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  • MIL-OSI Global: Avoiding your neighbor because of how they voted? Democracy needs to you talk to them instead

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Betsy Sinclair, Professor and Chair of Political Science, Washington University in St. Louis

    As Americans’ social worlds grow further apart, stereotypes intensify – driving an even deeper wedge between red and blue America. wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Are you angry about politics right now? Seething? You’re not alone. According to the Mood of the Nation Poll by researchers at Penn State, 9 in 10 Americans can name a recent news event or something about American politics that made them angry.

    Political scientists Steven Webster, Elizabeth Connors and I have investigated what happens to people’s social networks – their friends, family and neighbors – when partisan anger takes over. For example, suppose your neighbor is a member of the opposite political party. You’ve always watered their plants when they go on vacation. Given the news these days and how angry you’re feeling, what will you say when they ask for help during their next trip?

    We found that when someone is angry with the opposite party, they avoid people with those views. That can include not assisting neighbors with various tasks, avoiding social gatherings attended by people from the other side, and refusing to date people who vote differently. It means being disappointed if your son or daughter marries a supporter of the opposing party, and even severing close friendships or distancing yourself from close relatives.

    We see that political anger disrupts ordinary life – coffee with a friend – as well as more major life decisions. Political anger breaks our social networks.

    People rely on their relationships to understand our world – and to vote. The more we isolate ourselves from people who see things differently, the easier it is to misunderstand them, pushing us to separate even more.

    Stereotype vs. reality

    During the Obama administration, my collaborators and I asked a nationally representative sample of voters to describe their stereotypes about the opposite party. Our questions were intended to tap into perceptions of the other side’s lifestyles and cultural values, in addition to policy attitudes.

    First, we wanted to establish each side’s actual views. Our 2012-2016 study asked around 1,300 Americans whether they agreed with statements that are often associated with one party or the other – including creationism, guns, taxes and eco-friendliness.

    For example, 42.5% of all Republicans we surveyed agreed with the statement that “this country would be safer if every law-abiding citizen possessed a firearm,” versus 25.1% of independents and 14.2% of Democrats. Meanwhile, 38.7% of Democrats agreed that “this country would be better if every citizen drove an electric car,” compared with 22% of independents and 11.4% of Republicans.

    Which party do you associate with these cars?
    3alexd/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Two months later, we went back to the same voters and asked them a different question: What percentage of Democrats and Republicans did they think would agree with these statements?

    We saw dramatic evidence of stereotypes. For example, only 19% of Democrats agreed that all Americans should pay more taxes, but more than 80% of Republicans believed the percentage to be higher. The same pattern occurred with electric cars and firearms. Just over 42% of Republicans agreed that all “law-abiding” citizens should have a gun, but the typical Democrat believed the percentage to be 60%-80%.

    Americans do not understand each other across the red-blue divide. Importantly, respondents with more ideologically extreme views themselves had less accurate perceptions of the other party.

    Avoiding the Joneses

    The more extreme our beliefs become, the harder it will be to understand our neighbors.

    Suppose you are a Republican. You learn that your Democratic neighbors believe that everyone should drive an electric car, marijuana should be legal in all states, and universal health care should be available to all citizens. Or suppose you are a Democrat, and you learn that your Republican neighbors believe that humans and dinosaurs walked the Earth at the same time, that elementary school students should be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, and that a fence should be built between the U.S. and Mexico.

    Would you want to be friends?

    These hypothetical neighbors have stereotypical beliefs – and most Americans say they do not want those neighbors in their social networks. Specifically, according to our 2023 study, they reported not wanting to become friends, not having this neighbor over for a family meal, and not feeling comfortable allowing their children to play with the neighbor’s kids, among other activities.

    Stereotypes don’t just drive individual people and families apart; they make neighborhoods less cohesive. We ascribe stereotypical beliefs to people who are members of the opposite party – and then we react to these stereotypes, not to our neighbors themselves.

    You’re still neighbors, no matter how you vote.
    monkeybusinessimages/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Social citizens

    Cutting off those in-person relationships isn’t just a problem for safety and friendliness around the block. It’s a problem for democracy because Americans need relationships with people whose politics are different than their own.

    A majority of Americans have social circles that are politically homogeneous. Even in 2020, 53% of Republicans said that their network was exclusively composed of Donald Trump supporters, and 55% of Democrats said that their network was exclusively composed of Joe Biden supporters.

    In her book “Through the Grapevine,” political scientist Taylor Carlson documents that approximately 1 in 3 American voters mostly learn about politics from socially transmitted information: news they get from talking with friends or scrolling on social media. Relying on these sources is particularly problematic in social networks that are homogeneous, as exposure to information from someone in your own party can lead people to have more extreme positions. Carlson’s work highlights that voters who rely on friends to shape their views rely upon a resource that is heavily biased.

    In my own book “The Social Citizen,” I investigated the influence peers have on political decisions, from voting and donating to identifying with a political party. For example, if a neighbor knocks on your door and asks you to turn out to vote, you are 4%-11% more likely to go cast a ballot than if a stranger knocked on your door.

    Democracy in action

    What can we do to remedy the fractures? We need to understand each other.

    The U.S. has a long tradition of political dialogue. Indeed, after a brutal election tested their friendship, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson did not exchange letters for 11 years. But the pair resumed their correspondence in 1812 with Adams’ statement – later echoed by Jefferson – “You and I, ought not to die, before We have explained ourselves to each other.”

    What Adams and Jefferson understood in the 19th century still applies to the divisions in American society today: Reconciliation requires understanding. These conversations are frequently painful and hard; data scientists have noted that Thanksgiving dinners with guests who cross party lines are frequently shorter. But as my own research shows, we are most able to persuade people with whom we have the closest ties.

    Democracy challenges us to participate in more ways than simply by voting. It challenges everyone to understand those around us and seek what is in the collective best interest.

    And we have the most influence over people in our social networks. So that friend you’re really angry with about their politics? It’s time to give them a call and have a conversation.

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

    – ref. Avoiding your neighbor because of how they voted? Democracy needs to you talk to them instead – https://theconversation.com/avoiding-your-neighbor-because-of-how-they-voted-democracy-needs-to-you-talk-to-them-instead-250376

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s firings of military leaders pose a crucial question to service members of all ranks

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Samuel C. Mahaney, Director, Missouri S&T Policy and Armed Forces Research and Development Institute; Lecturer of History, National Security, and Leadership, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    President Donald Trump gave no specific reason for firing Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff less than halfway through Brown’s four-year term in office.

    Nor did he give an explanation for similarly ousting other senior military leaders, including the only women ever to lead the Navy and the Coast Guard, as well as the military’s top three lawyers – the judge advocates general of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

    The president is the commander-in-chief of the U.S. armed forces. But since the days of George Washington, the military has been dedicated to serving the nation, not a specific person or political agenda. I know this because I served 36 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a major general. Even now, as a lecturer in history, national security and constitutional law, I know that nonpartisanship is central to the military’s primary mission of defending the country.

    Trump’s actions could raise concerns about whether he is trying to change those centuries of precedent.

    If so, military personnel at all levels would face a crucial question: Would they stand up for the military’s independent role in maintaining the integrity and stability of American democracy or follow the president’s orders – even if those orders crossed a line that made them illegal or unconstitutional?

    After the American Revolution, George Washington resigned his military commission and returned to civilian life.
    Herman Bencke via Library of Congress

    Political neutrality from the start

    Washington and other U.S. founders were very aware that a powerful military could overthrow the government or be subjected to political whims as different parties or factions controlled the presidency or Congress, so they thought long and hard about the role of the militia and the use of military power.

    Julius Caesar, who used his army to seize power in ancient Rome, was a cautionary tale. So was Oliver Cromwell’s use of his military power in the English Civil War to execute King Charles I and rule England.

    One of Washington’s most significant contributions to the apolitical tradition of the military was his resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army after the American Revolution officially ended, in 1783. By voluntarily giving up his military power and returning to civilian life, the man who would become the nation’s first president demonstrated his commitment to civilian control of a military grounded in allegiance to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, not allegiance to any one party, faction or person.

    Washington’s act set a powerful example for future generations. A few years later, the founders embedded civilian control over the military in the U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to declare war and fund armies, while Article II, Section 2 designates the president as the commander-in-chief of the military.

    This check and balance ensures the military remains neutral and subordinate to elected leaders. It also solidifies the allegiance of military leaders to a principled document, not to the ebbs and flows of politics.

    As part of their training, U.S. military members learn about their duty to obey lawful, constitutional orders.
    Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    Training and response to orders

    Polling consistently shows that the American people trust the military more than any other element of the U.S. government. In part that trust comes from the military’s professional dedication to political neutrality, which includes training its personnel to uphold values like duty, honor and integrity.

    Military members up and down the ranks take their allegiance to the Constitution seriously. At the beginning of their service, at every reenlistment and usually during promotion ceremonies, all military members – officers and enlisted – swear to support and defend the Constitution. The enlisted oath also includes a promise to follow the lawful orders of the president and of the officers appointed above them.

    This foundational oath ensures that if members of the military receive orders that they believe are questionable, they will not follow those orders blindly. They are taught throughout their career – during basic training, officer candidate training and in recurring sessions through the years – to seek clarification. If necessary, they are told to challenge those orders through their chain of command, or through attorneys associated with their units, or by contacting their branch’s inspector general.

    Depending on their ranks, military members’ responses to questionable orders can vary. Senior officers, who have extensive experience and higher levels of responsibility, have the authority and the duty to ensure that any orders they follow or pass down are lawful and in line with the Constitution. When evaluating uncertain orders or navigating unclear situations, they often consult with legal advisers, discuss the implications with peers and thoroughly analyze the situation before taking action.

    Junior officers and senior enlisted personnel often find themselves in positions where they must make quick decisions based on the information available to them. While they are trained to follow orders, they are also encouraged to use their judgment and seek guidance when they believe an order to be unlawful – including getting advice from people with direct access to attorneys.

    Junior enlisted personnel, who make up more than 40% of the military force, are also taught the importance of the legality and constitutionality of orders. They have the right to seek clarification if they believe an order is unlawful.

    Even so, their training focuses heavily on discipline and obedience. This can make it challenging for them to question orders, especially in high-pressure situations.

    Members of the U.S. military swear an oath to the Constitution.
    Ethan Miller/Getty Images

    Ultimate responsibility

    The responsibility of scrutinizing orders falls on senior military leaders – admirals and generals, colonels and Navy captains. Junior officers and senior enlisted and junior enlisted personnel rely on their leaders to navigate the complexities of politics and ensure orders they receive are lawful and focused on national defense, not politics.

    If senior military leaders fail in their responsibility, chaos could ensue: Units may end up following conflicting orders or ignoring directives altogether. This can lead to a breakdown in command and control, with some units acting independently or based on politically motivated directives. This would be a dangerous shift, making the military extremely vulnerable to operational failures and enemy attack.

    President Lyndon Johnson, center, and Gen. William Westmoreland visit troops in South Vietnam in 1967.
    AP Photo

    Such a situation has never happened in the history of the U.S. military. But some events have come close to crossing the line. For instance, during the Vietnam War, President Lyndon Johnson was determined to demonstrate American strength and resolve, famously stating, “I will not lose in Vietnam.” His pressure landed on the shoulders of Gen. William Westmoreland.

    Westmoreland responded by publicizing the numbers of enemy personnel killed in battle, attempting to show that U.S. efforts were reducing the size of opposing forces. But historians have found that this emphasis lacked clear military objectives, meaning troops faced confusion and contradictory orders. The price was a longer war, and more deaths for Americans and for Vietnamese civilians.

    Ultimately, Westmoreland was accused of manipulating enemy troop strength estimates to create an impression of progress – in service of Johnson’s political desire to avoid defeat. His decisions did not directly violate the Constitution or U.S. law, but they exemplify how political pressures can adversely influence military strategies, with devastating consequences.

    Unbiased sources of information

    In addition to senior military leaders’ responsibility to remain apolitical, leaders also have clear responsibilities to the civilians elected and appointed above them.

    For example, the president needs factual and unbiased information about the military’s capabilities from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, based on their experience and professional opinions. If advisers are hesitant to speak freely about what is and is not possible in any given situation, and about potential consequences both good and bad, the president will miss out on the kinds of critical insights that shape effective strategies.

    The bottom line is that when top military experts give advice and take action influenced by politics, they undermine the centuries-old system of military training and ethics. Some traditions are worth keeping.

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

    – ref. Trump’s firings of military leaders pose a crucial question to service members of all ranks – https://theconversation.com/trumps-firings-of-military-leaders-pose-a-crucial-question-to-service-members-of-all-ranks-247665

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Digital imperialism: How US social media firms are using American law to challenge global tech regulation

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Yasmin Curzi de Mendonça, Research associate, University of Virginia

    The CEOs of Meta, Amazon, Google and X — Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk — attend the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025. Photo by Ricky Carioti – Pool/Getty Images

    Social media platforms tend not to be that bothered by national boundaries.

    Take X, for example. Users of what was once called Twitter span the globe, with its 600 millions-plus active accounts dotted across nearly every country. And each of those jurisdictions has its own laws.

    But the interests of national regulatory efforts and that of predominantly U.S.-based technology companies often don’t align. While many governments have sought to impose oversight mechanisms to address problems such as disinformation, online extremism and manipulation, these initiatives have been met with corporate resistance, political interference and legal challenges invoking free speech as a shield against regulation.

    What is brewing is a global struggle over digital platform governance. And in this battle, U.S. platforms are increasingly leaning on American laws to challenge other nation’s regulations. It is, we believe as experts on digital law – one an executive director of a forum monitoring how countries implement democratic principles – a form of digital imperialism.

    A rumble in the tech jungle

    The latest manifestation of this phenomenon occurred in February 2025, when new tensions emerged between Brazil’s judiciary and U.S.-based social media platforms.

    Trump Media & Technology Group and Rumble filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, challenging his orders to suspend accounts on the two platforms linked to disinformation campaigns in Brazil.

    The case follows earlier unsuccessful efforts by Elon Musk’s X to resist similar Brazilian rulings.

    Together, the cases exemplify a growing trend in which U.S. political and corporate actors attempt to undermine foreign regulatory authority by pressing the case that domestic U.S. law and corporate protections should take precedence over sovereign policies globally.

    From corporate lobbying to lawfare

    At the core of the dispute is Allan dos Santos, a right-wing Brazilian influencer and fugitive from justice who fled to the U.S. in 2021 after De Moraes ordered his preventive arrest for allegedly coordinating disinformation networks and inciting violence.

    Dos Santos has continued his online activities abroad. Brazil’s extradition requests have gone unanswered due to claims by U.S. authorities that the case involves issues of free speech rather than criminal offenses.

    Trump Media and Rumble’s lawsuit attempts to do two things. First, it seeks to frame Brazil’s judicial actions as censorship rather than oversight. And second, it seeks to portray the Brazilian court action as territorial overreach.

    Their position is that as the target of the action was in the U.S., they are subject to U.S. free speech protections under the First Amendment. The fact that the subject of the ban was Brazilian and is accused of spreading disinformation and hate in Brazil should not, they argue, matter.

    For now, U.S. courts agree. In late February, a Florida-based judge ruled that Rumble and Trump Media need not comply with the Brazilian order.

    Big Tech pushback to regulation

    The case signals an important shift in the contest over platform accountability – a move from corporate lobbying and political pressure to direct legal intervention in foreign jurisdictions. U.S. courts are now being used to challenge overseas decisions regarding platform accountability.

    The outcome and the broader legal strategy behind the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications not only for Brazil but for any country or region – such as the European Union – attempting to regulate online spaces.

    The resistance against digital regulation predates the Trump administration.

    In Brazil, efforts to regulate social media platforms have long faced substantial opposition. Big Tech companies – including Google, Meta and X – have used their economic and political influence to lobby against tighter regulation, often framing such policies as a threat to free expression.

    In 2020, the Brazilian “Fake News Bill,” which sought to hold platforms accountable for the spread of disinformation, was met with strong opposition from these companies.

    Google and Meta launched high-profile campaigns to oppose the bill, warning it would “threaten free speech” and “harm small businesses.” Google placed banners on its Brazilian homepage urging users to reject the legislation, while Meta ran advertisements questioning its implications for the digital economy.

    These efforts, alongside lobbying and political resistance, were successful in helping to delay and weaken the regulatory framework.

    Mixing corporate and political power

    The difference now is that challenges are blurring the line between the corporate and the political.

    Trump Media was 53% owned by the U.S. president before he moved his stake into a revocable trust in December 2024. Elon Musk, the free speech fundamentalist owner of X, is a de facto member of the Trump administration.

    Their ascent to power has coincided with the First Amendment being wielded as a shield against foreign regulations on digital platforms.

    Free speech protections in the U.S. have been applied unequally, allowing authorities to suppress dissent in some cases while shielding hateful speech in others.

    This imbalance extends to corporate power, with decades of legal precedent expanding protections for private interests. The case law cemented corporate speech protections, a logic later extended to digital platforms.

    U.S. free speech advocates in Big Tech and the U.S. government are seemingly escalating this trend to an even more extreme interpretation: that American free speech arguments can be deployed to resist the regulation of other jurisdictions and challenge foreign legal frameworks.

    For instance, in response to the European Union’s Digital Services Act, U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, expressed concerns that the act could threaten American free speech principles.

    Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has fought disinformation on tech platforms, attends a session of the country’s high court on Feb. 26.
    Ton Molina/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Such an argument may have been fine if the same interpretation of free speech – and its appropriate protections – were universally accepted. But they are not.

    The concept of free speech varies significantly across nations and regions.

    Countries such as Brazil, Germany, France and others adopt what legal experts refer to as a proportionality-based approach to free speech, balancing it against other fundamental rights such as human dignity, democratic integrity and public order.

    Sovereign countries using this approach recognize freedom of expression as a fundamental and preferential right. But they also acknowledge that certain restrictions are necessary to protect democratic institutions, marginalized communities, public health and the informational ecosystem from harms.

    While the U.S. imposes some limits on speech – such as defamation laws and protection against incitement to imminent lawless action – the First Amendment is generally far more expansive than in other democracies.

    The future of digital governance

    The legal battle over platform regulation is not confined to the current battle between U.S.-based platforms and Brazil. The EU’s Digital Services Act and the Online Safety Act in the United Kingdom are other examples of governments trying to assert control over platforms operating within their borders.

    As such, the lawsuit by Trump Media and Rumble against the Brazilian Supreme Court signals a critical moment in global geopolitics.

    U.S. tech giants, such as Meta, are bending to the free speech winds coming out of the Trump administration. Musk, the owner of X, has given support to far-right groups overseas.

    And this overlap in the policy priorities of social media platforms and the political interests of the U.S. administration opens a new era in the deregulation debate in which U.S. free speech absolutists are seeking to establish legal precedents that might challenge the future of other nations’ regulatory efforts.

    As countries continue to develop regulatory frameworks for digital governance – for instance, AI regulation imposing stricter governance rules in Brazil and in the EU – the legal, economic and political strategies platforms employ to challenge oversight mechanisms will play a crucial role in determining the future balance between corporate influence and the rule of law.

    Camille Grenier is Executive Director at the Forum on Information and Democracy, a non-profit entity led by civil society organisations and mandated to implement democratic principles.

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

    – ref. Digital imperialism: How US social media firms are using American law to challenge global tech regulation – https://theconversation.com/digital-imperialism-how-us-social-media-firms-are-using-american-law-to-challenge-global-tech-regulation-252116

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Helper bots in online communities diminish human interaction

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By John Lalor, Assistant Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations, University of Notre Dame

    Bots can be helpful in online communities, but they can also come between people. mathisworks/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

    When bots – automated agents that perform tasks on behalf of humans – become more active in online communities, it has profound effects on how humans interact with each other on those platforms. Bots designed to help users see more content increase the number of people users connect with but also decrease the interactions between people.

    In online communities, replies, likes and comments between users form a network of interactions. Analysis of these social networks shows patterns, such as who is connecting and who is popular or important in the community.

    My colleagues Nicholas Berente and Hani Safadi and I analyzed the network structure of communities on Reddit, called subreddits, that had seen increased use of bots from 2005 to 2019. Our goal was to see whether the presence of bots affected how the human community members interacted with each other.

    Based on recent research, we knew that we were looking for two types of bots: reflexive and supervisory bots.

    Reflexive bots are coded to plug into a community’s application programming interface. Based on how they are coded, they either post content based on specific rules or search for specific content and post a reply based on their preprogrammed rules. Supervisory bots have more permissions in the community and can delete or edit posts or even ban users based on preprogrammed community moderation rules.

    We found that when there is more reflexive bot activity in a community – more bots posting content – there are more human-to-human connections. This means that the reflexive bots posting content enable people to find novel content and engage with other users they otherwise would not have seen. However, this high bot activity leads to less back-and-forth discussion between users. If a user posts on a subreddit, it is more likely that a bot will reply or interject itself into the conversation instead of two human users engaging in a meaningful back-and-forth discussion.

    When there are supervisory bots moderating a community, we see less centralization in the human social network. This means that those key people who were important to the community have fewer connections than before. Without supervisory bots, these members would be the ones who establish and enforce community norms. With supervisory bots, this is less necessary, and those human members are less central to the community.

    Social media bots explained.

    Why it matters

    Bots are prevalent across online communities, and they can process vast amounts of data very quickly, which means they can react and respond to many more posts than humans can.

    What’s more, as generative AI improves, people could use it to create more and more sophisticated bot accounts, and the platforms could use it to coordinate content moderation. Tech companies investing heavily in generative AI technologies could also deploy generative AI bots to increase engagement on their platforms.

    Our study can help users and community leaders understand the impact of these bots on their communities. It can also help community moderators understand the impact of enabling automated moderation through supervisory bots.

    What’s next

    Bots are rigid because of their rules-based nature, but they are likely to become more advanced as they incorporate new technologies such as generative AI. More research will be needed to understand how complex generative AI bots affect human-to-human interactions in online communities.

    At the same time, automating platform moderation can lead to strange effects, because bots are more rigid in their enforcement and cannot deal with potential issues on a case-by-case basis. How generative AI changes moderator bots remains to be seen.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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

    – ref. Helper bots in online communities diminish human interaction – https://theconversation.com/helper-bots-in-online-communities-diminish-human-interaction-251795

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What are AI hallucinations? Why AIs sometimes make things up

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Anna Choi, Ph.D. Candidate in Information Science, Cornell University

    What springs from the ‘mind’ of an AI can sometimes be out of left field. gremlin/iStock via Getty Images

    When someone sees something that isn’t there, people often refer to the experience as a hallucination. Hallucinations occur when your sensory perception does not correspond to external stimuli.

    Technologies that rely on artificial intelligence can have hallucinations, too.

    When an algorithmic system generates information that seems plausible but is actually inaccurate or misleading, computer scientists call it an AI hallucination. Researchers have found these behaviors in different types of AI systems, from chatbots such as ChatGPT to image generators such as Dall-E to autonomous vehicles. We are information science researchers who have studied hallucinations in AI speech recognition systems.

    Wherever AI systems are used in daily life, their hallucinations can pose risks. Some may be minor – when a chatbot gives the wrong answer to a simple question, the user may end up ill-informed. But in other cases, the stakes are much higher. From courtrooms where AI software is used to make sentencing decisions to health insurance companies that use algorithms to determine a patient’s eligibility for coverage, AI hallucinations can have life-altering consequences. They can even be life-threatening: Autonomous vehicles use AI to detect obstacles, other vehicles and pedestrians.

    Making it up

    Hallucinations and their effects depend on the type of AI system. With large language models – the underlying technology of AI chatbots – hallucinations are pieces of information that sound convincing but are incorrect, made up or irrelevant. An AI chatbot might create a reference to a scientific article that doesn’t exist or provide a historical fact that is simply wrong, yet make it sound believable.

    In a 2023 court case, for example, a New York attorney submitted a legal brief that he had written with the help of ChatGPT. A discerning judge later noticed that the brief cited a case that ChatGPT had made up. This could lead to different outcomes in courtrooms if humans were not able to detect the hallucinated piece of information.

    With AI tools that can recognize objects in images, hallucinations occur when the AI generates captions that are not faithful to the provided image. Imagine asking a system to list objects in an image that only includes a woman from the chest up talking on a phone and receiving a response that says a woman talking on a phone while sitting on a bench. This inaccurate information could lead to different consequences in contexts where accuracy is critical.

    What causes hallucinations

    Engineers build AI systems by gathering massive amounts of data and feeding it into a computational system that detects patterns in the data. The system develops methods for responding to questions or performing tasks based on those patterns.

    Supply an AI system with 1,000 photos of different breeds of dogs, labeled accordingly, and the system will soon learn to detect the difference between a poodle and a golden retriever. But feed it a photo of a blueberry muffin and, as machine learning researchers have shown, it may tell you that the muffin is a chihuahua.

    Object recognition AIs can have trouble distinguishing between chihuahuas and blueberry muffins and between sheepdogs and mops.
    Shenkman et al, CC BY

    When a system doesn’t understand the question or the information that it is presented with, it may hallucinate. Hallucinations often occur when the model fills in gaps based on similar contexts from its training data, or when it is built using biased or incomplete training data. This leads to incorrect guesses, as in the case of the mislabeled blueberry muffin.

    It’s important to distinguish between AI hallucinations and intentionally creative AI outputs. When an AI system is asked to be creative – like when writing a story or generating artistic images – its novel outputs are expected and desired. Hallucinations, on the other hand, occur when an AI system is asked to provide factual information or perform specific tasks but instead generates incorrect or misleading content while presenting it as accurate.

    The key difference lies in the context and purpose: Creativity is appropriate for artistic tasks, while hallucinations are problematic when accuracy and reliability are required.

    To address these issues, companies have suggested using high-quality training data and limiting AI responses to follow certain guidelines. Nevertheless, these issues may persist in popular AI tools.

    Large language models hallucinate in several ways.

    What’s at risk

    The impact of an output such as calling a blueberry muffin a chihuahua may seem trivial, but consider the different kinds of technologies that use image recognition systems: An autonomous vehicle that fails to identify objects could lead to a fatal traffic accident. An autonomous military drone that misidentifies a target could put civilians’ lives in danger.

    For AI tools that provide automatic speech recognition, hallucinations are AI transcriptions that include words or phrases that were never actually spoken. This is more likely to occur in noisy environments, where an AI system may end up adding new or irrelevant words in an attempt to decipher background noise such as a passing truck or a crying infant.

    As these systems become more regularly integrated into health care, social service and legal settings, hallucinations in automatic speech recognition could lead to inaccurate clinical or legal outcomes that harm patients, criminal defendants or families in need of social support.

    Check AI’s work

    Regardless of AI companies’ efforts to mitigate hallucinations, users should stay vigilant and question AI outputs, especially when they are used in contexts that require precision and accuracy. Double-checking AI-generated information with trusted sources, consulting experts when necessary, and recognizing the limitations of these tools are essential steps for minimizing their risks.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What are AI hallucinations? Why AIs sometimes make things up – https://theconversation.com/what-are-ai-hallucinations-why-ais-sometimes-make-things-up-242896

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The management of the State University of Management took part in a strategic session on strengthening Russia’s position in the international educational space

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 21, 2025, the Higher School of Economics hosted a strategic session entitled “Strengthening Russia’s Position in the International Educational Space,” which was attended by Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov.

    The strategy session was attended by rectors of major universities, vice-rectors responsible for international cooperation, representatives of a number of ministries that founded universities, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rossotrudnichestvo, Rosobrnadzor, other government bodies, and companies with interests abroad.

    The main speaker of the plenary session was the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov, who reported that at present, 232 associations of graduates of domestic universities operate in Russia and abroad to maintain ties between Russian universities and foreign citizens. Their total number exceeds 530 thousand people, and the geography of graduates covers 80 countries.

    According to the Minister, one of the global trends in the higher education system in the world remains the growth of foreign students and the increase in migration flows. Russia is among the top ten countries in the world that provide high-quality higher education. Today, more than 395 thousand foreign students study in Russia.

    “This is a great resource, and our task today is to take a broader look at the work that we are doing together. Let me remind you that Russian President Vladimir Putin has set the task of increasing the number of foreign students to 500 thousand by 2030. At the same time, we have a lot of work to do to improve the quality of the contingent of foreign students, to select the most motivated guys. We will pay primary attention to this,” noted Valery Falkov.

    The Ministry of Education and Science is developing a “white list” of recruiting companies to attract foreign students to Russian universities. Also, together with the Ministry of Digital Development, work is underway to create a digital profile of a foreign student, which will contain various information about a foreign citizen. In addition, within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”, a system of grant support for talented students on a competitive basis is being launched.

    At the same time, the head of the Ministry of Education and Science noted the high importance of pre-university training for foreign applicants, for which universities need to independently create pre-university training centers abroad – the so-called remote preparatory faculties.

    After the plenary session, the experts split into thematic working groups. Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov became members of the working group on the topic of “Educational Work and Adaptation of Foreign Students in Russia”, which was led by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova. Let us recall that the State University of Management is one of the leading universities in Russia in the field of educational work. The goal of the work in the groups was to prepare proposals for the Ministry of Education and Science to solve the problems outlined by the topics of the working groups, which, in addition to the above, included the promotion of the Russian language abroad, the development of academic mobility, attracting talent from abroad, employment of foreign students, and others.

    The strategic session will continue on Saturday, March 22.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/21/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Immediate Action to Increase American Mineral Production

    Source: The White House

    INCREASING AMERICAN MINERAL PRODUCTION: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to boost American mineral production, streamline permitting, and enhance national security.  

    • Agencies shall compile a list of all mineral production projects that have submitted a plan of operations, permit application, or any other approval request to that agency in order to expedite the review and advancement of those projects in coordination with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC).
      • Additional mineral production projects will be considered for FAST-41 status to streamline permitting.
    • New recommendations will be provided to Congress regarding treatment of waste rock, tailings, and mine waste disposal under the Mining Act of 1872.
    • The Secretary of the Interior will prioritize mineral production activities over other types of activities on Federal lands that hold critical mineral deposits.
      • The Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Agriculture, and Secretary of the Interior shall identify additional sites that might be suitable for mineral production activities that can be permitted as soon as possible.
    • The Defense Production Act (DPA) will be used to expand domestic mineral production capacity.
    • Financing, loans, and investment support will be provided for new mineral production projects, including a dedicated critical minerals fund established through the United States International Development Finance Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Defense.
    • The Trump Administration will coordinate with private industry to ensure a stable and resilient domestic supply chain for critical materials, including critical minerals.
    • “Minerals” covered by the order include critical minerals, uranium, copper, potash, gold, and any other element, compound, or material as determined by the Chair of the NEDC, such as coal.

    SECURING AMERICA’S MINERAL FUTURE: President Trump is boosting domestic mineral production to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign minerals, enhance national security, and create jobs.

    • Demand for critical minerals has been dubbed the “gold rush of the 21st century” due to their importance in emerging technologies.
    • The United States currently imports a significant portion of its minerals from foreign countries, creating economic and security risks, despite possessing a vast supply of critical minerals.
      • The United States is 100% import-reliant on at least 15 critical minerals, and imports of nonfuel mineral commodities make up more than half of U.S. consumption.
      • U.S. capacity utilization for the metal mining industry has declined for years.
    • China, Iran, and Russia control large deposits of several minerals critical to the U.S., posing a national security risk.
      • 70% of U.S. imports of rare earths come from China.
    • A strong domestic mineral production industry would ensure U.S. companies can compete globally without overly relying on foreign supply chains.
    • Critical minerals are essential for U.S. military readiness, as they are key components in fighter jets, satellites, submarines, smart bombs, and missile guidance systems.

    PRIORITIZING U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY: President Trump is committed to ending American dependence on hostile foreign powers for critical minerals.

    • Immediately upon returning to office, President Trump signed an Executive Order to make the U.S. “the leading producer and processor of non-fuel minerals, including rare earth minerals.”
    • President Trump also signed an Executive Order advancing the Ambler Access Project, a 211-mile industrial road through Northwest Alaska that enables commercial mining for copper, zinc and other materials.
    • This builds on actions President Trump took in his first term:
      • In 2017, President Trump implemented a Federal strategy to ensure secure and reliable supplies of critical minerals.
      • In 2019, President Trump signed five Presidential Determinations finding that domestic production of rare earth elements and materials is essential to the national defense.
      • In 2020, President Trump declared a National Emergency to expand the domestic mining industry, support mining jobs, alleviate unnecessary permitting delays, and reduce our Nation’s dependence on China for critical minerals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese commerce minister meets Broadcom CEO

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Hock Tan, president and CEO of Broadcom, a technology company headquartered in the United States, in Beijing on Friday.

    During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on topics including Broadcom’s business development in China and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. technology companies, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce.

    China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, actively promoting the deep integration of the Internet, big data, artificial intelligence and the real economy, advancing an “AI Plus” initiative, and fostering the growth of the intelligent industry, Wang said.

    This will provide more opportunities for cooperation among global high-tech enterprises and technological advancements in related fields will also bring more benefits to humanity, he noted.

    Wang emphasized that in the face of a complex and challenging international landscape, China remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its opening up to the world.

    China is committed to creating a stable, transparent and predictable investment environment for multinational corporations operating in the country, Wang said.

    He added that China welcomes U.S. companies, including Broadcom, to continue investing in the Chinese market and to share in its development opportunities.

    Tan said China has been continuously advancing technological innovation as well as opening up and cooperation in recent years and has achieved remarkable accomplishments.

    It is the stability and certainty of the Chinese government and its policies that enable enterprises to better forecast the market and drive innovation, Tan added.

    He said that Broadcom will continue to provide stable and high-quality products and services to Chinese customers and partners and support China’s high-quality development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China certifies first unmanned helicopter

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The TD550D coaxial unmanned helicopter system has received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the first of its kind to have obtained such certification in China, its developer said on Friday.

    Its certification fills a gap in China’s airworthiness certification for unmanned helicopter systems, setting a reference standard for future unmanned helicopter certifications, said Tian Gangyin, CEO of the helicopter’s developer United Aircraft.

    The system’s airworthiness certification process began in late 2023. To ensure the aircraft’s safety and reliability, the company conducted testing and verification across multiple areas, including the rotor system, power system, avionics and flight control. The process involved 29 compliance verification tests and more than 2,600 preliminary test flights.

    According to the company, the TD550D boasts high payload capacity, long endurance, and strong high-altitude performance, making it well-suited for complex environments such as plateaus and islands.

    The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 640 kg at sea level and 550 kg at an altitude of 5,000 meters. Its maximum payload capacity reaches 200 kg at sea level and 120 kg at 5,000 meters, demonstrating its versatility in high-altitude operations.

    The aircraft, designed for applications in emergency rescue, firefighting, and smart logistics, features emergency return, automatic landing, and forced landing capabilities in critical situations.

    The certification comes as the drone industry in China is entering a stage of rapid growth. According to Yang Jincai, chairman of Shenzhen Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Association, the number of drone operating companies nationwide has surpassed 20,000, with an annual output value reaching approximately 210 billion yuan (about 29.26 billion U.S. dollars), reflecting a 39.5-percent increase over the previous year.

    As a major hub for the industry, Shenzhen is home to nearly 2,000 drone companies, contributing 107 billion yuan in output value for 2024, representing a 12-percent growth rate. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tesla’s Shanghai Megafactory starts exporting energy-storage batteries

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tesla’s new Megafactory in east China’s Shanghai on Friday exported its first batch of Megapack energy-storage batteries, the company announced.

    It took the new Megafactory just over a month after its production launch to achieve its first export, with the batteries being transported from Shanghai Port to Australia.

    This export highlights Tesla’s further expansion in the global energy storage market, and also underlines the extension of its battery technology from electric vehicles to energy storage, according to the company.

    The batteries produced at the Shanghai facility will supply both the domestic and Asia-Pacific markets.

    Megapack is an electrochemical energy storage device that uses lithium batteries — a dominant technical route in the new-type energy storage industry. This sector is characterized by short construction periods, flexible layouts and fast responses, when compared to conventional pump storage.

    Hailed by the company as a “milestone,” the new Megafactory is the first of its kind built by Tesla outside the United States and the company’s second plant in Shanghai, following the inauguration of its Gigafactory in 2019.

    The Shanghai facility was built with an initial annual production capacity of 10,000 units. Notably, each Megapack unit can store over 3.9 megawatt-hours of energy — sufficient to power approximately 3,600 households for one hour.

    Tesla anticipates a year-on-year increase of at least 50 percent in its energy storage deployments in 2025.

    “Megafactory gives us the ability to scale production and efficiency,” said Mike Snyder, vice president of Tesla. “We can lower logistics costs as well as product costs, and grow the business to new markets.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign-funded enterprises increase investment, expand production in east China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Foreign investors have actively increased investment and expanded production in east China’s Fujian Province, expressing enthusiasm for investment and firm confidence in China.

    At the engine overhaul workshop of Taikoo Engine Services (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., an engineering branch of the multinational company Swire Group, maintenance engineers are busy repairing dozens of engines. Founded in 2008, the enterprise is a global one-stop aviation maintenance base in Xiamen.

    Simon Smith, director and general manager of the company, said that they saw revenue grow by over 30 percent in 2024. Moreover, he anticipates continued growth, projecting a compound annual growth rate of at least 5 percent for the next decade.

    According to Smith, the enterprise plans to invest around 100 million U.S. dollars in new technology and product development over the next few years. “We are going to invest in 4D inspection technologies, drone robotics, and AI technology, and build a 9,500-square-meter expansion to our facility which should be completed by January 2026,” he said.

    For Smith, the Chinese market is both huge and important, and it will continue to be central to their opportunities in the future. “The aviation market is growing in China, and it presents a lot of opportunities to grow with it,” he said.

    Alu Rehab (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Germany-headquartered Meyra Group, a global leader in wheelchairs and rehabilitation aids, has been a witness to China’s steady development over the years. In 2024, they enjoyed a record year in both turnover and the number of units sold.

    “The potential of China is huge. Our sales in the Chinese market over the last two years have increased. We have just talked to the distributors about this year and they are very optimistic for 2025,” said Jan Laegaard Broni, Meyra Group’s executive vice president. “So for sure, we’ll put more focus into domestic sales and activities in China.”

    “We always invest in research and development (R&D). This is what we have done for the last 15 years — investing in the future in China because we have always believed the potential is there,” he said.

    The new Xiamen Industrial Park, currently under construction and intended for rental by Schneider Electric, is more than double the size of its existing factory in Xiamen. It is expected to double its production capacity over the next five years.

    “The park will become a major R&D center, manufacturing center and supply hub for Schneider Electric to serve the global medium voltage market, which shows that the company has been optimistic about the Chinese market and we are determined to deepen the operations in Xiamen,” said Frederic Godemel, executive vice president, energy management, Schneider Electric.

    According to Godemel, China has always been an important source of innovation for Schneider Electric globally. Schneider Electric will continue to reinforce the “China Hub” strategy and continue to increase investment in innovation.

    In recent years, foreign investors have maintained strong enthusiasm for investing in Fujian, further deepening their presence in the Chinese market.

    Data show that in 2024, there were 102 newly introduced projects with an investment of more than 1 billion yuan (about 139.48 million U.S. dollars) each in Fujian Province, with the number of newly established foreign-invested enterprises increasing by 9.7 percent. By the end of 2024, more than 75,000 enterprises had been set up by foreign investors in Fujian, and the actual use of foreign investment exceeded 150 billion U.S. dollars.

    In 2024, Fujian formulated and implemented a slew of measures to improve the quality and efficiency of foreign investment and protect the national treatment of foreign-invested enterprises. In February this year, China issued an action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2025. Per the plan, China will support pilot regions in effectively implementing opening-up policies related to such areas as value-added telecommunication, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, providing whole-journey services for foreign-invested projects in these sectors.

    “China’s proposal of high-quality development and new quality productive forces will undoubtedly bring more development opportunities for multinational enterprises. The Chinese market is very attractive. Schneider Electric is full of confidence in deepening our presence in the Chinese market,” said Godemel. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Utah County Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison After Running a $1.6 Million Affinity Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jacob Welch Dalton, 28, of Saratoga Springs, Utah, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay $1,553,806 in restitution.  Dalton defrauded approximately 45 investors in a securities fraud scheme by obtaining investments from people that he knew personally or through social media.

    The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parrish, comes after Dalton pleaded guilty to securities fraud on September 30, 2024.

    According to court documents and statement made at Dalton’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, from October 2022 to December 2023, Dalton lied to investors to unlawfully obtain money and property by selling securities, that is investments in his company, Rogue Liquidity, LLC.  As part of the scheme, Dalton provided falsified documents and fictitious information to investors electronically and by telephone. Dalton lied to investors about Rogue Liquidity, LLC, and its success by claiming it operated as an investment liquidity fund that pooled investor funds for guaranteed risk free return on principal and investment of up to 60%. Rather, the company had no liquidity pool and investors’ funds were used almost entirely for his own use. He also lied and created fictitious investor track records to obtain investor funds.

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Provo Resident Agency.

    Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Woolf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: NDB Board of Directors 46th Meeting Concluded in Shanghai

    Source: New Development Bank

    On March 20, 2025, the Board of Directors (Board) of the New Development Bank (NDB) convened for its 46th Meeting at the Bank’s Headquarters in Shanghai, China.

    Pará Sanitation Development Project

    The Board of Directors approved a loan of up to USD 50.0 million to Brazil’s State of Pará, guaranteed by the Federative Republic of Brazil, for the Pará Sanitation Development Project (Projeto de Desenvolvimento de Saneamento do Pará – Etapa Lagos – PRODESAN LAGOS). By implementing a sewage collection and treatment network in neighbourhoods surrounding the water bodies serving as the main water source in Belém Metropolitan Region (BMR) and carrying out preventive and corrective environmental control actions, the Project aims to restore the water sources providing supply to the BMR. The Project will be co-financed by the NDB and FONPLATA Development Bank (FONPLATA), strengthening ongoing collaboration between the two institutions. The Project contributes to achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

    Operations

    The Board of Directors received a comprehensive update on the Bank’s robust and dynamic project pipeline. The Board was also briefed on project implementation, disbursement, ESG portfolio and project procurement in non-member countries.

    Treasury and Finance

    The Board of Directors was updated on the Bank’s funding activities, took note of the Annual Treasury Investment Portfolio Report for 2024, received a comprehensive analysis on the Bank’s loan book, and approved listing the Bank’s Euro Medium-Term Note Programme on the Nasdaq Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and the Bank’s Fourth RMB Bond Programme.

    Membership Expansion

    The Board of Directors took note of the progress of membership expansion and provided its guidance for the next steps.

    Tenth Annual Meeting of the NDB Board of Governors

    The Board of Directors recommended that the Tenth Annual Meeting of the NDB Board of Governors be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 4-5, 2025.

    Committee Meetings

    The 34th Meeting of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the 30th Meeting of the Budget, Human Resources and Compensation Committee were held on March 18, 2025, and March 19, 2025, respectively.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa has a problem with people in the public service lying about their qualifications: what needs to change

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Busani Ngcaweni, Visiting Adjunct Professor, Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand

    The persistent challenge of falsified or misrepresented qualifications in South Africa exposes serious shortcomings in recruitment and appointment processes. Although the scale of the problem is difficult to quantify, it’s considered to be reaching “pandemic” levels. It is worse in the public sector.

    The problem became so serious that government introduced the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act in 2019, making it a criminal offence to misrepresent qualifications. It is punishable by up to five years in prison.

    Yet the scourge continues, despite severe personal and professional consequences for some.

    The alarmingly high number of individuals pretending to be qualified for high-profile positions undermines trust and capability in organisations.

    There have been cases involving top executives and directors of parastatals. Some major companies have not been spared.

    Once unsuitable people occupy positions of responsibility, it is difficult to remove them. Their performance seldom improves because they lack the foundation.

    Their incompetence can affect institutions severely because they can make wrong decisions that result in financial losses. The South African Broadcasting Corporation, for instance, suffered financially due to poor decisions made by unqualified executives.



    Read more:
    South Africa’s public service: real spending is falling, but demand is growing

    Some municipalities with unqualified personnel often hire expensive consultants.

    Teachers with fraudulent credentials compromise quality education. This deprives children of opportunities to better their lives.

    Unscrupulous individuals have also been caught masquerading as medical doctors, putting lives at risk.

    Important infrastructure projects have collapsed owing to fake engineers.

    I am a researcher and practitioner of public sector reforms. I also head the National School of Government, which leads the drive to make the country’s public sector professional. I argue that to deter qualifications fraud, the management of human resources in the public sector must be professional.

    South Africa can draw lessons from the private sector and other governments.

    Loopholes in the system

    The National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act is aimed at deterring fraudulent qualifications. Some people have gone to jail for this crime.

    But measures to deter and punish it must be complemented by human resources management reforms.

    In my view, poor human resource screening processes, inadequate verification systems and ambiguous job descriptions and entry requirements contribute to appointing unsuitable candidates.

    The weekly public sector vacancies circular, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration, is a major source of data showing these limitations. It’s full of job advertisements where the minimum qualifications requirements are either too wide or below standard.



    Read more:
    South Africa’s public service is dysfunctional – the 5 main reasons why

    Some of the people who recruit and select staff are negligent. They fail to conduct thorough background checks or to screen applicants properly. This results in the appointment of unqualified and fraudulent candidates.

    Learning from the private sector

    The private sector, driven by competitive pressures and stakeholder expectations, developed robust systems to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of human resource functions. These systems can guide public sector reforms.

    Companies invest in advanced technologies and third-party verification services. They use agencies to check candidates’ fingerprints, verify qualifications, find references, and even do personality profiles.

    In contrast, public sector human resources personnel often rely on manual processes. These consume time and are prone to inaccuracies and manipulation. They can also be cumbersome as junior and middle management job advertisements often attract thousands of applicants.

    The private sector uses well-defined competency frameworks. These outline the skills, knowledge and experience required to evaluate a candidate.



    Read more:
    Africa should be building private-public partnerships in education

    Many private sector human resources practitioners belong to professional bodies. These enforce ethical standards. They also certify practitioners and promote ongoing professional development.

    Businesses also employ licensed and professional human resources practitioners. These are expected to be innovative, productive and ethical, and to act in the best interests of their employers. They can be dismissed if they lose their professional licence. These are guardrails against abuse.

    Learning from other governments

    India, China, South Korea, Singapore and several European nations have stringent public sector recruitment and selection methods. They emphasise merit and transparency to ensure only qualified and competent people are appointed.

    India’s Union Public Service Commission conducts a highly competitive civil services examination to recruit candidates.

    China uses the National Civil Service Examination, known as the Guokao. It evaluates candidates’ intellectual aptitude, policy knowledge and professional skills for jobs in government ministries and state-owned enterprises.

    South Korea’s Civil Service Examination system is a rigorous process which tests candidates’ analytical and managerial capabilities.

    Singapore is known for its efficient government. It employs structured assessment centres, psychometric testing and panel interviews to ensure capable people join the public sector.



    Read more:
    South Africa has a plan to make its public service professional. It’s time to act on it

    To uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity in governance, Germany and France have competitive entrance assessments for civil service roles.

    France’s Institut National du Service Public uses stringent entry requirements to prepare candidates for senior public service.

    South Africa introduced a pre-entry assessment called Nyukela/Step Up in 2020. It is applicable to public servants and citizens who wish to apply for a position in the senior management service.

    Professionalising the public sector

    Cabinet approved the National Framework Towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector in October 2022. It aims to tighten pre-entry requirements and carefully screen applicants. This includes verifying qualifications, testing integrity and assessing competence. The framework requires that public sector entities develop detailed job descriptions.

    The framework will help block fraud by professionalising human resources, supply chain management and legal services, among others. It will help human resources practitioners improve their competencies and make them part of a wider professional network. This is important for continued professional development.

    There will be consequences when officials violate their professional code of ethics. This has worked for lawyers and accountants who are disbarred for ethical and professional breaches.

    The framework gives the Public Service Commission a role in recruiting of heads of departments. This step controls entry to top positions in the civil service. The commission will bring two or more subject matter sector experts into the selection panels, making the process more rigorous.

    Busani Ngcaweni is affiliated with the University of Johannesburg as Senior Research Associate and Wits School of Governance as Visiting Adjunct Professor

    – ref. South Africa has a problem with people in the public service lying about their qualifications: what needs to change – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-a-problem-with-people-in-the-public-service-lying-about-their-qualifications-what-needs-to-change-244942

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Barbara Steveni: I Find Myself – a pioneering artist who influenced the civil service

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Lang, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Fine Art , University of Lincoln

    Barbara Steveni (1928-2020) was a pioneering artist who broke boundaries with new concepts such as “the artist as a living archive” and “art as social strategy”. The legacy of her 70-year career is explored in a new exhibition, Barbara Steveni: I Find Myself, at Modern Art Oxford.

    Steveni was an activist whose art had real-world impacts. One of her pioneering works was the foundation of the Artists Placement Group (APG), which placed artists in various industries and public institutions, ranging from zoos to corporations. The group arose from the idea that artists could provide unique insights and assist with the decision-making processes of these institutions.

    In 1972, she successfully negotiated with the civil service to place artists in government departments – which led, for example, to the placement of artist John Latham at the Scottish Office in Edinburgh (1975-76). This resulted in radical proposals for the future of the huge industrial spoil tips, known as “bings”, found in the region. Latham proposed retaining them as works of art and marking them with beacons.

    Today, the Policy Lab, a new civil service department, continues the spirit of APG by placing artists in government departments.

    The exhibition includes work associated with the APG such as The Sculpture (1971) – the board table around which APG artists. This table is not only a functional object but has twice previously been exhibited as a conceptual sculpture, inviting live discussions.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Modern Art Oxford activates The Sculpture every Friday, inviting people including Policy Lab to engage with artists in discussions. Various APG archive materials – such as contracts and video footage of Steveni advocating for the inclusion of artist-advisors in business and policy decision-making – surround this table.

    But the exhibition is much more than a history of APG. It’s a reassessment of Steveni’s importance and influence as an artist. After spending much of her earlier career denying she was an artist at all (in one APG video, she declares: “I am not and have never called myself an artist”), in the late 2000s she had the revelation that she was the vessel which contained her archive and practice. That Steveni was herself an archive, and that her art was her life, is the central theme of this exhibition.

    Steveni’s assemblages – three-dimensional works composed of found objects – reflect a modernist heritage that dates back to Picasso and was developed by the Dadaists and Surrealists. However, the exhibition primarily focuses on her “dematerialised” practice, which includes non-traditional art objects and processes such as meetings, conversations and collections. These are considered precursors to today’s contemporary art where human interaction is central, and in some cases the art itself.

    In the spirit of Steveni’s collaborative and discursive ethos, Modern Art Oxford commissioned artists to realise some of her unfinished works and reinterpret existing ones. For example, Laure Prouvost, a long-time collaborator, created Dancing Thought Leftovers with Steveni.

    This immersive installation fills an entire room with music reminiscent of a child’s toy, alongside Steveni’s found objects hanging from the ceiling in front of projected films. The objects cast shadows on the walls, creating a nursery-like atmosphere.

    Both these objects and those in the films look like the kind of things you might dredge from a river: a knackered car tyre, a crumpled sheet of metal, a horseshoe, and part of an old speaker. Two car wing mirrors protrude from a wall.

    Mundane fillers around good art

    Steveni was at the forefront of developing the notion of the artist as a living archive, as well as “dematerialised art practice”, where ideas replace physical art, and artists’ involvement in decision-making. All this comes across strongly in the exhibition, but its curatorial approach gives the impression that filler material was also needed.

    At times, it feels as if you are looking at an exhibition of the artist’s admin rather than her art. Meeting notes, contacts and the contents of a paper shredder are displayed, blurring the line between art and life.

    In 1971, Linda Nochlin, a contemporary of Steveni, published the influential article Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?. This essay is often seen as the beginning of feminist art history.

    Nochlin acknowledged that while many interesting and good women artists remained insufficiently investigated or appreciated, there had been no great women artists due to systemic barriers. She warned: “No amount of manipulating the historical or critical evidence will alter the situation; nor will accusations of male-chauvinist distortion of history.”

    Nochlin’s point was that presenting mediocre art as great ignores these systemic barriers and hinders work to lift them. I am not suggesting Steveni’s work is mediocre, but it feels like the exhibition’s curators overreached regarding the classification of her personal effects as art, which distracts from the important work she did.

    The curators, no doubt, intended to highlight the balance women artists must strike between domestic chores and their practice. However, Nochlin’s treatise explicitly warns against having different standards for women’s art compared with men’s.

    While presenting Steveni’s personal effects as part of her living archive is appropriate, the inclusion of mundane items like clothes and biscuit recipes raises questions about their relevance. Do we really need to see Steveni’s old newspapers? Would we expect this in a retrospective of a male artist?

    In my view, these examples distract from her important artistic work. Nonetheless, the exhibition successfully highlights Steveni’s pioneering contributions, and her lasting impact on the art world.

    Barbara Steveni: I Find Myself is on at Modern Art Oxford till June 8 2025

    Martin Lang 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. Barbara Steveni: I Find Myself – a pioneering artist who influenced the civil service – https://theconversation.com/barbara-steveni-i-find-myself-a-pioneering-artist-who-influenced-the-civil-service-252761

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) to Speak at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, March 21, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, will take the stage at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May, offering insights into Nigeria’s strategy to leverage its natural gas resources for long-term development. As a key decision-maker shaping Nigeria’s gas policies, Minister Ekpo’s participation will provide valuable perspectives on the country’s current gas-focused investment opportunities, relevant regulatory reforms and role within Nigeria’s energy mix.

    Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most attractive energy investment destinations and is targeting $10 billion in deepwater gas exploration investments through tax incentives and new policy measures. The country is prioritizing gas as a transition fuel, with major developments underway to expand both domestic and export infrastructure, alongside plans to auction undeveloped oil and gas blocks to accelerate exploration and production. TotalEnergies’ $500 million Ubeta onshore field development is set to begin production in 2027, supplying gas to the Nigeria LNG plant. The company is also planning to sanction the $750 million Ima dry gas project this year to further boost LNG supplies. Other recent milestones include Shell’s sale of its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, signaling a shift toward greater local participation in the sector.

    IAE 2025 (apo-opa.co/4htIbEq) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Nigeria is also advancing several major pipeline projects to expand its gas sector and strengthen regional energy security and export capacity. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company is undertaking a $1.2 billion rehabilitation of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline to enhance gas supply for power generation and industrial use. Last month, Nigeria, along with the governments of Algeria and Niger, signed agreements to accelerate the implementation of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, which aims to transport Nigerian gas through Niger and Algeria to Europe. Agreements for the construction of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, which would connect West African markets to European demand by running along the Atlantic coast through several countries, are also expected to be signed in 2025.

    As Nigeria places renewed focus on monetizing its more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, Minister Ekpo’s participation at IAE 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for the country’s gas industry. His participation will offer critical insights into Nigeria’s investment climate, ongoing infrastructure projects and how global stakeholders can engage with local ministries, regulators and the evolving gas market to advance the energy transition while securing energy supplies.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa has a problem with people in the public service lying about their qualifications: what needs to change

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Busani Ngcaweni, Visiting Adjunct Professor, Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand

    The persistent challenge of falsified or misrepresented qualifications in South Africa exposes serious shortcomings in recruitment and appointment processes. Although the scale of the problem is difficult to quantify, it’s considered to be reaching “pandemic” levels. It is worse in the public sector.

    The problem became so serious that government introduced the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act in 2019, making it a criminal offence to misrepresent qualifications. It is punishable by up to five years in prison.

    Yet the scourge continues, despite severe personal and professional consequences for some.

    The alarmingly high number of individuals pretending to be qualified for high-profile positions undermines trust and capability in organisations.

    There have been cases involving top executives and directors of parastatals. Some major companies have not been spared.

    Once unsuitable people occupy positions of responsibility, it is difficult to remove them. Their performance seldom improves because they lack the foundation.

    Their incompetence can affect institutions severely because they can make wrong decisions that result in financial losses. The South African Broadcasting Corporation, for instance, suffered financially due to poor decisions made by unqualified executives.

    Read more: South Africa’s public service: real spending is falling, but demand is growing

    Some municipalities with unqualified personnel often hire expensive consultants.

    Teachers with fraudulent credentials compromise quality education. This deprives children of opportunities to better their lives.

    Unscrupulous individuals have also been caught masquerading as medical doctors, putting lives at risk.

    Important infrastructure projects have collapsed owing to fake engineers.

    I am a researcher and practitioner of public sector reforms. I also head the National School of Government, which leads the drive to make the country’s public sector professional. I argue that to deter qualifications fraud, the management of human resources in the public sector must be professional.

    South Africa can draw lessons from the private sector and other governments.

    Loopholes in the system

    The National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act is aimed at deterring fraudulent qualifications. Some people have gone to jail for this crime.

    But measures to deter and punish it must be complemented by human resources management reforms.

    In my view, poor human resource screening processes, inadequate verification systems and ambiguous job descriptions and entry requirements contribute to appointing unsuitable candidates.

    The weekly public sector vacancies circular, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration, is a major source of data showing these limitations. It’s full of job advertisements where the minimum qualifications requirements are either too wide or below standard.

    Read more: South Africa’s public service is dysfunctional – the 5 main reasons why

    Some of the people who recruit and select staff are negligent. They fail to conduct thorough background checks or to screen applicants properly. This results in the appointment of unqualified and fraudulent candidates.

    Learning from the private sector

    The private sector, driven by competitive pressures and stakeholder expectations, developed robust systems to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of human resource functions. These systems can guide public sector reforms.

    Companies invest in advanced technologies and third-party verification services. They use agencies to check candidates’ fingerprints, verify qualifications, find references, and even do personality profiles.

    In contrast, public sector human resources personnel often rely on manual processes. These consume time and are prone to inaccuracies and manipulation. They can also be cumbersome as junior and middle management job advertisements often attract thousands of applicants.

    The private sector uses well-defined competency frameworks. These outline the skills, knowledge and experience required to evaluate a candidate.

    Read more: Africa should be building private-public partnerships in education

    Many private sector human resources practitioners belong to professional bodies. These enforce ethical standards. They also certify practitioners and promote ongoing professional development.

    Businesses also employ licensed and professional human resources practitioners. These are expected to be innovative, productive and ethical, and to act in the best interests of their employers. They can be dismissed if they lose their professional licence. These are guardrails against abuse.

    Learning from other governments

    India, China, South Korea, Singapore and several European nations have stringent public sector recruitment and selection methods. They emphasise merit and transparency to ensure only qualified and competent people are appointed.

    India’s Union Public Service Commission conducts a highly competitive civil services examination to recruit candidates.

    China uses the National Civil Service Examination, known as the Guokao. It evaluates candidates’ intellectual aptitude, policy knowledge and professional skills for jobs in government ministries and state-owned enterprises.

    South Korea’s Civil Service Examination system is a rigorous process which tests candidates’ analytical and managerial capabilities.

    Singapore is known for its efficient government. It employs structured assessment centres, psychometric testing and panel interviews to ensure capable people join the public sector.

    Read more: South Africa has a plan to make its public service professional. It’s time to act on it

    To uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity in governance, Germany and France have competitive entrance assessments for civil service roles.

    France’s Institut National du Service Public uses stringent entry requirements to prepare candidates for senior public service.

    South Africa introduced a pre-entry assessment called Nyukela/Step Up in 2020. It is applicable to public servants and citizens who wish to apply for a position in the senior management service.

    Professionalising the public sector

    Cabinet approved the National Framework Towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector in October 2022. It aims to tighten pre-entry requirements and carefully screen applicants. This includes verifying qualifications, testing integrity and assessing competence. The framework requires that public sector entities develop detailed job descriptions.

    The framework will help block fraud by professionalising human resources, supply chain management and legal services, among others. It will help human resources practitioners improve their competencies and make them part of a wider professional network. This is important for continued professional development.

    There will be consequences when officials violate their professional code of ethics. This has worked for lawyers and accountants who are disbarred for ethical and professional breaches.

    The framework gives the Public Service Commission a role in recruiting of heads of departments. This step controls entry to top positions in the civil service. The commission will bring two or more subject matter sector experts into the selection panels, making the process more rigorous.

    – South Africa has a problem with people in the public service lying about their qualifications: what needs to change
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-a-problem-with-people-in-the-public-service-lying-about-their-qualifications-what-needs-to-change-244942

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Ceremony marking the 600th Anniversary of the University of Leuven [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    ear Rector Magnificus, Chère Madame la Rectrice,
     
    Allow me to address you with the expression that in my country is reserved for the rectors of the university of the Coimbra, your sister university: Magnificus rectorus, magnificent rectors.
     
    Thank you for your warm welcome, your very kind words and this significant honour.
     
    I am proud to accept it on behalf of the United Nations and remembering the women and men of the UN all over the world.
     
    You will find them working everywhere and around the clock. 
     
    Building and keeping peace.
     
    Delivering lifesaving relief in the most desperate places on earth.
     
    Fighting poverty and standing up for the marginalized.
     
    Advancing human rights and the rule of law.
     
    And striving to realize the universal values that express the very best of the human spirit.
     
    By bestowing this honour at this consequential time, you are sending a clear message.
     
    A message of support for the noble mission of the United Nations —a message of solidarity to all those working to make it real – and a message of inspiration for us to keep up the fight.
     
    On behalf of the United Nations — thank you.
     
    Distinguished Guests, Dear Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,
     
    You honour the United Nations as we celebrate a remarkable milestone:
     
    The 600th anniversary of the University of Leuven, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning, today represented by the two universities that are together in this beautiful ceremony.
     
    Six centuries ago, scholars lit a flame of knowledge.
     
    Generation after generation have kept this flame alive.
     
    Through times of turmoil and triumph.
     
    In war and in peace.
     
    From the Renaissance to the information age.
     
    It is here at Leuven that Erasmus refined his humanist thought, teaching the world to see learning as a path to compassion and understanding.
     
    It was here that Mercator mastered cartography, revolutionizing navigation and the way we see our world — opening new horizons across continents.
     
    It was here that future Prime Minister and statesman August Beernaert began his intellectual journey that led to his bold vision of peace through arbitration, which was recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1909.
     
    It was here that a young Georges Lemaître gazed at the stars and proposed what became the Big Bang theory — forever reshaping humanity’s understanding of the universe itself.
     
    And it was here that Dominique Pire, a humble Dominican friar, developed humanitarian principles that would earn him the Nobel Peace Prize for working with refugees and bringing hope to the forgotten.
     
    All of you are keeping this flame alive in the 21st century.
     
    Your scholars have helped lead the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — and the need for urgent climate action.
     
    Your universities played a pivotal role in launching the Global University Academy — supporting higher education for refugees worldwide.
     
    The Leuven Institute for Artificial Intelligence fosters knowledge-sharing and international partnerships on AI.
     
    Your startup incubators and technology transfer efforts transform innovative research into tangible benefits for humanity.
     
    And you are opening new doors to equality and justice through your Gender Equality Plan, and by actively participating in initiatives like the Belgian Women in Science Network to increase the number of female students and staff in science, technology, engineering and math.  
     
    This joint celebration — bringing together KU Leuven and UC Louvain — is yet another example of your spirit of common purpose and renewed partnership…
     
    One that shines a light towards a better, more equal future for all.
     
    Excellencies, dear friends,
     
    We need that light more than ever. 
     
    I am here today to deliver a simple and stark message:
     
    Multilateralism matters.
     
    But it is under attack like never before.
     
    We can and must overcome this threat together. 
     
    Now is the time.
     
    Your 600th anniversary coincides with a moment of reflection for the United Nations.
     
    2025 marks our 80th anniversary as an organization and as the epicenter of multilateralism.
     
    Our founding Charter embodies the world’s conviction that by working together and adhering to shared principles and values, we can solve global problems.   
     
    Standing here in Europe, we know this same commitment to multilateralism is the beating heart of your own European union.
     
    At home and around the world, Belgium and the European Union champion international cooperation, democracy, human rights and global solidarity.
     
    Over the decades, Belgium has brought to life its motto of “unity makes strength” — contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions, advancing peacebuilding and supporting lifesaving relief around the world.
     
    Today, the European ideal stands as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to the world’s most vulnerable people, and proof that isolationism is an illusion, never a solution.
     
    A strong and united Europe is not just essential for the continent.
     
    It is a fundamental pillar of a strong and effective United Nations.
     
    Around the globe, the European Union and the United Nations work hand-in-hand:
     
    Providing humanitarian aid to those in desperate need.
     
    Building peace in fragile states and strengthening democratic institutions.
     
    Defending human rights and dignity.
     
    Supporting sustainable development and climate action.
     
    And putting the spotlight on ending the scourge of domestic violence.
     
    But these and other investments in international cooperation are under threat.    
     
    Deadly conflicts are multiplying and deepening, exacting a devastating human toll.
     
    And a contagion of impunity is taking hold.
     
    Poverty, hunger and inequalities are growing — while the wealth of a handful of men eclipses that of half of humanity.
     
    The climate crisis is raging.
     
    Vulnerable countries are often locked out of decision-making rooms.
     
    Technology is outpacing our ability to protect people’s safety, rights and dignity.
     
    We see a dangerous rollback of fundamental freedoms.
     
    Women’s rights are under attack.
     
    Minorities, refugees and migrants are demonized.
     
    The voices of nationalism and isolationism are growing louder with a dangerous resurgence of strongarm politics.
     
    And donors are dramatically scaling-back humanitarian and development support — while defense budgets soar. 
     
    It would be the cruelest of ironies for the poor to be made to pay for the weapons of the rich. 
     
    Last week, I was in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh during the holy month of Ramadan on a mission of solidarity with Rohingya refugees, and with the Bangladeshi communities that so generously host them.
     
    The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid.
     
    But with looming cuts, Cox’s Bazar is fast-becoming ground zero of the funding crisis, with money for basic essentials like food, running out.
     
    And I am hopeful that what we are doing now with several donor countries will help us overcome this tragic situation, because without a reversal of these cuts in Cox’s Bazar and beyond — people will suffer and people will die.
     
    Dear friends,
     
    As the darkness spreads, we risk losing sight of Europe’s greatest gift to civilization — the Enlightenment.
     
    Everywhere we look, the fruits of the Enlightenment are being challenged by the voices of irrationality, ignorance and isolationism.
     
    Truth, science and knowledge are being questioned.
     
    Expertise and experience have somehow become liabilities. 
     
    And the multilateral values that the United Nations embodies — collaboration, solidarity, united action and human rights — are being undone by mistrust and geopolitical divisions.
     
    Excellencies, dear friends,
     
    Anniversaries are about more than looking to the past.
     
     At their best, they are about renewing for the future.
     
    And renewal sometimes means asking hard questions.
     
    Let’s be clear: The UN was never meant to be stuck in time. 
     
    The world has changed in fundamental ways — most notably the rise in economic influence and political power across the Global South.
     
    How, can we justify, today, a Security Council without permanent representation for Africa — home to one-quarter of humanity?
     
    How can we accept an unfair and dysfunctional global financial architecture that inadequately supports developing countries in their hour of need?
     
    How can we passively accept that the great promise of Artificial Intelligence might be won at the expense of handing over our humanity to algorithms?
     
    Renewal is the driving force of the Pact for the Future, agreed at the United Nations in September.
     
    And multilateralism must be the engine of this renewal.
     
    We need all countries working together — in solidarity — as we tackle the challenges facing our world. 
     
    In this spirit of renewal through multilateralism, I want to outline four areas where we can overcome today’s threats by standing as one and forging common solutions. 
     
    First — we must find common solutions for peace in our fragmented world.
     
    Around the world, peace is in short supply.
     
    Look no further than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — an open wound in Europe.  
     
    This brutal war is now in its fourth year and has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions — including many who have found shelter here in Belgium — and challenged the very foundations of European security and international order.
     
    It is time for a just and lasting peace. But a just peace means that it must be based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions, including the respect for territorial integrity. 
     
    In Gaza, since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction.
     
    I am outraged at this week’s Israeli attacks in Gaza, which killed hundreds of people.
     
    I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the death of one of our UN staff members — and the wounding of five other UN personnel — when two UN guesthouses in Deir al Balah were hit in strikes. 
     
    And appallingly another 5 UNRWA humanitarians were also killed this week, bringing the death toll to 284.
     
    The ceasefire had finally allowed some measure of relief to ease the horrendous suffering of Palestinians in Gaza — and relief to Israeli families finally welcoming home hostages after over a year of anguish and desperation.
     
    All of that has now been shattered.  
     
    Escalation is not the answer. 
     
    There is no military solution to this conflict.
     
    I strongly appeal for the ceasefire to be restored, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally.
     
    Beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace — through immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution — with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
     
    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo — a country whose tragic history resonates so strongly here in Belgium — renewed fighting, fueled by external interference and armed militias, has devastated communities and plunged the region into a deeper crisis, naturally aggravated by the presence of Rwandan troops, violating the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
     
    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country. 
     
    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.
     
    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.
     
    Beyond these and other conflicts, we need to reform the global security architecture.
     
    Drawing from proposals included in the New Agenda for Peace that we developed, the Pact for the Future calls for strengthening the machinery of peace by prioritizing the tools of prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
     
    The changing nature of conflict calls for a review of our global peace operations; 
     
    Enhancing coordination with regional organizations;
     
    And the Pact includes also the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, even if we are still very far from a world free of nuclear weapons.
     
    Dear friends,
     
    Second — we can overcome threats to multilateralism by finding common solutions to reduce inequalities and ensure financial justice for all.
     
    The Pact includes a call for a massive Stimulus to help countries invest in the Sustainable Development Goals.
     
    It also urges bold reforms of the international financial architecture, including expanding the voice and representation of developing countries in institutions.  
     
    We must also substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to make them bigger, bolder and better.
     
    And we must review the debt architecture to stop debt from bleeding countries dry.
     
    No country should have to choose between servicing their debt and serving their people.
     
    Our global economy also needs open, predictable and inclusive trade to spur broad-based prosperity and help developing countries to better link to global markets and supply chains.
     
    The Pact also reminds us of a basic truth: societies can only thrive when all women and girls enjoy their full rights.
     
    Investing in their education, economic empowerment, and social protection is not only fair — it is essential for a better future for all.
     
    Third — we can strengthen multilateralism for the future by finding common solutions for climate action before it is too late.
     
    The climate crisis is costing lives, livelihoods, and billions in damages.
     
    Record heatwaves scorch continents.
     
    2024 was the hottest year — in the hottest decade in history.
     
    Relentless storms ravage communities.
     
    Rising seas threaten coastlines — including here.
     
    And those least responsible are bearing the heaviest burden.
     
    If we are to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees — essential to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe — the science is clear:
     
    Global emissions must peak this year and rapidly decline afterwards.
     
    And we must recognize this challenge for what it is: a moment of enormous opportunity.
     
    The benefits of the clean energy transition are clear.
     
    Renewables renew economies. 
     
    They boost growth, lower energy bills, and help us all breathe easier with cleaner air.
     
    This year — in advance of the UN Climate Conference, or COP30, in Brazil — every country must submit new economy-wide national climate plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit and seize the benefits of clean energy.
     
    I am working closely with President Lula of Brazil to drive action by the biggest emitters.
     
    The United Nations is also helping nearly 100 developing countries to prepare their national climate action plans.
     
    And we will convene a special event to take stock of the plans of all countries, push for action to keep 1.5 within reach, and deliver climate justice.
     
    I urge Europe to keep leading the way.
     
    To set strong and ambitious emission reduction targets.
     
    And to put an end to the myth that fossil fuels are the future. 
     
    We must accelerate the renewables revolution which can lower emissions, boost energy security, create good jobs, and provide cheap and accessible power.
     
    Throughout, we must continue supporting developing and vulnerable nations, by making good on long-standing promises and delivering on climate finance across the board.
     
    Climate solidarity is a moral obligation — and a matter of survival for us all.
     
    Fourth and finally — we can overcome threats to multilateralism by making sure technology upholds human rights and dignity for all.
     
    The information age is unfolding at a dizzying scale and speed.
     
    Artificial Intelligence holds great promise.
     
    But today, those benefits remain concentrated in the hands of a privileged few. 
     
    And while some are racing ahead with record investments, most developing countries are left in the dark.
     
    Without guardrails, AI risks deepening geopolitical divides and inequalities;
     
    Enabling surveillance, amplifying disinformation, facilitating cyberattacks;
     
    And even making life-and-death decisions.
     
    Humans must always retain control — guided by international law, human rights and ethical principles.  
     
    Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around.
     
    That is the spirit of the Global Digital Compact also adopted at the United Nations last year.
     
    It calls for closing the digital divide, so all countries can benefit.
     
    It includes the first universal agreement on AI governance to bring every country to the table.
     
    It calls for an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI that promotes a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities.
     
    It proposes initiating a Global Dialogue on AI Governance — within the United Nations — to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping common governance standards that help uphold human rights and prevent misuse.
     
    And it urges support for helping grow AI tools and skills in developing countries.
     
    I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
     
    Excellencies, dear students,
     
    These are all ways that we can overcome the clear and present dangers to multilateralism in our time. 
     
    I am convinced that we can do it.
     
    Every generation faces moments of decisive choice.
     
    Yet none has possessed our tools, knowledge, and global awareness.
     
    Today, we are celebrating history.
     
    But history is also unfolding before our eyes — and I urge you to be on the frontlines for human dignity.
     
    Refuse indifference. Choose hope. Confront injustice. Defend truth.
     
    And for that you can draw, being inspired by the values these universities represent.
     
    Dear students, I ask you today to draw strength and inspiration from your universities’ history.
     
    Dear Rector Sels and Rector Smets,
     
    I wish to conclude by reinforcing your opening words.
     
    You recounted the powerful story of the University’s library — destroyed in 1914, and again in 1940.
     
    In the midst of two world wars — and the rubble of this very city — the global shock and outrage that followed the destruction of a library sent a clear and powerful message.
     
    These were not only attacks on books and manuscripts.
     
    These were attacks on history, science, reason, knowledge and art.
     
    These were attacks on the very hallmarks of humanity.
     
    These were attacks on our common soul.
     
    Twice the forces of ignorance tried to extinguish Leuven’s light of knowledge.
     
    And twice the world answered Leuven’s call — and helped you restore that light brighter than ever.
     
    Because in the aftermath of these attacks, we saw other aspects of humanity’s soul revealed and shining brightly. 
     
    We saw generosity, in countries providing funding to rebuild, and books to re-stock the library.
     
    We saw the power of collaboration, in countries standing with Belgium and with Leuven to resurrect this library not once, but twice.
     
    And yes, we saw humanity’s hunger for the eternal values that have guided your universities for 600 years — and the United Nations for 80 years.
     
    Generosity, solidarity, renewal.
     
    This is more than just your story — it is humanity’s story.
     
    It shows that no matter the challenge, we can face down threats.
     
    We can overcome obstacles.
     
    We can build stronger than before.
     
    And so, let us carry this legacy forward.
     
    And let’s keep building  — together.
     
    Happy 600th anniversary.
     
    And I thank you. Dank u. Merci.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ABZWorks to host Jobs Fair at the Beach Ballroom

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Jobseekers in Aberdeen will have an opportunity to meet local employers looking to fill vacancies at a Jobs Fair, from 10am until 3pm on Thursday 27 March, at the Beach Ballroom.

    ABZWorks, Aberdeen City Council’s Employability and Skills service, has organised the free-to-attend event, in partnership with the Department of Works and Pensions.

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Employability, supporting people into work, and helping to alleviate poverty are key themes and priorities for Aberdeen City Council.

    “With local employers keen to fill vacancies and ABZWorks staff available to offer support I would encourage jobseekers to seize the opportunity and go along to the Jobs Fair.  Thanks to King Coaches there will be a free bus shuttle service on offer to help jobseekers get to-and-from the Jobs Fair.”

    Around 30 companies will be at the event including the Scottish Child Minding Association, Andron, Cornerstone, Stagecoach, First Bus, HMP Grampian, Aldi and ScotRail.

    Attendees are advised to bring copies of their CVs and Right to Work in UK documentation as they will have the chance to chat to employers face-to-face to discuss current vacancies and to apply for jobs. 

    ABZWorks employability staff will be on hand to provide support and guidance. Attendees are welcome to bring someone with them for support.

    The first hour of the event (10am-11am) will be a quiet hour for people with additional support needs.

    To book a place online, please go to https://bit.ly/Jobsfair2025

    Jobseekers unable to book in advance are welcome to come along on the day.

    King Coaches will provide a FREE shuttle bus, which will run every half hour from 9.45am until 3pm, pick up/drop off Broad Street/Beach Ballroom, Beach Promenade.

    Anyone living in Aberdeen seeking employability support can find more information at www.abzworks.co.uk or email abzworks@aberdeencity.gov.uk or call the ABZWorks team on 01224 070200 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: New Final Bond Terms for the Danish Ship Finance A/S Base Prospectus dated 9 July 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Danish Ship Finance issues new fixed rate non-callable bullet bond (SCB) with maturity date 25 March 2031.

    In connection with the opening of new ISINs under the Danish Ship Finance A/S base prospectus dated 9 July 2024, as supplemented by supplement no. 1 dated 26 August 2024, and further supplemented by supplement no. 2 dated 27 February 2025, Danish Ship Finance issues new Final Bond Terms. 

    The Final Bond Terms are stated below. 

    The Danish Ship Finance A/S Base Prospectus dated 9 July 2024, including the supplements there to and the relevant Final Bond Terms are available for download on Danish Ship Finance A/S’ website at http://www.shipfinance.dk/investor-relations/.  

    ISIN  Capital Centre  Currency  Opening date  Maturity 
    DK0004134020  Capital Centre A  EUR  25 March 2025  25 March 2031 

    Questions may be addressed to: 

    Head of Funding and Investor Relations  

    Simon Hajaj Ruby Harmat 

    Tel: +45 33 74 10 48 

    Email: IR@skibskredit.dk 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Hosts Google, Internet Matters and Dope Black Dads for Let’s Talk Online Safety Panel Event at KX

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, U.K. –  March 18, 2025: Samsung welcomed parents, teachers, carers and industry guests to Samsung KX for a panel discussion: Let’s Talk Online Safety, moderated by broadcaster, author and founder of Happy Place, Fearne Cotton.
     
    Fearne was joined by Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer for Samsung UK & Ireland, Vanessa Kingori OBE, Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms for Google, Rachel Huggins, Co-CEO of Internet Matters, and Marvyn Harrison, Founder of Dope Black Dads.
     
    Each panellist shared their own experiences as parents on this important topic and provided guidance on where people can find the right resources to keep young people safe online. This is important as Samsung research shows that almost a fifth of parents don’t know how to set up parental controls and more than a third confess that their children know more about technology than they do.
     
    The key topics for the panel were:
     
    How parents are navigating online safety for their children and the challenges they face
    How parents and teachers can make the right choices when it comes to keeping young people safe online
    How tech companies can best support in tackling this issue with features and education
    The critical role everyone has to play in supporting young people taking advantage of technology in a safe and responsible way
     
    Fearne opened the panel with her own experiences, saying, “My children are nine and twelve so I’m in the thick of it. Neither have a phone and I’m trying to hold off until they’re thirteen or fourteen. But I know every parent makes different choices. My own worries won’t greatly differ from yours, what are they watching and who are they talking to online?” 
     

     
    Rachel Huggins also provided her thoughts, saying, “It’s really hard being a parent at the moment and eight out of ten say they feel overwhelmed. It starts with understanding what your children are doing and what they want to do online. Then you can get to know the tools that are available to manage those experiences.”
     
    The panel then considered how parents and teachers can make the right choices. Marvyn Harrison spoke about what he’s seeing in the community and in his own family. He said, “I try not to be a fearmonger. I want my children to be comfortable online. But I do know there can be risks. That’s why I’m trying to join them in their internet use so I can understand what they’re doing and seeing so I can make sure they’re safe.”
     
    Fearne turned to Deborah Honig and Vanessa Kingori to talk about how tech companies can best support everyone in tackling the issue; how they’re communicating online safety to customers; and how they develop safety features with this in mind.
     
    Deborah shared how Samsung listens to what people need and considers how they can use tools more easily. She said, “We develop with safety in mind. It’s a journey that we’ve been on for a while. It’s about showing people what tools are there and giving them the confidence and comfort to use them. We’re working hard to put out the most accessible resources to empower parents, teachers and kids to have conversations about what’s happening online and how to deal with it.”
     
    Vanessa also gave her perspective, “At Google, we invest deeply in long-standing projects with great partners, some of whom are here today. Our aim is to empower parents to use available tools and give young people the tools to understand and have a healthy relationship with technology.”
     
    Attendees then heard more about where information and resources are available, and how this subject is being tackled in schools. Marvyn spoke about his own platform evolving to meet the needs of parents and the significant interest he’s seen from the communities he interacts with. Rachel also gave her insight on the fragmentation of how the subject is tackled across schools and the difficulty teachers can have in staying up to date with the rapid evolution of technology. There’s an ongoing call for media literacy, including online safety, to be further embedded in the National Curriculum, which Samsung supports.
     

     
    The debate ended with each panellist summarising what they hoped the audience would take away from the evening. Chief among these were hopes that parents would feel empowered by knowing the tools exist, and that parents’ behaviour with their own devices will influence children with theirs. Panellists also highlighted the importance of events such as this, where everyone works together to have open and honest conversations. They all emphasised that no-one is alone and the work will continue.
     
    Following the discussion, the audience asked questions learning more about how to have the right conversations. They also met with Samsung product trainers, who demonstrated the online safety features available across devices.
     

     
    This event recognised the importance of equipping parents and teachers with the confidence and knowledge of online safety to help children enjoy the benefits of technology safely. Samsung champions and encourages these types of conversations all year round through customer interactions, but also crucially through educational initiatives that encourage parents and carers to have early conversations with their children about the responsible use of technology.
     
    For more useful information and online safety resources, please visit Samsung’s Online Safety site here, and Internet Matters here.
     
    You can also watch the full panel discussion here on our YT Channel: Let’s Talk Online Safety.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken by the Government to ensure quality standards of food products

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Steps taken by the Government to ensure quality standards of food products  

    Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and random sampling of various food products are conducted by FSSAI through State/UTs

    Penal provisions in place against the defaulting Food Business Operators for non-conforming food samples

    243 Primary Laboratories and 22 Referral Laboratories notified by FSSAI across the country for testing various food commodities

    285 FSWs (Food Safety on wheels) deployed across 35 States/UTs for on spot testing of adulteration in various food commodities

    79 Rapid Analytical Food Testing (RAFT) Kits approved by FSSAI

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    To ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in 2008 under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, primarily for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import. The Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 was operationalized with the notification of Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011 and six Principal Regulations with effect from the 5th August, 2011. 

    FSSAI through State/UTs and its Regional Offices conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and random sampling of various food products to check compliance with the quality and safety parameters and other requirements as laid down under Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and regulations made thereunder. In cases where food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations.

    FSSAI also conducts periodic Pan-India Surveillance of Food products especially staple foods and commodities that are prone to adulteration to ascertain the quality and safety of the food products produced and consumed in India.

    For testing of various food commodities, FSSAI has notified 243 Primary Laboratories and 22 Referral Laboratories across the country. FSSAI has provided Mobile Food Testing Laboratory (MFTL) referred to as “Food Safety on wheels” (FSW). FSWs are equipped with basic infrastructure for on spot testing of adulteration in various food commodities. Currently, 285 FSWs are deployed across 35 States/UTs.

    FSSAI has published a comprehensive set of resources for food safety and analysis, including 17 Manuals on Methods of Analysis of various Foods commodities, 02 General Guidelines on Sampling, and 15 Methods for the Analysis of fortificants in Fortified Foods. FSSAI has facilitated rapid food testing methods to reduce the screening time of the food products at the field level and accelerate surveillance as well as monitoring activities. 79 Rapid Analytical Food Testing (RAFT) Kits are approved by FSSAI.

    The Food Safety Magic Boxes, meticulously curated by FSSAI, facilitates the detection of adulteration in food. It consists of reliable “quick screening tests” that a common person can perform at the household level, enabling a broad assessment of potential adulteration in their food in cases of doubt.

    As per the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, Sanitary and Hygienic requirements (based on Good Manufacturing Practices & Good Hygienic Practices) to be followed by the Food Business Operators (FBOs), has been mandated as one of the conditions of license for the Food Manufactures. This is a statutory requirement and any violation to the same by the FBOs attracts punitive action as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    MV

    HFW/Steps taken by the Govt to ensure quality standards of food products/21March 2025/2

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken by the Government to expand healthcare infrastructure

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Steps taken by the Government to expand healthcare infrastructure

    PM-ABHIM enhancing public health infrastructure through investments in health centres, critical care beds, block public health units, and integrated district laboratories, focusing on improved rural healthcare access

    Grants to local governments recommended by Fifteenth Finance Commission to strengthen grassroots health systems from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26

    PMSSY aims to correct regional imbalances in affordable tertiary healthcare and enhance facilities for quality medical education

    Provisions for incentives and honorariums under NHM encourage doctors and paramedics to practice in rural and remote areas, ensuring equitable access to medical facilities across all States/UTs

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 4:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs to strengthen the public healthcare system including setting up of health facilities and recruitment of medical personnel based on the proposals received in the form of Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under National Health Mission. Government of India provides approval for the proposal in the form of Record of Proceedings (RoPs) as per norms & available resources.

    Further, Government of India has launched several schemes to address healthcare infrastructure in all the States/UTs in the country in addition to National Health Mission:

     

    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) envisages increased investments in public health and other health reforms to provide better access to health in rural areas by i) Strengthening of Health and Wellness Centres in villages and cities for early detection of diseases; ii) Addition of new critical care-related beds at district level hospitals; iii) Support for Block Public Health Units (BPHU) in 11 high focus States; and iv) Integrated district public health laboratories in all districts.
    • The Fifteenth Finance Commission (FC-XV) has recommended grants through local governments for specific components of the health sector and spread over the five-year period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 to facilitate strengthening of health system at the grass-root level.
    • The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) aims at correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable tertiary healthcare services and to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. The Scheme has two components, namely: i) setting up of all India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS); and (ii) upgradation of existing Government Medical Collages/ Institution (GMCIs). 
    • Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), ‘Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals’, with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. The fund sharing mechanism between the Centre and State Governments is in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern and Special Category States, and 60:40 for others.

     

    Under NHM, following types of incentives and honorarium are provided for encouraging doctors and paramedics to practice in rural and remote areas to ensure equitable access to medical facilities across all the States/UTs in the country:

     

    • Hard area allowance to specialist doctors for serving in rural and remote areas and for their residential quarters so that they find it attractive to serve in public health facilities in such areas.
    • Honorarium to Gynecologists/ Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) trained, Pediatricians & Anesthetist/ Life Saving Anaesthesia Skills (LSAS) trained doctors is also provided to increase availability of specialists for conducting Cesarean Sections in rural & remote area.
    • Incentives like special incentives for doctors, incentive for Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) for ensuring timely Antenatal Checkup (ANC) checkup and recording, incentives for conducting Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health activities.
    • States are also allowed to offer negotiable salary to attract specialist including flexibility in strategies such as “You Quote We Pay”.
    • Non-Monetary incentives such as preferential admission in post graduate courses for staff serving in difficult areas and improving accommodation arrangement in rural areas have also been introduced under NHM.
    • Multi-skilling of doctors is supported under NHM to overcome the shortage of specialists. Skill upgradation of existing HR is another major strategy under NRHM for achieving improvement in health outcomes.

     

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

     

    ****

    MV

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSIR-IIIM & HAPICO Industries Sign MoU for Collaborative Biopesticide Development

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step toward fostering industry-academia collaboration, the CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/S HAPICO Industries Private Limited on 20 March 2025 to jointly develop novel biopesticides.

    The MoU was formally signed by Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, and Mr. Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director, HAPICO Industries, in the presence of Dr Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist & Head, FMB Division; Dr Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist, FMB; and Dr Love Sharma, Scientist, RMBD&IST.

    This strategic partnership aims to address the detrimental impact of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment. Given the rich biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants, the collaboration seeks to harness their potential for developing innovative and sustainable biopesticide solutions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zabeer Ahmed reaffirmed the commitment of CSIR-IIIM to the translational and sustainable approach in biopesticide development and providing industrial interface to the technologies emanating from the collaboration, ensuring direct benefits for farmers across the country. He also expressed confidence in achieving the project objectives within the stipulated timeline. CSIR-IIIM, with its advanced fermentation and microbial technology infrastructure, has been actively engaged in research pursuits and development of agricultural solutions, including plant growth-promoting products, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), enzymes and biocontrol formulations.

    Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director, HAPICO Industries, highlighted the collaboration as a strategic initiative to expand the company’s product portfolio and contribute to sectoral growth. “By leveraging CSIR-IIIM’s scientific expertise, HAPICO aims to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that align with the evolving market demands,” he stated.

    Elaborating on the technical aspects, Dr Asha Chaubey, Head, FMB Division, emphasized that the focus of the collaboration would be on formulating a biopesticide derived from a potent indigenous microbial strain identified by CSIR-IIIM.

    The agreement signing ceremony was jointly organized by the RMBD&IST and FMB Divisions, under the overall supervision of Er Abdul Rahim, Head, RMBD&IST Division, and under the patronage of the Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.

    Director CSIR-IIIM, Dr Zabeer Ahmed and MD HAPICO Industries after signing the MoU at Jammu.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Multiple Schemes Launched by Govt to Provide Financial Support to Women Across India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Recognizing the transformative potential of start-ups, the Government has introduced several initiatives to support and nurture entrepreneurship, including women’s entrepreneurship. More than 73000 start-ups, representing nearly half of the 157066 start-ups supported by the government under the Start-up India Initiative, have at least one-woman director, underscoring the crucial role women play in driving innovation and economic growth.

    There are a number of schemes/ initiatives being implemented by various Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India across the country to financially support women.

    The schemes to provide skilling opportunities for women include Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) and Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY) which is a sub-component of the Coir Vikas Yojana, among others.

    Some of the schemes to facilitate women entrepreneurs and start-ups include

    (i) The Indian Patent Act that provides for expedited examination, when at least one of the applicants is a female. It is a concerted effort to encourage women innovators to file patent applications and protect their inventions.

    (ii) Women entrepreneurs, who file for protection of their Intellectual Property in individual capacity, have to pay reduced fees as compared to other large entities. Patent filings by women has increased over 905% in the past 5 years. Women lead about one-third of the start-ups incubated under the Atal Innovation Mission’s Atal Incubation Centres, which foster innovation at universities, institutions and corporates among others.

    (iii) Stand Up India, Start Up India and MUDRA Yojna facilitate bank loans and entrepreneurial activities and have majorly benefitted women entrepreneurs.

    (iv) The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Start-ups (CGSS) to provide credit guarantee up to a specified limit against loans extended by Member Institutions (MIs) to finance eligible borrowers including women as defined in the Gazette Notification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and amended from time to time.

    (v) The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) which is a major credit-linked subsidy programme aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.

    (vi) The Government has made enabling provisions in the Companies Act, 2013, mandating companies to have at least one woman Director.

    (vii) Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) provides employment/ self-employment and credit facilities to street vendors. Majority of the beneficiaries under these schemes are women.

    In addition to the above schemes, there are several other schemes/ initiatives also being implemented by nationalised banks to support women entrepreneurs. These include Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana, Dena Shakti Scheme, Stree Shakti Package for Women Entrepreneurs and Cent Kalyani Scheme etc.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Lok Sabha in reply to a question today.

    *****

    SS/MS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India to Host the Central Asian Youth Delegation from 22nd – 28th March 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 2:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, is set to host the third Central Asian Youth Delegation to India from 22nd to 28th March 2025, under the International Youth Exchange Programme (IYEP). This initiative aims to promote youth collaboration, cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the Central Asian nations – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

    This program follows the vision set forth during the India-Central Asia Summit held in January 2022, where the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India proposed an annual youth exchange initiative to enhance mutual understanding among young leaders from the region. The 100-member delegation will engage in diverse activities, exploring India’s historical, educational, and cultural landmarks while interacting with local youth leaders and key stakeholders.

    Key Highlights of the Visit:

    • Cultural and Heritage Immersion: Visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Goa’s heritage sites to experience India’s architectural and historical legacy.
    • Academic and Economic Engagement: Interaction with students and faculty at IIT Delhi and visits to Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)/ Goa Institute of Management to explore India’s advancements in technology, research, and entrepreneurship.
    • Youth Networking & Volunteerism: Engagement with MY Bharat volunteers to discuss youth empowerment, leadership, and innovation.
    • High-Level Diplomatic Interactions: Call-on with the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and Hon’ble Governor of Goa is scheduled to be organised, emphasizing the importance of youth diplomacy.
    • Cultural Exchange & Gala Dinner: A roundtable and gala dinner will be organized in the honour of the delegation wherein the delegates will exchange their best practices to engage with youth in their nations.

    The visit will serve as a catalyst for future collaborations, promoting cross-cultural understanding, leadership development, and international cooperation in key sectors. This youth exchange program reinforces India’s commitment to regional peace, friendship, and economic partnerships with Central Asia, ensuring that the bonds of goodwill continue to flourish.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Securities and Futures Appeals Tribunal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Securities and Futures Appeals Tribunal 
    The membership of the SFAT for the new term is as follows:
     
    Chairmen
    ————
    Mr Michael John Hartmann
    Mr Michael Victor Lunn
    Mr Ian Charles McWalters
     
    New appointees
    ——————-
    Mr Johnny Chan Kok-chung
    Mr Arthur Chan Sung-lai
    Ms Annie Chen Poonis
    Professor Terence Chong Tai-leung
    Professor Fong Yuk-fai
    Dr Jia Hongrui
    Mr Ernest Lee Chun-ho
    Dr Leung Chuen-yan
    Mr Wiley Pun Wang-fung
     
    Reappointed members
    —————————-
    Dr Chordio Chan Siu-ping
    Ms Florence Chan Yuen-shan
    Ms Lorna Chen Xin
    Mr Gary Cheung Wai-kwok
    Ms Ivy Chua Suk-lin
    Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun
    Ms Sammy Koo Chi-sum
    Dr Bankee Kwan Pak-hoo
    Mr Lau Pak-wai
    Ms Carol Lui Kit-fong
    Mr Webster Ng Kam-wah
    Mr Hamilton Ty Tang
    Professor Tang Hei-wai
    Dr Christopher To Wing
    Mr Yip Chai-tuck
    Mr Edward Yuen Siu-bun
     
    The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members. They are Professor Chan Ka-lok, Professor Chan Koon-hung, Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, Mr Kent Ho Ching-tak, Mr Peter Leung Ming-hym, Mrs Natalia Seng Sze Ka-mee and Ms Amelia Yau Yu-xin.
     
    “The SFAT provides an effective safeguard to ensure that the relevant regulatory decisions are reasonable and fair, thus enhancing the accountability of the regulatory bodies concerned. We are thankful to the outgoing members for their service, which has effectively conserved the proper regulation of the securities and futures industry in Hong Kong,” a Government spokesman said.
     
    The SFAT is a statutory tribunal established under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (SFO). According to the law, the SFAT is chaired by a judge or former judge for hearing appeals against specified decisions made under the SFO by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the investor compensation company recognised by the SFC.
    Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: OUTCOMES OF INDIA-JAPAN STEEL DIALOGUE

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 1:50PM by PIB Delhi

    India and Japan engaged in discussions on key areas of collaboration within the steel sector, focusing on economic trends, industry developments and global challenges impacting both nations. The talks covered the current state of the steel industry in India and Japan, information on India’s Quality Control Orders (QCO), the effects of overproduction by some countries and cooperation on capacity-building programs.

    There is already an existing Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Ministry of Steel, Government of India and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Government of Japan to promote development of cooperation in the field of steel industry between the two countries. However, as the Steel Sector is a deregulated sector, the Steel companies take investment decision based on the commercial interest without involvement of the Government.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

    *****

    TPJ/NJ

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NHDP

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Textiles

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NHDP

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of the targets set & achievements under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during the last five years, including the number of toolkits distributed, infrastructure projects sanctioned and completed, artisans provided with interest rate subvention, and mega clusters established, year-wise are enclosed at below.

    The details of fund sanctiond and released, under NHDP and CHCDS during the last five years, state-wise and year-wise are enclosed at below.  Under the various components of the scheme, the funds are released ranging between 50-75% of the sanctioned amount, therefore the released amount every year is less than the sanctioned amount.

    The office of DC (handicrafts) has sanctioned one project namely Strengthening of Urban Haat under NHDP scheme at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh during last five year and its current status is completed.  Further, this office has also sanctioned projects to the state of Andhra Pradesh under CHCDS scheme and the details including current status are as given below:

    Sl. No

    Name of Infrastructure component

    Year of sanction

    District

    Current Status

    1

    Common Facility Centre

    2022-23

    Eluru

    Ongoing project

    2

    Common Facility Centre

    2022-23

    Palnadu

    Ongoing project

    3

    Common Facility Centre

    2022-23

    NTR

    To be started

    4

    Common Facility Centre

    2022-23

    Eluru

    To be started

    5

    Common Facility Centre

    2022-23

    Parvathipuram Manyam

    To be started

    6

    Raw Material Bank

    2022-23

    NTR

    To be started

    The number of artisans who have benefited from skill development programme, training, and financial assistance under NHDP in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise, during the last three years are given in below.

    The office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles plans for need based programmes & interventions for the sector based on the requirement projected by the artisans, non-profit organizations & state Government agencies as per the financial target approved in EFC for NHDP and SFC for CHCDS scheme respectively. 

    Statement referred to in reply to part (a) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

    The details of the targets set and achievements under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during the last five years are as under:

    S. No

    Name of the Scheme

    FY 2019-20

    FY 2020-21

    Target

     Achievements

    Target

     Achievements

    1

    National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)

    382 Domestic & International  Marketing event

    213 Domestic & International  Marketing event

    433  Domestic & International  Marketing event

    91  Domestic & International  Marketing event

    404 Skill & Design Development Training

    527 Skill & Design Development Training

    574 Skill & Design Development Training

    331  Skill & Design Development Training

    3,750 toolkits distributions

    2,935 toolkits distributions

    3,750 toolkits distributions

    4,250 toolkits distributions

    65  Clusters Formation

    65  Clusters Formation

    Formation of 40 Producer Companies

    Formation of 45 Producer Companies

    05 Infrastructure projects

    08  Infrastructure projects

    13 Infrastructure projects

    08  Infrastructure projects

    Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances

    Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances

    Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances

    Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances

     Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans

    0

     Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans

    0

    Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas

    Coverage of 2,346 artisans under Bima Yojanas

    Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas

    0

     Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card

     Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card

    Margin Money to 3000 artisans

    Margin Money to 3,000 artisans

     Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card

     Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card

    15 Survey/ Studies

    15 Survey/ Studies

    13 Survey/ Studies

    13 Survey/ Studies

    44 Seminar/ Workshops

    45 Seminar/ Workshops

    40 Seminar/ Workshops

    40 Seminar/ Workshops

    2

    Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)

    Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects

    Completion of projects at advanced level

    Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects and setting up of 2 new IDPH projects

    Completion of all projects at final stage and sanctioned of 2 new IDPH projects

    S. No

    Name of the Scheme

    FY 2021-22

    FY 2022-23

    Target

     Achievements

    Target

    Achievements

    1

    National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)

    149 Domestic & International  Marketing event

    286  Domestic & International  Marketing event

    165 Domestic & International  Marketing event

    338 Domestic & International  Marketing event

    366 Skill & Design Development Training

    584 Skill & Design Development Training

    375 Skill & Design Development Training

    315  Skill & Design Development Training

    8,000 toolkits distributions

    13,267 toolkits distributions

    10,000 toolkits distributions

    9,750 toolkits distributions

    Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters

    Identification of 73 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters

    Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters

    0

    Formation of 40 Producer Companies

    Formation of 16  Producer Companies

    Formation of 40 Producer Companies

    Formation of 90 Producer Companies

    08 Infrastructure projects

    10 Infrastructure projects

    07 Infrastructure projects

    28 Infrastructure projects

    Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances

    Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances

    Financial Support to 410 artisans under indigent circumstances

    Financial Support to 339 artisans under indigent circumstances

     Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans

     Interest Subvention to 25 artisans

     Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans

     Interest Subvention to 130 artisans

    Margin Money to 1,500 artisans

    Margin Money to 25 artisans

    Margin Money to 1,500 artisans

    Margin Money to 212 artisans

     Issuance of 2.0 Lakhs artisans Identity card

     Issuance of 1.70 Lakhs artisans Identity card

     Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card

    Issuance of 1.82 Lakhs artisans Identity card

    80 Awareness Programme

    06 Craft Awareness Programme, 08 Workshops and 670 Chaupal conducted

    125 Awareness Programme

    14 Workshops and 670 Chaupal

    17 Survey/ Studies

    20 Survey/ Studies

    20 Survey/ Studies

    04 Survey/ Studies

    55 Seminar/ Workshops

    212 Seminar/ Workshops

    55 Seminar/ Workshops

    231 Seminar/ Workshops

    2

    Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)

    Setting up of 3 Mega Clusters

    Setting up of 4 Mega Clusters

    Setting up of 7 Mega Clusters

    Setting up of 8 Mega Clusters

    S. No

    Name of the Scheme

    2023-24

    Target

     Achievements

    1

    National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)

    181 Domestic & International  Marketing event

    208 Domestic & International  Marketing event

    378 Skill & Design Development Training

    452 Skill & Design Development Training

    10,000 toolkits distributions

    9,050 toolkits distributions

    Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters

    Identification of 22 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters

    Formation of 40 Producer Companies

    Formation of 49 Producer Companies

    08 Infrastructure projects

    21 Infrastructure projects

    Financial Support to 465 artisans under indigent circumstances

    Financial Support to 538 artisans under indigent circumstances

     Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans

     Interest Subvention to 1,144 artisans

    Margin Money to 1,500 artisans

    Margin Money to 299 artisans

     Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card

     Issuance of 1.53 Lakhs artisans Identity card

    125 Awareness Programme

    670 Awareness Programme

    22 Survey/ Studies

    10 Survey/ Studies

    60 Seminar/ Workshops

    137 Seminar/ Workshops

    2

    Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)

    Setting up of 5 Mega Clusters/ IDPH

    Setting up of 1 Mega Clusters

    Statement referred to in reply to part (b) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

    The details of fund sanctioned & released, under National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) during the FY 2019-20 to 2023-24 are as under :

    (Rs. In Lakhs)

    Sl.
    No

    States/UTs

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Funds sanctioned

    Funds released

    Funds sanctioned

    Funds released

    Funds sanctioned

    Funds released

    Funds sanctioned

    Funds released

    Funds sanctioned

    Funds released
    1.  

    A & N Islands

    93.37

    46.68

    53.84

    29.41

    31.19

    26.73

    20.28

    20.28

    17.45

    17.45
    1.  

    Andhra Pradesh

    353.13

    183.57

    526.02

    312.55

    1,528.20

    807.19

    548.52

    323.49

    391.57

    321.18
    1.  

    Arunachal Pradesh

    38.97

    31.37

    23.89

    17.01

    149.64

    124.19

    23.44

    23.44

    59.77

    44.74
    1.  

    Assam

    315.78

    195.64

    691.64

    396.73

    717.84

    494.30

    728.57

    536.59

    326.11

    247.76
    1.  

    Bihar

    495.81

    223.41

    397.38

    193.42

    220.77

    128.12

    717.73

    481.05

    451.44

    248.84
    1.  

    Chandigarh

    98.68

    53.81

    0.00

    0.00

    50.25

    20.25

    72.91

    44.18

    27.84

    20.88
    1.  

    Chhattisgarh

    203.94

    131.19

    146.81

    110.47

    139.44

    99.49

    118.93

    94.98

    56.34

    47.03
    1.  

    Daman & Dew

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    8.94

    6.71

    0.00

    0.00
    1.  

    Delhi

    2,234.11

    2,105.66

    2,965.05

    2,901.15

    3,011.61

    2,759.39

    947.53

    785.52

    1,332.61

    816.59
    1.  

    Goa

    25.50

    12.75

    0.00

    0.00

    49.35

    43.39

    53.09

    44.92

    45.28

    31.36
    1.  

    Gujarat

    310.57

    165.79

    503.50

    265.76

    1,654.40

    1,018.29

    1,430.52

    840.22

    999.29

    592.58
    1.  

    Haryana

    286.53

    149.32

    163.88

    81.94

    287.71

    164.84

    291.30

    210.47

    291.17

    195.46
    1.  

    Himachal Pradesh

    513.15

    292.86

    289.63

    192.62

    300.70

    198.05

    121.32

    91.51

    106.64

    79.68
    1.  

    Jammu and Kashmir

    51.95

    25.98

    373.07

    170.22

    584.62

    431.71

    1,172.36

    796.56

    1,076.91

    686.72
    1.  

    Jharkhand

    290.81

    190.00

    443.68

    266.64

    191.40

    133.37

    256.22

    190.83

    251.51

    156.83
    1.  

    Karnataka

    195.74

    123.54

    149.70

    86.63

    433.44

    273.18

    441.08

    333.41

    361.34

    282.69
    1.  

    Kerala

    209.84

    130.92

    241.80

    121.18

    307.67

    184.76

    275.81

    234.46

    202.80

    168.35
    1.  

    Ladakh

    29.70

    23.76

    5.94

    3.97

    45.44

    31.29

    35.55

    29.84

    112.04

    24.40
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

    726.01

    429.62

    680.29

    390.84

    531.76

    331.13

    588.77

    437.32

    452.77

    311.09
    1.  

    Maharashtra

    337.99

    204.88

    278.36

    150.34

    390.35

    266.95

    326.58

    265.78

    919.61

    423.06
    1.  

    Manipur

    76.68

    59.63

    249.81

    140.03

    1,198.22

    768.81

    1,169.90

    656.12

    266.11

    194.89
    1.  

    Meghalaya

    86.52

    56.73

    15.50

    15.50

    242.99

    184.01

    89.71

    76.92

    100.84

    53.93
    1.  

    Mizoram

    19.97

    19.97

    11.50

    11.48

    131.55

    98.93

    48.89

    45.09

    38.59

    22.60
    1.  

    Nagaland

    226.85

    131.78

    70.61

    41.56

    238.20

    144.66

    408.72

    239.08

    279.36

    220.03
    1.  

    Odisha

    155.32

    83.62

    194.87

    112.91

    888.00

    687.15

    462.47

    358.49

    475.47

    341.27
    1.  

    Puducherry

    33.25

    16.62

    124.74

    76.16

    234.97

    153.61

    142.42

    100.62

    71.77

    42.96
    1.  

    Punjab

    483.47

    281.05

    402.06

    236.66

    565.55

    345.88

    413.11

    318.18

    96.13

    74.53
    1.  

    Rajasthan

    412.33

    293.46

    622.25

    337.29

    1,127.93

    698.82

    1,715.64

    997.32

    2,163.86

    611.77
    1.  

    Sikkim

    181.00

    114.39

    12.50

    12.50

    43.48

    34.49

    89.97

    77.11

    38.92

    30.07
    1.  

    Tamil Nadu

    109.94

    68.34

    652.90

    130.08

    417.52

    242.89

    333.62

    264.64

    401.68

    282.88
    1.  

    Telangana

    261.21

    152.09

    287.26

    172.52

    219.63

    152.25

    299.31

    226.03

    339.06

    223.04
    1.  

    Tripura

    75.51

    53.73

    136.63

    86.42

    94.22

    58.80

    103.57

    86.10

    97.61

    66.32
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

    1,283.77

    663.25

    2,141.73

    1,179.84

    3,241.81

    2,506.53

    5,524.95

    3,120.76

    3,251.86

    1,990.44
    1.  

    Uttarakhand

    230.70

    116.04

    313.78

    203.30

    333.68

    199.95

    222.59

    176.29

    91.12

    76.71
    1.  

    West Bengal

    208.79

    121.86

    242.13

    132.13

    416.66

    250.92

    741.98

    527.28

    571.09

    391.84
    1.  

    All India (non state Specific)

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    211.14

    67.67

    1,083.01

    1,079.26

    International Marketing

    1,195.13

    0.00

    371.29

    0.00

    737.02

    0.00

    2,136.10

    0.00

    674.12

    500.03

    Total

    11,852.02

    6,953.29

    13,866.02

    8,600.75

    20,757.22

    14,064.34

    22,293.52

    13,129.25

    17,523.09

    10,919.25

    Fund allocated and released under Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during 2019-20 to 2023-24

    (Rs. In Lakhs)

    Sl.
    No.

    States/UTs

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    FUNDS SANCTIONED

    FUNDS RELEASED

    FUNDS SANCTIONED

    FUNDS RELEASED

    FUNDS SANCTIONED

    FUNDS RELEASED

    FUNDS SANCTIONED

    FUNDS RELEASED

    FUNDS SANCTIONED

    FUNDS RELEASED
    1.  

    Andhra Pradesh

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    129.09

    129.09

    0.00

    0.00

    328.00

    328.00
    1.  

    Bihar

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    2,927.57

    0.00

    99.17

    99.17
    1.  

    Goa

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    2.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00
    1.  

    Gujarat

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    687.01

    0.00

    244.52

    196.00

    0.00

    0.00
    1.  

    Himachal Pradesh

    0.00

    0.00

    632.82

    316.41

    253.13

    253.13

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    196.90
    1.  

    Jammu and Kashmir

    593.61

    593.61

    2.84

    2.84

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00
    1.  

    Ladakh

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    1,754.55

    60.75

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

    1,000.58

    1,000.58

    0.00

    0.00

    51.80

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    612.17

    612.17
    1.  

    Odisha

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    2,728.72

    545.98

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00
    1.  

    Rajasthan

    1,183.35

    1,167.60

    1,469.38

    1,469.38

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00
    1.  

    Telangana

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    171.80

    163.67

    8.13

    8.13

    150.00

    150.00
    1.  

    Tripura

     

     

     

     

     

     

    0.00

    0.00

    464.00

    464.00
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

    450.15

    450.15

    281.78

    141.88

    13.33

    13.33

    1,852.24

    89.02

    0.00

    0.00

    Total

    3,227.69

    3,211.94

    2,386.824

    1,930.517

    5,789.434

    1,165.95

    5,034.46

    293.1478

    1,653.34

    1,850.24

     

     

    Statement referred to in reply to part (D) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

    The number of artisans who have benefited from skill development, training, and financial assistance

    under NHDP in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise, during the last three years are as under:

    Sl.
    No.

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

     

    District

    Number of artisans

    District

    Number of artisans

    District

    Number of artisans
    1.  

    Krishna

    120

    Guntur

    159

    Krishna

    44
    1.  

    Annakapalli

    128

    Annakapalli

    232

    Annakapalli

    66
    1.  

    Vishakhapatnam

    101

    Vishakhapatnam

    5

    Alluri Seetharamaraju

    30
    1.  

    East Godavari

    80

    East Godavari

    40

    Bapatla

    30
    1.  

    Eluru

    385

    Eluru

    114

    East Godavari

    50
    1.  

    Guntur

    40

    Konaseema

    124

    Eluru

    34
    1.  

    Kakinada

    50

    Krishna

    109

    Konaseema

    35
    1.  

    NTR

    457

    NTR

    325

    Krishna

    44
    1.  

    Palnadu

    280

    Palnadu

    34

    NTR

    76
    1.  

    Srikakulam

    95

    Parvathi puram manyam

    144

    Palnadu

    4
    1.  

    West Godavari

    545

    Srikakulam

    85

    Parvathi puram manyam

    34
    1.  

    Sri Sathya Sai

    150

    Vijayanagaram

    5

    Srikakulam

    4
    1.  

    Tirupati

    30

    West Godavari

    161

    Vijayanagaram

    5
    1.  

    Chittoor

    30

    Sri Sathya Sai

    100

    West Godavari

    75
    1.  

    Nellore

    1

    Chittoor

    50

    Annamayya

    30
    1.  

    Vijayanagaram

    1

    Tirupati

    30

    Kurnool

    31
    1.  

    Kurnool

    01

    Tirupati

    3
    1.  

    Srisathya sai

    3
    1.  

    Vishakhapatnam

    1

    Total

    2,493

     

    1,718

     

    599

     

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    *******

    DHANYA SANAL K

    DIRECTOR

    (Lok Sabha US Q2978)

    (Release ID: 2113554)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUNDS ALLOCATION TO PLI

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:54PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government is implementing Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles on Pan India basis including Odisha. PLI scheme is aimed at promoting the production of MMF Apparel, MMF fabrics and products of Technical Textiles to achieve size and scale and to become competitive. Rs. 1,143 cr are allocated for disbursement under PLI scheme to the companies on achieving the prescribed threshold investment and threshold turnover. Out of the 74 applicants selected under the scheme, 24 are MSMEs. There is no application for setting factory in Odisha.

     

    In addition, Ministry of Textiles has taken various steps to support and promote traditional textiles of Handloom across the country including Odisha. Under various schematic interventions end-to-end support is provided to eligible handloom agencies/workers including entrepreneurs for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, product diversification & design innovation, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic/overseas markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc. across the country including Odisha.

     

    Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products including Odisha’s unique handloom products is also being undertaken. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures. Further, assistance is also being provided in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products. Technical Textiles manufacturing is promoted through NTTM by supporting innovation/ R&D and PLI by incentivizing production and sales.

     

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    *******

    DHANYA SANAL K

    DIRECTOR

    (Lok Sabha US Q2794)

    (Release ID: 2113549) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –