NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Anniversary of October 7 Hamas Terrorist Attack

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ terrorist attack in Israel:
    “One year ago, at the end of Sukkot and the beginning of Simchat Torah, Hamas inflicted horrific violence in a sickening attack on Israel, brutally murdering nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Today and every day, we mourn the lives lost on October 7 and the suffering of civilians in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon in the year since. It’s long past time for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal to release the hostages and establish a ceasefire in Gaza. It is in the best interest of U.S. and Israeli national security, as well as for the safety of U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East, that we urgently de-escalate tensions across the region and find a path back to peace—so the Israeli, Palestinian, and Lebanese people can live side by side as neighbors and with the safety and dignity they deserve.”
    Kaine has long supported Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, and other actors who seek to harm Israel, while also protecting civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. He has repeatedly called for a deal to release hostages, establish a ceasefire, and increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy Visits Western Coalfields Limited to Review WCL Performance.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy Visits Western Coalfields Limited to Review WCL Performance.

    Minister Emphasizes on all CIL Subsidiaries to Achieve their Annual Targets to Meet the Nation’s Energy Security

    Minister Urges for Swift Action on Land Acquisition, Environmental and Forest Clearances, and Adoption of New Technology

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 4:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, today visited the headquarters of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) in Nagpur to review the company’s performance. He was accompanied by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. The review meeting was also attended by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Smt. Rupinder Brar, Chairman of Coal India Limited, Shri P.M. Prasad and senior officials from WCL and the local administration.

    During the meeting, Shri G. Kishan Reddy reviewed WCL’s coal production, productivity, dispatch efficiency, and addressed issues concerning Project Affected People (PAPs). A detailed presentation was made, covering key metrics of coal production, dispatch, and Overburden Removal (OBR) for the first and second quarters of current financial year. Further, it was assured that WCL will meet its annual production targets by the end of the financial year.

    In his address, Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the need for all CIL subsidiaries to achieve their annual targets to meet the nation’s coal requirements. Minister said that both enhancing existing mining operations and launching new projects are vital to making India self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) in the coal sector. Furthermore, he assured full support from the Ministry of Coal in driving these efforts forward, including assistance with land acquisition, environmental and forest clearances, and the adoption of modern technologies.

    After the review meeting, Shri G. Kishan Reddy honoured sanitation workers for their exceptional contribution to the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024.’ Minister also extended financial assistance to daughter of late Shri Nunhare, a former sanitation worker, to support her education and family needs.

    Prior to the review meeting, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy planted a sapling as part of the Ministry of Coal’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Minister visited the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) at the WCL headquarters, an innovative AI-enabled facility for mine surveillance. During this visit, he also launched WCL’s Coal SHAcTE Dal, a specialized team of armed security personnel equipped with modern tools and technology to respond swiftly to emergencies, including intrusion and unauthorized access in coal mines.

    Minister also inaugurated the NaCCER (National Center For Coal And Energy Research) and launched WCL’s CSR flagship project, ‘Tarash 2.0’. This initiative will provide coaching to 40 students for IIT-JEE and NEET exams, along with accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly stipend of ₹1,000. Shri G. Kishan Reddy also honored four students from the Tarash 2.0 program who achieved over 90% in their 10th-grade exams.

    This visit underscores the government’s focus on energy security, technological advancement, and community welfare. The launch of NaCCER and ‘Tarash 2.0’ marks a new era in innovation, education, and progress for a self-reliant coal sector & strengthen R&D in coal and enhance operational efficiency, contributing to a sustainable energy future.

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    ST

    (Release ID: 2062846) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav inaugurates National Postal Week; ‘Customer Meet’ held on ‘Mails and Parcel Day’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav inaugurates National Postal Week; ‘Customer Meet’ held on ‘Mails and Parcel Day’

    Letters retains their importance even in the era of Social Media – Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav

    ‘Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra’ playing key role in connecting local entrepreneurs to the global market – Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav

    India Post has taken innovative initiatives in the field of Mails and Parcel – Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 2:46PM by PIB Ahmedabad

    Department of Posts is continuously expanding its service horizons with innovative services and new technologies, reaching out to the last mile in country. Even in this era of mobile, email, and social media, letters retain their significance. Important documents including Government and Court-related letters, Aadhaar cards, passports, driving licenses, voter ID cards, PAN cards, bank cheque books and ATM cards are still being sent through Post offices. Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav expressed these views while inaugurating the ‘National Postal Week’ and addressing the ‘Customer Meet’ held on ‘Mails and Parcel Day’ at the Regional PMG office in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad. On this occasion, Director Postal Services, Ms. Meeta K. Shah, also told about Postal services and extensive discussions were held with various exporters.

    Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that Department of Posts is implementing numerous innovations in the field of mails and parcel services. India Post offers a range of services designed to meet the specific needs of various business sectors, such as Speed Post, Business Parcel, Dakghar Niryat Kendra, Business Post, Media Post, Bill Mail Service, Retail Post, Logistics Post, Direct Post, e-Post, e-Payment, Aadhaar services, and Passport services. Dakghar Niryat Kendras (DNK) are being established as a one-stop solution for exporters to promote commercial exports through postal channel. Products from One District One Product (ODOP), Geographical Indications (GI), and MSMEs are reaching international markets through Dakghar Niryat Kendras, strengthening the concepts of “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

    Postmaster General, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav emphasized on the ease and efficiency of the postal network in connecting local entrepreneurs to global markets. He said that special sorting hubs and nodal delivery centers have been established for sorting and distribution of Speed Post and Business Parcels. Cash-on-delivery service is being provided for e-commerce products. The delivery status of postal items is being updated in real-time through the Postman Mobile Application (PMA). Online track and trace facility has also been provided. A new transport policy has been formulated by Department of Posts for the rapid transmission of mail and parcels. India Post and Indian Railways have jointly launched the ‘Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service’ as a joint parcel product. He also mentioned about facility of Click & Book service, Parcel Packaging Units, and Digital Payment through QR codes in post office. PMG Shri KK Yadav further added that for quick transmission of international mail, Foreign Post Office in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad and International Business Center in Surat has been established. On-spot custom clearance is available. International parcel service is available for over 200 destination countries and regions worldwide.

    The program was compered by Marketing Executive Shri Chirayu Vyas, with the welcome speech by Assistant Director Shri M.M. Shaikh, and the vote of thanks by Assistant Director Shri Ritul Gandhi. The program was coordinated by Assistant Superintendent Shri Ravindra Parmar, and the Power Point presentation was delivered by Inspector Shri Bhavin Prajapati.

    On this occasion, Director of Postal Services Ms. Meeta K. Shah, Senior Superitendent of Ahmedabad City Division Shri Govind Sharma, Deputy Superintendent Shri V.M. Vahora, Deputy Chief Postmaster GPO Shri Alpesh Shah, Assistant Director Shri M.M. Shaikh, Shri Ritul Gandhi, Ms. Manjula Patel, Assistant Superintendent Shri Ravindra Parmar, Shri Ronak Shah, Inspector Posts Shri Bhavin Prajapati, Shri Yogendra Rathod, and Marketing Executive Shri Khemchand Rathod, Shri Dipal Mehta along with numerous officials from the North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, and representatives from various corporate institutions and departments, were present.

    AP/GP/JD

    (Release ID: 2062784) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Institute of Foreign Trade to open its first overseas campus in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 4:05PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 7 October 2024

     

    The iconic India Pavilion at the Expo City in Dubai will host the first overseas campus of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). An MoU to this effect was signed on 03 October 2024 by Professor Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority. IIFT is likely to move into its premises by early 2025 with short and medium-term training programmes, research and eventually with lauch of its flagship programme, MBA (International Business). 

    IIFT, regarded as an academic centre of excellence in international business research, training and education, will establish its first campus outside of India at the former Expo 2020 India Pavilion. The campus will be a boon for the 3.5 million-strong Indian community residing in the UAE. It will also open doorways for the overseas expansion and recognition of the IIFT brand. 

    The MoU between IIFT and Dubai EXPO City builds on a range of bilateral agreements between India and the UAE, including a mechanism to settle trade in local currencies,  the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Bilateral Investment Treaty and others. On 2nd September, 2024, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, inaugurated the campus of IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi with its the first B Tech Course. 

    Congratulating the institute, Union Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal said that IIFT’s new campus at Dubai would be a landmark decision in transforming it into a world class institute in real sense. Moreover, with IIFT’s expertise in the area of foreign trade, it would provide opportunity for students, professionals and government officials not only from UAE but from other parts of the world too for training and research in the area of international trade.

    Commerce Secretary and Chancellor of the Institute, Sunil Barthwal expressing his happiness about IIFT’s establishing its maiden overseas campus at Expo City, Dubai, said that institute’s offshore campus in Dubai would be a critical step not only for international expansion of IIFT but it would also facilitate promotion of international trade not only with UAE but also in the entire gulf region and beyond. 

    IIFT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi said that its first offshore campus at Dubai would be a milestone to transform IIFT into a world-class institute with cutting-edge research, training and academic programmes.

     

    About IIFT:

    Established in 1963 as an autonomous body under Ministry of Commerce, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has gained Deemed University status and is one of the premier business institutions in India focussing on Foreign Trade  and highly regarded as an academic centre of excellence in international business research, training and education. IIFT will collaborate with Expo City Dubai on research projects and other knowledge-sharing activities focused on sustainability and innovation.

     

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    PIB Mumbai | SR/ SC/ DR

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

    (Release ID: 2062832) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) commences operations in GIFT City

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 4:02PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 7 October 2024

     

    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the UAE’s largest sovereign wealth fund and one of the largest such funds in the world, has commenced its India operations after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and opening its office in the GIFT City. The office is expected to drive further intensification of ADIA’s investment activities in India.

    Ways to leverage its presence in India to further deepen ADIA’s investment profile in India were discussed during the 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments in Mumbai today (October 7, 2024). The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industries Minister, Government of India, and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

    Since its establishment, the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Ahmedabad is fast emerging as a leading global financial & technology hub, providing a thriving financial ecosystem to support and expand businesses. 

    During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abu Dhabi in July 2023, it was announced that ADIA would establish a presence in GIFT City. This was reiterated in the Joint Statement issued during the visit of the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Ahmedabad in January 2024. Subsequently, ADIA announced setting up an Alternative Investment Fund in GIFT City to hold all its India-related investments. 

    ADIA’s presence in the GIFT City underlines the strong interest from UAE’s institutional investors in India’s growing and dynamic economy. It also buttresses GIFT City’s reputation as a world-class financial services centre, operating under a robust regulatory and legal framework.

    UAE continues to be the largest Arab investor in India, with investments amounting to around US$ 3 billion in FY 2023-24. The UAE was the sixth-largest FDI source for FY 2023-24 and the seventh-largest overall since 2000. Over 70% of all GCC investments come from the UAE. The new India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, which entered into force on August 31, 2024, will further strengthen two-way investment flows.

     

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    PIB Mumbai | SR/ SC/ DR

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

    (Release ID: 2062830) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CBDT forms internal committee to comprehensively review Income-tax Act and invites suggestions from stakeholders/experts/public on the Income Tax e-filing portal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 5:14PM by PIB Delhi

    In pursuance of the announcement in the Union Budget 2024-25 by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has formed an internal committee to oversee a comprehensive review of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (Act). The goal is to make the Act concise, clear, and easy to understand, which will reduce disputes, litigation, and provide greater tax certainty to taxpayers.

    The committee invites public inputs and suggestions in four categories:

    1. Simplification of Language
    2. Litigation Reduction
    3. Compliance Reduction, and
    4. Redundant/Obsolete Provisions

    To facilitate this, a webpage has been launched on the e-filing portal, which can be accessed with the following link:

    https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/ita-comprehensive-review

    The above link is live and accessible to the stakeholders/experts/public in the E-filing portal from 06.10.2024. The stakeholders/experts/public can access the page by entering their name and mobile number, followed up by a validation via OTP.

    Suggestions by stakeholders/experts/public should specify the relevant provision of the Income-tax Act, 1961 or Income-tax Rules, 1962 (mentioning the specific section, sub-section, clause, rule, sub-rule, or form number), as the case may be, to which the suggestion relates under the aforementioned four categories.

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    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2062861) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025’

    Source: Government of India

    ‘National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025’

    For the first time, Anubhav Awards Scheme covers employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings, including Public Sector Banks

    Last Date for publication of write ups on Anubhav portal will be 31stMarch 2025, all Line Ministries/Departments to reach out to pensioners to make submissions on Anubhav Portal

    National Anubhav Awards Scheme: A treasure trove of experiences for Nation building

    Till date, DOPPW confers 59 Anubhav Awards and 19 Jury Certificates

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    On the directions of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare had launched an online platform named ‘Anubhav’ in March, 2015 to enable ‘eligible’ retiring/retired government employees in sharing their experiences of working with the Government.

    Thereafter, an Annual Awards Scheme was devised in 2015 to incentivize and encourage the submission of the experiences through write ups. Till date, 10,886 write-ups have been published and 78 outstanding write ups have been conferred with 59 Anubhav Awards and 19 Jury Certificates in seven Anubhav Awards Ceremonies.

    Government of India has notified the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025. To participate in the scheme, Central Government employees/pensioners are required to submit their Anubhav write ups. Thereafter, the write-ups published after assessment by the concerned Ministries/Departments up to 31.03.2025 will be shortlisted for five Anubhav Awards and 10 Jury Certificates.

    The National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025 is the watershed moment in the history of Anubhav Portal as for the first time, apart from the employees of Central Government, employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), including Public Sector Banks, will also be eligible for submitting their write ups. With this, invaluable experiences, insights and best practices prevalent in the strong and vibrant Public Sector of India will also enrich the ever-growing treasure trove of Anubhav Portal. Further, the existing time limit of one year of the retirement within which, the pensioners could submit the write ups, has now been extended up to three years.

    To streamline the assessment process, a new marking system for various pay levels has been introduced.

    For more information, eligible employees or pensioners should visit Anubhav Portal(URL-http://www.pensionersportal.gov.in/anubhav) where relevant FAQs, steps to fill in the Anubhav write up, selected write ups for guidance, short films on Anubhav Awardees and Citation booklets have been put up for reference.

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    NKR/DK

    (Release ID: 2062872) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DefConnect 4.0: Raksha Mantri launches ADITI 2.0 challenges & DISC 12 to foster innovation, entrepreneurship & ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence

    Source: Government of India (2)

    DefConnect 4.0: Raksha Mantri launches ADITI 2.0 challenges & DISC 12 to foster innovation, entrepreneurship & ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence

    ADITI 2.0 features 19 challenges in the fields of AI, Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems & adaptive camouflage

    DISC 12 presents 41 challenges across UAVs, AI, Networking & Communication domains; Introduces Medical Innovations & Research Advancement initiative

    Rs 1,000 crore procurement orders placed for 26 iDEX products: Shri Rajnath Singh

    RM exhorts private sector to move ahead from imitative to innovative tech to cater to futuristic needs of the Armed Forces

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 5:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the second edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 2.0) challenges and the 12thedition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12) during DefConnect 4.0 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. on October 07, 2024.

    ADITI 2.0 features 19 challenges from the Armed Forces and allied agencies in the domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems customised for military platforms and adaptive camouflage, etc. This scheme offers a grant of up to Rs 25 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) winners, focusing on critical technological areas crucial for strengthening the defence ecosystem of the country.

    DISC 12 presents 41 challenges across key technology domains, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), AI, Networking and Communication, with grants up to Rs 1.50 crore. Notably, it introduces the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative, featuring nine challenges aimed at fostering the development of medical technologies to meet the medical demands of the Armed Forces. To provide momentum to the iDEX initiative, DISC was launched in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission, aimed at supporting start-ups/MSMEs/Innovators to create prototypes and/or commercialise products/ solutions in the area of national defence and security.

    In his address, Raksha Mantri commended DefConnect for playing a crucial role in developing the culture of innovation in the country. He stated that the platform is bringing a new energy to the defence industrial ecosystem, and making the nation’s talent a partner in strengthening the security apparatus. Terming DefConnect as an important link between all the stakeholders associated with the defence ecosystem, he exuded confidence that the platform will help in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

    Enumerating the feats achieved due to the Government’s efforts to promote innovation, Shri Rajnath Singh informed that iDEX has received over 9,000 applications so far, and is currently collaborating with more than 450 start-ups & MSMEs through DISC and Open Challenge. He added that 26 products have been developed under iDEX, for which procurement orders worth more than Rs 1,000 crore have been placed. In addition, Acceptance of Necessity and Request for Proposal worth over Rs 2,380 crore have been issued for 37 products. The ADITI initiative is focusing on over 30 critical and strategic technologies to strengthen the defence ecosystem, he said.

    Raksha Mantri highlighted the vibrant and dynamic ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists & start-ups in the country, stating that the world is acknowledging the strength & talent of India’s youth. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to further enhance the role of the private sector in the defence ecosystem. Their involvement is necessary to achieve self-reliance, he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that as soon as the Goverment, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, came to power in 2014, it identified ‘lack of private sector participation in the defence sector’ as a major hurdle in attaining self-reliance, and strived to increase their contribution in nation building. “There were two major dimensions of self-reliance in the defence sector. First was the manufacturing of arms/equipment, whose technology was available, but there was a lack of production capacity. Second was catering to the needs of high-technology applications in view of the constantly-changing nature of warfare. Earlier, only in-house R&D and organisations like DRDO were working towards the development of such cutting edge technologies. But now, we are witnessing a significant role of the private sector too. There is enhanced synergy between the public & private sectors, the biggest example of which is DefConnect,” he said.

    Raksha Mantri appreciated the ‘SIDBI iDEX Partner Incubator Fund’, stating that the collaboration will meet the critical funding needs of innovators. SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) will allocate Rs 50 crore to 10 leading partner incubators, including Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer at IIT Delhi, Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at IIT Bombay, and Technology-Hub Hyderabad, to fund iDEX winners in advancing critical defence technologies.

    On the new technologies being incorporated in wars and conflicts, Shri Rajnath Singh said apart from conventional arms & ammunition, many dual use or purely civilian tech is being weaponised. He called for an in-depth understanding of these technologies, exhorting the innovators to make imaginative use of the advancements for the defence of the nation.

    Stressing on the need to move forward from imitative to innovative and distinctive technologies, Raksha Mantri called upon the private sector to think beyond the solutions to challenges being provided through ADITI & DISC. He urged them to bring forth the tech which is far ahead of the requirements of the Armed Forces and would be beneficial to deal with future threats. He promised the Government’s full assistance to achieve the goal of a strong & self-reliant defence sector.

    On the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh also felicitated the ADITI 1.0 winners, and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. Leading iDEX winners showcased their cutting-edge solutions related to Munition Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Communication Systems & Space Technologies, as part of DefConnect 2024. The winners include QuNu Labs, Sagar Defence Technologies, Astrome Technologies, Zeus Numerix Pvt. Ltd., NewSpace Research and Technologies, Pixxel Space India etc.

    Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, OSD, Department of Defence Shri RK Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Shri Sugata Ghosh Dastidar, other senior officials of Ministry of Defence, industry leaders, academia, young entrepreneurs & innovators attended the event.

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    VK/SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2062888) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DefConnect 4.0: Raksha Mantri launches ADITI 2.0 challenges & DISC 12 to foster innovation, entrepreneurship & ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence

    Source: Government of India (2)

    DefConnect 4.0: Raksha Mantri launches ADITI 2.0 challenges & DISC 12 to foster innovation, entrepreneurship & ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence

    ADITI 2.0 features 19 challenges in the fields of AI, Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems & adaptive camouflage

    DISC 12 presents 41 challenges across UAVs, AI, Networking & Communication domains; Introduces Medical Innovations & Research Advancement initiative

    Rs 1,000 crore procurement orders placed for 26 iDEX products: Shri Rajnath Singh

    RM exhorts private sector to move ahead from imitative to innovative tech to cater to futuristic needs of the Armed Forces

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 5:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the second edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 2.0) challenges and the 12thedition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12) during DefConnect 4.0 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. on October 07, 2024.

    ADITI 2.0 features 19 challenges from the Armed Forces and allied agencies in the domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems customised for military platforms and adaptive camouflage, etc. This scheme offers a grant of up to Rs 25 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) winners, focusing on critical technological areas crucial for strengthening the defence ecosystem of the country.

    DISC 12 presents 41 challenges across key technology domains, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), AI, Networking and Communication, with grants up to Rs 1.50 crore. Notably, it introduces the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative, featuring nine challenges aimed at fostering the development of medical technologies to meet the medical demands of the Armed Forces. To provide momentum to the iDEX initiative, DISC was launched in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission, aimed at supporting start-ups/MSMEs/Innovators to create prototypes and/or commercialise products/ solutions in the area of national defence and security.

    In his address, Raksha Mantri commended DefConnect for playing a crucial role in developing the culture of innovation in the country. He stated that the platform is bringing a new energy to the defence industrial ecosystem, and making the nation’s talent a partner in strengthening the security apparatus. Terming DefConnect as an important link between all the stakeholders associated with the defence ecosystem, he exuded confidence that the platform will help in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

    Enumerating the feats achieved due to the Government’s efforts to promote innovation, Shri Rajnath Singh informed that iDEX has received over 9,000 applications so far, and is currently collaborating with more than 450 start-ups & MSMEs through DISC and Open Challenge. He added that 26 products have been developed under iDEX, for which procurement orders worth more than Rs 1,000 crore have been placed. In addition, Acceptance of Necessity and Request for Proposal worth over Rs 2,380 crore have been issued for 37 products. The ADITI initiative is focusing on over 30 critical and strategic technologies to strengthen the defence ecosystem, he said.

    Raksha Mantri highlighted the vibrant and dynamic ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists & start-ups in the country, stating that the world is acknowledging the strength & talent of India’s youth. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to further enhance the role of the private sector in the defence ecosystem. Their involvement is necessary to achieve self-reliance, he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that as soon as the Goverment, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, came to power in 2014, it identified ‘lack of private sector participation in the defence sector’ as a major hurdle in attaining self-reliance, and strived to increase their contribution in nation building. “There were two major dimensions of self-reliance in the defence sector. First was the manufacturing of arms/equipment, whose technology was available, but there was a lack of production capacity. Second was catering to the needs of high-technology applications in view of the constantly-changing nature of warfare. Earlier, only in-house R&D and organisations like DRDO were working towards the development of such cutting edge technologies. But now, we are witnessing a significant role of the private sector too. There is enhanced synergy between the public & private sectors, the biggest example of which is DefConnect,” he said.

    Raksha Mantri appreciated the ‘SIDBI iDEX Partner Incubator Fund’, stating that the collaboration will meet the critical funding needs of innovators. SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) will allocate Rs 50 crore to 10 leading partner incubators, including Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer at IIT Delhi, Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at IIT Bombay, and Technology-Hub Hyderabad, to fund iDEX winners in advancing critical defence technologies.

    On the new technologies being incorporated in wars and conflicts, Shri Rajnath Singh said apart from conventional arms & ammunition, many dual use or purely civilian tech is being weaponised. He called for an in-depth understanding of these technologies, exhorting the innovators to make imaginative use of the advancements for the defence of the nation.

    Stressing on the need to move forward from imitative to innovative and distinctive technologies, Raksha Mantri called upon the private sector to think beyond the solutions to challenges being provided through ADITI & DISC. He urged them to bring forth the tech which is far ahead of the requirements of the Armed Forces and would be beneficial to deal with future threats. He promised the Government’s full assistance to achieve the goal of a strong & self-reliant defence sector.

    On the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh also felicitated the ADITI 1.0 winners, and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. Leading iDEX winners showcased their cutting-edge solutions related to Munition Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Communication Systems & Space Technologies, as part of DefConnect 2024. The winners include QuNu Labs, Sagar Defence Technologies, Astrome Technologies, Zeus Numerix Pvt. Ltd., NewSpace Research and Technologies, Pixxel Space India etc.

    Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, OSD, Department of Defence Shri RK Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Shri Sugata Ghosh Dastidar, other senior officials of Ministry of Defence, industry leaders, academia, young entrepreneurs & innovators attended the event.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Auction for Sale (re-issue) of (i) ‘7.04% GS 2029’ and (ii) ‘7.34% GS 2064’

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India (GoI) has announced the sale (re-issue) of (i) “7.04% Government Security 2029” for a notified amount of ₹14,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method and (ii) “7.34% Government Security 2064” for a notified amount of ₹15,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction using multiple price method. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to ₹2,000 crore against each security mentioned above. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on October 11, 2024 (Friday).

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

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

    The result of the auctions will be announced on October 11, 2024 (Friday) and payment by successful bidders will be on October 14, 2024 (Monday).    

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FSSAI convenes meeting of Rice Millers and Fortified Rice Kernel manufacturers aimed at strengthening Food Safety Standards and Compliance with Fortification

    Source: Government of India

     FSSAI convenes meeting of Rice Millers and Fortified Rice Kernel manufacturers aimed at strengthening Food Safety Standards and Compliance with Fortification

    The meeting fostered interaction between dignitaries and stakeholders to discuss challenges faced in manufacturing, quality control, storage, and testing

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened a significant meeting with stakeholders from the Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) manufacturing sector and rice millers in Hyderabad, today. The meeting was chaired by CEO Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, with special guests including Sri D.S. Chauhan, Commissioner & Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, along with other prominent officials from the Food Safety and Consumer Affairs departments.

    During the meeting, CEO FSSAI highlighted the importance of maintaining stringent standards for FRK and the necessary compliance mechanisms to be adhered to during the fortification process. He reiterated the mandate for third-party audits to be conducted by all FRK manufacturers; failure to comply with these regulations will result in consequences for non-compliance.

    The government’s fortification program, aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies such as anaemia prevalent in the Indian population, was also discussed. As the national food regulator, FSSAI has established standards for FRK and FRK premixes to ensure quality, making it mandatory to conduct batch-wise testing.

    Recently, the Prime Minister launched 109 high-yielding, nutritionally fortified varieties of crops. The significance of bioavailability in FRK was also emphasized. Currently, over 900 companies are involved in FRK manufacturing in India.

    Concerns regarding recent non-compliance reports from various stakeholders were raised, particularly regarding manufacturing practices and record-keeping. Special Guest D.S. Chauhan, Commissioner & Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, underscored challenges in implementing rice fortification programs, such as contamination, adulteration, and hygiene issues. He noted the presence of duplicate products, particularly concerning rice and tea, while commending the high quality of Telangana rice.

    Shri R.V. Karnan, Commissioner of Food Safety, advocated for district-level awareness programs and training sessions for manufacturers on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). He also emphasized the necessity of identifying key locations within states to establish additional labs for testing FRK samples, which will ensure prompt corrective actions in line with Food Safety and Standards Regulations.

    The meeting fostered interaction between dignitaries and stakeholders to discuss challenges faced in manufacturing, quality control, storage, and testing. Also, CEO FSSAI has ensured to address the major glitches faced by the FRK Manufacturers and Millers

    In conclusion, the CEO of FSSAI reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders to prioritize food safety and work collaboratively towards ensuring safe and nutritious food for consumers across the country.

    The event was attended by over 150 stakeholders, including representatives from international organizations such as Nutrition International, state officials, senior FSSAI officials, and members from the food and agriculture sectors.

    FSSAI remains dedicated to exploring and implementing measures to enhance the food safety landscape throughout India.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments

    Source: Government of India (2)

    12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments

    Food parks among areas for greater collaboration and investments between India and UAE: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to establish a subsidiary at GIFT City: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Invest India office to open in UAE: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Interlinking of the two national payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 5:09PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai (India), 7 October 2024

     

    The 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) took place in Mumbai today. It was co-Chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

    The HLJTFI was established in 2013 to promote trade, investment and economic ties between India and the UAE. Since its formation, it has provided an effective mechanism to discuss opportunities and prospects for further investments in India and the UAE, while acting as a forum to resolve issues faced by investors of the two countries.

    During the 12th HLJTFI meeting, the Co-Chairs acknowledged the continued growth and strengthening of the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE, including on trade and investment related matters. The India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024, has been ratified by both sides and entered into force with effect from 31 August 2024. 

    The Co-Chairs also acknowledged the rapid rise in bilateral trade under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022. The Joint Task Force reviewed the working of the India-UAE CEPA, which was one of the fastest-ever negotiated Free Trade Agreements. This landmark agreement designed to stimulate increased trade and boost the trading relationship between the two countries. During the course of the last two years, the CEPA has helped reduce tariffs on the majority of product lines, sought to address other barriers to trade and created new avenues for cooperation. As a result of the deal, bilateral trade has risen consistently, with non-oil trade rising to US$28.2 billion in the first half of 2024, a 9.8% year-on-year increase. The agreement has also spurred FDI – as of 2023, the UAE is India’s fourth largest foreign investor with US$3.35 billion committed across a wide range of sectors, representing a threefold increase on 2022. Indian FDI into the UAE in 2023 totalled US$ 2.05 billion, more than 2021 and 2022 combined. These figures represent real growth with real, on-the-ground impact. Further, it has led to job creation in Indian market and export from labour-oriented sectors is growing rapidly.

    Considering the strategic agreements and initiatives signed during the recent official visit of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India, the two sides noted the existing and future investments and projects of UAE entities in key sectors of the Indian economy, including energy, artificial intelligence, logistics, food and agriculture, which total approximately US$100 billion. The meeting also reviewed UAE investments in Indian infrastructure assets.

    During the HLJTFI meeting, the two sides reviewed progress on several key initiatives, including some that were previously announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and expressed satisfaction at the rapid pace of implementation. These initiatives include bilateral trade in local currencies, the integration of payment systems of India and the UAE, cooperation on Central Bank Digital Currencies, the launch of work relating to a Virtual Trade Corridor and the development of a food park in Ahmedabad. 

    Food parks are among areas for greater collaboration and investments between India and UAE. It will lead to higher income for farmers, jobs’ creation in food processing sector, and enhance food security for UAE. Small working groups between Central Government, State Governments and UAE Government will take forward food corridors between the two countries on a mission-mode basis. The strong progress made on these initiatives attests to the high level of commitment from both sides to ensure the implementation of their respective leaders’ visions. 

    The two sides welcomed the announcement of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) establishing a subsidiary at GIFT City. This underlines the strong interest from UAE’s institutional investors in India’s growing and dynamic economy, and GIFT City’s reputation as world-class financial services centre, operating under a strong regulator and a robust legal framework.

    To augment the relationship, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), via its international subsidiary NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) is collaborating with Al Etihad Payments (AEP), to enable creation of domestic card scheme JAYWAN in UAE. The JAYWAN card scheme is an outcome of deep collaboration between NIPL and AEP. It is based on the RuPay card stack (developed and deployed at great scale by NPCI in India), which is shared with the AEP to enable UAE be sovereign in the area of digital payments. The two governments are now working on interlinking the two national payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE), which will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This will benefit over 3 million Indians residing in UAE enabling them use power of UPI and AANI, for real-time cross-border remittance, which is aligned with the vision of bringing speed, transparency, accessibility and cost efficiency in cross-border remittances.

    The Government of India has also decided to open an office of Invest India in Dubai, UAE to serve as a dedicated point of contact for potential UAE investors seeking to invest in India. The issue was discussed during the India-UAE HLJTFI meeting today. This will be the first such overseas office of Invest India in the Middle East region and its second overseas office overall after Singapore.

    In course of the HLJTFI meeting, the Co-chairs Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister of India, and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, also expressed satisfaction on the progress being made by Bharat Mart. Work on the ground has commenced, and design work on the layout of retail spaces and warehousing is making rapid progress.

    The HLJTFI provides a forum to deliberate on ways and incentives for encouraging further growth in investment flows from both sides. In this context, the Indian side shared opportunities for investments in priority sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals and genomics, among others. The UAE side also raised opportunities for investment in India’s aerospace sector, due to the rapid growth of its aviation market.  

    Issues related to investments from both sides, as well as specific challenges faced by companies from both countries, were also discussed during the meeting, with a view to removing obstacles and facilitating their resolution. The Co-Chairs directed both teams to work together and with the relevant government entities to address these issues in a timely and mutually acceptable manner. 

    The HLJTFI meeting was attended by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India; Shri Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, Ambassador of the UAE to India, and a number of senior officials from both the governments.

    Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce and Industries Minister, Government of India, and Co-Chair of the HLJTFI said: “India-UAE partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development. The Joint Task Force meeting today was useful to take a stock of all the laudable initiatives that India and the UAE have jointly undertaken, such as local currency settlement, virtual trade corridor, Bharat Mart, and so on. With the strong framework now provided by India-UAE CEPA and Bilateral Investment Treaty, I encourage stakeholders to further explore investment opportunities and trade possibilities.”

    His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Co-Chair of the HLJTFI, said: “The India-UAE CEPA, signed in 2022, has been a major catalyst for strengthening economic ties and enhancing cross-border trade between the UAE and India. Against this positive backdrop, the Joint Task Force continues to play an important role as a forum to explore new investment opportunities, remove impediments to further cooperation and work together in pursuit of shared goals.”

     

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    PIB Mumbai | SR/ SC/ DR

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 3rd edition of Kautilya Economic Conclave 2024 (KEC2024) concludes in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    3rd edition of Kautilya Economic Conclave 2024 (KEC2024) concludes in New Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave a special address at the KEC2024 to the participants, evoking enthusiasm in its ongoing effort to make India a developed economy by 2047

    The Prime Minister emphasised India’s emergence as a preferred global investment destination due to substantial reforms over the last decade

    Union Finance Minister gave an overview of India’s high economic growth, fiscal management and investment on infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology while reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and reforms

    Dr. Jaishankar stressed on the emergence of AI and its far-reaching impact on economic and social activities

    Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati lauded the Prime Minister for his leadership, emphasising his timely intervention with a shift from inward-looking policies to a more open, productive economy

    KEC2024 showcased India’s new role in setting the global agenda, particularly in areas like green energy, technology, and trade reform, and highlighted India’s aspirations for inclusive growth and its evolving role as a strategic leader of the Global South

    Over 150 prominent economists, policymakers, and academic pioneers from India and around the globe participated in the KEC2024

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 8:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The third edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2024 (KEC2024) held between October 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi, was successfully concluded yesterday. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the KEC2024 with a special address to the participants, evoking enthusiasm in its ongoing effort to make India a developed economy by 2047.

    Over 150 prominent economists, policymakers, and academic pioneers from India and around the globe participated in the KEC2024, organised by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) in partnership with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF). It featured 11 Plenary Sessions, 12 interactive sessions and bilateral discussions on contemporary economic and social challenges facing both India and the world.

    The Prime Minister’s vision for a Viksit Bharat is predicated on continued economic growth, structural reforms and harnessing the cutting edge of technology.

    In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s emergence as a preferred global investment destination due to substantial reforms over the last decade, including advancements in banking, taxation, and infrastructure, and also discussed India’s commitment to green energy, highlighting initiatives like the green hydrogen mission and the Global Biofuel Alliance, which were critical outcomes of India’s G20 Presidency.

    Earlier, the KEC 2024 kicked off with an inaugural address by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, who emphasised India’s robust macroeconomic fundamentals and its abilities to address multiple uncertainties.

    Smt. Sitharaman also gave an overview of India’s high economic growth, fiscal management and investment on infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology while reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and reforms.

     

     

    The KEC2024 concluded with the Union Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar in conversation with Mr. N.K. Singh, President of the Institute of Economic Growth, where they discussed India’s strategic role in the Global South.

    Dr. Jaishankar highlighted how India is seen as a “trusted and articulate member” and spoke on the increasing importance of alternative global frameworks such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which are shaping global collaboration beyond traditional structures like the UN. Dr. Jaishankar also stressed on the emergence of AI and it’s far reaching impact on economic and social activities.

    A key highlight was the participation of Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati, one of India’s most respected economists, who praised India’s transformation from “taking advice” from global institutions like the World Bank to now “giving advice” to them. He lauded the Prime Minister for his leadership, emphasising that his timely intervention shifted from inward-looking policies to a more open, productive economy given the complexities, strategies have been nibble to grasp new opportunities while addressing ongoing challenges.

    Throughout the KEC2024, experts delved into several critical topics like the challenges affecting factors of productivity such as skilling to enhance employment, and growth enhancing strategies; the urgent need to address climate change and strategies for a green transition; best international and domestic practices in industrial policy; the challenges and consequences of geo-economic fragmentation; reforming the international financial architecture; and artificial intelligence and its potential effects on jobs and the economy, to mention a few.

    The KEC2024 featured a wide array of distinguished participants, both from India and abroad. Key international participants included, among others, Bhutan’s Finance Minister Mr. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji; Ms. Amelie de Montchalin, Frech Permanent Representative of OECD & former French Minister; Mr. Albert Park, Chief Economist and Director General, Asian Development Bank; Mr. Masood Ahmed, President Emeritus of the Centre for Global Development; Mr. Justin Yifu Lin, Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University; Mr. Erik Berglof, Chief Economist at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Lord Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics; and mr. John Lipsky, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins University. Among the Indian participants, notable figures included Mr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission; Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog; Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, and Secretaries from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of External Affairs.

    These discussions spanning over three days – centred around the theme of “the Indian Era”. There were sessions on topics such as “Relationship between climate and development goals”; “Geo-economic fragmentation and the implications for growth”; “Financing the green transition”; “The rise of Asia and its implications for development economics”, etc.

    The deliberations at the conclave showcased India’s shift from following global directives to setting the global agenda, particularly in areas like green energy, technology, and trade reform, and highlighted India’s aspirations for inclusive growth and its evolving role as a strategic leader of the Global South, while reinforcing its ambition to become a developed economy by 2047.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Textiles celebrates ‘World Cotton Day’ 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Textiles celebrates ‘World Cotton Day’ 2024

    Adoption of best farm practice can increase yield of Cotton: Textiles Minister

    Industry signs several Memorandum of Understandings to promote Indian Kasturi Cotton Brand

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 10:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh attended the celebration of World Cotton Day 2024 here today. The Ministry of Textiles jointly hosted the conference with Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI) and Cotton Corporation of India focusing on the theme of “Megatrends Shaping Cotton Textile Value Chain”.

    The Textiles Minister while addressing the august gathering reiterated the commitment of the government to achieve the target of USD 350 billion by 2030 including export target of USD 100 billion. This could only be achieved, if all the stakeholders in the cotton value chain join hands together. He also shared the experience that how adoption of best farm practice  like high density planting, closer spacing, drip fertigation etc., can increase the yield to even 1500 Kgs per hectares as against the present national average yield of about 450 kgs. Therefore, there is dire need to adopt best farm practices on saturation mode. The outcome of this pilot project will encourage the farmers of other area to adopt these practices for better yield.

    He also expressed his concern about the problem of weed management in cotton farming which increases labour cost to cotton farmers. Further, cotton being predominantly grown in black soil causes difficulties in wet soil to have timely weed management. The efforts be made to help cotton farmers to overcome weed management problem by adopting suitable new seed varieties and he appealed to take this issue with all seriousness and examine the suitability of this new seed technology available in the world like HT BT for adoption in our country.

    Smt Rachna Shah, Textiles Secretary in her address mentioned about the importance of cotton economy, which provides livelihood to six million cotton farmers directly and another employment to 45 million people engaged directly or indirectly in various other activities in the cotton value chain. She mentioned about the share of cotton fibre to the total fibre in the country at about 60%, where the same is at 23% in the world. However, she urged that all the stakeholders of the cotton value chain to concentrate in increasing cotton productivity, as India ranks 35th in terms of yield. She appealed all stakeholders to adopt collaborative approach to address this serious challenge of productivity, being faced by entire cotton value chain.

    Smt. Shubha Thakur, Additional Secretary, MoA&FW while discussing on the initiatives of the government in increasing yield of cotton, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to work in close coordination with Ministry of Textiles, in adopting best farm practice by the farmers so as to improve livelihood of the farmers.  

    Smt Prajakta Verma Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles while delivering key note address informed that enhancing sustainability is paramount and therefore Ministry has encouraged collaborative approach through formation of Textile Advisory Group (TAG) where the challenges of Textile Industry are being addressed through participative approach. She also highlighted inter-ministerial coordination in launching initiative of holistic plan to increase cotton production and yield which enable the farmers to increase their income.

    The Union Minister of Textiles along with the dignitaries of the event visited to various exhibitor stalls who showcased Kasturi cotton products, recycled textiles, products of scrap fabrics, Handloom products etc.

    The one day conference in commemoration of World Cotton Day 2024, highlighted best practices and sustainable farming methods, traceability, ESG data points for connecting farm to fashion, targeting technology like HDPS,  spanning from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. Brainstorming sessions addressed crucial topics, including “Enhancing Sustainability & Traceability”, “Decent work in cotton supply chain”, “Evolving Trends in Cotton Farming” and “Cotton Trading and Risk Management “for Enhancing Quality & Productivity of Cotton”.

    During inaugural session Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textile highlighted that the country has set a target of creating Textile Ecosystem of USD 350 bn by 2030 from current USD 176 bn. He urged the stakeholders of cotton textile value chain to be cognisant of the challenges that are being posed by current and potential competing fibres so that cotton will be legacy sector of Indian Textile Industry, further he emphasised the sustainability is a sine qua non for cotton textile value chain. 

    Shri Lalit Kumar Gupta, CMD CCI highlighted the important role being played by CCI as central nodal agency in empowering cotton farmers by use of technology and provides an alternate market channel for selling their produce.

    Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman CITI emphasized that cotton being the oldest fibre in the textile industry plays a significant role in driving economic growth, employment generation, provides livelihood to farmers, women empowerment. He urged that the cotton to be produced more and more and increase the productivity so that the industry gets the raw material at competitive price.

    The various other eminent speakers shared their experience and valuable insights during the occasion.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) signs MoU with BMC to Establish State-of-the-Art Skill Centre in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) signs MoU with BMC to Establish State-of-the-Art Skill Centre in Mumbai

    CII Partners with Industry Leaders to Ensure 75% Employment for Skilled Trainees in New Initiative

    Initiative Aims to Create 1 Lakh Job Opportunities Across Diverse Sectors in the Coming Year: Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal

    First Batch of 500 Beneficiaries Receives Job Offers

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 8:21PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 7 October 2024

     

    In a landmark initiative organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has partnered with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inaugurate a cutting-edge Skill centre in Kandivali, Mumbai. 

    The formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal today, marking a significant boost to the skilling landscape for Mumbai’s workforce. 

    In his address, Shri Piyush Goyal emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This skill development center is proudly dedicated to our Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose vision for a skilled and self-reliant India continues to inspire us. Within just six days of its launch, the center has already facilitated employment for 700 individuals, showcasing its immediate impact and the potential it holds. Over the coming year, it is anticipated to create job opportunities for 1 lakh candidates across various sectors.”

    The Union Minister highlighted the center’s role in addressing the growing demand for skilled labor, asserting that it will equip young people with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market. “By fostering partnerships between industry leaders and training programs, this center bridges the gap between education and real-world employment, symbolizing our commitment to uplifting youth and empowering them to thrive in today’s competitive environment.”

    Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Maharashtra, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, praised the swift completion of the center, noting, “We have established this facility within just 44 days, a tremendous achievement that will provide opportunities to thousands in and around Mumbai. This state-of-the-art center will attract individuals from across the country, demonstrating the power of effective leadership.”

    Executive Vice President of NSDC, Ajay Kumar Raina, underscored the significance of this collaboration: “Today marks a pivotal milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global skills capital, as envisioned by our Honorable Prime Minister. This partnership between NSDC, BMC, and CII reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering the youth of India by aligning opportunities with professional aspirations and broader economic goals.”

    The newly established vocational training institute at Akurli Village, Kandivali East, features a modern G+5 building with a built-up area of 3440.68 sq.m. Initially, the center will offer five specialized short-term courses in high-demand sectors, including fashion technology, AC and refrigeration, gaming and animation, quick service restaurants, and data and cyber security. The center is poised to adapt its course offerings based on industry feedback and evolving workforce needs.

    A key highlight of this initiative is its commitment to employment outcomes, with industry partners such as CII, NASSCOM, and various sector skill councils delivering training at nominal costs. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has equipped the facility with advanced labs and has committed to ensuring at least 75% employment for successful candidates post-training. The event also witnessed the distribution of offer letters to 20 candidates, representing the first batch of 500 beneficiaries.

    Operating under the guidance of CII’s Centre of Excellence on Employment & Livelihood and the CII Green Business Centre, the centre will maintain high standards of training relevance. NSDC will provide bi-annual reports to BMC to track training completion and employment rates, managing all operational aspects to ensure a world-class learning environment.

    This collaboration marks a significant step forward in creating a skilled workforce, empowering India’s youth, and contributing to national growth and global competitiveness.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU forking out EUR 123 million for a bridge to be built by a Chinese company in Tunisia – E-001871/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001871/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    The fact that the contract to build the Bizerte bridge in Tunisia has been awarded to the Chinese company Sichuan Road and Bridge Group has raised concerns about the allocation of public funds to third countries. Costing EUR 200 million in total, the project is primarily financed by a loan of EUR 123 million from the European Investment Bank.

    With the EU being one of the main donors, one has to question the transparency of the selection processes and the relevance of using EU funds to support non-EU companies, especially in a context where China is stepping up its efforts to establish itself in North Africa through the New Silk Routes Initiative.

    • 1.What control mechanisms has the Commission put in place to ensure that priority is given to allocating EU funds to European companies in international projects?
    • 2.How will it ensure greater transparency in the award of contracts financed by the EU abroad?
    • 3.How will it strengthen Mediterranean cooperation while ensuring that European companies are better positioned in future EU-funded projects in third countries?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Censorship of speech under the Digital Services Act (DSA) – P-001375/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Free speech is a pillar of democracy and at the core of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights[1] and the European Convention on Human Rights[2], which are legally binding on all EU institutions and Member States.

    The Digital Services Act (DSA)[3] does not regulate content[4]. Its objective is to ensure that EU users can enjoy online platform services safely while respecting fundamental rights. It defines the platforms’ responsibilities and mitigates risks, preventing algorithmic amplification of illegal content and over-removal of lawful content, especially for very large online platforms and search engines (VLOPSEs)[5].

    The Commission supervises DSA compliance by the VLOPSEs. To this effect, the co-legislator entrusted the Commission with investigative and enforcement powers.

    These powers and related procedures are laid out in the DSA[6], and include the possibility of accepting commitments, i.e. remedial actions offered by platforms to solve the Commission’s concerns without being subject to fines for non-compliance.

    To assist companies in deciding whether to offer commitments, in line with the principles of good administration, the Commission stands ready to explain to them its concerns.

    The Commission adopted the first DSA commitment decision on 5 August 2024, making binding TikTok’s commitments to permanently withdraw TikTok Lite Rewards programme from the EU[7]. In ensuring compliance with the DSA, the Commission does not require removal of specific pieces of content.

    All acts and decisions adopted by the Commission on the basis of the DSA are taken within the limits of the Commission’s powers and are subject to judicial review.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX%3A12012P%2FTXT
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/glossary/european-convention-on-human-rights-echr.html
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act).
    • [4] As in the offline world, that is a matter for specific laws and the courts to determine.
    • [5] VLOPSEs are designated online platforms with more than 45 million users in the EU (10% of the EU population).
    • [6] DSA, Section 4.
    • [7] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_24_4161
    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU forest owners disadvantaged by the Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) – E-001498/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)[1], adopted by the European Parliament and Council, is designed to apply in an even-handed and non-discriminatory manner, i.e. to all commodities and products produced inside as well as outside the EU. All commodities and products covered by the EUDR will be subject to the same requirements.

    The Commission is aware that a majority of EU forest owners already live up to the highest global standards in terms of quality, safety and environmental sustainability of their produce — and hence are well-placed to meet the requirements of the EUDR.

    The Commission sees no indication that EUDR would create a competitive advantage for forest owners outside the EU vis a vis EU forest owner.

    The Commission’s legislative proposal for the EUDR was based on an Impact Assessment[2] which estimated that overall expected benefits of this regulation outweigh the costs of compliance for companies.

    The EU recognises the importance of accompanying tools to support implementation of the EUDR. The Commission has developed frequently asked questions which are regularly updated and is working on additional formal guidelines for specific aspects.

    T he Commission is also actively engaging in dialogue with producer countries and provides support to those with the weaker capacity, e.g. via the global Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation Free Value Chains.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.
    • [2] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-regulation-deforestation-free-products_en
    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Withdrawal of the marketing authorisation for AstraZeneca’s vaccine – E-001557/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In August 2020, the Commission, acting on behalf of participating Member States and the company AstraZeneca, entered into an Advance Purchase Agreement (‘EU APA’) for the supply of 300 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine under development by AstraZeneca.

    The APA remained in force until March 2022, when the final doses purchased under the APA were delivered to the Participating Member States. The withdrawal of the marketing authorisation for Vaxzevria in March 2024 did not affect the implementation of the APA.

    The date of the marketing authorisation withdrawal does also not impact the company’s liability or obligation to provide compensation for side effects from vaccines administered prior to the withdrawal, in line with the terms of the APA.

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent measures to restore Mediterranean maritime traffic to normal and support Italian supply chains impacted by Houti attacks – E-001436/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has repeatedly condemned[1] the Houthi threats and attacks against commercial ships, including the illegal seizure of the ‘Galaxy Leader’ vessel and its 25-member crew, as unacceptable violations of international law threatening maritime security, peace and stability in the region.

    The EU underlined that they must stop, notably through the High Representative/Vice-President’s (HR/VP) declaration on behalf of the EU and its Member States of 12 January 2024[2], welcoming the 10 January 2024 United Nations Security Council resolution 2722[3] condemning the Houthi attacks.

    On 19 February 2024, the EU deployed its Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ASPIDES[4] in the Red Sea, with a mandate to protect ships under attack, accompany vessels and reinforce maritime situational awareness, in cooperation with partners.

    Over the last six months of deployment, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has contributed to uphold the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and beyond by protecting more than 220 merchant vessels during their transits under missiles and drones threats.

    In addition, it has established in a record time a network of cooperation with the shipping industry. The decision to sail back in the Red Sea is taken by private actors based on their evaluation of the risk analysis between costs and dangers.

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – B10-0086/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    B10‑0086/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in

    Georgia

    (2024/2822(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    – having regard to the European Council conclusions of 14 and 15 December 2023 and of 27 June 2024,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document entitled ‘Georgia 2023 Report’ (SWD(2023)0697),

    – having regard to the joint statement of 8 November 2023 by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia on the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 on the EU membership application of Georgia,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[1], which entered into force on 1 July 2016,

    – having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Article 215(2) thereof, and to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 29 thereof,

    – having regard to the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia and to its September 2009 report,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Georgian Constitution;

    B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

    C. whereas Russia has occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia since the August 2008 conflict that followed Georgia’s attack on Tskhinvali on the night of 7 to 8 August 2008;

    D. whereas in June 2014, the EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement that entered into force on 1 July 2016;

    E. whereas in December 2023, the European Council granted Georgia the status of EU candidate country;

    F. whereas in March 2017, the EU visa liberalisation agreement with Georgia came into effect, following Georgia’s successful implementation of all the benchmarks set in its visa liberalisation action plan;

    G. whereas parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Georgia on 26 October 2024;

    H. whereas Georgia has over 26 000 NGOs –1 for every 142 citizens, which is greater than the EU average;

    I. whereas following the 2020 parliamentary elections, the NGO International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), which received external funding, challenged the official election results and questioned their legitimacy, but later admitted that it had made a significant error in its calculations;

    J. whereas the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law, which was signed into law on 3 June 2024 despite the President’s veto; whereas the law was met with protest from parts of Georgian civil society; whereas the law requires organisations receiving more than 20 % of their funding from overseas to register as ‘agents of foreign influence’;

    K. whereas on 17 September 2024, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, which bans gender transition, prohibits adoption by gay and transgender people, nullifies, on Georgian territory, same-sex marriages performed abroad, and provides a legal basis for the authorities to outlaw Pride events and public displays of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag and to impose the censorship of films and books;

    L. whereas the Venice Commission stresses that international standards recognise that ensuring gender equality is a positive obligation of the state; whereas on 4 April 2024, the Parliament of Georgia repealed the 2020 amendments introducing gender quotas for candidate lists in parliamentary and local elections, and abolished the associated financial incentives for political parties;

    1. Stresses that Georgia’s future must reflect the will of its people; underlines the necessity of holding free and fair elections, without foreign intervention from any side;

    2. Recalls that the EU accession process is based on objective criteria; regrets the European Council’s decision to suspend financial assistance to Georgia; underlines the benefits of the visa liberalisation agreement and the need to maintain it; emphasises the need for a constructive dialogue between the Government of Georgia and the EU;

    3. Rejects, with deep concern, the adoption of the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, and considers it an attack on the LGBTQ+ community and a threat to civil liberties as a whole; rejects, furthermore, the law’s implications for the media, given that it imposes censorship by banning broadcasters from reporting freely on LGBTQ+ issues; reiterates that media freedom and tolerance towards sexual minorities are key factors for the functioning of a democracy;

    4. Notes that the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law entails the risk that NGOs, civil society organisations, opposition media outlets and other organisations that receive funds from other countries will be labelled as ‘foreign agents’;

    5. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected in all circumstances; expresses concern over reports of the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators; highlights that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated that ‘[a]ny restrictions to these rights must abide by principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. The use of force during protests should always be exceptional and a measure of last resort when facing an imminent threat’;

    6. Expresses its readiness to participate in an impartial and independent international election observation mission;

    7. Takes note of the Parliament of Georgia’s decision to abolish mandatory gender quotas; reiterates the need for balanced gender representation in political participation; calls on the Government of Georgia to undertake initiatives in this regard;

    8. Takes note of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statements at a press conference at the UN General Assembly in New York and the corresponding willingness of Georgian officials to resolve outstanding issues in a peaceful, diplomatic way; encourages both sides to undertake solid initiatives in this direction;

    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Failure to launch: why the Albanese government is in trouble

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol Johnson, Emerita Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Adelaide

    It wasn’t meant to be like this.

    In her 2022 study of Anthony Albanese, Katharine Murphy describes a prime minister who thought he’d be successfully managing an idealistic, collaborative and positive “new politics” that would favour the Teal independents rather than Dutton’s Liberals. Albanese seemed confident that Labor was destined for an extended period in office. Given he later appointed Murphy to his communications team, he apparently approved of her analysis.

    However, even at the time Murphy’s Lone Wolf: Albanese and the New Politics was published, various commentators, including myself, queried the “new politics” scenario. While the Teals may represent a new politics, it is clear that the old Liberal politics — of culture wars and denouncing Labor’s economic and climate change policies — is also still very much with us.

    Labor and the Liberals are now neck-and-neck in some polls, with minority government (or worse) potentially looming for Labor. Meanwhile, Gareth Evans and Bill Kelty, key figures from the Hawke/Keating period, have excoriated the Albanese government’s allegedly lacklustre performance.

    How did it all go so wrong?

    Great expectations; modest reality

    Some of the reasons can be traced back to difficulties addressing unrealistic expectations in Labor’s 2022 election strategy. Albanese went to the 2022 election with a “new politics”, collaborative style agenda that sought to bring all Australians, including business, labour, Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together. It was a small target strategy based on assumed common interests, kindness and compassion rather than divisiveness.

    As a result, Labor successfully countered Scott Morrison’s populist, “us versus them” campaign strategy. However, Labor’s approach was to prove easier to implement as an election strategy than in government, as three examples show.

    First, Albanese was channelling Bob Hawke when it came to bringing business and labour together. Yet, the Hawke government’s rapprochement with business was based on business being able to pay lower wages, because workers would be compensated by a government-funded “social wage” in the form of benefits and entitlements.

    By contrast, the Albanese government pledged to end the wage stagnation of the Liberal years and generally increase wages. A major emphasis was placed on improving the wages of low-paid women workers. In the process, Labor tackled issues that arose from Keating’s flawed, neoliberal-influenced, enterprise bargaining model.

    However, key business groups criticised Labor’s resulting industrial relations measures, including multi-employer bargaining, increases in the minimum wage, and measures designed to address precarious and contract work. The Liberals have largely sided with business critiques.

    Second, Labor’s attempts to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together, via the Voice referendum, fell victim to a divisive, populist campaign by Dutton and others. Dutton depicted the Voice proposal not as arising from a major national meeting of Indigenous representatives but as being an elite “Canberra voice” that would give special rights to Indigenous Australians that were denied to others. Furthermore, he argued that government was so focused on elite “woke” issues such as the Voice, it was neglecting Australian workers’ cost-of-living crisis. Labor’s strategy for countering right-wing populism was in disarray.

    Albanese’s response to the Voice loss was to go even more “small target” in ways that alienated progressive supporters. He abandoned key commitments ranging from the Indigenous Makarrata commission process of Treaty and Truth-telling, to protecting LGBTQI+ teachers and students from being sacked by religious schools. The debacle over including gender identity questions in the census was another result.

    Third, international events, and other parties’ politicisation of them, have impeded the government’s attempts at social cohesion. Australian political debate has become so polarised over developments in the Middle East that the Albanese government is accused of abandoning support for Israel by the Liberals and the Murdoch press, while simultaneously being accused of being “complicit in Israel’s genocide” by the Greens and pro-Palestinian groups.

    Narrative failure

    As its original story of bringing Australians together has been increasingly undermined, the government has floundered when it comes to telling a clear narrative about itself. By contrast, Dutton’s relentless, focused and simply expressed negativity has been cutting through.

    Part of Labor’s problem in countering Dutton is that he is targeting them for things that are often beyond their control.

    For example, Dutton’s claim the government has been too distracted by so-called “woke” issues to address the cost-of-living crisis has been particularly electorally damaging for Labor. So have his claims that Labor’s renewable energy policies are fuelling inflation and pushing up the cost of living still further.

    The government argues it has been providing extensive cost-of-living relief in the form of tax cuts, energy bill relief, rental assistance, wage increases, cheaper medicines and reduced child care costs. However, the problem is that such government measures are being continually undercut by inflation, price increases, high interest rates, and the housing affordability and supply crisis.

    Yet, the housing affordability and supply crisis has been aggravated by decades of poor housing policy that long predate the Albanese government. Furthermore, Labor’s attempts to address it are currently being stymied by a combination of Coalition and Greens opposition, once again sandwiching Labor.

    Meanwhile, the Coalition argues that government spending is exacerbating inflation and high interest rates. However, even the independent Reserve Bank, which sets cash interest rates and is also critical of government spending, has drawn attention to multiple international factors playing a role in inflation. Price increase gouging by some businesses to augment their profits has exacerbated the problem.

    Furthermore, Treasurer Jim Chalmers argues that existing government spending levels have been essential to preventing Australia sliding into recession, while still enabling a budget surplus.

    Chalmers has struggled to cut through in the way that Keating’s messages did. However, Keating benefited from the Coalition largely agreeing with his neoliberal-influenced “reform” agenda, despite arguing it wasn’t going far enough. By contrast, Chalmers has been facing a fundamentally hostile opposition, unsympathetic to key influences on his thought, such as Mariana Mazzucato.

    Labor has also had trouble selling the government’s achievements because, as I argue in a recent book, some of the Albanese government’s most successful reform measures have been in gender equality (although much more still needs to be done). Despite women making up more than half of the population, reforms that affect women tend to be undervalued in what is still a male defined political culture. Furthermore, the working class is often conceived in terms of blue collar male employment, so benefits for women workers are not being adequately recognised. This is particularly the case in Dutton’s hyper-masculine, strongman discourse.

    Mobilising gendered leadership stereotypes has been central to Dutton’s populist “us” versus “them” politics. Dutton consistently depicts Albanese as an emasculated “weak” leader on issues ranging from addressing the cost of living crisis to detaining asylum seekers freed by a High Court decision, and supporting Israel. By contrast, Dutton is depicted as the strong leader who will stand up for everyday Australians allegedly abandoned by Labor and the so-called elites.

    This does not look like a “new politics” at all and it is a divisive, populist terrain that Labor is finding very difficult to negotiate.

    Carol Johnson has received past funding from the Australian Research Council for work on Labor governments and on gender equality policy. .

    – ref. Failure to launch: why the Albanese government is in trouble – https://theconversation.com/failure-to-launch-why-the-albanese-government-is-in-trouble-239730

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: I think my child might need a tutor. What do I need to consider first?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew White, Lecturer and Researcher Australian Catholic University, Australian Catholic University

    School tutoring is a huge business. Australian estimates suggest it was worth more than of A$1.5 billion as of 2021.

    In Australia, we see frequent media reports of parents using tutors to help their children through school.

    How can you tell if tutoring is right for your child?

    What is tutoring?

    Private tutoring can be take many forms, but involves parents paying for additional lessons outside of schools hours. These are either one-to-one or in small groups.

    There are services available for students in primary school through to senior high school.

    Some tutoring services target specific skills, such as literacy or numeracy. Others offer support for young people with organisation skills and homework or preparation for certain exams.

    Tutoring can go for a short burst over a few weeks to prepare for an exam or it may be regular and ongoing to maintain learning.

    Tutoring could be to catch up on one element of school, such as handwriting or reading.
    Deyan Georgiev/ Shutterstock

    Why do people get tutoring?

    Families can get tutoring for a student for a wide range of reasons.

    A child may be struggling with certain elements of schooling – such as reading, writing, or maths. Tutoring can provide an opportunity to catch-up with tailored support.

    Tutoring can also help children prepare for tests and exams, such as NAPLAN or Year 12.

    Tutoring is used to prepare students for government selective school programs or private school scholarship exams.

    Researchers have highlighted some cultural backgrounds see investing in tutoring as an essential part of educating their children and helping them reach their full potential.

    The tutoring debate

    Tutoring can be expensive and time consuming for families. Families may pay between $30 and $200 a session, depending on the subject and qualifications of the tutor.

    Some argue this gives some children an unfair advantage and students should instead rely on their natural ability.

    Despite the criticism, there are benefits to tutoring. This includes giving students extra opportunities to consolidate their knowledge – we know this can help students learn.

    It can also help build their confidence if a tutor can step through learning in a less pressured environment. As my research has shown, academic progress relies heavily on a students’ belief in their capacity to succeed.

    Does my child need a tutor?

    All students can benefit from personalised support and coaching in whatever they wish to peruse. However, all students do not need a tutor. The choice to engage a tutor should be attached to a goal that you and your child agree on.

    If the young person does not want to engage in tutoring having a tutor is not going to help. Rather, it is more likely to lead to stress and arguments.

    It may help to talk to your child’s teacher and review school reports before starting with a tutor to work out which particular areas need extra attention.

    Depending on what you need, your child’s tutor may be a university student or someone who has made a career out of tutoring.
    Dmytro Zinkevvych/Shutterstock

    If your shared goal is to catch up or help with certain academic skills, it is important to find a tutor who is experienced and can explain the approach they take and what evidence it is based on.

    If the goal is organisation, homework or even just to improve confidence, you could at first try a university student who has past success themselves or with other students. For more specialised goals, seek out tutors who are open about their qualifications, experience and past success.

    Child safety should also be a consideration. The Australian Tutoring Association provides practical advice for parents choosing a tutor and a code of conduct for tutors.

    There is no requirement for tutors to be a member of the association. So parents should make sure any tutor has a current Working with Children check. You can of course also talk to other parents and teachers for recommendations.

    Matthew White 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. I think my child might need a tutor. What do I need to consider first? – https://theconversation.com/i-think-my-child-might-need-a-tutor-what-do-i-need-to-consider-first-240091

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Still with the Tony Soprano memes? Young audiences are watching the series with fresh eyes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander H. Beare, Lecturer in Media, University of Adelaide

    HBO’s latest crime drama The Penguin came with a flood of memes on TikTok, X and Instagram. They compare actor Colin Farrell’s Oswald Cobblepot to James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano.

    It’s true, there are undeniable similarities between the two portrayals and shows. HBO’s official TikTok account went so far as to upload an edit of The Penguin trailer cut to the rhythm of Alabama 3’s Woke Up This Morning – the title theme for The Sopranos.

    Running for six seasons from 1999 to 2007, The Sopranos is enjoying a sustained cultural relevancy in 2024 – something other prestige dramas of the same era such as Six Feet Under and The Shield have not achieved. A new two-part documentary about the making of the The Sopranos just premiered on HBO, 25 years after the show made its debut.

    For the last couple of years, fans have been discovering the show and making it their own. But how does it fit the present moment?

    The Sopranos as catharsis

    My research and upcoming book is based on in-depth interviews with a group of new Sopranos fans all aged between 19–26. In other words, not old enough to have watched the show when it first aired.

    During the pandemic, The Sopranos saw a surge in viewership and interest that outstripped its contemporaries like Deadwood.

    Superficially, the show is visually comparable to COVID lockdown. Tony and his kids are regularly shown sleeping in, dressed in baggy clothes, and shuffling around the kitchen picking at cold cuts.

    For those I spoke with, viewing The Sopranos wasn’t a way to escape from lockdown: it was a way to purge pent-up emotion.

    For Darcy, the show became:

    Like a cathartic tool, like, I can relate, this is how life feels right now […] A bit of relief, and a sense of relatability, you know? It was always comforting when things are not good.

    Tom shared this feeling:

    One of the cool things about The Sopranos is that a lot of the stuff is really mundane […] It’s about drudgery more than anything […] That’s what lockdown feels like – and it definitely is what a lot of daily life feels like […] it’s those moments of opening up the fridge and just eating like 20 slices of gabagool because you can’t be fucked making something to eat.

    The Sopranos as nostalgia

    The Sopranos is a profoundly negative show and yet it was being viewed by the young people I spoke to through quite an optimistic lens.

    Alannah said:

    It makes me feel nostalgic for a time when things felt a little bit like […] simpler, even though they have complications. It just seemed like a good stage of history to be in.

    In a similar vein, Callum positively characterised this feeling as an “added bonus” that “drew him into watching the show”. Selina fondly remembered the fashion and music of the show.

    Watching with a new lens

    During its original run, The Sopranos was often lauded by scholars for its deconstruction of patriarchal masculinity. This was not so much the case for the people I spoke to.

    Alannah worried The Sopranos could easily be placed in the toxic online “manosphere”:

    [The Sopranos is] like Fight Club and American Psycho. White dudes will watch it and be like, ‘Yeah, this is fucking sick – that’s me man’. And it’s like, you don’t want to be these people! You have to criticise it yourself because it is not overt in my opinion.

    Stuart expressed a similar concern about The Sopranos’ ability to be a dangerous power fantasy.

    In his experience with online Sopranos content, he observed:

    [There are fans] who see Tony Soprano as the ideal man and don’t notice that the show is supposed to be critiquing his behaviour.

    These concerns about “misunderstanding” the show very much reflect current anxieties. The reporting about how the 2019 Joker film might incite violence from white men provides a salient reference point for these worries.

    For the new viewers I spoke to, there was a real concern The Sopranos could combine dangerously with today’s toxic misogynistic online content. They were worried Tony Soprano could be interpreted as a celebration of patriarchal masculinity rather than a critique.

    Born under a bad sign

    In 2024, The Sopranos is still managing to click with new audiences. But these fans interpret the show differently and take new meaning from it. When we look at their responses, we can see how The Sopranos intersects with the attitudes and anxieties of modern audiences.

    Next time you see a meme about Tony Soprano, consider what context today’s viewers place him in – and whether an audience from 20 years ago would have done the same. Today, he might be considered even more dangerous.

    Alexander H. Beare 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. Still with the Tony Soprano memes? Young audiences are watching the series with fresh eyes – https://theconversation.com/still-with-the-tony-soprano-memes-young-audiences-are-watching-the-series-with-fresh-eyes-237982

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it!

    A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says.

    Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today in Waikato, will go toward the delivery of 57 affordable rental homes and enable the infrastructure of a further 43 affordable rentals just north of Ngāruawāhia.

    “The Hopuhopu Housing Development will help deliver better social and community outcomes for whānau who will live, work, and build cultural identity there,” Potaka says.

    “Waikato has the highest number of emergency housing use, and nearby Hamilton has the third highest number of applicants on the Housing Register of any territorial authority.

    “Solving the housing crisis is one of this Government’s top priorities. In addition to our efforts to reduce emergency housing numbers, this partnership is another example of how we are taking action with Iwi to help address the housing shortage.”

    The Hopuhopu Housing Development will be on 170 hectares of land owned by Waikato-Tanui within the Hamilton to Auckland transport corridor. The land was initially confiscated and established as a military camp from 1920 until its return to Waikato-Tainui in 1993 

    Chair of the Waikato-Tainui executive, Te Arataura, Tukoroirangi Morgan said Hopuhopu was the first land parcel to be given back under the Waikato Raupatu Lands Settlement – its significance to Waikato-Tainui cannot be understated. 

    “Providing stable housing for our whānau further activates our focus to scale our investment,” says Morgan.

    “For us, the Hopuhopu Development will enable Waikato-Tainui to realise aspirations for a unique, vibrant, interconnected working, living and learning community that inspires unity, collaboration and innovation. 

    “We want to drive social returns in a way that enables the investment capital to be recycled in perpetuity.

    “The new homes will be for whānau with genuine housing need including kaumātua, and will include the building of larger whānau homes which may not be readily available or affordable on the private rental market.”

    The first construction contracts will be awarded in the final quarter of 2024, and it is expected Iwi members will be involved in the construction mahi. 

    The Government’s funding contribution has been led out of Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and is delivered through the Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme, which enables local affordable housing solutions that are delivered in partnership with Iwi and other Māori land owning entities.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Helene #ReliefEffort

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EDUfaEpmVA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The youth-led research giving voice to teen mothers in Uganda

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Doris Kakuru, Professor, School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria

    Pregnancy can be a stressful enough time for any expecting mother, but it can be even more so for teenage girls navigating the added challenges they face. (Shutterstock)

    The global rate of teen pregnancies has been decreasing in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization, worldwide adolescent birth rates have decreased from 64.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15–19 years in 2000 to 41.3 births per 1,000 women in 2023.

    However, those numbers can differ significantly by region. Every year, around 21 million teenage girls in developing countries become pregnant, and around 12 million give birth.

    In Uganda, the teenage pregnancy rate remains among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, at 25 per cent. Cultural and religious norms often make adolescent sexuality a highly sensitive subject. Many girls can be ostracized or face marginalization if they become pregnant. And the long-term impacts on their lives can be significant. Almost 60 per cent of school dropouts in Uganda are due to pregnancy, and many never return to the education system.

    Pregnancy can be a stressful enough time for any expecting mother, but it can be even more so for a pregnant teenager in places where engaging in sexual relations is taboo, especially for girls.

    Along with colleagues in Uganda and Canada, we are conducting a community-engaged research project to understand the experiences of young mothers. Our project, Centering Marginal Voices, aims to build research and advocacy skills for young mothers in Uganda.

    A clip outlining the Centering Marginal Voices project.

    Community-engaged research

    Community-engaged research has emerged in social work as an important approach that empowers communities experiencing particular issues to make decisions concerning those issues. This approach cultivates long-term relationships and promotes the development of sustainable solutions for community problems.

    One form of this approach focuses on engaging youth in researching about their experiences with the issues affecting their lives. This can boost our understanding as researchers and make young people feel heard and empowered.

    Engaging young people in research requires clear communication, the use of appropriate channels of communication, constant feedback and listening. It can also mean providing logistical support like transportation or food, among other things. It is vital for researchers to listen to young people when they describe what they need to be participants in the research process.

    Many adolescent girls already face vulnerabilities and challenges when it comes to their reproductive health. Pregnancy can often add another layer of complexity to those challenges.

    While there is much discussion about teenage pregnancy in Uganda, rarely are young mothers given platforms to speak their truths to help policymakers understand and address the root causes. Their voices are muted and their lived experiences are not represented in policy.

    Teen motherhood presents girls with numerous challenges. They must navigate parenthood while still at a young age. They must figure out ways to support their children while still being dependents themselves. They also have to make important decisions and provide child care with limited experience to draw from, and manage their health needs alongside maternal care, among others.

    Their ability to conduct research may be influenced by a combination of these factors and by the skills they have, how they navigate relational dynamics, and the stigmatization they face being teen mothers.

    A webinar with the researchers and young mothers on the Centering Marginal Voices project.

    Centering young mothers in research

    As we began the research process, we held consultative meetings with community leaders who identified 40 young mothers from urban and rural parts of Uganda. We engaged the young mothers in discussions about their life journeys and in team building exercises. We later divided them into groups based on their villages. Each group then selected two peers to continue on the project as 12 youth peer researchers.

    When conducting this kind of community-engaged project, it is important for researchers to consider the ways they approach and include youth participants:

    Consent — Our first aim with the 12 selected young mothers was to seek consent from their parents or guardians. The young mothers also told us to speak with their live-in partners, whom we had not initially considered. They spoke to their parents or guardians, who were already expecting our team and eased the consent process for us.

    Communication — Young mothers in the capital Kampala preferred phone calls, WhatsApp and physical meetings. However, those in the rural areas did not all have smartphones or understand social media. This posed a challenge as our project entailed them conducting surveys using smartphones. We therefore revised our training to include basics on how to use the smartphone.

    Designing tools — We further engaged the youth peer researchers to refine our research tools. They helped us rephrase questions in local languages, especially those related to sexual relations.

    Mutual support — The youth peer researchers were trained to lead a survey and collect quantitative data from 766 participants in total. They prioritized teamwork and support, with some collecting more data than others. They also requested autonomy in scheduling their data collection to balance their research activities with their maternal duties and caring for their families.

    Navigating environments — The young mothers provided us with a descriptive tour of their environments. They advised us on where to go and how to behave when visiting. They always accompanied us within their community, acting as our guides.

    Young mothers know best about their own experiences, and this accords them a legitimate space in research as researchers. Practitioners and planners should be intent on being open to meaningfully engaging them while learning from them.

    Doris Kakuru has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The Centering Marginal Voices project is supported by a consortium partnership of Makerere University, Nascent Research and Development Organization, and the University of Victoria.

    Jacqueline Nassimbwa 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. The youth-led research giving voice to teen mothers in Uganda – https://theconversation.com/the-youth-led-research-giving-voice-to-teen-mothers-in-uganda-239876

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Sprout Social to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on November 7, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprout Social, Inc. (“Sprout Social”, the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SPT), an industry-leading provider of cloud-based social media management software, today announced that it will report its financial results for the second quarter ending September 30, 2024 after market close on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

    The financial results and business highlights will be discussed on a conference call and webcast scheduled at 4:00 p.m. Central Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Online registration for this event conference call can be found at https://registrations.events/direct/Q4I1913184. The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from Sprout Social’s investor relations website at http://investors.sproutsocial.com.

    Following completion of the events, a webcast replay will also be available at http://investors.sproutsocial.com for 12 months.

    About Sprout Social

    Sprout Social is a global leader in social media management and analytics software. Sprout’s intuitive platform puts powerful social data into the hands of more than 30,000 brands so they can deliver smarter, faster business impact. Named the #1 Best Software Product by G2’s 2024 Best Software Award, Sprout offers comprehensive publishing and engagement functionality, customer care, influencer marketing, advocacy, and AI-powered business intelligence. Sprout’s software operates across all major social media networks and digital platforms. For more information about Sprout Social (NASDAQ: SPT), visit sproutsocial.com.

    Availability of Information on Sprout Social’s Website and Social Media Profiles

    Investors and others should note that Sprout Social routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the Sprout Social Investors website. We also intend to use the social media profiles listed below as a means of disclosing information about us to our customers, investors and the public. While not all of the information that the Company posts to the Sprout Social Investors website or to social media profiles is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, the Company encourages investors, the media, and others interested in Sprout Social to review the information that it shares at the Investors link located at the bottom of the page on http://www.sproutsocial.com and to regularly follow our social media profiles. Users may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Sprout Social when enrolling an email address by visiting “Email Alerts” in the “Shareholder Services” section of Sprout Social’s Investor website at https://investors.sproutsocial.com/.

    Social Media Profiles:
    http://www.twitter.com/SproutSocial
    http://www.twitter.com/SproutSocialIR
    http://www.facebook.com/SproutSocialInc
    http://www.linkedin.com/company/sprout-social-inc-/
    http://www.instagram.com/sproutsocial

    Contact

    Media:
    Layla Revis
    Email: pr@sproutsocial.com
    Phone: (866) 878-3231

    Investors:
    Alex Kurtz
    Twitter: @SproutSocialIR
    Email: investors@sproutsocial.com
    Phone: (312) 528-9166

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OceanFirst Bank Secures $50,000 in Small Business Recovery Grants from Federal Home Loan Bank to Benefit Ten Local Nonprofit Organizations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RED BANK, N.J., Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OceanFirst Bank N.A. (the “Bank” or “OceanFirst”), a subsidiary of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:OCFC), has helped ten nonprofit organizations in its market area to apply for and obtain Small Business Recovery Grants totaling $50,000 through a program created by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY). The grants are designed to assist eligible organizations who have faced economic challenges due to the rate environment, inflation, supply-chain constraints, or rising energy costs.

    The ten grants awarded this year will assist nonprofit organizations committed to addressing hunger and food insecurity. Nearly one million people in New Jersey are food insecure, a 22% increase over the previous year, according to Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study. This includes more than 260,000 children –about 1 in 8. Nationwide, the extra amount of money that people facing hunger say they need to have enough food has reached its highest point in the last 20 years.

    “The Small Business Recovery Grant Program is a great opportunity for OceanFirst Bank to help support our local nonprofit partners and the important work they are doing to aid our communities,” said George Destafney, OceanFirst Bank Chief Community Banking Officer. “We are so pleased to be able to assist ten organizations to receive important resources that will benefit our neighbors struggling with food insecurity. Our congratulations and appreciation to the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York for another successful Small Business Recovery Grant round.”

    Under the Small Business Recovery Grant Program, banks such as OceanFirst, which are members of the FHLBNY, identify qualified small-business and non-profit customers who are eligible to receive the grant awards.

    OceanFirst Bank facilitated Small Business Recovery Grants of $5,000 for each of the following organizations, for a total of $50,000:  

    “Meals on Wheels is thrilled to receive a $5,000 grant from OceanFirst Bank. This incredible support will help us provide more meals and cover essential expenses, continuing our mission to deliver nutritious meals and positively impact our seniors’ lives,” said Shareka Fitz, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels Greater New Brunswick.

    Gwendolyn Love, Executive Director, Lunch Break, added, “The $5,000 grant from OceanFirst Bank will help ensure efficient kitchen and pantry operations, providing healthy and nutritious meals to food-insecure families and individuals in our community.”

    “Located in the Bronx, a borough with the highest rates of diabetes in the country, the Friendly Fridge BX focuses on rescuing and redirecting healthy foods to share with people from all over the Bronx and Yonkers,” shared Sara Allen, co-founder of Friendly Fridge BX. “With the support of this $5,000 grant from OceanFirst Bank, over 1,800 visitors per week who come in search of healthy food will have access to over 117,000 lbs. of fresh produce over the course of 13 weeks.”

    OceanFirst Bank N.A., a subsidiary of OceanFirst Financial Corp. founded in 1902 is a $13.3 billion regional bank providing financial services throughout New Jersey and the major metropolitan areas between Massachusetts and Virginia. OceanFirst Bank delivers commercial and residential financing, treasury management, trust and asset management and deposit services and is one of the largest and oldest community-based financial institutions headquartered in New Jersey. To learn more about OceanFirst go to http://www.oceanfirst.com.

    Company Contact:
    Jill Apito Hewitt
    Director Corporate Communications
    OceanFirst Financial Corp.
    Tel: (732) 240-4500, ext. 27513
    Email: jhewitt@oceanfirst.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cd41f568-6efb-4e98-8791-c83bf64cb38a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52084880-5502-4eed-a883-14f65b568b62

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25669639-69a1-40d8-953c-75a27a3c5ad1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookline Bancorp, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: BRKL) announced today that it will report third quarter 2024 earnings at the close of business on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Management will host a conference call to review this information at 1:30 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Interested parties may listen to the call and view a copy of the Company’s Earnings Presentation by joining the call via https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/314623001. To listen to the call without access to the slides, interested parties may dial 833-470-1428 (United States) or 404-975-4839 (internationally) and ask for the Brookline Bancorp conference call (Access Code 414186). A recorded playback of the call will be available for one week following the call at 866-813-9403 (United States) or 1-929-458-6194 (internationally). The passcode for this playback is 898921. The call will be available live or in a recorded version on the Company’s website at www.brooklinebancorp.com.

    ABOUT BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC.

    Brookline Bancorp, Inc. is a multi-bank holding company for Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, PCSB Bank and their subsidiaries. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the Company has $11 billion in assets and branches throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. As a commercially-focused financial institution, the Company, through its banks, offers a wide range of commercial, business and retail banking services, including a full complement of cash management products, on-line banking services, consumer and residential loans and investment services designed to meet the financial needs of small-to mid-sized businesses and retail customers. The Company also provides equipment financing through its Eastern Funding subsidiary and wealth management services through its subsidiary, Clarendon Private, a registered investment advisor. More information about Brookline Bancorp, Inc. and its banks can be found at the following websites: http://www.brooklinebank.com, http://www.bankri.com, and http://www.pcsb.com.

    Brookline Bancorp, Inc.
    Carl M. Carlson 617-425-5331
    Co-President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer

    The MIL Network –