Damage Control drills, Visit Board Search & Seize (VBSS) procedures and finer aspects of Bridgemanship. Simulator based practical trainings were imparted to equip the crew with dynamic challenges of maritime domain. The training interactions also facilitated a forum for exchange of best training practices and procedures. Over the past decades, Indian Navy’s maritime training institutions have trained over 20,000 officers and sailors from over 50 FFC ranging from ab initio training to trade specific professional courses enhancing maritime expertise and capability.

    In addition, the international crew was also exposed to sea training along with the Indian Navy crew of INS Sunayna by the Indian Naval Work Up team. The sea training was aimed at acclimatising the international crew with Indian Navy’s systems and procedures enabling them to operate as a well-knit and cohesive unit during the forthcoming deployment.

    IOS Sagar is a unique example of fostering deeper maritime understanding and promoting regional stability and cooperation. Indian Navy’s collaboration with the regional Navies reaffirm commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests and capacity building with partner nations across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    *****

    VM/SPS                                                                                                        75/25

    (Release ID: 2118199) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 8 April – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Development will meet on 8 April to discuss the following files:

    • Jointly with the Committee on Foreign Affairs : exchange of views with EU institutions and partner organisations on the crisis in South Sudan;
    • Exchange of views with the Commissioner for International Partnerships Mr Jozef Síkela, in the frame of the structured dialogue on the Commission Work Programme;
    • Exchange of views with the Commission and humanitarian partners on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon;
    • Exchange of views with the Commission on the humanitarian assistance in response to the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand;
    • Debriefing by the Chair of the delegation and exchange of views on Nutrition for Growth follow-up with the participation of the European Commission and the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement in the frame of the Development Committee ad hoc delegation to the Nutrition for Growth Summit, Paris, 27-28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swissmedic joins the Management Committee of the IMDRF

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Swissmedic has been accepted as a member of the Management Committee (MC) of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). The decision was made on 14 March 2025 at the 27th IMDRF meeting in Tokyo, Japan. The IMDRF is an international platform composed of regulatory authorities from around the world. Their common goal is to promote harmonisation and cooperation in regulatory matters relating to medical devices.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi extends condolences over passing of Laos’ former president

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

    BEIJING, April 3 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, extending his deep condolences over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former president of Laos and former chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended profound condolences to the LPRP, the Lao government and people over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, and expressed sincere sympathies to his family on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and people, and in his own name.

    In the message to Thongloun, also General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, Xi hailed Comrade Khamtay as a steadfast communist, outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao party and state, and close comrade and friend of the CPC and the Chinese people.

    Xi also said Khamtay had devoted his life to Laos’ reform and socialist development, making significant contributions to the development of relations between the two parties and two countries, adding that the Chinese people will always cherish his memory.

    Noting that China and Laos are socialist neighbors linked by the same mountains and rivers, Xi said the two countries are not only good neighbors, but also good friends, good comrades and good partners.

    He noted that China attaches great importance to consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two parties and two countries, and stands ready to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future and the continuous progress of their respective socialist causes.

    Xi also expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the LPRP headed by General Secretary Thongloun, Laos would continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of building the party and the country.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of OMO Purchase auction held on April 03, 2025 and Settlement on April 04, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    I. Summary OMO Purchase Results

    Aggregate Amount (Face value) notified by RBI : ₹20,000 crore
    Total amount offered (Face value) by participants : ₹80,820 crore
    Total amount accepted (Face value) by RBI : ₹20,000 crore

    II. Details of OMO Purchase Issue

    Security 7.04% GS 2029 6.54% GS 2032 8.24% GS 2033 7.50% GS 2034 7.54% GS 2036 7.23% GS 2039
    No. of offers received 26 129 46 26 63 86
    Total amount (face value) offered (₹ in crore) 5,242 17,046 12,758 5,493 14,005 26,276
    No. of offers accepted 3 17 10 7 8 7
    Total offer amount (face value) accepted by RBI (₹ in crore) 1,050 3,128 6,660 1,335 4,002 3,825
    Cut off yield (%) 6.3549 6.5007 6.5887 6.5837 6.6293 6.6388
    Cut off price (₹) 102.46 100.20 110.70 106.31 107.08 105.34
    Weighted average yield (%) 6.3577 6.5229 6.6017 6.6032 6.6429 6.6431
    Weighted average price (₹) 102.45 100.08 110.61 106.17 106.97 105.30
    Partial allotment % of competitive offers at cut off price NA 45.71 NA NA NA NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/23

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with US hit hardest

    ANALYSIS: By Niven Winchester, Auckland University of Technology

    We now have a clearer picture of Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and how they will affect other trading nations, including the United States itself.

    The US administration claims these tariffs on imports will reduce the US trade deficit and address what it views as unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices. Trump said this would

    forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed.

    The “reciprocal” tariffs are designed to impose charges on other countries equivalent to half the costs they supposedly inflict on US exporters through tariffs, currency manipulation and non-tariff barriers levied on US goods.

    Each nation received a tariff number that will apply to most goods. Notable sectors exempt include steel, aluminium and motor vehicles, which are already subject to new tariffs.

    The minimum baseline tariff for each country is 10 percent. But many countries received higher numbers, including Vietnam (46 percent), Thailand (36 percent), China (34 percent), Indonesia (32 percent), Taiwan (32 percent) and Switzerland (31 percent).

    The tariff number for China is in addition to an existing 20 percent tariff, so the total tariff applied to Chinese imports is 54 percent. Countries assigned 10 percent tariffs include Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    Canada and Mexico are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, for now, but goods from those nations are subject to a 25 percent tariff under a separate executive order.

    Although some countries do charge higher tariffs on US goods than the US imposes on their exports, and the “Liberation Day” tariffs are allegedly only half the full reciprocal rate, the calculations behind them are open to challenge.

    For example, non-tariff measures are notoriously difficult to estimate and “subject to much uncertainty”, according to one recent study.

    GDP impacts with retaliation
     Other countries are now likely to respond with retaliatory tariffs on US imports. Canada (the largest destination for US exports), the EU and China have all said they will respond in kind.

    To estimate the impacts of this tit-for-tat trade standoff, I use a global model of the production, trade and consumption of goods and services. Similar simulation tools — known as “computable general equilibrium models” — are widely used by governments, academics and consultancies to evaluate policy changes.

    The first model simulates a scenario in which the US imposes reciprocal and other new tariffs, and other countries respond with equivalent tariffs on US goods. Estimated changes in GDP due to US reciprocal tariffs and retaliatory tariffs by other nations are shown in the table below.

    The tariffs decrease US GDP by US$438.4 billion (1.45 percent). Divided among the nation’s 126 million households, GDP per household decreases by $3,487 per year. That is larger than the corresponding decreases in any other country. (All figures are in US dollars.)

    Proportional GDP decreases are largest in Mexico (2.24 percent) and Canada (1.65 percent) as these nations ship more than 75 percent of their exports to the US. Mexican households are worse off by $1,192 per year and Canadian households by $2,467.

    Other nations that experience relatively large decreases in GDP include Vietnam (0.99 percent) and Switzerland (0.32 percent).

    Some nations gain from the trade war. Typically, these face relatively low US tariffs (and consequently also impose relatively low tariffs on US goods). New Zealand (0.29 percent) and Brazil (0.28 percent) experience the largest increases in GDP. New Zealand households are better off by $397 per year.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world (all nations except the US) decreases by $62 billion.

    At the global level, GDP decreases by $500 billion (0.43 percent). This result confirms the well-known rule that trade wars shrink the global economy.

    GDP impacts without retaliation
     In the second scenario, the modelling depicts what happens if other nations do not react to the US tariffs. The changes in the GDP of selected countries are presented in the table below.

    Countries that face relatively high US tariffs and ship a large proportion of their exports to the US experience the largest proportional decreases in GDP. These include Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, South Korea and China.

    Countries that face relatively low new tariffs gain, with the UK experiencing the largest GDP increase.

    The tariffs decrease US GDP by $149 billion (0.49 percent) because the tariffs increase production costs and consumer prices in the US.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world decreases by $155 billion, more than twice the corresponding decrease when there was retaliation. This indicates that the rest of the world can reduce losses by retaliating. At the same time, retaliation leads to a worse outcome for the US.

    Previous tariff announcements by the Trump administration dropped sand into the cogs of international trade. The reciprocal tariffs throw a spanner into the works. Ultimately, the US may face the largest damages.

    Dr Niven Winchester is professor of economics, Auckland University of Technology. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi and Beatty Reintroduce Legislation to Address Affordable Housing Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03) reintroduced the bicameral HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act to address America’s housing crisis. 

    Since 1992, the state of California has received over $5.7 billion from the HOME program as it built or preserved 125,167 homes benefiting 48,499 families. This bill will increase the amount of federal funds available for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Companion legislation in the U.S. Senate is led by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV). 

    “While Republicans are cutting critical housing funding and evicting families, Democrats are focused on building new homes for working Americans,” said Representative Garamendi. “The Bay Area is facing a housing crisis where minimum wage workers must work nearly 96 hours a week to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment. This is unacceptable. This bill reauthorizes the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to provide states and local governments with the funding to construct and rehabilitate affordable rental housing and provide homeownership opportunities for working families. I’m thankful to Senator Cortez Masto for introducing the companion legislation in the Senate, and we will work every day to ensure this bill passes.” 

    “For over thirty years, the HOME program has provided critical funding for states to tackle the ever-growing housing crisis that is afflicting our country,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “From young professionals looking to grow their family, to seniors that need critical home repairs, hardworking Ohioans deserve safe, affordable housing – and this legislation makes it possible. I am proud to join Senator Cortez Masto and Congressman Garamendi in counteracting Republican-led attempts to cut critical housing funding for the American people. Instead, this legislation authorizes ample funding for the HOME program for the next five years; powering Ohio housing equality forward.” 

    The HOME program is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments to create affordable housing for low-income households. Since 1992, HOME has supported a wide variety of housing needs, from financing new construction and home repairs to funding down payment and rental assistance. It also provides additional funding to housing developments financed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, helping the program serve more extremely low-income people including seniors, veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities. 

    The program was last reauthorized in 1994 and needs critical updates to better address today’s housing crisis. 

    This bill, the HOME act, would: 

    • Authorize $5 billion in HOME funding for fiscal year 2025 and boost the funding for the program five percent annually through 2029. This legislation would address chronic underfunding of the affordable housing investment program.
    • Improve HOME’s ability to provide down payment assistance to homebuyers and home repair assistance to homeowners.
    • Enable HOME funds to support Community Land Trusts and other shared equity homeownership programs.
    • Increase access to HOME funds for nonprofits and provide state and local governments loan guarantee options that would allow them to leverage their future HOME funds for investments today. 

    The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (MD), John Fetterman (PA), Michael Bennet (CO), Jacky Rosen (NV), Tina Smith (MN), and Chris Van Hollen (MD), and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Andre Carson (IN-7), Judy Chu (CA-28), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Bill Foster (IL-11), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). 

    The bill is also supported by the National Council of State Housing Agencies, Institute of Real Estate Management, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, National Association of Realtors, Enterprise Community Partners, National Apartment Association, National Multifamily Housing Council, National NeighborWorks Association, National Community Development Association, National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, Council of State Community Development Agencies, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Grounded Solutions Network, and Habitat for Humanity. 

    You can find the full bill text HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Monkeys are world’s best yodellers – new research

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) – photograph by Dr Jacob Dunn, Anglia Ruskin University

    A new study has found that the world’s finest yodellers aren’t from Austria or Switzerland, but the rainforests of Latin America.

    Published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B and led by experts from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Vienna, the research provides significant new insights into the diverse vocal sounds of non-human primates, and reveals for the first time how certain calls are produced.

    Apes and monkeys possess special anatomical structures in their throats called vocal membranes, which disappeared from humans through evolution to allow for more stable speech. However, the exact benefit these provide to non-human primates had previously been unclear.

    The new research has discovered that these vocal membranes, which are extremely thin and sit above the vocal folds in the larynx, allow monkeys to introduce “voice breaks” to their calls.

    These voice breaks occur when the monkeys switch sound production from the vocal folds to the vocal membranes. The calls produced possess the same rapid transitions in frequency heard in Alpine yodelling, or in Tarzan’s famous yell, but cover a much wider frequency range.

    The study involved analysis of CT scans, computer simulations and fieldwork at La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. There, researchers recorded and studied the calls of various primate species, including the black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella), black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis), and Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek).

    New World monkeys, whose range stretches from Mexico to Argentina, were found to have evolved the largest vocal membranes of all the primates, suggesting these thin ribbons of tissue play a particularly important role in their vocal production and repertoire of calls.

    The study also revealed that the “ultra-yodels” produced by these monkeys can involve frequency leaps up to five times larger than the frequency changes that are possible with the human voice, and while human yodels typically span one octave or less, New World monkeys are capable of exceeding three musical octaves.

    “These results show how monkeys take advantage of an evolved feature in their larynx – the vocal membrane – which allows for a wider range of calls to be produced, including these ultra-yodels.

    “This might be particularly important in primates, which have complex social lives and need to communicate in a variety of different ways.

    “It’s highly likely this has evolved to enrich the animals’ call repertoire, and is potentially used for attention-grabbing changes, call diversification, or identifying themselves.”

    Senior author Dr Jacob Dunn, Associate Professor in Evolutionary Biology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    “This is a fascinating example of how nature provides the means of enriching animal vocalisation, despite their lack of language.

    “The production of these intricate vocal patterns is mostly enabled by the way the animals’ larynx is anatomically shaped, and does not require complex neural control generated by the brain.”

    Lead author Dr Christian T Herbst, of the Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology at the University of Vienna

    “Our study shows that vocal membranes extend the monkey’s pitch range, but also destabilise its voice. They may have been lost during human evolution to promote pitch stability in singing and speech.”

    Professor Tecumseh Fitch, an expert in human vocal evolution from the University of Vienna and co-author of the study

    In addition to ARU and the University of Vienna, experts from Osaka University and Ritsumeikan University in Japan, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia also contributed to the research.

    The paper is published by the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, and is available here https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2024.0005

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brave the beast in mythical dragon egg expedition this Easter

    Source: City of Leeds

    Families across Yorkshire can hunt for dragon eggs and mythical beasts at Lotherton this Easter as immersive new expedition swoops in.

    Launched at the weekend, Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs has transformed the estate’s grounds into a world of legend and adventure with colourful characters and mysterious eggs.

    Part egg hunt, part treasure trail, budding young explorers are invited to use a map to search for the 12 lost nests, each holding a unique clue to collect and decipher. Along the journey, visitors will discover dragons from around the world – from the misty highlands of Wales to the sacred temples of Japan and the icy tundras of the Arctic – learning about their magical traits and fiery origin stories. 

    The historic Lotherton Hall will also be home to an Explorer’s Study exhibit, where visitors can peek into the fantastical world of dragon hunting.

    The quest is led by kooky character Professor Ailfrith Pendragon, who will recount tales of her adventures and how to train dragons at the Explorer’s Basecamp, where explorers can also toast marshmallows or participate in dragon-themed craft.

    A particularly scaly Leeds legend has also made Wildlife World his home for the quest. Partial to Yorkshire pudding, the lesser-seen Aberford Ashenback dragon will be putting on a captivating display.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “This is an incredible Easter experience at Lotherton, so immersive and exciting for the whole family. It takes the Easter egg hunt to a different level!”

    Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs runs throughout the Easter holidays (5 – 21 April). It is included in Lotherton general admission (free for Lotherton members), with additional charges for Explorer’s Basecamp activities, payable on site. Advanced booking is strongly recommended.

    More info and to book: Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HIV cases drop in 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A total of 365 HIV infection cases were reported last year, the ninth consecutive year of declines since 2015, the Centre for Health Protection announced today.

    Despite the continuing drop in the number of HIV infection cases, the centre said the proportion of late presenters among newly reported cases has reached as high as 40% to 50% in recent years, and advised the public to use condoms consistently and properly to reduce the risk of infection.

    Of last year’s HIV cases, 297 were reported in males and 68 in females.

    A total of 216 cases involved homosexual or bisexual contact, 96 were via heterosexual contact, and the transmission route of the remaining cases was not reported.

    The cumulative total of infection cases is 12,403 since 1984.

    Since 1985, a cumulative total of 2,557 confirmed AIDS cases have been reported in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NATO must be ‘stronger, fairer, and more lethal’ Foreign Secretary to say

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    NATO must be ‘stronger, fairer, and more lethal’ Foreign Secretary to say

    UK to highlight ironclad support for Alliance and push Allies to increase defence spending.

    • UK says NATO must stay strong and united to boost our collective defence in face of generational threat from Russia

    • Foreign Ministers’ summit follows biggest sustained increase in UK defence spending since the Cold War, delivering security for hardworking British people

    • Allies set out their ironclad support for Ukraine in NATO-Ukraine Council

    The UK will encourage NATO Allies to step up defence spending to support Euro-Atlantic security as the Foreign Secretary arrives in Brussels for the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting today (Thursday 3 April).

    He will say that making NATO stronger, fairer, and more lethal is key to protecting the conditions for growth at home.

    As the Alliance steps up to face long-term and interconnected threats from Russia and its enablers , the UK will tell Allies that it’s our collective duty to boost defence spending and deter our adversaries. Increases in defence spending mean more and better capabilities, keeping us safe.

    While Russia and other actors work to destabilise Euro-Atlantic societies, the UK is playing its part, with the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the Cold War, hitting 2.5% from April 2027 and rising to 3% in the next parliament.

    Increasing defence spending by £11.8bn between now and 2027/28 will protect the conditions for growth and security at home, putting money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. Between 2023-24 the defence sector supported more than 430,000 jobs across the UK.

    In the NATO-Ukraine Council, the Foreign Secretary will discuss the practical planning undertaken by the UK, France, and other Allies to prepare and deploy as a Coalition of the Willing in the event of a peace deal.

    While Putin continues to delay and obstruct on a move to a ceasefire, the UK and Allies have doubled down to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s barbaric invasion. Ukraine has shown its strong commitment to peace, yet Russia’s on-going bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure has not ceased. 

    The Foreign Secretary will tell Allies that now is the time to maximise pressure on Putin, through every economic lever possible, to force him to the negotiating table. 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Keeping our country safe is the Government’s first duty, and NATO is the cornerstone of our security, both at home and abroad.

    That’s why we have announced the biggest investment to defence spending since the Cold War.

    Allies must spend more, produce more and deliver more on defence so NATO can become stronger, fairer and more lethal – boosting our collective defence ensures that NATO is ready for the threats and challenges we face.

    At the meeting David Lammy will discuss shared security threats and challenges with counterparts from NATO, as well as the EU and NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners – Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. This includes the challenges China poses to both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security, especially its enablement of Russia’s illegal war.

    The NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting follows a week of meetings on regional security with Allies and partners across Europe.

    On Sunday the Foreign Secretary visited STRIKFORNATO, the naval command centre for the Allied Command Operations outside of Lisbon, before heading to the Weimar Plus Foreign Ministers Meeting in Madrid on Monday, where he urged partners to take a united approach to the global challenges posed by Russia’s war machine. He also visited British and other NATO troops stationed in Kosovo to maintain stability in the Western Balkans.

    On Tuesday, the UK added Russia to the UK’s Foreign Influence Registration Scheme to expose interference attempts on British soil.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Urgently Seeks USD 17.3 Million to Support Communities Hit Hardest by Myanmar Earthquake

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Bangkok, 3 April 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 17.3 million to respond to the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in critical need of humanitarian assistance.   

    “The immediate needs of those affected include shelter, food, health services, water, sanitation, and mental health and psychosocial support. Vulnerable populations, including children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, are at heightened risk of family separation, trafficking, abuse, and gender-based violence,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.  

    IOM and local partners are working around the clock to collect information on the impact of the earthquake through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to help assess the critical needs of the affected communities, in coordination with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).  

    The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks are the largest to hit Myanmar in over a century and have caused widespread destruction across central Myanmar, including Mandalay, Sagaing and Bago regions, along with Nay Pyi Taw and parts of Shan State. More than 3,000 people are confirmed dead so far, with thousands more injured. As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the devastation becomes clearer, the death toll is expected to rise. About 10.4 million people live in areas hardest hit by the earthquake.  

    In coordination with local authorities and other humanitarian partners, IOM is prioritizing the delivery of emergency shelter kits, multipurpose cash assistance, essential healthcare, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for affected families. IOM also aims to support local authorities in managing displacement sites, ensuring displaced communities have access to essential services and protection.  

    While IOM is urgently appealing for support to address immediate emergency needs, the aftermath of the earthquake is expected to require extensive long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts. This disaster further exacerbates already critical humanitarian needs, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.  

    Even before the earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar (one third of the population) needed humanitarian aid, because of conflict, hunger, curtailed access to public services, and economic upheaval. More than 3.5 million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.   

     

    The IOM Flash Appeal for Myanmar Earthquake Response can be found here. 

     

    For more information on how to contribute or to get involved, please visit IOM Myanmar Crisis Response Plan 2025. You can also donate here.  

     

    For more information, please contact:   

     

    In Bangkok: Itayi Viriri, iviriri@iom.int   

    In Geneva: Daniela Rovina, drovina@iom.int    

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Relief supplies sent to quake victims

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced the donation of over 20 tonnes of relief supplies to Myanmar in response to the recent earthquake.

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended a ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport, with the supplies being handed over to the Consul-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong.

    The assistance items, which include including food, drinking water, medical kits and temporary accommodation materials, are being delivered immediately to the disaster-stricken areas.

    Mr Chan said the Hong Kong SAR Government fully supports disaster relief efforts in Myanmar, adding that he sincerely hopes people there can resume a normal life as soon as possible.

    Meanwhile, the Disaster Relief Fund mechanism has been activated and approval given in principle for grants totalling about $30 million to seven relief organisations with extensive experience in implementing disaster relief projects.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Open Market Operation (OMO) – Purchase of Government of India Securities held on April 03, 2025: Cut-Offs

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Security 7.04% GS 2029 6.54% GS 2032 8.24% GS 2033 7.50% GS 2034 7.54% GS 2036 7.23% GS 2039
    Total amount notified Aggregate amount of ₹20,000 crore
    (no security-wise notified amount)
    Total amount (face value) accepted by RBI (₹ in crore) 1,050 3,128 6,660 1,335 4,002 3,825
    Cut off yield (%) 6.3549 6.5007 6.5887 6.5837 6.6293 6.6388
    Cut off price (₹) 102.46 100.20 110.70 106.31 107.08 105.34
    Detailed results will be issued shortly.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/22

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Argella Moves Headquarters to UAE to Support Regional Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Argella, a global advisory and data-led technology firm has officially relocated its headquarters from London to Dubai. Established in the Meydan Free Zone, the new entity marks a strategic shift for the firm as it accelerates its global focus on AI, data, and digital transformation.

    Founded in London in 2017, the company has spent nearly a decade delivering advisory support and expertise to businesses of all sizes – from helping start-ups scale, to supporting digital and data-led transformation in established businesses.

    Argella works with founders, CEOs, and management teams, offering hands-on guidance and strategic advisory board support across a wide range of technology-driven sectors, including fintech, SaaS, data-driven enterprises, and online platforms.

    With its new headquarters in Dubai, Argella is now positioned at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing ecosystems for innovation, providing a direct presence to support clients across the GCC, Asia, Europe, and North America.

    “Argella is thrilled to officially launch in the UAE,” said Amar Rajani, Founder and Managing Director of Argella. “This milestone not only showcases our commitment to growth and innovation but also reinforces our focus on supporting organisations with strategic insight and delivery across new and existing markets.”

    Argella helps businesses:

    • Identify investment, talent, and partnership opportunities
    • Expand into new markets with practical, local guidance
    • Accelerate digital transformation with tailored advisory
    • Navigate AI and data adoption with clarity and speed

    Operating from the Meydan Free Zone, Argella benefits from a progressive, business-friendly framework, enabling it to serve clients globally with agility, compliance, and ease.

    “This is a pivotal moment for Argella,” added Amar. “We’ve built a business focused on insight and delivery — now, with our headquarters in Dubai, we’re better positioned than ever to support organisations navigating transformation, growth, and global opportunity.”

    About Argella

    Argella LLC-F.Z. is a technology and strategic advisory firm helping organisations navigate growth, transformation, and change. Founded in 2017, and now operating in both London and the UAE, Argella supports clients worldwide through data-led insight, market expertise, and practical delivery.

    For more information, please visit argella.com

    Contact:

    Amar Rajani
    amar@argella.com
    +971 (0) 50 817 9155
    http://argella.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulators urge donors to support registered charities to help earthquake efforts in Myanmar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Press release

    Regulators urge donors to support registered charities to help earthquake efforts in Myanmar

    The Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator offer advice on giving safely when looking to support the international aid effort.

    Today the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator have published advice on how people can help those impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

    The advice comes as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launches its Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. DEC brings together 15 registered UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently in times of crisis overseas.

    These, and other registered charities, are currently providing life-saving aid such as food, water, shelter and healthcare to people affected by the earthquake.

    By supporting registered charities, including through the DEC, people can be assured that their donations will be regulated and accounted for in line with charity law.

    David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission said:

    As the scale of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Myanmar has become clearer, charities are once again responding to pleas for international help.

    One way anyone can help is by making a donation to one of the many registered charities working to get aid to those in desperate need in Myanmar.

    To make sure their generosity reaches the intended cause, we are reminding people to give with confidence through registered charities including by donating to the appeal launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

    Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator said:

    The British public is always exceedingly generous in response to humanitarian disasters like the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

    We want to make sure that the public can continue to give, safe in the knowledge that their donations are going to help alleviate the suffering.

    By carrying out just a few simple checks – including looking out for a valid charity number and the Fundraising Badge – you can ensure you make informed decisions when donating to the disaster response.

    Steps to giving safely

    People can give with confidence to relief efforts by following a few simple steps:

    • consider donating through the DEC’s emergency appeal

    • for those who choose to donate to other charities, the charity regulator is reminding people to check charities are registered and legitimate

    • look out for the Fundraising Badge – the logo that says ‘registered with Fundraising Regulator’ – and check the Fundraising Regulator’s Directory of organisations committed to fundraise in line with its Code of Fundraising Practice

    • contact a charity directly or find out more online about the charity that you’re seeking to donate to or work with to understand how it is spending funds

    • make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information

    • be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them

    • check the charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Register – most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered in England and Wales

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    1. Further tips on donating with confidence to registered charities are available on GOV.UK

    2. The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales – its purpose is to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society

    3. There are separate registers for charities in England and Wales, charities in Scotland and charities in Northern Ireland. Charities can be on more than one register, reflecting the nations where they operate

    4. The Fundraising Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Further guidance on giving safely to charity is available on the Fundraising Regulator’s website. It can be reached on FR@pagefield.co.uk

    The Charity Commission press office can be reached on:

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Over-the-Counter Drug Regulation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Over-the-Counter Drug Regulation


     Subcommittee Chairman Carter’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:


     “I want to welcome everyone to today’s hearing on the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program, referred to as ‘OMUFA.’ I’m especially pleased that we’re talking about the reauthorization of this program as almost 5 years to the date, the initial bill – sponsored by my good friend from Ohio, Representative Latta, as well as one of Georgia’s finest, Senator Johnny Isakson – was signed into law by President Trump in March 2020.


     “The enactment of this program reformed and modernized the regulation of OTC monograph drugs and authorized the FDA to assess and collect user fees dedicated to OTC monograph drug activities. Industry and public health stakeholders supported these reforms, which have provided the FDA with additional resources and tools to streamline the monograph process to increase access to quality commonly used drugs and self-care products for the American consumer. This program is designed to improve innovation, while maintaining the FDA ‘gold-standard’ of safety.


     “The current legislative authority for OMUFA expires September 30th, 2025 – at which point, new legislation will be required to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee program for another five-year term.


     “Over-the-counter medications are widely used to treat common ailments such as colds, headaches, and seasonal allergies. In fact, nearly 9 out of every 10 Americans use OTC medications regularly and trust these affordable remedies to get well and stay healthy. Safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs allow consumers to treat common ailments at home, usually without visiting a health care provider, saving the health care system billions annually.


     “Of particular note is a company called Symrise. They own and operate a manufacturing plant in Georgia’s First Congressional District. Symrise manufactures aroma molecules and fragrance ingredients, which are used in various consumer products across a number of product categories. They also manufacture two of the key UV filters that are commonly used in many OTC sunscreens on the market today.


     “Sadly, Symrise’s Colonel’s Island plant experienced a serious fire in 2022. Symrise made the strategic decision to re-invest in the site and restore its capacity in my community, at a time when other companies were leaving. They successfully completed renovations and today, the plant is again fully operational, back at its pre-fire capacity. This is a real success story, and we are grateful for their commitment to Georgia.


     “We are also fortunate to have Mr. Kevin Menzel before our Committee today. Mr. Menzel is President of Focus Consumer Healthcare, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobayashi Healthcare. Kobayashi was founded as a family company in 1886 in Japan. They established a presence in the United States in 1998, and maintain manufacturing and operations in Dalton, Georgia – employing 270 people with products ranging from OTC medicines and supplements, to recreational products like Hot Hands Hand Warmers. Georgia’s pro-business climate and infrastructure make it an ideal location for companies such as Kobayashi. In fact, just recently, Kobayashi began expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint even further, with a significant announced investment in Georgia — doubling its capacity to support ongoing growth and expand employment.


    “Success stories such as Symrise and Kobayashi highlight why it is critical for this Subcommittee to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program in a timely manner. This program demonstrated the ability to bring more jobs back to America, while increasing access to safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs.


     “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reauthorize this program on time and through regular order.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Joins Sen. Schatz, Congressional Colleagues Urging Trump Administration to Reverse Illegal Gutting of U.S. Agency for Global Media

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Lawmakers: “These Actions Are Not Just Illegal and Wasteful, They Run Counter To Our Interests of Promoting Free Expression, Combating Censorship”

    Washington, DC – Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security and Department of State (NSRP) and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, led a bicameral letter urging United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO Victor Morales and Special Advisor Kari Lake to rescind the Trump administration’s illegal actions to dismantle the agency, terminate grants for several government-funded outlets worldwide, and place Voice of America and other federal staff on administrative leave.

    “Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill.”

    The lawmakers continued, “These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back.”

    “We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives,” the lawmakers concluded.

    In addition to Frankel and Schatz, the letter was signed by Democratic members of the their respective committees including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), as well as U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.).The full text of the letter is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Frankel, DeLauro, Williams (GA), Leger Fernández Introduce Resolution Recognizing Equal Pay Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Nikema Williams (GA-5), and Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3) introduced a resolution recognizing March 25th, 2025, as Equal Pay Day to underscore the disparity between wages paid to men and women. The resolution raises awareness of the gender wage gap and its impact on women, families, and the nation, while reaffirming Congress’ commitment to supporting equal pay for equal work.

    “Equal pay is not only a matter of fairness and justice—it’s essential for creating a more equitable and prosperous world,” said Rep. Frankel. “For the first time in over two decades, the gender wage gap widened this past year, setting women back instead of continuing to push forward. For generations, women have received unequal pay for equal work, disproportionately occupied jobs in low-paying industries, and been forced to leave the workforce altogether due to lack of affordable child care. It’s long past time Congress took the necessary steps to close the wage gap.”

    “Equal Pay Day marks how far into the current year a woman must work to catch up to what her male counterpart earned in the previous year,” said Rep. DeLauro. “Six decades after passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women working full-time or part-time still earn 75 cents for every dollar earned by men. We are in a cost-of-living crisis – this must end. Equal pay for equal work is a simple concept – men and women in the same job deserve the same pay. It is time we make it real for the millions of American women who are being unfairly undervalued in the workplace. Let’s enact the Paycheck Fairness Act and empower working women by giving them the tools to ensure their contributions to the workplace are properly respected and reflected in their pay.”

    “For the first time in more than two decades, the gender wage gap has widened, hitting Black women and women of color the hardest. Equal pay is more than a women’s issue, it is a matter of economic justice and racial justice,” said Rep. Williams. “When women are paid less for the same work, families suffer, communities struggle, and our economy falls short. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution to reaffirm our commitment to closing the gender wage gap and fully realizing the promise of the Equal Pay Act of 1963.”

    “It’s been 61 years since we passed the Equal Pay Act. And we still don’t have equal pay?! It keeps getting worse because there isn’t a mechanism to fight this discrimination. Every member of the DWC is a proud cosponsor of Rep. DeLauro’s Paycheck Fairness Act so women can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “We are fighting for legislation to guarantee wage transparency so women know when they’re being paid less for the same work. We are fighting for paid leave for all so that no woman has to choose between their paycheck and caring for their loved ones. This is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a matter of dignity. We believe in a world where you can balance your work and your family without losing the job that sustains you.”

    “Women today continue to face too many obstacles in the workplace, and the wage gap is just one of those barriers. When you look at all workers, both those who are full-time and part-time, women being paid just 75 cents for every dollar a man is paid is simply unacceptable and has a significant impact on the economic stability of women and their families,” said Jocelyn C. Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “The ability to support a family and earn a good living should be accessible for every worker.  Closing the wage gap would help women workers make huge strides towards getting there. Thank you to Congresswoman Lois Frankel and all of our champions in Congress for drawing needed attention to the need for pay equity on this year’s Equal Pay Day.”

    More than six decades after passage of the Equal Pay Act, women working full-time, year-round, still earn on average 83 cents for every dollar made by men, while women overall—including part-time and seasonal workers—are paid just 75 cents for every dollar paid to men, averaging much less for women of color. Black women only earn 66 cents, American Indian and Alaska Native women 58 cents, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders 65 cents, and Latinas 58 cents for every dollar earned by men. For a woman working full-time, year-round, the current wage gap represents a loss of more than $462,000 over the course of her career, a gap that widens dramatically for women of color. The wage gap impacts women’s ability to save for retirement and their total Social Security and pension benefits, contributing to more older women living in poverty.

    Since taking office, President Donald Trump has rolled back critical workplace protections, opening the door for greater wage disparities and weakening longstanding safeguards for women seeking fair pay. This includes rescinding a nearly 60-year-old executive order that prohibited government contractors from discriminating in their hiring, firing, promotion, or pay practices—further disadvantaging women, particularly women of color, who already face barriers to equal wages. He also illegally dismissed two commissioners from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), tasked with preventing and addressing employment discrimination based on sex, gender, and other factors.

    The resolution currently has 126 original cosponsors. It is supported by several advocacy groups, including the National Partnership for Women & Families, the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Equal Rights Advocates, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the National Organization for Women, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), the National Employment Law Project, One Fair Wage, Justice for Migrant Women, the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), and Family Values @ Work.

    For full text of the resolution, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Underwriting Auction for sale of Government Securities for ₹36,000 crore on April 04, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Government of India has announced the sale (re-issue) of Government Securities, as detailed below, through auctions to be held on April 04, 2025 (Friday).

    As per the extant scheme of underwriting commitment notified on November 14, 2007, the amounts of Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) and the minimum bidding commitment under Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) auction, applicable to each Primary Dealer (PD), are as under:

    (₹ crore)
    Security Notified Amount MUC amount per PD Minimum bidding commitment per PD under ACU auction
    6.64% GS 2027 6,000 143 143
    6.79% GS 2034 30,000 715 715

    The underwriting auction will be conducted through multiple price-based method on April 04, 2025 (Friday). PDs may submit their bids for ACU auction electronically through Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) System between 09:00 A.M. and 09:30 A.M. on the day of underwriting auction.

    The underwriting commission will be credited to the current account of the respective PDs with RBI on the day of issue of securities.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/20

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, Senators Jon Ossoff, and Rev. Warnock Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), alongside U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, reintroduced the bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve.

    “Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”

    “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

    “We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park,” Senator Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”

    “Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

    The House bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Brian Jack (GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

    The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

    “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

    “I cannot overstate the importance of this legislation to our region, state, and country. Tens of millions of private dollars have been leveraged to conserve the precious cultural and ecological resources of the Ocmulgee Corridor and this bipartisan legislation allows us to continue to grow the middle Georgia economy, protect our national security interests at Robin Air Force Base, expand hunting and fishing access, and authentically preserve some of the most culturally significant sites in the country,” said Seth Clark, Macon Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. “We’re grateful for the continued bipartisan dedication of the Georgia delegation. And call for the swift passage of this legislation this year so that we can continue our stewardship of this landscape and our economy.” 


     “Preserving the undeveloped lands within the Ocmulgee River Corridor is critical to safeguarding Robins Air Force Base from incompatible land use, ensuring we can sustain our national security missions,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Kubinec, USAF (ret), President/CEO of 21st Century Partnership. “This park and preserve will also provide our military members and their families with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure, enhancing their quality of life while strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia.”

    “Establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve at Ocmulgee Mounds will serve as a robust form of economic development for Middle Georgia while conserving the site’s important series of ecological and cultural assets. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop with their bipartisan leadership and admirable partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have assembled a broad statewide coalition including chambers of commerce, hunters and anglers, and conservation organizations working to pass this legislation. The formal process of creating a National Monument out of the Ocmulgee Old Fields formally began in 1933, when the Macon Junior Chamber of Commerce purchased the sites and requested their protection. Today, through the leadership of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders, we are one step closer to making that a reality. The Georgia Chamber is proud to support Representatives Scott and Bishop’s legislation to create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, after almost a century of civic advocacy,” said Chris Clark, CCE, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.
      
    “The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has long seen the national and park and preserve designation as a top congressional priority. Getting this done this year is vital to the economic viability and stability of middle Georgia. Being home to Georgia’s first and only national park and preserve will create a better business climate, allow for lower taxes, and create thousands of good paying, sustainable jobs. Our members have marshaled tens of millions of dollars in preparing middle Georgia for the passage of this legislation and as we have for almost a century, we and the greater middle Georgia business community fully support and call for getting it done this year,”     said Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Hank Johnson Honors ‘Trailblazers’ During Annual Women’s History Month Ceremony

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    STONECREST, GA– On Saturday, March 22, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) hosted his fifth annual Trailblazer Awards, recognizing 11 outstanding women who have made significant contributions in their respective professions and communities and have become pioneers in their careers.

    Held during Women’s History Month, the event honored leaders in business, education, public service, arts and entertainment, and beyond – those who have broken barriers, uplifted others, and paved the way for future generations.

    This year’s honorees include:

    o   Dr. Syreeta Ali McTier – Education, DeKalb County Schools
    o   Florence Battle Shafiq, MD – Healthcare & Community Advocacy, Retired Physician
    o   Mrs. Susan McGhee Crawford – Arts & Culture, Founder, Trendsetters Dance Company
    o   Mrs. Cynthia Dorsey Edwards – Higher Education & Leadership, Executive Director, Storehouse of Solutions, Inc.
    o   Ms. Jackie Davis – Arts & Entertainment, Founding Owner, UniverSoul Circus
    o   Mrs. Shelbia L. Jackson – Film & Entertainment, Director, DeKalb Entertainment Commission
    o   Mrs. Claudette Leak – Public Service, DeKalb County Government
    o   Ms. India Pullin – Nonprofit & Community Advocacy, Founder, Step Up in Georgia, Inc.
    o   Ms. Sandy Purkett – Public Service & Education Advocacy, Retired Federal Investigator
    o   Dr. Charlene Spurlock – Education, DeKalb County Schools
    o   Ms. Rachel R. Zeigler – Education, DeKalb County Schools

    Additional special guests included: GA-04 Poet Laureate Hank Stewart, nationally renowned trumpeter Melvin M. Miller, recording artist ARIA, and violinist Clarissa Walker.

    View the livestream HERE. Photos available upon request. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky, Jayapal, Carson, Welch Reintroduce Bill to Restore UNRWA Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) has re-introduced H.R. 2411, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act, with Rep. André Carson (IN-07), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

    The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of last year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack. 

    Following the United Nations’ investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. 

    Humanitarian aid and supplies have not entered the Gaza Strip since March 2, when the Israeli authorities imposed a siege. Reports show that supplies are depleting at alarming rates, which could cause deaths from malnutrition and starvation. Several bakeries have already shut down after running out of cooking gas, and the U.N. World Food Programme reports that its flour supplies can only support bread production for five more day. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable.

    “For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians throughout the Middle East, providing food, clean water, health care, shelter, education, and livelihoods. UNRWA has provided essential support to those in Gaza throughout the Israel-Hamas war and dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding last year and our allies have long ago resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and finally resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

    “The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman André Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. We need to end this blockade and restore full humanitarian funding to UNRWA. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

    “For decades, UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “The organization’s on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensuring that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment, in Gaza. Permanently revoking funding for UNRWA will unquestionably lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza and throughout the Middle East. We must restore U.S. funding to UNRWA to ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives have the necessary resources to continue their irreplaceable work.”

    “Since day one of this conflict, UNRWA has proven to be the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. It is unacceptable that the funding pause has gone on this long—the civilian populations of Gaza and the West Bank are paying the price. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to intensify, support for humanitarian aid is more important than ever,” said Senator Peter Welch. “Congress must pass this legislation to ensure UNRWA can safely deliver humanitarian assistance to starving women, children, and families desperate for food, medicine, and shelter.”

    Below is a list of all endorsing organizations:

    National Organizations: 99 Coalition, American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International USA, Amnesty International USA, Carolina Peace Center , Historians for Peace and Democracy, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Center for Constitutional Rights, Center for Constitutional Rights, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Center for International Policy Advocacy, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Charity & Security Network, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), CODEPINK, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces, Demand Progress, Doctors Against Genocide, DSA, End Wars Working Group of Progressive Democrats of America , Episcopal Peace Fellowship Palestine Israel Network, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends Committee on National Legislation , Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), George Devendorf, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Health Advocacy International, Hindus for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, IfNotNow Movement, International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), International Refugee Assistance Project, J Street, Jahalin Solidarity, Jahalin Solidarity, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Justice4palestinians, MADRE, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Medglobal , Middle East Democracy Center (MEDC), Migrant Roots Media, MoveOn, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Advocates, Muslims United PAC, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Council of Churches, New Jewish Narrative, No Dem Left Behind , Nonviolent Peaceforce, NRC USA, Partners for Progressive Israel, Pax Christi USA, Peace Action, Poligon Education Fund, Presbyterian Church, (USA), Office of Public Witness, Quincy Institute, ReThinking Foreign Policy, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction.org, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team, Terre des hommes Lausanne, The Borgen Project, The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP), United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), UNRWA USA National Committee, USCPR Action, Win Without War, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section (WILPF US), Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation 

    State and Local Organizations:  Al Otro Lado, Atlanta Multifaith Coalition for Palestine (AMCP), Barry University, Brooklyn For Peace, Carolyn Eisenberg, Ceasefire Now NJ, Christian Jewish Allies for a just peace for Israel Palestine, Church Women United in New York State, Delawareans for Palestinian Human Rights, Florida Peace & Justice Alliance, FOSNA Pittsburgh , Greater Dayton Peace Coalition, Houston for Palestine Coalition, Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, MARUF CT (Muslim Advocacy for Rights, Unity, and Fairness), Massachusetts Peace Action, Minnesota Peace Project, Muslim Justice League, Nebraskans for Peace Palestinian Rights Task Force, NorCal Sabeel, Oasis Legal Services, Peace Action Maine, Peace Action WI, Peace Action WI, Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!, Peace, Justice, Sustainability, NOW!, Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico, Progressive Democrats of America- Central New Mexico, Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom DC-Metro Action Group, The Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church USA, Bay Area, UPTE Members for Palestine, Valley View Presbyterian Church, Voices for Justice in Palestine, YUSRA

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley, Schatz, Frankel, Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration To Reverse Illegal Gutting Of U.S. Agency For Global Media

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Democratic Leaders, Members of Senate, House Appropriations Subcommittees Overseeing Foreign Assistance and International Broadcasting Programs Demand Legal Compliance

    U.S. Repreesentative Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) signed a letter led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security and Department of State, United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO Victor Morales and Special Advisor Kari Lake to rescind the Trump administration’s illegal actions to dismantle the agency, terminate grants for several government-funded outlets worldwide, and place Voice of America and other federal staff on administrative leave. the letter was signed by Democratic members of the their respective committees including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), as well as U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) and Norma Torres (D-Calif.).

    “Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill.”

    The lawmakers continued, “These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back.”

    “We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives,” the lawmakers concluded.

    The full text of the letter is below and available here.

    Dear Acting CEO Morales and Ms. Lake:

    You are at the helm of an agency with a critical mission to increase freedom of expression, circumvent censorship, and deliver objective, accurate, and relevant information to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. This mission directly supports U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. 

    Given its importance, we write to express our concerns with the decisions you have made in response to the March 14, 2025 Executive Order titled “Executive Order on Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.” 

    Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world. Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill. This includes sections 7015 and 7063, and the provisions under the United States Agency for Global Media heading, of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, as carried forward by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025.

    Additionally, the actions you have taken to significantly downsize the agency, including termination of the new building lease and closeout costs, will cost the U.S. taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars. 

    These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back. 

    In 2020, when then-USAGM CEO Michael Pack instituted mass firings, then-Senator Rubio led a bipartisan effort to have such actions reversed. In the letter, Senator Rubio and colleagues stated: 

    “We are at a critical moment in history where malign actors including Russia, China, and Iran, are using advanced tools and technology to undermine global democratic norms, spreading disinformation, and severely restricting their own free press to hamper access to independent news for their citizens. As these and other authoritarian regimes further crack down domestically, their citizens turn to outside media as their only trustworthy source of unbiased, accurate news.”

    This is no less true today. 

    We are equally troubled that these actions put staff across all of those entities, who have faithfully served the interests of the U.S. government, at risk if they are forced to return to authoritarian countries where they may be subject to harassment, persecution, or arbitrary arrest. The agency appears to have no plan in place to address these risks. Already, 1,300 VOA staff and 75 percent of RFA U.S.-based staff have been put on leave.

    We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives. We request that you respond to this letter no later than April 4, 2025 confirming your intent to do so. 

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Vote on Resolution to Undo Trump’s Taxes on Canadian Goods, Shaheen Highlights the Devastating Consequences for Small Businesses on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – Following President Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) took to the Senate floor to highlight the devastating economic impacts that President Trump’s tariffs and trade war will have on American families and the economy. The speech came ahead of a vote on U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) joint resolution with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) to end Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Some estimates have shown that Trump’s tariffs could raise costs for the average American household by up to $2,000 per year. You can watch Senator Shaheen’s speech here. 

    Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:

    • “On Monday I visited a bakery in Derry, New Hampshire, that may have to go out of business due to what President Trump is proposing on tariffs on Canada. […] Mr. Chatila said to me, and I quote, ‘When I came, this was the American dream, which is why we built it. But now you see it in front of your eyes. It’s just melted like ice.’” 
    • “Imposing tariffs against Canada is not the way to fight fentanyl and other drugs. This kind of legislation, like the HALT Fentanyl Act, is something that is going to have much more of an impact.” 
       
    • “The message to the American people from this administration is increasingly clear: they do not care about you and what your needs are.”
    • “He is taxing all of the goods that people buy every day and what he doesn’t tell you is that the reason he’s doing this is so that he can give more money to provide tax cuts for the top 1% of the income earners in the country, so the billionaires.”

    You can read Shaheen’s remarks as delivered below:

    I came to the floor to join my colleagues because I am so concerned about the damaging impact of President Trump’s tariff taxes—and I call them taxes because that’s what they really are—about those tariffs particularly on Canada, although we heard today that he’s announced a number of others.

    On Monday, I’ve been hearing from a lot of small businesses in New Hampshire, but on Monday I visited a bakery in Derry, New Hampshire, that may have to go out of business due to what President Trump is proposing on tariffs on Canada. 

    Now, the owner of Chatila’s Bakery moved to the United States 36 years ago.

     He’s a cardiologist and with his brother, a PhD. Scientist, they’re from Lebanon. 

    He became a citizen.

    He raised his family and sent his daughter to college, and he and his brother got interested in sugar free desserts and candies because their mother was diabetic. 

    So he spent the last 36 years building his business, and now he might have to sell his factory because of the trade war that President Trump has started with Canada. 

    Chatila’s Bakery makes sugar free desserts.

    They get some of their ingredients from Canada. 

    All of those ingredients are now more expensive and while I was there, he showed me a fuel bill he had just gotten, that said that because of the tariffs, his fuel bill was going up. 

    But more important than that, 85% of his business comes from exporting to Canadian customers. 

    Most of his sales contracts in Canada were canceled after these tariffs went into effect last month.

    So he says he’s going to lose between $400,000 and $500,000 this year in the business. 

    Now, President Trump says he’s worried about trade imbalances and that he wants to support exporters.

     Well, here is an American small business and an exporter and because of what this president is doing with his reckless trade war, this small business owner might go out of business.

    So Mr. Chatila said to me, and I quote, “When I came, this was the American dream, which is why we built it. But now you see it in front of your eyes. It’s just melted like ice.”

    And I asked him what he would like to ask President Trump if he had the opportunity, and he said his question was to the president, “What do you want me to do? If you really care about your country, why don’t you support small businesses which are the backbone of every community?”

     I think that said it about as well as anybody I’ve heard. 

    And we know, sadly, that his business is not the only one. 

    Many of our small businesses in New Hampshire are reliant on travel and tourism. 

    I’ve heard from businesses across our state about Canadian tourists canceling plans already, about bookings that they rely on that are not going to come through.

    Last week, we saw that airline tickets for travelers coming from Canada this summer are down more than 70% from this time last year. 

    That represents lost business for my constituents and for businesses and communities across this country. 

    All of this will put their businesses at risk, and it will do so when they are also facing higher costs for inputs because of these tariff taxes.

    Two weeks ago, I visited a bus company, runs bus lines between the seacoast of New Hampshire and Boston and New York. 

    They’re facing $500,000 in added costs because of these tariffs and now, on top of that, he stands to lose business because fewer people are visiting the United States—He also goes between the seacoast and Logan Airport.

    All of that because the president has damaged the relationship we have with one of our closest allies.

    It doesn’t make sense to me. 

    What is the logic of antagonizing those allies and partners that we rely on? 

    And lest anyone forget, the president is claiming that the flow of fentanyl from Canada justifies all this.

    Well, fentanyl and other drugs are serious issues, and I’ve spent much of my time in the Senate doing what I can to help stop those drugs from entering the United States and to getting help for those who need it.

    Just last month, the Senate passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is legislation that I co-sponsored along with a lot of my colleagues, which would permanently schedule fentanyl related substances. 

    Imposing tariffs against Canada is not the way to fight fentanyl and other drugs. 

    This kind of legislation, like the HALT Fentanyl Act, is something that is going to have much more of an impact.

    CBP statistics show that all the fentanyl seized along the northern border from the beginning of 2022 until now is 71 pounds. 

    Now, that’s a lot of fentanyl, and that could kill a lot of people, so I don’t endorse that by any means. 

    But you compare that with the 67,966 pounds that have been seized along the US-Mexico border for the same period of time.

    Wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on where most of this fentanyl is coming from? 

    Instead of imposing tariffs, we should be working cooperatively with our allies and partners, and Canada has taken a number of steps to crack down and to stop drugs from coming into the United States. 

    The tariffs that are in place before today are likely to raise costs by nearly $2,000 for the average household.

    That’s money many families in New Hampshire and across this country can’t afford to pay when they’re trying to cover the cost of groceries, of housing, of child care, of energy, all of those things that President Trump, when he was running for president, said he was going to address.

    I’ve heard from many New Hampshire families about how these tariffs will raise prices for keeping their homes warm, for putting gas in their cars.

    And now the Trump administration has reportedly fired the entire staff of the LIHEAP program that helps families and seniors heat their homes when they can’t afford to pay. 

    The message to the American people from this administration is increasingly clear: they do not care about you and what your needs are. 

    So voting for Senator Kaine’s resolution presents an opportunity for Congress to help Americans who are worried about higher costs.

    I intend to vote for this resolution to end the tariffs on Canada, to lower costs for Americans and to help our small businesses and I hope all my colleagues will do the same. 

    Now, I just want to add that in the last hour, President Trump announced a new tax of 10% on everything Americans import with far higher taxes on many countries.

    Everything from the EU will now face a 20% tax. 

    Japan and South Korea 25%. 

    I mean, again, the rationale for why we are going after our allies and partners makes no sense. 

    And this is a tremendous tax increase on American business and families. 

    Likely the largest peacetime tax increase in U.S. history. 

    This new Trump tariff tax will add at least another $3,000 to the costs for an average household.

    And again, this president promised he was going to lower costs for families.

    This does nothing to do that. 

    He is taxing all of the goods that people buy every day and what he doesn’t tell you is that the reason he’s doing this is so that he can give more money to provide tax cuts for the top 1% of the income earners in the country, so the billionaires. 

    I don’t think this tax increase is going to help the small business owner I visited on Monday, or the families in my state and across this country who are trying to afford groceries, and I intend to vote to end those tariffs on Canada today when I have the opportunity. 

    I hope my colleagues will join me.

    Thank you.

    Senator Shaheen is leading efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. Earlier today, Shaheen released a statement condemning President Trump’s announcement that he will impose 10 percent tariffs on all imported goods, with far higher taxes on many more countries at midnight. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for American consumers and families. Her effort to pass this bill by unanimous consent was blocked by Senate Republicans. In recent weeks, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple and American Calan Inc. to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the looming tariffs.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on April 03, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 6,012
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 6,012
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.26
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/19

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, Blumenthal, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Push to Support Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) are teaming up to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) more easily access care and benefits—as well as boost MST claims processing. 

    The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act would expand the evidentiary standard for survivors applying for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ensuring MST survivors are provided equal access to the benefits and care they have earned. Given how many instances of MST go unreported during service, the bill would require VA to consider non-Department of Defense evidence sources when reviewing MST claims, and would expand this standard to all mental health conditions related to MST. The bill would also ensure all National Guardsmen, Reservists, and service academy students can receive MST-related care and counseling from VA. 

    “Survivors of military sexual trauma have endured unimaginable pain and deserve the highest quality care and services,” said Ranking Member Blumenthal. “They should have clear access to every tool needed to heal from their trauma. Our bipartisan bill will afford survivors a stronger voice in filing claims and expand VA treatment.”

    “I’ve heard from countless veterans whose profound harm is compounded by a system that repeatedly fails them. Their stories reveal a dual injustice—first from experiencing devastating abuse, and then again when navigating a claims process ill-equipped to support survivors. This goes far beyond administrative shortcomings at the VA; it’s a fundamental breach of our moral and constitutional duty to those who served,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Our bipartisan, bicameral Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act directly confronts these systemic failures. It modernizes outdated evidentiary standards to recognize all trauma responses, expands critical access to MST-related health care regardless of discharge status, and establishes rigorous oversight to ensure genuine accountability. When our institutions fail and re-traumatize those who sacrificed in service to our country, we violate a sacred commitment. Veterans deserve better, and it’s our responsibility to deliver.”

    Staunch advocates for strengthening benefits and care for MST survivors, the lawmakers introduced the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act in the 118th, 117th, 116th, and 115th Congresses. Building on the Ruth Moore Act from previous Congresses, the legislation addresses issues uncovered by the VA Office of Inspector General in 2021 by requiring VA to process all MST claims via specially trained teams, conduct annual accuracy reviews for MST claims processing, and study the quality of Veterans Benefits Administration training on MST claims processing.

    The lawmakers’ efforts to improve MST survivors’ care and benefits has strong backing from the nation’s leading Veterans Service Organizations.

    “MOAA is grateful to Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski for reintroducing the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act,” said Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret), “This important legislation aims to strengthen the coordination of benefits and health care services, benefiting not only those impacted by military sexual trauma (MST) but all veterans seeking VA support. MOAA remains committed to working with Congress and the VA to ensure passage and effective implementation of this bill.”

    “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act makes critical and overdue changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability compensation and claims process for survivors of military sexual trauma, a cause Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) has championed for years. By broadening access for military sexual trauma survivors in the veterans’ healthcare system, this act acknowledges and addresses that MST survivors often feel vulnerable and forgotten; it is our nation’s responsibility to support these victims and provide the highest level of care during and after their service to our country. Service Women’s Action Network wholeheartedly endorses this legislation.” – Elisa Cardnell, Chief Executive Officer, Service Women’s Action Network

    “VA offers benefits and health care to veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), but survivors often encounter barriers in accessing these necessary services. The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act would improve the claims process, codify evidentiary support, and increase access to mental health care for MST survivors. PVA strongly supports the SAVES Act and thanks Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murkowski for reintroducing this legislation.” – Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer, Paralyzed Veterans of America 

    “The VFW supports the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025, that would assess gaps in health care and compensation eligibility related to military sexual trauma (MST). The adverse effects of MST can remain with service members well after their time in service. This comprehensive bill would ensure they receive dignified care and appropriate compensation as they rejoin the civilian world. We thank Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership on this issue and look forward to the passage of this bill into law.” – Nancy Springer, Associate Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

    “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act is about doing right by the men and women who’ve sacrificed for this country,” said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) CEO Allison Jaslow. “For too long, survivors of military sexual trauma have faced a VA system that fails them—after the military has already failed them. IAVA is grateful for the leadership of Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Murkowski (R-AK) in standing up for these veterans. Now, it’s time for Congress to step up, do the right thing, and pass this bill—because our veterans have waited long enough.”

    “For too long, military sexual trauma (MST) survivors have faced significant hurdles in accessing the VA care and benefits they have rightfully earned. The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 offers a pathway to justice by ensuring their claims are handled with the care, sensitivity and expertise required to address this issue accurately and appropriately. DAV proudly supports this crucial legislation and the dignity it restores to those who have served, and we appreciate Sens. Blumenthal and Murkowski for incorporating the voices of MST survivors in crafting this important legislation.” – Joy Ilem, National Legislative Service Director, Disabled American Veterans

    “Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is an experience that can have a complex and long-lasting impact on a veteran’s life,” said Wounded Warrior Project Chief Program Officer Jennifer Silva. “As our community continues to find ways to support MST survivors, the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act recognizes that more can be done to expand access to care, improve the benefits claims process, and ultimately make the system work better for them. Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support this effort and we are grateful to Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Murkowski (R-AK) for their leadership on this issue.”

    The legislation is also supported by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Protect Our Defenders, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Radiology reports available on app

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Health Bureau announced today that users can now view radiology reports saved into their eHealth accounts by the Hospital Authority, the Department of Health and private healthcare providers (HCPs) through the eHealth app.

    In general, users can view the reports through the “Investigations” function on the app 14 days after the reports are released. The app’s information centre will also issue notifications.

    The bureau stressed that the new function allows citizens to access their own radiology reports anytime, eliminating the inconvenience of storing paper reports and saving costs on redundant tests. This also facilitates authorised HCPs in conducting analysis and comparison, thereby providing a seamless and personalised care journey for citizens.

    To enable the building of comprehensive electronic health records, the bureau advised patients that when selecting private HCPs for examinations they should first enquire as to whether the HCPs can store examination records into their personal eHealth accounts.

    Currently, all public HCPs, and over 115 private HCPs, involving more than 550 service locations in total, are technically ready. If patients have given “sharing consent” to private HCPs, their radiology reports can then be kept in their eHealth accounts for access by themselves and by authorised healthcare professionals.

    As of the end of February, 40 private HCPs have deposited radiology reports into the eHealth accounts of over 3.1 million citizens after obtaining their authorisation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney

    It had the hallmarks of a reality TV cliffhanger. Until recently, many people had never even heard of tariffs. Now, there’s been rolling live international coverage of so-called “Liberation Day”, as US President Donald Trump laid out tariffs to be imposed on countries around the world.

    Just hours ago, Trump announced imports to the United States from all countries will be subject to a new “baseline” 10% tariff. This is an additional tax charged by US Customs and Border Protection when products cross the border.

    The baseline tariff is expected to take effect from April 5, and the higher reciprocal tariffs on individual countries from April 9. That leaves no time for businesses to adjust their supply chains.

    What might the next “episode” hold for the rest of the world? We can expect many countries to retaliate, bringing in tariffs and trade penalties of their own. That comes with risks.

    Tariffs on the whole world

    No country has been spared from today’s baseline tariffs, including many of the US’s traditional allies.

    Vietnam will be among the hardest hit, with a 46% tariff. China, South Korea and Japan will also feel the brunt of the newest announcement – all subject to tariffs of between 24% and 34%. The European Union is subject to 20%.

    Many countries had already vowed to retaliate.

    In a recent speech, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said “all instruments are on the table”. She also stressed that the single market is the “safe harbour” for EU members.

    Canada was apparently spared from the baseline 10% tariff. But it still has to contend with previously announced 25% tariffs on the automotive and other sectors.

    Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, has said “nothing is off the table” in terms of retaliation.

    Major tariffs on Asia

    China’s 34% tariff is a further aggravation to already fractious relations between the world’s two largest economies.

    Vietnam is especially reliant on the US market, and has been trying to negotiate its way through tariff threats. This has included unprecedented agreements to accept deported Vietnamese citizens from the US.

    Until this point, Vietnam had benefited from tensions between the US and China. These new enormous tariffs will have large ripple effects through not only Vietnam, but also less economically developed Cambodia (49% tariff) and Myanmar (44% tariff).

    Is it worth fighting back?

    Vulnerable countries may not have the leverage to fight back. It is hard to imagine what leverage Cambodia or Myanmar could have against the US, given the disparity in resources.

    Other countries consider it is not worth the fight. For example, Australia is rightly questioning whether a tit-for-tat strategy is effective, or will just ramp up the problem further.

    One country that has flown under the radar is Russia. Two-way trade with Russia is small, and subject to sanctions. But US media have reported Trump would like to expand the trading relationship in the future.

    A nightmare for the US Postal Service

    One of the interesting side effects of Trump’s announcements relates to what trade experts call the “de minimis” rule: usually, if you make a small purchase online, you don’t pay import taxes when the item arrives in your country.

    Trump closed this loophole in February. Now, US tariffs apply to everything, even if below the “de minimis” amount of US$800.

    This won’t just be a nightmare for online shoppers. Some 100,000 small parcels arrive in the US every hour. Tariffs will now have to be calculated on each package and in coordination with US Customs and Border Protection.

    Boycotts and retaliation

    We can also expect consumer backlash to increase worldwide, too. Canada’s “elbows up” movement is one template.

    Consumers around the world are already choosing to redirect their spending away from US products, expressing their anger at the Trump administration’s stance on trade, diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, environmental protection, gender rights and more.

    Consumers should be careful about jumping on the bandwagon without doing their homework, though. Boycotting a US fast food outlet might make you feel better (and frankly may be better for your health), but that’s also going to impact the local franchise owner.

    Hating Americans en masse is also not productive – many US citizens are themselves deeply upset at what is happening.

    Claiming victory while consumers pay more

    Watch out for the impending claim of victory – one of Trump’s mantras popularised in the recent movie, The Apprentice.

    The US trade deficit rocketed after Trump’s previous tariff announcements this year, as importers scrambled to stockpile supplies before price increases.

    This cannot happen this time, because the tariffs come into effect in just three days.

    In the short term, the monthly trade deficit will decline if imports return to normal, which will give Trump a chance to claim the policies are working – even if it’s just a rebound effect.

    But these tariffs will harm rather than help ordinary Americans. Everyday purchases like clothes (made in places like Vietnam, Cambodia and China) could soon cost a lot more than they used to – with a $20 t-shirt going up to nearly $30, not including US sales taxes.

    As this reality TV-style trade drama continues to unfold, the world should prepare for more episodes, more cliffhangers, and more uncertainty.

    Lisa Toohey receives public research funding from the Australian Government and is a past recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship.

    – ref. Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-trade-war-will-hurt-everyone-from-cambodian-factories-to-us-online-shoppers-253726

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –