Source: Reserve Bank of India
Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2024-2025/2065 |
Category: Banking
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MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on February 03, 2025
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MIL-OSI Banking: Notice of the Settlement of Patent Infringement Lawsuit with Magna International Inc.
Source: Panasonic
Headline: Notice of the Settlement of Patent Infringement Lawsuit with Magna International Inc.
Yokohama, Japan, February 3rd, 2025 – Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; President: Masashi Nagayasu; hereinafter referred to as “PAS”) has entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement with Magna Electronics Inc. (Headquarters: USA) and Magna International Inc. (Headquarters: Canada) regarding in-vehicle products. This agreement allows both companies to mutually utilize certain of each other’s patented technologies, aiming to enhance technological innovation and market competitiveness.
In March 2021, Panasonic filed lawsuits in the U.S. Federal Court in Texas and the Munich District Court in Germany, claiming that products of Magna International Inc. infringed on our patents related to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for automobiles. Magna filed counterclaims asserting certain patents against Panasonic. After continued discussions, we have agreed to settle by entering into a patent cross-licensing agreement for in-vehicle products and to withdraw all pending lawsuits. The terms of the agreement remain confidential between the parties.
We will continue to strive to enhance our corporate value through the protection and utilization of our intellectual property rights.
Masashige MIZUYAMA, our Executive Vice President (CTO, Intellectual Property), commented, “This agreement is an important step to further strengthen our technological capabilities and intellectual property accumulated by the PAS and Panasonic Group, enhancing our competitiveness in the global market. We will continue to provide more innovative products and meet our customers’ expectations.” -
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HIGHLIGHTS OF UNION BUDGET 2025-26
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:42PM by PIB Delhi
PART A
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament today. The highlights of the budget are as follows:
Budget Estimates 2025-26
- The total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹ 34.96 lakh crore and ₹ 50.65 lakh crore respectively.
- The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹ 28.37 lakh crore.
- The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.
- The gross market borrowings are estimated at ₹ 14.82 lakh crore.
- Capex Expenditure of ₹11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) earmarked in FY2025-26.
AGRICULTURE AS THE 1ST ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – Developing Agri Districts Programme
- The programme to be launched in partnership with the states, covering 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters, to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.
Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience
- A comprehensive multi-sectoral programme to be launched in partnership with states to address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy.
- Phase-1 to cover 100 developing agri-districts.
Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
- Government to launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor.
- NAFED and NCCF to procure these pulses from farmers during the next 4 years.
Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits
- A comprehensive programme to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers to be launched in partnership with states.
Makhana Board in Bihar
- A Makhana Board to be established to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.
National Mission on High Yielding Seeds
- A National Mission on High Yielding Seeds to be launched aiming at strengthening the research ecosystem, targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, and commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties.
Fisheries
- Government to bring a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
Mission for Cotton Productivity
- A 5-year mission announced to facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties.
Enhanced Credit through KCC
- The loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme to be enhanced from ₹ 3 lakh to ₹ 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.
Urea Plant in Assam
- A plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons to be set up at Namrup, Assam.
MSMEs AS THE 2ND ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT
Revision in classification criteria for MSMEs
- The investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs to be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively.
Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises
- Customized Credit Cards with ₹ 5 lakh limit for micro enterprises registered on Udyam portal, 10 lakh cards to be issued in the first year.
Fund of Funds for Startups
- A new Fund of Funds, with expanded scope and a fresh contribution of ₹ 10,000 crore to be set up.
Scheme for First-time Entrepreneurs
- A new scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs to provide term-loans upto ₹ 2 crore in the next 5 years announced.
Focus Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sectors
- To enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector, a focus product scheme announced to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of ₹ 4 lakh crore and exports of over ₹ 1.1 lakh crore.
Measures for the Toy Sector
- A scheme to create high-quality, unique, innovative, and sustainable toys, making India a global hub for toys announced.
Support for Food Processing
- A National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management to be set up in Bihar.
Manufacturing Mission – Furthering “Make in India”
- A National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India” announced.
INVESTMENT AS THE 3RD ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT
- Investing in People
Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
- The cost norms for the nutritional support to be enhanced appropriately.
Atal Tinkering Labs
- 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.
Broadband Connectivity to Government Secondary Schools and PHCs
- Broadband connectivity to be provided to all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.
Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme
- Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme announced to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.
National Centres of Excellence for Skilling
- 5 National Centres of Excellence for skilling to be set up with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth with the skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.
Expansion of Capacity in IITs
- Additional infrastructure to be created in the 5 IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students.
Centre of Excellence in AI for Education
- A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education to be set up with a total outlay of ₹ 500 crore.
Expansion of medical education
- 10,000 additional seats to be added in medical colleges and hospitals next year, adding to 75000 seats in the next 5 years.
Day Care Cancer Centres in all District Hospitals
- Government to set up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years, 200 Centres in 2025-26.
Strengthening urban livelihoods
- A scheme for socio-economic upliftment of urban workers to help them improve their incomes and have sustainable livelihoods announced.
PM SVANidhi
- Scheme to be revamped with enhanced loans from banks, UPI linked credit cards with ₹ 30,000 limit, and capacity building support.
Social Security Scheme for Welfare of Online Platform Workers
- Government to arrange for identity cards, registration on e-Shram portal and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojna, for gig-workers.
- Investing in the Economy
Public Private Partnership in Infrastructure
- Infrastructure-related ministries to come up with a 3-year pipeline of projects in PPP mode, States also encouraged.
Support to States for Infrastructure
- An outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore proposed for the 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure and incentives for reforms.
Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30
- Second Plan for 2025-30 to plough back capital of ₹ 10 lakh crore in new projects announced.
Jal Jeevan Mission
- Mission to be extended until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.
Urban Challenge Fund
- An Urban Challenge Fund of ₹ 1 lakh crore announced to implement the proposals for ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’, allocation of ₹ 10,000 crore proposed for 2025-26.
Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat
- Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to be taken up.
- Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of ₹20,000 crore to be set up, 5 indigenously developed SMRs to be operational by 2033.
Shipbuilding
- The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy to be revamped.
- Large ships above a specified size to be included in the infrastructure harmonized master list (HML).
Maritime Development Fund
- A Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of ₹ 25,000 crore to be set up, with up to 49 per cent contribution by the Government, and the balance from ports and private sector.
UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme
- A modified UDAN scheme announced to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.
- Also to support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts.
Greenfield Airport in Bihar
- Greenfield airports announced in Bihar, in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta.
Western Koshi Canal Project in Mithilanchal
- Financial support for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project in Bihar.
Mining Sector Reforms
- A policy for recovery of critical minerals from tailings to be brought out.
SWAMIH Fund 2
- A fund of ₹ 15,000 crore aimed at expeditious completion of another 1 lakh dwelling units, with contribution from the Government, banks and private investors announced.
Tourism for employment-led growth
- Top 50 tourist destination sites in the country to be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode.
- Investing in Innovation
Research, Development and Innovation
- ₹20,000 crore to be allocated to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative announced in the July Budget.
Deep Tech Fund of Funds
- Deep Tech Fund of Funds to be explored to catalyze the next generation startups.
PM Research Fellowship
- 10,000 fellowships for technological research in IITs and IISc with enhanced financial support.
Gene Bank for Crops Germplasm
- 2nd Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines to be set up for future food and nutritional security.
National Geospatial Mission
- A National Geospatial Mission announced to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data.
Gyan Bharatam Mission
- A Gyan Bharatam Mission for survey, documentation and conservation of our manuscript heritage with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors to be undertaken to cover more than 1 crore manuscripts announced.
EXPORTS AS THE 4TH ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT
Export Promotion Mission
- An Export Promotion Mission, with sectoral and ministerial targets, driven jointly by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance to be set up.
BharatTradeNet
- ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade to be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.
National Framework for GCC
- A national framework to be formulated as guidance to states for promoting Global Capability Centres in emerging tier 2 cities.
REFORMS AS FUEL: FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS AND DEVELOPMENT
FDI in Insurance Sector
- The FDI limit for the insurance sector to be raised from 74 to 100 per cent, for those companies which invest the entire premium in India.
Credit Enhancement Facility by NaBFID
- NaBFID to set up a ‘Partial Credit Enhancement Facility’ for corporate bonds for infrastructure.
Grameen Credit Score
- Public Sector Banks to develop ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of SHG members and people in rural areas.
Pension Sector
- A forum for regulatory coordination and development of pension products to be set up.
High Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms
- A High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms to be set up for a review of all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions.
Investment Friendliness Index of States
- An Investment Friendliness Index of States to be launched in 2025 to further the spirit of competitive cooperative federalism anounced.
Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0
- The Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to decriminalize more than 100 provisions in various laws.
PART B
DIRECT TAX
- No personal income tax payable upto income of Rs 12 lakh (i.e. average income of Rs 1 lakh per month other than special rate income such as capital gains) under the new regime.
- This limit will be Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried tax payers, due to standard deduction of Rs 75,000.
- The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings and investment.
- The new Income-Tax Bill to be clear and direct in text so as to make it simple to understand for taxpayers and tax administration, leading to tax certainty and reduced litigation.
- Revenue of about ₹ 1 lakh crore in direct taxes will be forgone.
- Revised tax rate structure
- In the new tax regime, the revised tax rate structure will stand as follows:
0-4 lakh rupees
Nil
4-8 lakh rupees
5 percent
8-12 lakh rupees
10 percent
12-16 lakh rupees
15 percent
16-20 lakh rupees
20 percent
20- 24 lakh rupees
25 percent
Above 24 lakh rupees
30 percent
- TDS/TCS rationalization for easing difficulties
- Rationalization of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) by reducing number of rates and thresholds above which TDS is deducted.
- The limit for tax deduction on interest for senior citizens doubled from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
- The annual limit of Rs 2.40 lakh for TDS on rent increased to Rs 6 lakh.
- The threshold to collect tax at source (TCS) on remittances under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) increased from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
- The provisions of the higher TDS deduction will apply only in non-PAN cases.
- Decriminalization for the cases of delay of payment of TCS up to the due date of filing statement.
- Reducing Compliance Burden
- Reduction of compliance burden for small charitable trusts/institutions by increasing their period of registration from 5 years to 10 years.
- The benefit of claiming the annual value of self-occupied properties as nil will be extended for two such self-occupied properties without any condition.
- Ease of Doing Business
- Introduction of a scheme for determining arm’s length price of international transaction for a block period of three years.
- Expansion of the scope of safe harbour rules to reduce litigation and provide certainty in international taxation.
- Exemption of withdrawals made from National Savings Scheme (NSS) by individuals on or after the 29th of August, 2024.
- Similar treatment to NPS Vatsalya accounts as is available to normal NPS accounts, subject to overall limits.
- Employment and Investment
Tax certainty for electronics manufacturing Schemes
- Presumptive taxation regime for non-residents who provide services to a resident company that is establishing or operating an electronics manufacturing facility.
- Introduction of a safe harbour for tax certainty for non-residents who store components for supply to specified electronics manufacturing units.
Tonnage Tax Scheme for Inland Vessels
The benefits of existing tonnage tax scheme to be extended to inland vessels registered under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021 to promote inland water transport in the country.
- Extension for incorporation of Start-Ups
Extension of the period of incorporation by 5 years to allow the benefit available to start-ups incorporated before 1.4.2030.
- Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs)
Certainty of taxation on the gains from securities to Category I and Category II AIFs which are undertaking investments in infrastructure and other such sectors.
- Extension of investment date for Sovereign and Pension Funds
Extension of the date of making investments in Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds by five more years, to 31st March, 2030, to promote funding from them to the infrastructure sector.
INDIRECT TAX
Rationalisation of Customs Tariff Structure for Industrial Goods
Union Budget 2025-26 proposes to:
- Remove seven tariff rates. This is over and above the seven tariff rates removed in 2023-24 budget. After this, there will be only eight remaining tariff rates including ‘zero’ rate.
- Apply appropriate cess to broadly maintain effective duty incidence except on a few items, where such incidence will reduce marginally.
- Levy not more than one cess or surcharge. Therefore Social Welfare Surcharge on 82 tariff lines that are subject to a cess, exempted.
Revenue of about ₹ 2600 crore in indirect taxes will be forgone.
Relief on import of Drugs/Medicines
- 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
- 6 lifesaving medicines to attract concessional customs duty of 5%.
- Specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies fully exempted from BCD; 37 more medicines added along with 13 new patient assistance programmes.
Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Value addition
- Critical Minerals :
- Cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals fully exempted from BCD.
- Textiles:
- Two more types of shuttle-less looms fully exempted textile machinery.
- BCD rate on knitted fabrics revised from “10% or 20%” to “20% or ` 115 per kg, whichever is higher.
- Electronic Goods:
- BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) increased from 10% to 20% .
- BCD reduced to 5% on Open Cell and other components.
- BCD on parts of Open Cells exempted.
- Lithium Ion Battery:
- 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing exempted.
- Shipping Sector:
- Exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships extended for another ten years.
- The same dispensation to continue for ship breaking.
- Telecommunication:
- BCD reduced from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches.
Export Promotion
- Handicraft Goods:
- Time period for export extended from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required.
- Nine items added to list of duty-free inputs.
- Leather sector:
- BCD on Wet Blue leather fully exempted.
- Crust leather exempted from 20% export duty.
- Marine products:
- BCD reduced from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) for manufacture and export of its analogue products.
- BCD reduced from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.
- Domestic MROs for Railway Goods:
- Railways MROs to benefit similar to the aircraft and ships MROs in terms of import of repair items.
- Time limit extended for export of such items from 6 months to one year and made further extendable by one year.
Trade facilitation
- Time limit for Provisional Assessment:
- For finalising the provisional assessment, time-limit of two years fixed, extendable by a year.
- Voluntary Compliance:
- A new provision introduced to enable importers or exporters, after clearance of goods, to voluntarily declare material facts and pay duty with interest but without penalty.
- Extended Time for End Use:
- Time limit for the end-use of imported inputs in the relevant rules extended from six months to one year.
- Such importers to file only quarterly statements instead of a monthly statement.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INAUGURAL EDITION OF INDIAN NAVY HALF MARATHON AT NEW DELHI
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 9:35AM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Navy will host the inaugural edition of the Indian Navy Half Marathon (INHM), on 02 Feb 25 at New Delhi.
Over ten thousand participants are expected to compete across three race categories: 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km runs, making it an inclusive event for runners of all calibers and backgrounds. This landmark event is being organised in partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank.
Preparations are underway to deliver an unforgettable experience for every participant. The event will be hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with the race route covering India Gate and the historic Kartavya Path. INHM will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya. In addition, the event will also be graced by senior officers and distinguished personalities from the Armed Forces, civilian guests and renowned sportspersons.
To celebrate the dedication of the most committed runners, we proudly introduce The Indian Navy Slam – a prestigious honour awarded to those who complete all four races organized by the Indian Navy in Kochi, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, and New Delhi. This distinctive recognition embodies the discipline and determination of the Indian Navy, reflecting the perseverance and grit of runners.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited also joins as an Associate Partner and the event has garnered strong support from key agencies, with the Delhi Police and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) playing pivotal roles in ensuring the event’s success.
The event aims to celebrate the spirit of fitness, discipline, and national pride. With a striking race route, esteemed dignitaries, and the unwavering support of key partners, the event is set to inspire all participants. With this inaugural edition, the Indian Navy reaffirms its commitment to foster a culture of health, resilience, and camaraderie. We eagerly anticipate an exhilarating race day on 2nd Feb 25 and look forward to welcome all participants to this spectacular sporting event in the heart of New Delhi.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26
Source: Government of India
AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26
MAKHANA BOARD TO BE ESTABLISHED IN BIHARNATIONAL MISSION ON HIGH YIELDING SEEDS TO BE LAUNCHED
SECOND GENE BANK WITH 10 LAKH GERMPLASM LINES TO BE SET UP
FIVE- YEAR MISSION FOR COTTON PRODUCTIVITY ANNOUNCED
KISAN CREDIT CARD LOAN LIMIT RAISED FROM Rs. 3 LAKH TO Rs. 5 LAKH
12.7 LAKH METRIC TONS UREA PLANT TO BE SET UP AT NAMRUP, ASSAM
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR AND LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS WILL BE THE SPECIAL FOCUS OF THE NEW FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE HARNESSING OF FISHERIES
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:27PM by PIB Delhi
Emphasizing ‘Agriculture as the first engine’ for India’s development journey, Union Budget 2025-26 tabled in Parliament today by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a slew of measures to spur Agricultural Growth and Productivity, thereby benefitting the Annadata.
Announcing the Government’s decision to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar, Smt. Sitharaman said it will improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana as well as support the people engaged in these activities to be organized into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). She added that the Board will provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant Government schemes.
The Minister stated that a National Mission on High Yielding Seeds will be launched with an aim to strengthen the research ecosystem, targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, pest resistance and climate resilience, and commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties released since July 2024.
To provide conservation support to both public and private sectors for genetic resources and ensure future food and nutritional security, the Minister said that the second Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines will be set up.
Announcing the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’, Smt. Sitharaman highlighted that the five-year mission will facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties. She said the mission will benefit lakhs of cotton growing farmers as the best of science & technology support will be provided to farmers. Aligned with the Government’s integrated 5F vision for the textile sector, the Minister remarked that the mission will help in increasing incomes of the farmers as well as ensure a steady supply of quality cotton for rejuvenating India’s traditional textile sector.
Noting the importance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) in facilitating short term loans for around 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, the Minister announced the enhancement of loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.
Smt. Sitharaman announced the setting up of Urea plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons at Namrup, Assam. This, she said will further augment urea supply and help to achieve Atmanirbharta in urea production, along with the recently reopened three dormant urea plants in the Eastern region.
Highlighting that India ranks second-largest globally in fish production and aquaculture with the Seafood exports valued at Rs. 60 thousand crore, the Union Minister remarked that the Government will bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, which will unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRIME MINISTER DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA TO BE LAUNCHED IN 100 LOW CROP PRODUCTIVITY DISTRICTS, PROGRAMME WILL HELP 1.7 CRORE FARMERS TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, IMPROVE IRRIGATION FACILITIES AND FACILITATE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM CREDIT: UNION BUDGET 2025-26
Source: Government of India
PRIME MINISTER DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA TO BE LAUNCHED IN 100 LOW CROP PRODUCTIVITY DISTRICTS, PROGRAMME WILL HELP 1.7 CRORE FARMERS TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, IMPROVE IRRIGATION FACILITIES AND FACILITATE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM CREDIT: UNION BUDGET 2025-26
RURAL PROSPERITY AND RESILIENCE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED TO ADDRESS UNDER-EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURE TRHOUGH SKILLING, INVESTMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND INVIGORATING RURAL ECONOMY6-YEAR “MISSION FOR AATMANIRBHARTA IN PULSES”; EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPING CLIMATE RESILIENT SEEDS, IMPROVING POST-HARVEST STORAGE, ASSURING REMUNERATIVE PRICES TO FARMERS
UNION BUDGET PROPOSES COMPREHEMSIVE PROGRAMME FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS TO PROMOTE PRODUCTION, EFFICIENT SUPPLIES, PROCESSING AND REMUNERATIVE PRICES FOR FARMERS
PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS TO DEVELOP ‘GRAMEEN CREDIT SCORE’ FRAMEWORK TO SERVE CREDIT NEEDS OF SHG MEMBERS AND RURAL POPULATION
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:23PM by PIB Delhi
Spurring agricultural growth and productivity is one of the development measures proposed in the Union Budget 2025-26. Agriculture is one of the four powerful engines amongst MSME, Investment and Exports, stated Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, in the Parliament today.
Specific proposals proposed in the Union Budget to strengthen productivity and resilience in agriculture are as follows:
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana–Developing Agri Districts Programme:
The Union Finance Minister stated that motivated by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, the Government will undertake a ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states. Through the convergence of existing schemes and specialized measures, the programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters. The programme aims to enhance agricultural productivity; adopt crop diversification and sustainable agriculture practices; augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block level; improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. This programme is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.
Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience:
A comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in partnership with states, added the Union Finance Minister. This will address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy. The goal is to generate ample opportunities in rural areas so that migration is an option, but not a necessity. She further added that the programme will focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families. The programme aims in catalyzing enterprise development, employment and financial independence for rural women; accelerating creation of new employment and businesses for young farmers and rural youth; nurturing and modernizing agriculture for productivity improvement and warehousing, especially for marginal and small farmers and diversifying opportunities for landless families. The Union Finance Minister further highlighted that the global and domestic best practices will be incorporated and appropriate technical and financial assistance will be sought from multilateral development banks. In Phase-1, 100 developing agri-districts will be covered.
Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the Government is implementing the National Mission for Edible Oilseed for achieving atmanirbhrata in edible oils. The Government made concerted efforts and succeeded in achieving near self-sufficiency in pulses. Farmers responded to the need by increasing the cultivated area by 50 per cent and Government arranged for procurement and remunerative prices. Since then, with rising incomes and better affordability, consumption of pulses has increased significantly. She further emphasized that the Government will launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor. The Mission will place emphasis on development and commercial availability of climate resilient seeds; enhancing protein content; increasing productivity; improving post-harvest storage and management and assuring remunerative prices to the farmers. Central agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will be ready to procure these 3 pulses, as much as offered during the next 4 years from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.
Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits:
The Union Finance Minister said that it is encouraging that people are increasingly becoming aware of their nutritional needs. It is a sign of a society becoming healthier. With rising income levels, the consumption of vegetables, fruits and Shree-Anna is increasing significantly. A comprehensive programme to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers will be launched in partnership with states. She further added that appropriate institutional mechanisms for implementation and participation of farmer producer organizations and cooperatives will be set up.
Grameen Credit Score:
The Union Finance Minister stated that Public Sector Banks will develop ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of SHG members and people in rural areas.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIA POST TO ACT AS A CATALYST FOR THE RURAL ECONOMY: BUDGET 2025-26
Source: Government of India
INDIA POST TO ACT AS A CATALYST FOR THE RURAL ECONOMY: BUDGET 2025-26
INDIA POST SERVICES WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE DBT, CREDIT SERVICES TO MICRO ENTERPRISES, INSURANCE AMONG OTHERSINDIA POST WILL BE TRANSFORMED AS A LARGE PUBLIC LOGISTICS ORGANIZATION TO MEET THE RISING NEEDS OF VISWAKARMAS, WOMEN, SHG, MSMEs ETC
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:57PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said, while presenting the Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament today, that India Post with 1.5 lakh rural post offices, complemented by the India Post Payment Bank and a vast network of 2.4 lakh Dak Sevaks, will be repositioned to act as a catalyst for the rural economy.
Finance Minister also proposed that the expanded range of services of India Post will include:
1) rural community hub co-location;
2) institutional account services;
3) DBT, cash out and EMI pick-up;
4) credit services to micro enterprises;
5) insurance; and
6) assisted digital services.
Smt Sitharaman further added that India Post will also be transformed as a large public logistics organization. This will meet the rising needs of Viswakarmas, new entrepreneurs, women, self-help groups, MSMEs, and large business organizations.
Union Minister also said that the services of India Post Payment Bank will be deepened and expanded in rural areas.
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NB | VV| BKCV
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Empowering Rural Communities
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 4:07PM by PIB Delhi
Flagship Schemes Driving Growth
The Government of India has launched several flagship schemes aimed at fostering inclusive rural development, poverty alleviation, and livelihood enhancement. These initiatives, implemented under the Ministry of Rural Development and other key departments, address critical areas such as employment generation, housing, infrastructure, skill development, and social welfare.
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA
The vision of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is to enhance the livelihood security of rural households across the country by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA recognizes the importance of strengthening the livelihood resource base of the poor by reaching the most vulnerable sections of rural areas, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women-headed households, and other marginalized groups.
Mission Antyodaya
Adopted in Union Budget 2017-18, Mission Antyodaya is a convergence and accountability framework aiming to bring optimum use and management of resources allocated by 26 Ministries / Department of the Government of India under various programmes for the development of rural areas. It is envisaged as state-led initiative with Gram Panchayats as focal points of convergence efforts.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission
The DAY-NRLM scheme is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower rural women and enhance their livelihoods by fostering community institutions that provide crucial financial, technical, and marketing resources. It emphasizes social inclusion through Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) and facilitates access to government schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission and Poshan Abhiyan, ensuring multi-sectoral convergence.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana –Gramin
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin was launched on 20th November 2016, aiming to provide housing for the poorest segments of society. Beneficiaries are selected through a rigorous three-stage validation process that includes the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC 2011) and Awaas+ (2018) surveys, Gram Sabha approvals, and geo-tagging. This ensures that aid reaches the most deserving individuals.
Sl. No.
Key Parameter Indicators
Status as on 31.01.25
1
Target
3,79,37,139
2
Beneficiaries Registered
3,70,94,350
4
House Sanctioned
3,31,96,085
5
House Completed
2,69,47,215
PMAY-G Progress
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was launched by the Govt. of India to provide connectivity to unconnected Habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy. Govt. of India is endeavoring to set high and uniform technical and management standards and facilitating policy development and planning at State level in order to ensure sustainable management of the rural roads network.
PMGSY Progress
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a welfare programme being administered by the Ministry of Rural Development. This programme is being implemented in rural areas as well as urban areas. NSAP represents a significant step towards the fulfilment of the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India which enjoin upon the State to undertake within its means a number of welfare measures. These are intended to secure for the citizens adequate means of livelihood, raise the standard of living, improve public health, provide free and compulsory education for children etc.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) announced the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) on Antyodaya Diwas – 25th September 2014. DDU-GKY is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), tasked with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.
Cumulative progress till 2024-25
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs)
RSETIs are managed by Banks with active co-operation from the Government of India and State Government. These are Dedicated institutions designed as to ensure necessary skill training and skill up gradation of the rural BPL youth to mitigate the unemployment problem. After successful completion of the training, they will be provided with credit linkage assistance by the banks to start their own entrepreneurial ventures.
Namo Drone Didi
On 15th August, 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the launch of the “Namo Drone Didi” Yojana which aimed to empower women by hand holding them into a sustainable business model where they can increase their income by more than Rs 1 Lakh, and transforming the modern farming ecosystem with drone technology.
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 21.04.2018 for implementation from Financial Year 2018-19 to 2021-22. The primary aim of RGSA was to strengthen PRIs for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on convergence with Mission Antyodaya and emphasis on strengthening PRIs in 117 Aspirational districts.
The Government of India’s flagship rural development schemes have played a transformative role in enhancing livelihoods, improving infrastructure, and fostering socio-economic inclusion. By prioritizing employment generation, housing, skill development, and financial empowerment, these initiatives have significantly contributed to rural prosperity.
References
https://nreganarep.nic.in/netnrega/MISreport4.aspx
https://dashboard.rural.nic.in/dashboardnew/ddugky.aspx
https://namodronedidi.php-staging.com/about-scheme
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Building a Future-Ready India
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 3:05PM by PIB Delhi
Schemes Driving Skill Development and Empowerment
Introduction
India’s Skill India Mission (SIM), driven by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, is equipping youth with essential industry-relevant skills through various programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS). These initiatives focus on skill development, re-skilling and up-skilling, empowering millions with the tools needed for sustainable careers. By bridging the skill gap, fostering innovation, and creating new job opportunities, SIM is paving the way for a self-reliant and developed India (Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat).
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Launch Date: PMKVY was introduced in 2015, and its 4.0 version is being implemented from FY 2022 to 2026.
Objective: To encourage and promote skill development in the country by providing free short-duration skill training and incentivizing youth for skill certification.
Key Achievements:
- PMKVY 1.0 successfully trained over 19.86 lakh candidates.
- Since 2015, the scheme has trained/oriented 1.48 crore candidates by 30th June, 2024.
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)
Launch Date: Transferred from Ministry of Education (erstwhile Ministry of Human Resource Development) to Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in July, 2018.
Objective: Aims to provide vocational training to non-literates, neo-literates as well as school drop-outs in rural regions by identifying skills that have a relevant market in that region.
Key Achievements:
- 4,29,762 beneficiaries enrolled, with 2,45,239 trained, 2,38,048 assessed and 2,37,729 certified under JSS.
- 32 States & UTs, 283 districts, 289 JSS, and 11,338 JSS sub-centers engaged in FY 2024-25. (Data pertains to FY 2024-25 as of 28.01.2025).
PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Launch Date: 17th September, 2023
Objective: The Scheme aims to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople of 18 trades who work with their hands and tools. The Scheme components include recognition through PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card, Skill Upgradation, Toolkit Incentive, Credit Support, Incentive for Digital Transactions and Marketing Support. PM Vishwakarma will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, with an initial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore and is set to run for five years, until 2027-28.
Key Achievements:
- As of January 28, 2025, a total of 2,64,97,537 applications have been submitted under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, with 27,01,087 applications successfully registered.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
Launch: 25th September 2014.
Objective: DDU-GKY is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), tasked with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.
Key Achievements:
- Under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), 65% of the candidates have been placed in gainful employment after completing their training. From FY 2014-15 a total of 16,90,046 candidates have been trained and 10,97,265 candidates have been placed till November, 2024.
Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs)
Launch: January 2009
Objective: The scheme envisage framework for imparting good quality residential free training and post training follow up with credit linkage for sustained motivation among the trainees for promoting entrepreneurship among the rural youth. As RSETIs are Bank lead institutions they are prefixed with the name of the respective sponsor banks to give distinct identity.
Key Achievements:
- A total of Rs. 89,639.09 Lakh has been released for RSETI from FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25.
- As of January 1, 2025, a total of 54,03,231 candidates have been trained in the 2024-25 financial year, compared to 22,89,737 candidates trained in the 2016-17 financial year.
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Santosh Kumar | Binoykumar C V | Kamna Lakaria
(Release ID: 2098476) Visitor Counter : 8
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Startup Revolution
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 2:44PM by PIB Delhi
1.57 lakh startups and 17.28 lakh jobs mark a decade of progress
India has firmly established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with over 1.57 lakh certificates issued by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for recognition of startups as of December 31, 2024. The nation’s entrepreneurial landscape, fuelled by more than 100 unicorns, is redefining innovation and creating new opportunities across sectors. Major hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have been at the forefront of this transformation, while smaller cities are increasingly contributing to the momentum with over 51% of the startups emerging from Tier II/ III cities. Through initiatives like Startup India, the government has played a pivotal role in nurturing this growth and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Startup India
Launched on 16th January 2016, Startup India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to foster innovation and create a thriving startup ecosystem. Its goal is to drive economic growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities. By supporting startups in their
growth journey, the initiative encourages innovation and design. Through various schemes, it aims to empower startups to scale and succeed.
Progress and Impact:
- Startup Growth: The number of DPIIT-recognised startups has risen from around 502 in 2016 to 1,57,706 as of December 31, 2024.
- Job Creation: Startups have created over 17.28 lakh direct jobs as of December 31, 2024, with the IT Services sector leading at 2.10 lakh jobs, followed by Healthcare & Lifesciences (1.51 lakh) and Professional & Commercial Services (96,474).
- Women-Led Startups: As of December 31, 2024, a total of 75,935 recognised startups include at least one-woman director (as per self-reported data of recognized startups), showcasing the rise of women entrepreneurs in India.
- Ease of Doing Business & Tax Benefits: Simplified compliance, self-certification, and tax exemptions for three years have streamlined operations for startups.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Launched in 2021 with a corpus of ₹945 crore, the SISFS supports startups at various stages, including proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialisation. The scheme, operational since 1st April 2021, is overseen by the Experts Advisory Committee (EAC), which evaluates and selects incubators for fund allocation.
Progress and Impact:
- 213 incubators have been approved under the scheme as of December 2024.
- A total of 2,622 startups have benefited from ₹467.75 crore in funding as of December 2024.
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme
Launched in June 2016 with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) aims to boost access to domestic capital for startups. Managed by SIDBI, it funds SEBI- registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which then invest in startups through equity and equity-linked instruments.
Progress and Impact:
- By 2024, ₹6,886 crores have been committed by DPIIT to SIDBI and ₹11,687 crore was committed by SIDBI to AIFs under the FFS scheme as of December 2024.
- This commitment catalyzed investments of ₹21,276 crore in 1,173 startups.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) provides credit guarantees for loans to DPIIT-recognised startups from Scheduled Commercial Banks, NBFCs, and Venture Debt Funds. Implemented by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC), it aims to offer credit guarantees up to a specified limit, easing access to funding for startups.
Progress and Impact:
- As of January 3, 2025, the scheme has guaranteed 260 loans worth ₹604.16 crore to 209 startups.
- Among these, ₹27.04 crore has been allocated to 17 women-led startups.
Other Notable Schemes
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
Launched in 2016 by NITI Aayog, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across India. It includes initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs at the school level to foster creativity, Atal Incubation Centres to build a robust startup ecosystem, and Atal Community Innovation Centres to serve unserved and underserved regions. The Atal New India Challenges focus on product and service innovations with national impact. All initiatives are monitored through real-time MIS systems, with third-party reviews for continuous improvement.
Progress and Impact:
- Till date, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established in schools across India under AIM.
- As of December 18, 2024, a total of 3,556 startups have been incubated in 72 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), creating 41,965 jobs.
MeitY Startup Hub (MSH)
India is home to one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems with close to 30,000+ tech startups, making it the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world. The MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) aims to foster a vibrant innovation and startup ecosystem by uniting technology innovation stakeholders and promoting economic growth through innovation and technological advancement. It serves as a central hub, ensuring synergies among incubation centres, Centres of Excellence on Emerging Technologies, and other platforms supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. MSH facilitates the sharing of resources, best practices, and ideas across the entire innovation and startup ecosystem.
Progress and Impact:
- 5,310+ startups, 495+ incubators, and 328+ labs are part of the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) scheme.
Over the last 10 years, India’s startup ecosystem has experienced tremendous growth, becoming the third-largest in the world. With initiatives like Startup India, SISFS, CGSS, FFS, and sector-specific schemes such as AIM and MSH, the government has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurs. This dynamic collaboration among stakeholders has strengthened the ecosystem, driving economic growth and empowering the next generation of innovators. Looking ahead, India’s startup landscape is set to reach even greater milestones.
References:
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2093125
- https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1886031
- https://msh.meity.gov.in/
- https://aim.gov.in/overview.php
- https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3820_406x3D.pdf?source=pqals
- https://www.startupindia.gov.in/
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Driving Financial Empowerment
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 2:22PM by PIB Delhi
Transformative schemes boost financial inclusion, insurance, and entrepreneurship
Synopsis
Key government initiatives have significantly advanced financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, benefiting millions across India. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has opened over 54.58 crore accounts, with deposits rising to ₹2.46 lakh crore by January 2025. The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has seen a surge in enrolments, reaching 7.33 crore by January 2025, with more than 89.95 lakh new enrolments in FY 2024-25. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) has enrolled 22.52 crore individuals, with ₹17,600 crore disbursed for 8.8 lakh claims. The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) has covered 49.12 crore people, processing ₹2,994.75 crore against accident claims. The Stand-Up India Scheme has sanctioned ₹53,609 crore in loans for 2.36 lakh entrepreneurs, with a focus on SC/ST and women. Finally, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has sanctioned ₹32.36 lakh crore for 51.41 crore loans, with 68% of the loans benefiting women and 50% going to SC/ST/OBC categories. These initiatives are instrumental in promoting financial empowerment and inclusive growth.
Introduction
Financial inclusion remains a key government priority, striving to provide banking, credit, and insurance services to the unbanked and underserved. Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and others, the government is working to empower individuals, secure financial futures, and promote entrepreneurship. The motto, “From Jan Dhan to Jan Suraksha,” encapsulates the vision of financial security and inclusive growth for all.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Launched in August 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aimed to bring the unbanked into the formal financial system by expanding access to savings accounts, credit, remittance, insurance, and pensions. Over the decade, it has empowered weaker sections and low-income groups, playing a key role in financial inclusion and economic integration. According to the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2021, bank account ownership in India more than doubled in the past decade, rising from 35 percent in 2011 to 78 percent in 2021.
Key Achievements:
- Accounts Opened: Grew from 14.72 crore in March 2015 to 54.58 crore by January 15, 2025.
- Deposits: Increased from ₹15,670 crore in March 2015 to ₹2,46,595 crore by January 2025.
- RuPay Cards: 37.29 crore cards issued to PMJDY accountholders as of January 15, 2025, enhancing digital transactions.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Launched on May 9, 2015, Atal Pension Yojana (APY) provides social security to unorganised sector workers. It ensures financial stability for the poor and underprivileged. The scheme was operationalised on June 1, 2015. APY is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It functions under the National Pension System (NPS) framework.
Key Achievements:
- Growth of APY: The Atal Pension Yojana surged from 1.54 crore enrolments in March 2019 to 7.33 crore by January 2025. Its predecessor, the Swavalamban scheme, had 3.01 Lakh enrolments as of 2010-11.
- FY 2024-25 Progress: Over 89.95 lakh enrolments in the current Financial Year 2024-25.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
Launched on May 9, 2015, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is a government-backed life insurance scheme. Proposed in the 2015 budget, it aimed to expand insurance coverage beyond the then 20% of the population. The scheme provides one-year renewable life insurance covering death from any cause.
Key Achievements:
- Enrolments: Grew from 3.1 crore in FY 2016-17 to 22.52 crore as of January 15, 2025.
- Claims Disbursed: ₹17,600 crore disbursed against 8,80,037 claims from a total of 9,13,165 claims received.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Launched on May 9, 2015, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is an accident insurance scheme covering death and disability. It is a one-year renewable policy aimed at increasing insurance penetration. The scheme provides coverage to individuals aged 18-70 with a savings or post office account, benefiting the poor and underprivileged.
Key Achievements:
- Enrolments: 49.12 crore cumulative enrolments as of January 15, 2025.
- Claims Processed: ₹2,994.75 crore disbursed against 1,50,805 claims from a total of 1,98,446 claims received.
Stand-Up India Scheme
Launched on April 5, 2016, the Stand-Up India Scheme promotes entrepreneurship among women, SCs, and STs. It provides bank loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading, and allied agriculture. The scheme aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by easing financial barriers.
Key Achievements:
- Progress: Loan amount sanctioned increased from ₹3,683 crore in March 2018 to ₹53,609 crore by July 2024.
- Beneficiaries: 2.36 lakh loans granted to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs as of July 2024.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
Launched on April 8, 2015, Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) supports small and micro enterprises with loans up to ₹10 lakh. In Union Budget 2024-25, the loan limit was increased to ₹20 lakh. MUDRA facilitates financial inclusion by refinancing micro units and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Achievements:
- Loans Sanctioned: ₹32.36 lakh crore sanctioned for 51.41 crore loans (as of Jan 2025)
- Borrower Distribution: 68% loans to women and 50% to SC/ST/OBC categories
Category-Wise Breakup
Category
No. of Loans
Amount Sanctioned
Shishu
79%
36%
Kishor
19%
40%
Tarun
2%
24%
Tarun Plus
–
–
Total
100%
100%
Data Source: Ministry of Finance
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INAUGURAL EDITION OF INDIAN NAVY HALF MARATHON
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 02 FEB 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi
The inaugural edition of the Indian Navy Half Marathon was conducted on 02 Feb 25 in New Delhi. The event witnessed more than 10,000 participants competing across three race categories: 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km runs, making it an inclusive event for runners of all calibres and backgrounds.
The flagship races – 21.1 km and 10 km runs were flagged off by Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Dr Mansukh L Mandaviya in the presence of Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the Air Staff and senior services and civilian dignitaries.
The event was hosted at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with the race route covering India Gate and the historic Kartavya Path and delivered a well-planned and unforgettable experience for all participants. In addition, the event was also graced by Senior management of the main partner IDFC First Bank, associate partners IOCL and Titan Watches. The presence of distinguished sportspersons made the event more memorable.
This landmark event aimed to promote health and fitness amongst participants from all walks of life, encouraging them to embrace physical activity and adopt an active lifestyle for overall well-being. The event also fostered a sense of camaraderie and competition, bringing people together to forge stronger bonds with the Indian Navy. It further aimed to inspire the youth to consider joining the Indian Navy, a career synonymous with courage, discipline and service to the nation.
The resounding success of the Indian Navy Half Marathon was further amplified by the remarkable performances of the participants. Athletes from different age groups and professional backgrounds demonstrated their endurance, determination, and sportsmanship, making the event an inspiring spectacle for everyone. The winners in each category showcased outstanding physical and mental resilience, setting an example for future participants.
The winner’s (List of first 03 position in each category attached Indian Navy Half Marathon Winners 2025.pdf) are as follows: –
Indian Navy Half Marathon Winners 2025.pdf
21.1 km (Half Marathon)
Men (Open Category): Kulbir Singh (1:04:52)
Women (Open Category): Vrinda Bhandari (1:37:08)
10 km
Men (Open Category): Prakash Deshmukh (0:30:22)
Women (Open Category): Kavita (0:35:36)
5 km
Men (Open Category): Gaurav Kasana (0:14:14)
Women (Open Category): Anjali (0:17:37)
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VM/SKY 28/25
(Release ID: 2098968) Visitor Counter : 45
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Infrastructure Development in India
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 8:46PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
Public infrastructure is the backbone of economic development, enhancing connectivity, trade, and overall quality of life. India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, has made remarkable progress in infrastructure development over the past decade.
The total infrastructure investment in India has significantly increased, with public and private sector contributions shaping the growth trajectory. India’s total infrastructure spending has grown exponentially, with budget allocations rising to ₹10 lakh crore in 2023-24.
PM Gati Shakti
The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), launched in 2021, is designed to bring together various Ministries, including Railways and Roadways, to ensure integrated planning and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects. The initiative aims to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services across various modes of transport, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time. This project has onboarded 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs and a total of 1,614 data layers have also been integrated, by October 2024. A milestone of assessing 208 big-ticket infrastructure projects worth Rs. 15.39 lakh crores, of various Ministries adhering to PM Gati Shakti principles has been achieved.
India’s World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking improved by 6 places from 44 in 2018 to 38 out of 139 countries in 2023. To complement PM GatiShakti, National Logistics Policy was launched in September 2022. 26 states have notified their State-level logistics policy, so far.
Highways and Roads
India has the second largest road network in the world and its National Highways span a total length of 1,46,145 km, forming the primary arterial network of the country. The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to enhance and strengthen the National Highways network through flagship programmes such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana which includes the subsumed National Highway Development Project (NHDP), the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE), and many more ongoing projects.
- India’s National Highway (NH) network expanded from 65,569 km in 2004 to 91,287 km in 2014 and 1,46,145 km in 2024.
- NH stretches with four or more lanes grew 2.6 times from 18,371 km in 2014 to 48,422 km in 2024.
- Operational High-Speed Corridors increased from 93 km in 2014 to 2,138 km in 2024.
- NH construction pace rose 2.8 times from 12.1 km/day in 2014-15 to 33.8 km/day in 2023-24.
- Capital expenditure (including private investment) surged 5.7 times from ₹53,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹3.01 lakh crore in 2023-24 (highest ever).
Bharatmala Pariyojana
Launched in 2017, the Bharatmala Pariyojana envisages development of about 26,000 km length of Economic Corridors, which along with Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) and North-South and East-West (NS-EW) Corridors are expected to carry majority of the freight traffic on roads. It also envisages development of ring roads / bypasses and elevated corridors to decongest the traffic passing through cities and enhance logistic efficiency. A total of 18,926 km of roads have been completed under project by November 2024.
Further network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks is planned to be developed as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana, with a total investment of about Rs. 46,000 crore, which once operational, shall be able to handle around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo.
Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was launched by the Government of India, in 2000, to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.
In 2006–2007, 1,07,370 km of roads were completed under the PMGSY, with a total expenditure of ₹10,769 crore. In 2014-15, 4,19,358 km of roads were completed with a total expenditure of ₹130,149 crore and in 2024-25, 7,71,950 km of roads were completed with a total expenditure of ₹ 331,584 crore.
Civil Aviation
India’s aviation sector is experiencing a meteoric rise, fueled by soaring demand and the government’s unwavering commitment to its growth through supportive policies. This dynamic shift has propelled India to the forefront of the global aviation ecosystem, becoming the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world.
- The number of operational airports in India in 2014 were 74. By September 2024, the number had increased to 157.
- Over 15% of India’s pilots are women, significantly higher than the global average of 5%.
- Marking a new record, domestic air passenger traffic crossed 5 lakhs for the first time in a single day on November 17, 2024.
- The number of Flying training organisations (FTOs) in June 2016 was 29. This number increased to 38 with 57 bases by December 2024.
- In terms of aircrafts, the numbers have increased from around 400 in 2014 to 723 in 2023, despite the impact of Covid-19.
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)
By reviving existing airstrips and airports, UDAN, launched in 2016, aims to bring essential air travel access to previously isolated communities and boost regional economic development. With a ten-year operational plan, UDAN intends to ensure equitable access to air travel for all Indians. As of 31 Dec 2024-
- 147.53 lakh passengers have availed of the benefits of the scheme.
- More than 2.93 lakh flights have operated under the UDAN scheme so far.
- 619 RCS routes have so far commenced operations connecting 88 airports including 13 heliports & 2 water aerodromes.
Shipping and Ports
The Maritime Sector in India comprises of Ports, Shipping, Shipbuilding, Ship repair and Inland Water Transport Systems. In India, there are total 12 government owned major ports and approximately 217 minor and intermediate ports. Indian Shipping Industry has over the years played a crucial role in the maritime sector of India’s economy. Approximately 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value is moved through Maritime Transport.
- Cargo handling capacity has increased from 800.5 million tonnes per annum in 2014 to 1,630 million tonnes per annum in 2024. Vis-à-vis 2014, this is an 87% improvement.
- India has reached 22nd rank in International Shipment category as against 44th rank in 2014.
- Turn Around Time (TRT) of major Ports has reduced from around 94 hours in FY-2013-14 to only around 48.06 hours in FY 2023-24.
- The average ship berth-day output vis-a-vis FY 2014-15 have improved by 52%.
- Tourist footfall in 2022-23 for ocean cruise has risen to 3.08 Lakhs and for light house has risen to 12.3 lakhs compared to the year 2014-15.
- Capacity at major ports stood at:
S. No.
Year
Port Capacity
Traffic Handled
1
2004-05
397.50
383.75
2
2014-15
871.52
581.34
3
2023-24
1629.86
819.23
- The number of ships/vessels increased from 1,250 in 2014-15 to 1,526 in 2023-24, culminating in a 22% increase.
- Number of employed sea-farers are:
Railways
Indian Railways achieved a historic milestone, transporting over 3 crore passengers in a single day on November 4, 2024. On this day Indian Railways carried a record number of 120.72 lakh non-suburban passengers. This included 19.43 lakh reserved passengers and 101.29 lakh unreserved non-suburban passengers. Similarly, the suburban traffic reached a record 180 lakh passengers, making it the highest single-day passenger figure of the year.
- The manufacturing of Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches has increased from 2,209 coaches in year 2006-2014 to 31,956 coaches in year 2014-2023.
- The provision of Bio-toilets in coaches has been increased from 3,647 coaches in year 2006-2014 to 80,478 coaches in year 2014-2023.
- The Production units of Indian Railways are producing only LHB coaches from April-2018 onwards and trains operated with ICF coaches are being converted so as to run with LHB coaches.
- In 2005-06, 33,540 km and in 2014-15, 41,038 km of running tracks were electrified.
- During 2004-14, 14,985 RKM of rail track work was done whereas during 2014-23, 25,871 RKM of track laying work has been done. In the year 2022-23, per day 14 km track was laid.
- Rail connectivity to four states of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Mizoram provided after 2014 (Meghalaya in November 2014, Arunachal Pradesh in February 2015, Manipur (Jiribam) in May 2016 & Mizoram (Bhairabi) in March 2016).
- Before 2014, the number of stations equipped with CCTV surveillance facilities was 123 whereas during 2014-23, CCTVs were installed across 743 railway stations. By December 2024, CCTV coverage was increased to a total of 1051 stations.
Urban Affairs and Housing
- Under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), total projects are 8,076, amounting to ₹1,64,706 crore, of which 7,401 projects amounting to ₹1,54,351 crore have been completed, as per the data provided by 100 Smart Cities.
- Under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0, there has been a 97% increase in the urban waste collection from 2014-15 to 2024-25.
- The waste processing percentage has increased from 18% in 2014-15 to 78% in 2024-25.
- During 2004-14, 13.46 lakh houses were approved under schemes like JnNURM & RRY. This increased substantially (9 times) in 2015-2024, when 118.64 lakh houses were approved under PMAY-U.
- During 2004-14, 8.04 lakh houses were built and marking a 11x increase, during 2015-24, 88.32 lakh houses were completed.
- Achievements in the field of metro rail in the last ten years are:
PARAMETERS
Upto 2014
2014-24
Total Operational Metro Rail Network
248 Km
993 Km
Average Metro Rail Lines Commissioned per month
0.68 Km / Month
6 Km / Month
Average Daily Ridership
28 Lakh
Over 1 Crore
Annual Budget
Rs 5798 (2013-14)
Rs 24844 (2024-25)
Total Cities with Operational Metro Rail
5
23
- The number of buses sanctioned from 2004-2014 were 14,405 and this increased to 19,752 during 2014-24.
AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)
Launched in 2015, AMRUT aims at ensuring every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection, increasing the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well–maintained open spaces (e.g. parks) and reducing pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). As of February 1, 2025, there are:
Jal Jeevan Mission
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched on August 15, 2019, with the ambitious goal of providing tap water supply to every rural household. At the time of its inception, only 3.23 crore (17%) of rural households had tap water connections. As of February 1, 2025, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has successfully provided tap water connections to 12.20 crore additional rural households, bringing the total coverage to over 15.44 crore households, which accounts for 79.74% of all rural households in India. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the mission.
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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal
(Release ID: 2098788) Visitor Counter : 25
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Living cost inflation continues downward trend
Source: New Zealand Government
Average household living cost inflation has continued a downward trend, showing the steps the Government has taken are having an impact, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Data released by Stats NZ today shows the yearly household living costs increased by 3 per cent in the year to December 2024, after increasing 3.8 per cent in the year to September 2024 and 7.4 per cent in the year to September 2023.
“Today’s statistics release shows Kiwis are still battling with the cost of living, but the pressure is starting to ease,” Nicola Willis says.
“The Government said it would address the cost of living. We are making progress.
“We worked fast to refocus the Reserve Bank solely on tackling inflation, and we made its job easier by reining in wasteful public spending and respecting taxpayers’ dollars.
“Drops in the Official Cash Rate have flowed through to average interest rates, easing pressure on household budgets.
“We also delivered New Zealanders their first tax relief package in 14 years, and we’re helping low and middle-income families through FamilyBoost.
“There is still more work to do.
“That’s why we’re focused on economic growth to deliver a stronger economy for New Zealanders. Economic growth will lift New Zealanders’ incomes, improve their living standards and support future investment in health, education and other vital public services.”
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MIL-OSI Australia: First look at Canterbury Hospital redevelopment
Source: New South Wales Premiere
Today, the Canterbury community will have its first look at the $350 million Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment with the new expansion of the facility and major upgrades to be unveiled with the launch of the master plan images, alongside the key clinical priorities for the redevelopment.
The master plan provides the framework for how the redevelopment will integrate with existing facilities while allowing for future development opportunities.
It follows extensive consultation with over 250 patients, staff, carers, volunteers and community members, and the master plan reflects their views on the future of the hospital.
Feedback highlighted preference for more green spaces and access to natural light, updated amenities for staff, patients and carers, better accessibility, signage and wayfinding, and increased patient and visitor parking.
New or increased services at the redeveloped site that have been identified as priorities for the redevelopment will include:
- a new expanded and enhanced intensive care unit
- new purpose-built adult in-patient accommodation
- expanded and enhanced emergency department
- additional surgical theatres
- improved and expanded antenatal care
- additional ambulatory and outpatient care capacity
- other clinical and non-clinical enhancements to existing and retained facilities, to support changing models of care
- improved accessibility to the campus, including internal access, urban spaces, landscaping and wayfinding.
The redevelopment will maximise the capacity of existing facilities available at the Canterbury Hospital campus, including the main hospital building and the Canterbury Health Centre.
Following the completion of master planning, the project team will continue through the planning and design phases for the redevelopment, with further consultation to continue throughout 2025.
The last major redevelopment of the century-old hospital took place in 1998.
The Canterbury area – like much of Sydney – has had significant population growth, placing pressure on hospital services.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area is forecast to grow by 13 per cent in the next 12 years, with an estimated population of 443,000 by 2036.
It is also expected to have a larger proportion of elderly people, with those aged 70 years and over forecast to grow by more than 60% between 2021 and 2036.
The area is home to a culturally diverse community – some of which have complex health needs.
The redevelopment of Canterbury Hospital will enable services to better support the health and wellbeing of our growing local communities, now and into the future.
The Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s delivery of over $3 billion in hospital infrastructure across Western Sydney, including:
- $700 million for the Rouse Hill Hospital
- $120 million for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals – additional beds
- $1.3 billion for the New Bankstown Hospital
- $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“We are working to deliver the healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of this growing community.
“Today’s announcement is a critical next step in the delivery of this significant project.
“What this facility will mean will be enhanced services and more beds for Canterbury and surrounding suburbs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis:
“It’s very exciting to see the master plan images for this $350 million investment which will help build healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of Canterbury’s diverse and growing community.
“I welcome what will be the largest upgrade to Canterbury Hospital in almost three decades.
“This significant redevelopment will allow improved health care access and outcomes for generations to come, both for people living in the area and for those from Greater Sydney.”
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MIL-OSI Economics: Mission 300 Energy Summit: A watershed moment for Africa’s energy future
Source: African Development Bank Group
The just-concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam marks a pivotal shift in how the continent approaches its energy crisis, from fragmented national efforts to a coordinated continental strategy backed by robust financial commitments and political will. -
MIL-OSI New Zealand: ConsumerNZ reveals the best and worst insurance providers
Source: ConsumerNZConsumer NZ finds two insurers have topped the list for customer satisfaction across the insurance trifecta – car, house and contents.
Results from Consumer’s annual insurance satisfaction survey found MAS and FMG were rated highly by their customers, both earning Consumer’s People’s Choice award.
“This is the eighth consecutive year FMG has received the accolade, and customers have voted MAS for People’s Choice for nine consecutive years,” says Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ chief executive.
“Winning People’s Choice is no small feat. The fact these two providers have won People’s Choice across multiple insurance categories reflects their continued focus on customer satisfaction.”
The best
MAS and FMG are the top-rated insurers for house, car and contents insurance. Customers praise their value for money, easy-to-understand policy documents and products tailored to customers’ needs.
MAS had the highest overall satisfaction rating for house insurance at 76%, while FMG ranked highest for contents insurance at 78%. For car insurance, MAS and FMG also took out the top spots, with 81% and 79% respectively.
Duffy emphasises the importance of choosing an insurer that puts customers first.
“New Zealanders should expect their insurer to get the basics right – good communication and customer support – especially now, with insurers needing to update policies to comply with upcoming law changes.”
Consumer’s Insurance Satisfaction Survey found that while most banks scored below average for house and contents insurance, they generally perform better in travel insurance.
“Some banks scored higher for travel insurance, likely due to it being offered free through some credit cards.
“In today’s economy, value for money is a key factor in customer satisfaction.”
The worst
Big brands State and AMI (both owned by IAG New Zealand Ltd) scored below average for house and contents insurance, with significantly lower-than-average ratings for value for money, communication, customer support and tailored advice.
“It’s disappointing to see major insurers fall short of the industry average. We’d like to see these big names use their market share to improve customer satisfaction.”
Banks also underperformed when it came to car insurance.
“Four banks – ANZ, BNZ, Westpac and ASB – received below average ratings, with ASB at the very bottom of the pile.”
How to save on insurance
Consumer’s research1 shows that concerns about insurance costs have risen more than any other household expense over the past 2 years, as premiums continue to outstrip inflation. Duffy encourages consumers to regularly review their insurance policies to ensure they’re getting the best value.
“If you’re parking your car in a garage instead of the street – update your policy. We’ve found that switching providers could save you as much as $670 per year in our car insurance survey (ref. https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fiihdx-ijjdkdttjk-j/ ).
“Adjusting your sum insured or excess are simple ways to lower those premiums,” he adds.
Consumer members can compare quotes for health, life, travel, house, contents and car insurance, as well as access Consumer’s independent insurance buying guide at consumer.org.nz.
Notes
1 Consumer NZ’s Insurance Satisfaction Survey was conducted online in October 2024, with 6,415 respondents, including Consumer NZ members, supporters and a nationally representative sample of over 1,500 New Zealanders.
Satisfaction is based on the proportion of respondents who rated their experience 8 to 10 out of 10, indicating they were “very satisfied”.
Learn more about Consumer’s People’s Choice award: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fiihdx-ijjdkdttjk-i/
1 Insurance cost concerns have increased the most over the past 2 years, increasing from 13% to 27% of people listing it as a top-three concern.
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MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump’s tariff wallop demonstrates the brute power of an imperial presidency
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Daniel Drache, Professor Emeritus, Department of Politics, York University, Canada
As promised, United States President Donald Trump has imposed punishing tariffs on all exports from Canada and Mexico, leading to retaliatory tariffs from Canada.
Canada’s closest ally has torn up the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal negotiated only seven years ago. The rationale behind what the Wall Street Journal editorial board has called “the dumbest trade war in history” isn’t even clear.
The pessimistic view is that if Canada doesn’t give Trump everything he wants, he will bulldoze the country with more tariffs, sanctions on banks, enhanced border inspections and even a travel ban — everything he recently threatened to do to Colombia.
Canada’s political class is scrambling because the U.S. has long been a cultural sibling and an economic partner. But now it is toxic, threatening and untrustworthy. Will Canada sign another trade deal with Trump in office? The chances recede the longer the tariffs remain in place.
Iron-fisted
It’s never been more clear that Trump is obsessive, seldom a bluffer and always iron-fisted. He seems to have planned and executed this tariff bomb to cause maximum pain and chaos. Now he says the European Union is next on his list.
Trump is counting on his new majorities in U.S. Congress to ram through his radical right populist agenda, forcing other countries to play a role in his melodrama.
In response to Trump’s charge that the U.S. subsidizes Canadian trade, former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper pointed out that half of America’s imported oil comes from Canada, and its price is significantly discounted due to a lack of pipeline capacity. “It’s actually Canada that subsidizes the United States in this regard,” Harper said.
Nevertheless, Trump’s preferred foreign policy tactic is to hit first with economic sanctions and negotiate later. With his near total grip on U.S. government, he can now achieve all his aims through tariffs.
Read more:
Canada-U.S. tariff war: How it will impact different products and industries
The imperial presidency
Trump’s vision for his imperial presidency is organized around an old idea: the revenue tariff. Before income taxes, border tariffs were the primary source of income for government. But back then, government did a lot less.
For example, America’s 19th-century navy of wooden sailing ships was purchased with tariffs. But it would be impossible to fund modern-day health care, student loans and $13 billion aircraft carriers with tariff revenues.
A recent study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics shows the math doesn’t add up. Tariffs are levied on imported goods and are worth about US$3 trillion. American income tax is levied on incomes and are worth more than US$20 trillion. Government would have to be much smaller, and tariffs would have to be so high they would choke American trade, for tariffs to make economic sense.
And yet Trump has a broad mandate. In the summer of 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. United States that presidents require a broadly defined “presumptive immunity from prosecution for … official acts.”
This decision has given Trump the legal clout to force the entire federal government to answer to the president himself.
Read more:
US Supreme Court immunity ruling ideal for a president who doesn’t care about democracy
War against democracy
Trump is using his vast new mandate to wage multiple wars simultaneously. These wars against the guardrails of liberal democracy require the punishment of his enemies inside his own party.
Read more:
Canada should be preparing for the end of American democracy
Republicans who have voted against Trump legislation during his first term faced high-profile challenges in the primaries as he funded their opponents. Today, the war is waged against those who are insufficiently loyal, including the highest ranks of the Coast Guard and the FBI.
The war against the administrative state involves the mass firing of independent inspectors, federal lawyers and thousands of civil servants to be replaced by foot soldiers personally loyal to the leader.
The Trump administration has sent out “deferred resignation” notices that invite the entire civil service to resign. This is the tactic Trump’s key adviser, Elon Musk, implemented at X, and it suggests a wave of firings will soon begin.
Nonsensical trade war
The trade war against Canada and Mexico is peculiar because neither country has expressed any willingness to abolish the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is among the achievements of Trump’s first administration.
Nevertheless, the paranoid Trump seems to be convinced that he got a raw deal in 2018, and so he wants to scrap the whole treaty and negotiate something tougher that brings more jobs home.
In 2024, the cars that were ranked most “American” in terms of their content and final assembly were made by Tesla, Honda and Volkswagen. By comparison, the best-selling the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck ranked No. 43 on the list. What Trump considers American and non-American isn’t clear, even to voters.
A new Bank of Canada forecast predicts that American tariffs may reduce Canadian GDP by six per cent. The federal government is planning an enormous bailout package to compensate for widespread job losses like the one offered to businesses and individuals during the pandemic.
Unsurprisingly, Trump divides Canada’s leadership. Alberta and Saskatchewan have publicly criticized the Team Canada approach. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith refused to sign the joint federal/provincial statement and played to her secessionist base.
Read more:
Why Alberta’s Danielle Smith is rejecting the Team Canada approach to Trump’s tariff threats
Even so, former Alberta premier Jason Kenney recognizes the peril, arguing that Alberta needs to “be prepared to retaliate … we can’t be wusses about this; we have to have a spine.”
What’s next?
Canada is an export-led economy based on natural resources. Its strength lies not in refusing to buy California wine or Florida orange juice. Its main sources of leverage are oil and gas, potash and uranium, rare earth minerals, timber products and hydroelectric power. But of all these, oil, uranium, and hydro-electric power are Canada’s biggest guns.
It’s not yet clear how effective the Canadian government’s strategy will be. Previous rounds of retaliation after the steel and aluminum tariffs in Trump’s first term did not drive him to the negotiating table. It’s also unclear what the CEOs of Canada’s branch-plant multinational corporations will do when their loyalties are divided between Trump and Canada.
Furthermore, it’s anyone’s guess how much the dissent of western Canadian premiers has hurt Canada’s case with Trump. Certainly, his preferred tactic is to divide and conquer.
Finally, it’s unclear if Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s “Captain Canada” approach will earn the respect or disdain of Republicans — although, ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the rest of the American political class thinks because Trump and his inner circle are calling all the shots.
In practical terms, there is little Canada can do to address the false accusations that it’s complicit in the illicit drug trade and in migrants crossing the border into the U.S. Facts don’t matter to Trump. He will eventually come up with a demand, and if Canada doesn’t give in, he will ramp up the economic pain.
Welcome to the post-liberal world order.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Donald Trump’s tariff wallop demonstrates the brute power of an imperial presidency – https://theconversation.com/donald-trumps-tariff-wallop-demonstrates-the-brute-power-of-an-imperial-presidency-247524
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MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Carden Summers: Weeks 2 & 3 Under the Gold Dome
Source: US State of Georgia
The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has concluded, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.
Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.
One of the most crucial budget proposals this legislative session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds directly to taxpayers. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we’re in a position to give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting more money back in your pockets.
Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the resources they need to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to making sure they get the support they need to recover and move forward.
One of the bills I’m proud to sponsor is Senate Bill 43. This legislation aims to update the qualifications for bona fide conservation use property and bona fide residential transition property and would increase the maximum acreage needed to qualify to meet these standards. I’m also proud to sponsor Senate Bill 13, legislation which provides the authority to finance and perform duties in connection with projects relating to natural gas facilities. This legislation is not only important to Senate District 13, but to the entire state.
Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply on the Senate website here.
If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.
# # # #
Sen. Carden Summers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions. He represents the 13th Senate District which includes Ben Hill, Berrien, Crisp, Irwin, Lee, Tift, Turner, and Worth County, as well as a part of Coffee County. He may be reached at (404) 463-5258 or by email at carden.summers@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
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MIL-Evening Report: KiwiSaver shakeup: private asset investment has risks that could outweigh the rewards
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron Gilbert, Professor of Finance, Auckland University of Technology
New Zealand’s superannuation is no longer enough to live on for the country’s retirees. Research has found people need hundreds of thousands in savings to live a comfortable life after work.
But the KiwiSaver scheme, introduced in 2007 to encourage New Zealanders to build their retirement savings, continues to be a political football. Since its creation, there have been multiple tweaks to the scheme, threatening to undermine its core purpose: supporting New Zealanders in their retirement.
In late 2024, the government proposed changes that would make it easier for KiwiSaver managers to invest in private assets.
The government says these changes could unlock billions to fund essential infrastructure or to provide capital for businesses, outcomes that could benefit the country as a whole.
But the changes required to enable investing in private assets – such as reduced transparency around fees – are concerning and may not be worth the limited benefits it would bring to KiwiSaver members.
Expanding KiwiSaver
At the moment KiwiSaver managers predominantly invest in publicly traded assets, specifically stocks and bonds.
The changes would open up KiwiSaver investors to a wide range of opportunities such as infrastructure projects (for example, toll roads), unlisted companies (KiwiBank has already been suggested by one provider) and property investments, among others.
Increasing private asset exposure from the current 2-3% of funds under management to a level similar to Australian super funds (15%+) could unlock significant investment for infrastructure or business capital.
But while there is definite appeal in using more KiwiSaver money to build roads and other essential infrastructure, the benefits to investors may be more modest.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment argues private assets may increase fund returns and should reduce risk for investors by reducing fund exposure to stock and bond markets.
But to achieve these possible outcomes KiwiSaver members risk being locked into a fund provider or having their funds split across providers when they opt to move. There is also the concern that transparency around the fees being charged by managers could worsen.
Gumming up the works
The advantage of the current system of investing in publicly traded assets is that they are relatively cheap to trade, can be bought or sold quickly and their market value is constantly known.
Private assets are none of these things.
Fund managers are currently required to release your funds within ten days when you opt to switch manager. Large investments in private assets that can not be sold quickly, or even worse, may be distressed (where the value is currently significantly below what it was bought for), could create a liquidity issue for a fund if a lot of investors decide to switch.
To encourage managers to invest in private assets the proposed changes would allow your existing fund manager to hold onto a portion of your investment until private assets could be liquidated if they deemed it in your best interest.
Essentially, you may have to stay with a fund manager for an indeterminate period even if you want to change, presumably while still paying them fees on the funds they are looking after.
New Zealand’s retirees rely on KiwiSaver to top up insufficient superannuation payments.
Stramp/ShutterstockHiding fees
The government’s changes also suggest allowing managers to change the way the fees they report is calculated.
To encourage managers to invest in private assets, the government has proposed allowing them to exclude the costs associated with private assets from their reported fees. Why? Because private asset investing is significantly more expensive.
Managers may need to build specialised teams to evaluate private asset investments. There are substantial costs (consultants, lawyers, experts etc) incurred when evaluating these investments in the same way that a home buyer faces costs such as builder and valuer reports.
Additionally, managers will need to hire valuers periodically to reevaluate the value of the assets, resulting in more costs.
Removing private asset costs from disclosures will make it harder for New Zealanders to compare the fees on different funds.
Multiple other problems
Several other problems also exist with the plan.
The KiwiSaver market is relatively fragmented with 21 providers, nearly half of which manage less than NZ$1 billion in assets. Many private asset investments would require tens of millions, which means funds run the risk of becoming heavily exposed to just a few large investments. Only a handful of funds currently have the size to effectively use private assets to reduce investor risk.
There is also the difficulty in valuing private assets. Valuers can provide a best guess, but it will depend largely on what the market is willing to pay at the time you come to sell.
What is also unclear is how the value of private assets will be reflected in the unit prices that impact the price at which you buy into or sell out of fund. This introduces yet more opacity to a system that is currently transparent.
KiwiSaver will increasingly become a critical aspect of New Zealanders’ retirement. Changes to it need to be carefully considered and evaluated to avoid undermining confidence in KiwiSaver and to ensure that they support the primary goal, ensuring financial security in retirement. It is not clear that this change meets that threshold.
Aaron Gilbert does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. KiwiSaver shakeup: private asset investment has risks that could outweigh the rewards – https://theconversation.com/kiwisaver-shakeup-private-asset-investment-has-risks-that-could-outweigh-the-rewards-247684
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MIL-OSI Global: Canada-U.S. tariff war: How it will impact different products and industries
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, Associate Professor of Agri-Food Trade and Policy, University of Guelph
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods. A senior governmental official said they are expected to come into effect on Feb. 4.
This tariff will have significant economic consequences on both sides of the border, as the U.S. and Canada share one of the largest bilateral trade relationships in the world.
A key concern is the highly integrated supply chains between the two countries. Many goods cross the border multiple times as intermediate inputs before becoming final products. Imposing tariffs at any point in this supply chain will raise production costs and increase prices for a wide range of goods traded between the U.S. and Canada.
For Canada, the tariffs on Canadian products will significantly affect Canada’s competitiveness in the U.S. market by driving up prices. Such tariffs could pose serious challenges for various sectors in Canada, given the country’s heavy reliance on the U.S. economy.
Effects on different sectors
The impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian prices is likely to differ across sectors and products, depending on their reliance on the U.S. market.
Sectors with a higher dependence on U.S. trade are likely to experience more severe disruptions. If the tariffs make certain products uncompetitive, Canadian producers may struggle to secure alternative markets in the short term.
Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and energy will experience varying degrees of impact. Energy products and motor vehicles, which represent Canada’s largest exports to the U.S., are expected to be among the most adversely affected.
In the agricultural and forestry sector, wood and paper products, along with cereals, are among Canada’s largest exports to the U.S., with the U.S. accounting for 86 to 96 per cent of these exports, according to data from the World Integrated Trade Solution.
In the energy and mineral sector, crude oil is Canada’s top export, reaching US$143 billion in 2023, with 90 per cent destined for the U.S. Given its critical role as Canada’s largest export across all sectors, it is not surprising that Trump has noted crude oil would subject to a lower tariff of 10 per cent.
Canada’s dependence on U.S. trade
When examining the impact on different products, it’s not only the value of trade that matters, but also the share of trade. The share of trade indicates how reliant Canada is on the U.S. compared to other markets.
A high trade share with the U.S. suggests a product is particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions, as Canada depends heavily on the U.S. market for that product. Conversely, a lower share indicates that Canada has diversified suppliers, which reduces its dependence on the U.S.
Read more:
Trump’s tariff threat could shake North American trade relations and upend agri-food trade
For instance, in 2023, Canada’s top exports to the U.S. included vehicles and parts, nuclear machinery and plastics, according to data from the World Integrated Trade Solution. The U.S. accounted for 93 per cent of vehicle and parts exports, 82 per cent of nuclear machinery exports, and 91 per cent of plastics exports.
This data highlights Canada’s extreme dependence on the U.S. market, making these industries within the manufacturing sector highly susceptible to the tariff. This could harm jobs in the manufacturing sector, which is vital to employment in Canada, providing jobs for over 1.8 million people.
Canada’s reliance on the U.S. is also evident in imports. In 2023, vehicle imports totalled US$92 billion, with the U.S. accounting for 58 per cent of that amount.
The dependence is also evident in the agri-food and forestry sector, where Canada heavily relies on U.S. imports. This suggests that retaliatory tariffs on agricultural goods from the U.S. could have a substantial impact on food prices in Canada.
Retaliatory tariffs and inflationary pressures
Canada has announced it’s imposing $155 billion of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports in response. This could contribute to inflationary pressures within Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says this includes immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods as of Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of American products in 21 days’ time to “allow Canadian companies and supply chains to seek to find alternatives.”
This will include tariffs on “everyday items such as American beer, wine and bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, including orange juice, along with vegetables, perfume, clothing and shoes,” and also on major consumer products like household appliances, furniture and sports equipment, and materials like lumber and plastics.
Given Canada’s significant dependence on U.S. imports, the retaliatory tariffs will raise the cost of American goods entering the country, further driving up consumer prices and exacerbating inflation.
In its latest policy rate announcement, the Bank of Canada warned of the severe economic consequences of Trump’s tariffs, highlighting their potential to reverse the current downward trend in inflation.
What should Canada do now?
Canada must extend its economic diplomacy efforts beyond the Trump administration, engaging with the U.S. Congress and Senate to advocate for the reconsideration of tariffs on Canadian goods. The Canadian government should persist in leveraging this channel to push for a reversal of the tariffs. This kind of broader negotiation remains the most effective approach to mitigating trade tensions and ensuring stable economic relations with the U.S.
At the same time, Canada must reduce dependence on the U.S. market by adopting a comprehensive export diversification strategy. While the U.S. remains a convenient and accessible trade partner, expanding into emerging and developing markets would help mitigate risks and create more stable long-term trade opportunities.
Read more:
Trump’s tariff threat is a sign that Canada should be diversifying beyond the U.S.
One effective way to achieve export diversification is by expanding free trade agreements (FTAs) with emerging and developing economies. Currently, Canada has 15 FTAs covering about 51 countries, but there is room for expansion. However, signing FTAs alone is insufficient; Canada must ensure these agreements translate into tangible trade growth with partner countries.
International politics is increasingly shaping global trade, making it imperative for Canada to proactively manage diplomatic and trade relations. In recent years, tensions have emerged with key partners such as China, India and Saudi Arabia. These countries could all become potential markets for Canadian products. Given that China is Canada’s second-largest export destination, there is significant potential to expand trade ties.
Additionally, countries like the United Arab Emirates present promising markets, particularly for agricultural products, as the UAE imports about 90 per cent of its food.
Boosting innovation and productivity
Canada stands at a critical juncture in its trade relationship with the U.S. While diplomatic efforts remain essential to averting harmful tariffs, they cannot be the country’s only line of defence.
Boosting productivity is one of the most effective ways for Canada to improve its competitiveness in global markets. Canadian producers should prioritize innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge, particularly as they seek to expand beyond the U.S.
In response to potential U.S. tariffs, the Canadian government should implement a bailout strategy to provide short-term relief and mitigate revenue losses to firms that will be mostly affected. Additionally, Canada should leverage its embassies and consulates worldwide to promote exports and help affected firms identify and access new market opportunities.
By doing this, Canada can position itself as a more self-reliant and competitive player in the global economy — one less vulnerable to shifting U.S. policies.
Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor receives funding from the OMAFRA and the USDA. He is affiliated with the Centre for Trade Analysis and Development (CeTAD Africa).
Naduni Uduwe Welage and Promesse Essolema do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Canada-U.S. tariff war: How it will impact different products and industries – https://theconversation.com/canada-u-s-tariff-war-how-it-will-impact-different-products-and-industries-248824
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MIL-Evening Report: Palestine prisoners’ release ‘symbolic win’ showing unity in face of occupation, says academic
Asia Pacific Report
Sultan Barakat, a professor at Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, says the release of Palestinian prisoners is a “symbolic win” rather than a victory for the Palestinians, primarily showing the inhumane conditions they live under.
“Israel can capture people in the West Bank and Gaza because they all live in a confinement area under the control of Israel,” he told Al Jazeera.
Dr Barakat discussed the way Palestinians were “arbitrarily rounded up, taken to prison and treated badly” by Israel.
A total of 183 Palestinian prisoners were released today from Israeli jails as part of the exchange for three Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.
They included 18 serving life sentences and 54 serving lengthy sentences, as well as 111 detained in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
Dozens of Palestinians released from Israeli jails showed signs of torture and starvation, said the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society.
Barakat stressed that the release of prisoners also “shows the unity of the Palestinians in the face of occupation”.
“The prisoners are not all necessarily Hamas sympathisers — some were at odds with Hamas for a long time,” the academic said.
“But they are united in their refusal of occupation and standing up to Israel,” he added.
Hamas ‘needs to stay in power’
Another academic, Dr Luciano Zaccara, an associate professor at Qatar University’s Gulf Studies Center, told Al Jazeera that Hamas needed to stay in power for the ceasefire agreement to be implemented in full.“How are you going to reconstruct Gaza without Hamas? How are you going to make this deal complied [with] if Hamas is not there?” he questioned.
Dr Zaccara also said Israel seemed to have no plan on what to do in Gaza after the war.
“There was never a plan,” he said, adding that Israel did not want Hamas or the Palestinian Authority in the enclave running the administration.
The Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz, quoting a security source, reported that the Red Cross had expressed “outrage” at how the Israel Prison Service handled the Palestinian prisoners being released from Ketziot Prison.
Ha’aretz said the Red Cross alleged that the prisoners were led handcuffed with their hands above their heads and bracelets with the inscription “Eternity does not forget”.
The newspaper quoted the Israel Prison Service spokesman as saying that “the prison warders are dealing with the worst of Israel’s enemies, and until the last moment on Israeli soil, they will be treated under prison-like rule.
“We will not compromise on the security of our people.”
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MIL-Evening Report: Albanese will pitch to blue collar men with heavy warnings on Dutton’s workplace policies
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in conversation with Michelle Grattan.Anthony Albanese has outlined his pitch to improve his and his government’s standing among men, as he insists he can hold onto majority government at the election to be held in April or May.
In a wide-ranging interview on The Conversation’s Politics podcast, canvassing both his plans and current issues, the Prime Minister addresses the gender voter gap the polls have been showing, which is worrying Labor strategists.
On a two-party basis, a December Essential poll had the Coalition on 51% among men, and Labor on 44%, with 4% undecided. Among women, Labor was on 49% and the Coalition on 46%, with 5% undecided.
In a Resolve poll on preferred prime minister, Peter Dutton polled 40% among men, and Albanese 34%. Among women, Albanese was on 36% and Dutton on 31%.
Albanese tells the podcast: “One of the things that we will be really campaigning very hard on is the impact on blue collar workers of the Coalition promises to get rid of same job, same pay [law], the definition of casual in employment [and] their plan to essentially go back to wages going backwards, not forwards.”
Targeting younger voters
As Labor crafts its election policy, Albanese also flags he is looking to do more for young people.
Asked who he feels is being “left behind” in Australia at the moment, he points to the issue of “intergenerational equity”.
“I think that young people feel like they’ve got the rough end of the pineapple compared with previous generations,” he says. This is “something I’m really conscious of”.
Outlining what the government has done or announced already on student debt, housing supply, schools, the universities accord and free TAFE, he suggests there will be further policies targeted towards younger voters.
The likeliest election dates
Albanese confirms he has not locked in an election date. “We make decisions when we finalise them and I’ll consult,” he says.
“But I’ve always said […] one of the problems with three year terms is that they are too short.”
The speculation is the election will be either April 12, or one of the first three Saturdays in May, with May 17 the last practical date.
April 12 would mean scrapping the scheduled March 25 budget. “We certainly are working to hand down a budget in March,” Albanese says. “The ERC [Expenditure Review Committee] will be meeting this week, as it met last week.”
Asked whether he is confident he could still deliver his program if the election resulted in a minority Labor government, Albanese says: “I’m confident that we can achieve an ongoing majority government at this election. I think there are seats that we currently hold that we have good prospects in.”
He names two Victorian Liberal seats he had just visited – Menzies and Deakin – among those he believes Labor can win from the Coalition. (After the redistribution, Menzies is notionally a Labor seat by a tiny margin.)
Watching for a rate cut and trade wars
Asked when Australia might come out of the present per capital recession, Albanese says things are “heading in a positive direction”, but does not nominate a time.
He sounds confident about interest rates falling soon:
All of the economic commentators are saying that that is the most likely prediction of markets. It’s not up to me as prime minister to tell the independent Reserve Bank what to do, but I’m certain that we have created the conditions through, as well as our responsible economic management, producing two budget surpluses – the massive turnaround that we have seen, compared with what the Morrison 2022 budget handed down by the Coalition […] was predicting.
Prompted about the Reserve Bank’s next meeting on February 18, he says “I’m certainly conscious of that date”.
With United States President Donald Trump slapping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China while foreshadowing wider tariffs, Albanese recalls his phone conversation after Trump was elected, in which he reminded the incoming president that America has a trade surplus with Australia. Australia would “put our arguments forward very clearly” if it faced the threat of tariffs, Albanese says.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead to this fortnight’s parliamentary sitting, Albanese confirmed to The Conversation that he will not proceed with the Nature Positive legislation. It had been strongly opposed by the Western Australian government, which has its election on March 8.
But he hopes the Senate will pass the legislation for political donation and spending caps, indicating the government is willing to compromise to get the bill through.
Looking to a second term, Albanese highlights in particular the opportunities presented by the energy transition.
“We are positioned better than anywhere else in the world to benefit, in my view, from this transition that’s occurring.”
He contrasts Dutton’s energy plan, which he describes as a “myopic vision” to make Australia smaller.
“I want Australia to be more successful, to be enlarged in our optimism and our vision. And I want to lead a government that does that.”
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Albanese will pitch to blue collar men with heavy warnings on Dutton’s workplace policies – https://theconversation.com/albanese-will-pitch-to-blue-collar-men-with-heavy-warnings-on-duttons-workplace-policies-248851
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MIL-OSI Economics: Statement by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the Passing of Former IMF Managing Director Mr. Horst Köhler
Source: International Monetary Fund
Washington, DC: Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today after news of the death of Mr. Horst Köhler, former IMF Managing Director:
“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Horst Köhler, who was the eighth Managing Director of the Fund and ably led our institution between 2000 and 2004. Mr. Köhler will be remembered for his many contributions, and in particular for navigating the Fund’s work through the difficult period after September 11, 2001. He mobilized the Fund and the international community to help the low-income and heavily indebted members, championing greater transparency and strong governance.
“During his distinguished career, he played a key role in Germany’s unification in 1990 as Deputy Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany and was instrumental in drafting the legal framework for the introduction of the euro. He served as president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, before joining the IMF as Managing Director. In 2004 he left the IMF to become president of the Federal Republic of Germany, winning the hearts of many for his principled approach. Throughout a large part of his life, he was particularly devoted to drawing the world’s attention to the needs of the African continent – something many of us at the Fund greatly admired.
“On behalf of the IMF, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Köhler’s family – his wife Eva, his two children Ulrike and Jochen, and his grandchildren. Mr. Köhler led a life of distinguished public service, and leaves behind a profound legacy of dedication to fairness and justice and an unfailing concern for others.”
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MIL-OSI Russia: Statement by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the Passing of Former IMF Managing Director Mr. Horst Köhler
Source: IMF – News in Russian
Washington, DC: Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today after news of the death of Mr. Horst Köhler, former IMF Managing Director:
“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Horst Köhler, who was the eighth Managing Director of the Fund and ably led our institution between 2000 and 2004. Mr. Köhler will be remembered for his many contributions, and in particular for navigating the Fund’s work through the difficult period after September 11, 2001. He mobilized the Fund and the international community to help the low-income and heavily indebted members, championing greater transparency and strong governance.
“During his distinguished career, he played a key role in Germany’s unification in 1990 as Deputy Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany and was instrumental in drafting the legal framework for the introduction of the euro. He served as president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, before joining the IMF as Managing Director. In 2004 he left the IMF to become president of the Federal Republic of Germany, winning the hearts of many for his principled approach. Throughout a large part of his life, he was particularly devoted to drawing the world’s attention to the needs of the African continent – something many of us at the Fund greatly admired.
“On behalf of the IMF, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Köhler’s family – his wife Eva, his two children Ulrike and Jochen, and his grandchildren. Mr. Köhler led a life of distinguished public service, and leaves behind a profound legacy of dedication to fairness and justice and an unfailing concern for others.”
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/02/pr-25024-imf-md-Kristalina-Georgieva-statement-on-passing-of-former-imf-md-Horst-Koehler
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MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Tops YouGov’s Best Global Brands 2025 Rankings
Source: Samsung
Samsung Electronics is the world’s best brand among global consumers, according to YouGov’s Best Global Brands 2025 rankings.
This marks the second year in a row that Samsung has topped the rankings. After placing fourth in 2017, the company consistently finished within the top 4 on YouGov’s yearly lists before ranking second in 2021 and first in 2022. Only two of this year’s top 10 global brands originate from Asia, including Samsung.
* YouGov did not publish a Global Top 10 list in its Best Global Brands rankings in 2023 and 2024.
The YouGov Best Global Brand 2025 rankings draw on more than 1 million consumer surveys across 28 markets to identify the best-performing global and national brands. Respondents are asked their opinions of thousands of brands, rating them on six key attributes: Impression, Quality, Value, Customer Satisfaction, Reputation and Recommendation.
“Brands have never been more important — and in today’s dynamic marketplace, where consumer sentiment can make or break a company’s success, understanding brand perception is imperative,” said YouGov CEO Steve Hatch.
Back in October 2024, Samsung was recognized by Interbrand as a “Global Top 5” brand for the fifth consecutive year on the global brand consultancy’s annual “Best Global Brands” rankings. Samsung’s brand value surpassed the $100 billion mark for the first time on last year’s list, and Interbrand mainly attributed this to the expansion of Samsung’s portfolio of products infused with AI technologies, substantial consumer benefits derived from increased device connectivity and the company’s ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future. -
MIL-Evening Report: Moral bankruptcy, Israel’s genocide and the betrayal of the Palestinians
Why has any discussion about Israel, its violations of international law, and the international legal expectations for third party states to hold IDF soldiers accountable not been addressed in Aotearoa New Zealand?
ANALYSIS: By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa national chair John Minto’s campaign to identify Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldiers in New Zealand and then call a PSNA number hotline has come under intense criticism from the likes of Winston Peters, Stephen Rainbow, the Jewish Council and NZ media outlets. Accusations of antisemitism have been made.
Despite making it clear that holding IDF soldiers accountable for potential war crimes is his goal, not banning all Israelis or targeting Jewish people, there are many just concerns regarding Minto’s campaign. He is clear that his focus remains on justice, not on creating divisions or fostering discrimination, but he has failed to provide strict criteria to distinguish between individuals directly involved in human rights violations and those who are innocent, or to ground the campaign in legal frameworks and due process.
Any allegations of participation in war crimes should be submitted through proper legal channels, not through the PSNA. Broader advocacy could have been used to address concerns of accountability and to minimise any risk that the campaign could lead to profiling based on religion, ethnicity, or language.
While there are many concerns that need to be addressed with PSNA’s campaign, why has the conversation stopped there? Why has the core issue of this campaign been ignored? Namely, that IDF soldiers who have committed war crimes in Gaza have been allowed into New Zealand?
PSNA’s controversial Gaza “genocide hotline” . . . why has the conversation stopped there? Why has the core issue about war crimes been ignored? Image: PSNA screenshot APR Why has any discussion about Israel, its violations of international law, and the international legal expectations for third party states to hold IDF soldiers accountable not been addressed? Why is criticism of Israel being conflated with racism, even though many Jewish people oppose Israel’s war crimes, and what about Palestinians, what does this mean for a people experiencing genocide?
Concerns should be discussed but they must not be used to protect possible war criminals and shield Israel’s crimes.
It is true that PSNA’s campaign may possibly target individuals, including targeting individuals solely based on their nationality, religion, or language. This is not acceptable. But it has also uncovered the exceptionally biased, racist, and unjust views towards Palestinians.
Racism against Palestinians ignored
Palestinians have been dehumanised by Israel for decades, but real racism against Palestinians is being ignored. As a Christian Palestinian I know all too well what it is like to be targeted.In fact, it was only recently at a New Zealand First State of the Nation gathering last year that Winston Peter’s followers called me a terrorist for being Palestinian and told me that all Muslims were Hamas lovers and were criminals.
The question that has been ignored in this very public debate is simple: are Israeli soldiers who have participated in war crimes in Aotearoa, if so, why, and what does this mean for the New Zealand Palestinian population and the upholding of international law?
By refusing to address concerns of IDF soldiers the focus is deliberately shifted away from the actual genocide happening in Gaza. If IDF soldiers have engaged in rape, extrajudicial executions, torture, destruction of homes, or killing of civilians, they should be investigated and held accountable.
Countries have a legal and moral duty to prevent war criminals from using their nations as safe havens.
Since 1948, Palestinians have been subjected to systematic oppression, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, violence and now, genocide. From its creation and currently with Israel’s illegal occupation, Palestinian massacres have been frequent and unrelenting.
This includes the execution of my great grandmother on the steps of our Katamon home in Jerusalem. Land has been stolen from Palestinians over the decades, including well over 42 percent of the West Bank. Palestinians have been denied the right to return to their country, the right to justice, accountability, and self-determination.
Living under illegal military law
We are still forced to live under illegal military law, face mass arrests and torture, and our history, identity, culture and heritage are targeted.The genocide in Gaza is one of the most horrific atrocities in modern history and follows a decades long campaign of mass murder at the hands of Israel which includes 2008-9 (Operation Cast Led), 2014 (Operation Protective Edge), 2021 (Operation Guardian of the Walls).
Almost 10 children lose one or both of their legs every day in Gaza according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNWRA). 2.2 million people are starving because Israel refuses them access to food. 95 percent of Gaza’s population have been forced onto the streets, with only 25 percent of Gaza’s shelters needs being met, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.
One out of 20 people in Gaza have been injured and 18,000 children have been murdered. 6500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip were taken hostage by Israel who also stole 2300 bodies from numerous cemeteries. 87,000 tons of explosives have been dropped on all regions in the Gaza Strip.
Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a British Palestinian reconstructive surgeon who worked in Al Shifa and Al Ahly Baptist hospital and who is part of Medicine Sans Frontiers, estimates as many as 300,000 Palestinian civilians, most of them children, have been murdered by Israel.
This is because official numbers do not include those bodies that cannot be recognised or are blown to a pulp, those buried under the rubble and those expected to die and have died of disease, starvation and lack of medicine — denied by Israel to those with chronic illnesses.
‘A Genocidal Project’: real death toll closer to 300,000. Video: Democracy Now!As a signatory to the Geneva Convention, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and UN resolutions, New Zealand is expected to investigate, prosecute and deport any individual accused of these serious crimes. This government has an obligation to deny entry to any individual suspected of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.
IDF has turned war crimes into entertainment
Israel has violated all of these, its IDF soldiers filming themselves committing such atrocities and de-humanising Palestinians over the last 15 months on social media.IDF soldiers have posted TikTok videos mocking their Palestinian victims, celebrating destruction, and making jokes about killing civilians, displaying a disturbing level of dehumanisation and cruelty. They have filmed themselves looting Palestinian homes, vandalising property, humiliating detainees, and posing with dead bodies.
They have turned war crimes into entertainment while Palestinian families suffer and mourn. Israel has deliberately targeted civilians, bombing schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and even designated safe zones, then lied about their operations, showing complete disregard for human life.
Israel and the IDF’s global reputation among ordinary people are not positive. Out on the streets over 15 months, millions have been demonstrating against Israel. They do not like what its army has done, and rightly so. Many want to see justice and Israel and its army held accountable, something this government has ignored.
Israel’s state forced conscription or imprisonment, enforced military service that contributes to the occupation, ethnic cleansing, systematic oppression of a people, war crimes and genocide is fascism on display. Israel is a totalitarian, apartheid, military state, but this government sees no problems with that.
The UN and human rights organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned Israeli military operations, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians, the use of white phosphorus, and sexual violence by Israeli forces.
While not all IDF soldiers may have committed direct atrocities, those serving in occupied Palestinian territories are complicit in enforcing illegal occupation, which itself is a violation of international law.
Following orders not an excuse
The precedent set by international tribunals, such as Nuremberg, establishes that following orders is not an excuse for war crimes — meaning IDF soldiers who have participated in military actions in occupied areas should be subject to scrutiny.This government has a duty to protect Palestinian communities from further harm, this includes preventing known perpetrators of ethnic cleansing from entering New Zealand. The presence of IDF soldiers in New Zealand is a direct threat to the safety, dignity, and well-being of our communities.
Many Palestinian New Zealanders have lost family members, homes, and entire communities due to the IDF’s actions. Seeing known war criminals walking freely in New Zealand re-traumatises those who have suffered from Israel’s illegal military brutality.
Survivors of ethnic cleansing should not have to live in fear of encountering the very people responsible for their suffering. This was not acceptable after the Second World War, throughout modern history, and is not acceptable now.
IDF soldiers are also trained in brutal tactics, including arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, and the assassination of Palestinian civilians. The presence of war criminals in any society creates a climate of fear and intimidation.
Given their history, there is a concern within New Zealand that these soldiers will engage in racist abuse, Islamophobia, or Zionist hate crimes not only against Palestinians and Arabs, but other communities of colour.
New Zealand society should be scrutinising not just this government’s response to the genocide against Palestinians, but also our political parties.
Moral bankruptcy and xenophobia
This moral bankruptcy and neutral stance in the face of genocide and racism has been clearly demonstrated this week in Parliament with both Shane Jones and Peter’s xenophobic remarks, and responses to the PSNA’s campaign.Winston Peter’s tepid response to Israel’s behaviour and its violations is a staggering display of double standards and hypocrisy. Racism it seems, is clearly selective.
His comments about Mexicans in Parliament this week were xenophobic and violate the principles of responsible governance by promoting discrimination. Peters’ comments that immigrants should be grateful creates a hierarchy of worthiness.
Similarly, Shane Jones calling for Mexicans to go home does not uphold diplomatic and professional standards, reinforces harmful racial stereotypes and discriminates based on one’s nationality. Mexicans, Māori, and Palestinians are not on equal standing as others when it comes to human rights.
Why is there a defence of foreign soldiers who may have participated in genocide or war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories, but then migrants and refugees are attacked?
“John Minto’s call to identify people from Israel . . . is an outrageous show of fascism, racism, and encouragement of violence and vigilantism. New Zealand should never accept this kind of extreme totalitarian behaviour in our country”. Why has Winston Peter’s never condemned the actual racism Palestinians are facing — including ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and apartheid?
Why has he never used such strong language and outrage to condemn Israel’s actions despite evidence of violations of international law? Instead, he directs outrage at a human rights activist who is pointing out the shortcomings of the government’s response to Israels violations.
IDF soldiers’ documented atrocities ignored
Peters has completely ignored IDF soldiers’ documented atrocities and distorted the campaign’s purpose for legal accountability to that of violence.There has been no mention of Palestinian suffering associated with the IDF and Israel, nor has the government been transparent in admitting that there are no security measures in place when it comes to Israel.
For Peters, killing Palestinians in their thousands is not racist but an activist wanting to prevent war criminals from entering New Zealand is?
Recently, Simon Court of the ACT party in response to Minto wrote: “Undisguised antisemitic behaviour is not acceptable . . . military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens . . . any Israeli holidaying, visiting family or doing business in New Zealand could be targeted . . . it is intimidation towards Jewish visitors . . . and should be condemned by parties across Parliament.”
This comment is misleading, and hypocritical.
PSNA’s campaign is not targeting Jewish people, something the Jewish Council has also misrepresented. It is about identifying Israeli soldiers who have actively participated in human rights violations and war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.
It intentionally blurs the lines between Israeli soldiers and Jewish civilians, as the lines between Palestinian civilians and Hamas have been blurred.
Erases distinction between civilians and a militant group
Even MFAT cannot use the word “Palestinian” but identifies us all as “Hamas” on its website. This erases the distinction between civilians and a militant group, and conflates Israeli military personnel with Jewish civilians, which is both deceptive and dangerous.The MFAT website states the genocide in Gaza is an “Israel-Hamas” conflict, denying the intentional targeting of Palestinian civilians and erasing our humanity.
Israel’s assault has purposely killed thousands of children, women and men, all innocent civilians. Israel has not provided any evidence of any of its claims that it is targeting “Hamas” and has even been caught out lying about the “mass rapes and burned babies”, the tunnels under the hospitals and militants hiding behind Palestinian toddlers and whole generations of families.
Despite this, MFAT had not condemned Israeli war crimes. This is not a just war. It is a genocide against Palestinians which is also being perpetrated in the West Bank. There is no Hamas in the West Bank.
The ACT Party has been silent or outright supportive of Israel’s atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, despite overwhelming evidence of war crimes. If they were truly concerned about targeting individuals as they are with Minto’s campaign, then they would have called for an end to Israel’s assaults against Palestinians, sanctioned Israel for its war crimes, and called for investigations into Israeli soldiers for mass killings, sexual violence and starving the Palestinian people.
What is clear from Court and Seymour (who has also openly supported Israel alongside members of the Zionist Federation), is that Palestinian lives are irrelevant, we should silently accept our genocide, and that we do not deserve justice. That Israeli IDF soldiers should be given impunity and should be able to spend time in New Zealand with no consequences for their crimes.
This is simply xenophobic, dangerous and “not acceptable in a liberal democracy like New Zealand”.
New Zealand cartoonist Malcolm Evans with two of his anti-Zionism placards at yesterday’s “march for the martyrs” in Auckland . . . politicians’ silence on Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law fails to comply with legal norms and expectations. Image: Asia Pacific Report Erased the voice of Jewish critics
ACT, alongside Peters, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and the Jewish council have erased the voice of Jewish people who oppose Israel and its crimes and who do not associate being Jewish with being Israeli.There is a clear distinction, something Alternative Jewish Voices, Jewish Voices for Peace, Holocaust survivors and Dayenu have clearly reiterated. Equating Zionism with Judaism, and identifying Israeli military actions with Jewish identity, is dangerously antisemitic.
By failing to distinguish Judaism from Zionism, politicians and the Jewish Council are in danger of fuelling the false narrative that all Jewish people support Israel’s actions, which ultimately harms Jewish communities by increasing resentment and misunderstanding.
Antisemitism should never be weaponised or used to silence criticism of Israel or justify Israel’s impunity. This is harmful to both Palestinians and Jews.
Seymour’s upcoming tenure as deputy prime minister should also be questioned due to his unwavering support and active defence of a regime committing mass atrocities. This directly contradicts New Zealand’s values of justice and accountability demonstrating a complete disregard for human rights and international law.
His silence on Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law fails to comply with legal norms and expectations. He has positioned himself away from representing all New Zealanders.
While we focus on Minto, let’s be fair and ensure Palestinians are also being protected from discrimination and targeting in New Zealand. Are the Zionist Federation, the New Zealand Jewish Council, and the Holocaust Centre supporting Israel economically or culturally, aiding and abetting its illegal occupation, and do they support the genocide?
Canada investigated funds linked to illegal settlements
Canada recently investigated the Jewish National Fund (JNF) of Canada for potentially violating charitable tax laws by funding projects linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are illegal under international law.In August 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the Jewish National Fund of Canada’s (JNF Canada) charitable status after a comprehensive audit revealed significant non-compliance with Canadian tax laws.
On the 31 January 2025, Haaretz reported that Israel had recruited the Jewish National Fund to illegally secretly buy Palestinian land in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
What does that mean for the New Zealand branch of the Jewish National Fund?None of these organisations should be funnelling resources to illegal settlements or supporting Israel’s war machine. A full investigation into their financial and political activities is necessary to ensure any money coming from New Zealand is not supporting genocide, land theft or apartheid.
The government has already investigated Palestinians sending money to relatives in Gaza, the same needs to be done to organisations supporting Israel. Are any of these groups supporting war crimes under the guise of charity?
While Jewish communities and Palestinians have rallied together and supported each other these last 15 months, we have received no support from the Jewish Council or the Holocaust Centre, who have remained silent or have supported Israel’s actions. Dayenu, and Alternative Jewish voices have vocally opposed Israel’s genocide in Gaza and reached out to us. As Jews dedicated to human rights, justice, and the prevention of genocide because of their own history, they unequivocally condemn Israel’s actions.
Given the Holocaust, you would expect the Holocaust Centre and the Jewish Council to oppose any acts of violence, especially that on such an industrial scale. You would expect them to oppose apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and the dehumanisation of Palestinians as the other Jewish organisations are doing.
Genocide, war crimes must not be normalised
War crimes and genocide must never be normalised. Israel must not be shielded and the suffering and dehumanisation of Palestinians supported.We must ensure that all New Zealanders, whether Jewish, Israeli or Palestinian are not targeted, and are protected from discrimination, racism, violence and dehumanisation.
All organisations are subject to scrutiny, but only some have been.Instead of just focusing on John Minto, the ACT Party, NZ First, National, and Labour should be answering why Israeli soldiers who may have committed atrocities, are allowed into New Zealand in the first place.
Israel and its war criminals should not be treated any differently to any other country.
We must shift the focus back to Israel’s genocide, apartheid, and impunity, while exposing the hypocrisy of those who defend Israel but attack Palestinian solidarity.
Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab is a New Zealand Palestinian advocate and writer.
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MIL-OSI Africa: Mission 300: African leaders pledge to advance clean cooking solutions for Africa at milestone Energy Summit
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, February 1, 2025/APO Group/ —
African countries have taken bold commitments to implement clean cooking energy solutions to offset the devastating effects of open fire cooking which kills roughly 600,000 women and children annually across the continent.
In energy compacts (apo-opa.co/40Fdx4z) signed during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, held in Tanzania 27-28 January, 12 African countries signalled their intent to accelerate the pace of access to electricity and clean cooking solutions on the world’s fastest-growing continent, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (apo-opa.co/40X7qK8).
Commending these countries, Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan stated in closing remarks: “I understand that the 12 governments have only pioneered, and many others will join us in the future.” Earlier, at the opening speaking about the purpose of the summit she said, “This gathering is a platform to consolidate commitments, announce new partnerships and drive momentum towards the 2030 goal.”
The two-day meeting (apo-opa.co/40GUtCH) was organized by the Government of Tanzania and Mission 300, an unprecedented collaboration between the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and global partners, to address Africa’s electricity access gap through the use of new technology and innovative financing.
Moderating a special panel on clean cooking on Monday, Rashid Abdallah, Executive Director of the African Energy Commission (AFREC) (apo-opa.co/40Es3JJ), noted that whilst 600 million Africans live without access to electricity, one billion -nearly double the number – were without access to clean cooking, relying on biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal, with severe economic, social and environmental impact. Conservative estimates put the cost of this across the continent to $790 billion a year, he noted.
Abdallah was joined by Dr. Richard Muyungi, Special Envoy to the President of Tanzania, Peter Scott, CEO of Burn Manufacturing (apo-opa.co/40Vxy8b), and Martin Kimani, CEO of M-Gas (apo-opa.co/3CtCZBZ), who each highlighted the significant health, environmental, and economic impacts of relying on polluting fuels for cooking, as well as the innovative approaches being developed to address this crisis.
Muyungi shared Tanzania’s experience in launching a comprehensive National Clean Cooking Strategy, emphasizing the importance of high-level political commitment, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and the integration of private sector participation.
He praised President Hassan’s role as a global champion bringing the issue to the highest level of African governments.
“It is important to elevate it to the highest level… She is the champion of clean cooking,” he said. He stressed: “It’s important that there is a champion who can elevate clean cooking in terms of partnerships and partner with others to address this issue. He added that Tanzania is on track to transition 80 percent of its population to clean cooking technologies by 2034, thanks to the efforts of President Hassan.
Scott, whose company Burn Manufacturing is the largest clean cooking manufacturer in Africa, discussed the diverse range of solutions being deployed across the continent, from fuel-efficient biomass stoves to cutting-edge electric cooking appliances with pay-as-you-go financing models. He stressed the availability of funding for clean cooking projects, pending the approval of carbon credit regulations by governments.
“This is the most exciting time in the history of clean cooking,” Scott declared. “Now, there’s a lot of money standing by to approve carbon credit regulations to allow carbon trading, carbon finance, to grow. “
Kimani’s pioneering pay-as-you-cook LPG model has provided an innovative and affordable solution to enable households to transition to clean cooking. He shared the success of M-Gas in onboarding half a million households in Kenya and Tanzania within just three years, demonstrating the scalability of this approach. “One of the most important considerations is affordability, how do we close that gap?” he asked.
M-Gas has found an answer by installing IOT enabled smart meters which are fixed into gas cylinders without upfront payment.
“We mirror the (pay as you go) environment they can now cook using LPG. With 35 cents they can cook three meals in a day,” he added.
Tanzania pioneers clean cooking and global awareness
Tanzania published its clean cooking strategy in 2024-2034 last year in response to its own challenges – 3,000 people dying annually and the effects of a devastating 400 hectares of deforestation annually from the use of charcoal and firewood.
Championed by President Hassan, the Clean Cooking agenda has embraced everyone and is part of the national agenda, Muyungi said. “This discussion has highlighted the innovative approaches, and the political will required to transform the lives of millions of Africans and secure a sustainable future for the continent.”
In a recognition of national efforts, awards were handed out to winners of a national clean cooking innovation challenge on the first day of the summit. The winners included creators of a biogas production plant and a click gas LPG delivery system.
The African Development Bank Group has pledged $2 billion over 10 years towards clean cooking solutions in Africa. The pledge represents an important contribution to the $4 billion per year needed to allow African families to have access to clean cooking by 2030.
“Why should anybody have to die just for trying to cook a decent meal that is taken for granted in other parts of the world,” African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina asked during a discussion as part of the summit. “Africa must develop with dignity, with pride. Its women, its population must have access to clean energy solutions.”
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MIL-Evening Report: UN rapporteur welcomes ‘best news’ — Hague Group coalition pushing for Palestinian state
Asia Pacific Report
UN Special Rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territory Francesca Albanese has hailed the formation of The Hague Group, describing it as the “best news” from a coalition of policymakers “in a long time”.
Formed on Friday in the city of its namesake, The Hague Group’s members — Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa — have joined together to “end Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine”.
The groups said in a joint statement that they could not “remain passive in the face of such international crimes” committed by Israel against the Palestinians.
They said they would work to see the “realisation of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine”.
Albanese said on social media: “Let’s make it real. And let’s keep growing.”
BREAKING 🇵🇸 The Inaugural Joint Statement of The Hague Group. https://t.co/J2BsKIRmd8 pic.twitter.com/76noGvDE8v
— Progressive International (@ProgIntl) January 31, 2025
“The Hague Group’s formation sends a clear message — no nation is above the law, and no crime will go unanswered,” said the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.
South Africa filed a case before the International Court of Justice alleging genocide in 2023 and an interim ruling in January 2024 said that there was “plausible genocide” and accepted the case for substantive judgment. Since then, 14 countries have joined the proceedings in support of South Africa and Palestine.
Malaysia has been preparing a draft resolution for United Nations to expel Israel from the global body.
Joyful scenes erupted today as buses carrying Palestinian prisoners released under last month’s Gaza ceasefire deal arrived in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. A total of 183 prisoners were due to be freed today.
Three captives — Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas– were earlier released in two separate locations in southern and northern Gaza.
Samoan artist Michel Mulipola with his characteristic clutch of protest flags at the “march of the martyrs” in Auckland today . . . latest addition is the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo to acknowledge a brutal war being waged by M23 rebels. Image: David Robie/APR NZ ‘march of the martyrs’ protest
In New Zealand’s largest city Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau today, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters staged a vigil and march for the more than 47,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s war on Gaza — mostly women and children.Hamas released three more hostages from Gaza today – a total of 14 since the ceasefire. Image: Al Jazeera screenshot APR More than 44,500 names of the victims of the genocidal war were spread out on the pavement of Te Komititanga Square in the heart of Auckland and one of the organisers, Dr Abdallah Gouda, said: “It is important to honour the names, they are people, families — they are not just numbers, statistics.”
A canvas with an outline of Palestine flag was also spread out and protesters invited to dip their fingers in black, red and green paint — the colours of the Palestinian flag — and daub the ensign with their collective fingerprints.
This was part of a global campaign to “stamp my imprint” for the return to Palestine.
“Each mark represents solidarity and remembrance for those who have lost their lives in the struggle for justice,” said the campaign.
“As you add your fingerprint, please take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice and the collective desire for peace and freedom.
“This canvas will become a living tribute with each fingerprint contributing to a powerful symbol of unity and support.”
Today’s Palestinian and decolonisation “march of the martyrs” in Auckland. Image: David Robie/APR The protesters followed with a “march for the martyrs” through central streets of Auckland past the consulate of the United States, main backer and arms supplier to Israel, and beside the city’s iconic harbourside.
More than 100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was signed and came into force on January 19.
A young girl keeps vigil over more than 44,000 names from the 47,000 people killed in Israel’s war on Gaza at today’s pro-Palestinian demonstration in Auckland today. Image: David Robie/APR UNRWA chief “salutes’ aid staff defying Israeli ban
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reports that the head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has hailed staff for continuing to work despite an Israeli ban on their operations coming into force on Thursday.In a post on social media, Philippe Lazzarini said: “I salute the commitment of UNRWA staff”.
“We remain committed to upholding the humanitarian principles and fulfil our mandate,” Lazzarini said.
He noted that nearly 500,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, continued to access healthcare provided by UNRWA.
Since the start of the ceasefire in Gaza, UNRWA has ensured that humanitarian food supplies entering the territory under bombardment have reached more than 600,000 people, he said.
“UNRWA must be allowed to do its work until Palestinian institutions are empowered and capable within a Palestine State,” he added.
Israel passed a law in October that came into effect this week, banning UNRWA from operating on Israeli territory — including in East Jerusalem where its headquarters is located — and prohibiting contact with Israeli authorities.
However, Israel is occupying the Palestinian territories illegally in defiance of many UN resolutions ordering it to leave.
UNRWA has said that it is mandated by the UN General Assembly and is committed to staying open and delivering services to Palestinians despite Israel’s prohibitions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he was portrayed on a banner at the Palestinian “march of the martyrs” in Auckland today . . . he is “wanted” by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Image: APR -
MIL-OSI China: EU unveils plan to boost competitiveness
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
The European Commission on Wednesday presented the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic blueprint aimed at restoring the European Union (EU)’s economic edge and driving technological leadership as it seeks to close the gap with the United States (U.S.) and China.
Acknowledging a two-decade lag in productivity growth compared to other major economies, the Compass focuses on boosting innovation, advancing decarbonization, and strengthening security, according to the Commission’s statement.
This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2025 shows the Berlaymont Building, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium. TO GO WITH “EU unveils plan to boost competitiveness” (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
“Europe has everything it needs to succeed in the race to the top. But, at the same time, we must fix our weaknesses to regain competitiveness,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in the statement.
The Compass builds on a strategic report released last year by Mario Draghi, the former Italian prime minister and former president of the European Central Bank (ECB), which calls for an additional annual investment of between 750 billion euros (779 billion U.S. dollars) and 800 billion euros to counteract Europe’s decline in competitiveness.
The Commission will launch “AI Gigafactories” and “Apply AI” initiatives to accelerate AI development and adoption across key industries, the Compass says. It also promises actions for advanced materials, quantum, biotech, robotics, and space technologies.
A separate report released by the Commission on Wednesday highlighted the EU’s ongoing struggles in scaling up its businesses. This report provides the analytical context for the Competitiveness Compass.
In this regard, the Compass outlines a strategy to remove barriers to facilitate startup growth, and legislative changes to simplify rules.
It also noted the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal to drive decarbonization, a plan for affordable energy to reduce costs, and targeted strategies for high-risk sectors like steel, metals, and chemicals.
To reduce dependencies, the bloc plans to prioritize European companies in critical sectors and technologies under reviewed public procurement rules.
To further underpin the competitiveness, the Compass sets a target of cutting the administrative burden for firms by at least 25 percent and by at least 35 percent for SMEs.
It also proposes measures to lower the barriers to the functioning of the EU Single Market, which has struggled with regulatory fragmentation for decades, and to advance the European Savings and Investments Union project to enhance the EU’s financing competitiveness, despite its slow progress over the years.