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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI USA: Do Not Drink Notice Issued for North Smithfield Elementary School Drinking Water Consumers

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The North Smithfield Elementary School public water system (2214 Providence Pike North Smithfield, RI) was required to issue a do not drink notice on April 10, 2025, for consumers because manganese was found in the distribution system over the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) health advisory. Manganese is an unregulated contaminant. Unregulated contaminants are those that don’t yet have a drinking water standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The results of manganese collected from a drinking water sample on March 25, 2025 from North Smithfield Elementary School’s distribution system was 1.28 mg/L. This level exceeds EPAs Health Advisory (HA). EPA’s 10-day HA for bottle fed infants younger than 6 months old is 0.3 mg/L. EPAs one day and 10-day value for adults and children older than 6 months old is 1 mg/L, and EPAs Lifetime HA is 0.3mg/L.

    Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, water, and air. It is commonly found in the food such as nuts, legumes, seeds, grains, and green leafy vegetables. It is also found in drinking water. Manganese is an essential nutrient. Consuming drinking water with manganese above the lifetime HA are not necessarily harmful to a majority of the population. An individual’s nutritional requirements for manganese and potential for harmful health effects may be highly variable.

    Bottle-fed infants who drink water containing more than 0.3 mg/L of manganese over a period of 10 days may have negative neurological effects.

    The following guidance listed below provides actions consumers should take to reduce their exposure to manganese in drinking water over the EPAs Health Advisory: –Do not use the tap water to prepare bottles or food for infants. –Do not boil tap water that you intend to drink. Boiling, freezing, or letting water stand does not reduce manganese levels. Boiling can increase levels of manganese because manganese remains behind (i.e., is concentrated) when the water evaporates. –Infants, the elderly, and those with liver disease should avoid food made with tap water such as soup. The tap water may be used to prepare foods, such as pasta, where the water is discarded prior to consumption. –Consumers, especially infants and the elderly, and those with liver disease should avoid consuming the water which includes using the water to make drinks or ice.

    Contact your doctor if you have specific health concerns. You may wish to consult with a medical professional. The do not drink notice will remain in effect until RIDOH determines that the drinking water in the distribution system has returned to consistent and safe manganese levels under EPAs Health Advisory and RIDOH approves the do not drink notice to be lifted. Customers with questions should contact Alan Sepe at 401-765-6410.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick LaLota Votes to Protect Consumers and Businesses from Burdensome Banking Regulations

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), released the following statement after voting in favor of S.J.Res.18 and S.J.Res. 28, two Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions which would overturn harmful regulations that threaten the financial well-being of American consumers and financial technology businesses.

    “S.J.Res.18 and S.J.Res.28 are needed to stop CFPB overreach that would raise costs on working families and restrict access to basic financial tools. I voted for both because overdraft protection should remain available for hardworking Americans who rely on it, and financial technology companies deserve the flexibility to innovate,” said LaLota. “These common sense measures help businesses grow, expand consumer banking choice, and prevent unnecessary financial burdens—especially for Long Islanders, who already face the highest effective tax burden in the country. They restore balance, protect consumers, and support economic growth without unnecessary red tape.”

    To read the full text of  S.J.Res.18 click HERE. 

    To read the full text of  S.J.Res.28 click HERE. 

    Background:

    S.J.Res.18 is a joint resolution disapproving of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions.” Introduced by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) on February 13, 2025, the resolution seeks to nullify CFPB’s rule that seeks to regulate overdraft fees more like credit products, potentially capping fees well below the actual costs of providing the service. 

    Overdraft protection is a voluntary service that helps consumers cover short-term cash shortfalls—especially important for working families trying to avoid bounced checks, late fees, or denied transactions. This resolution would restore flexibility for consumers and financial institutions and prevent regulatory overreach that threatens to eliminate a valued and widely used financial tool. 

    On March 27, 2025, the Senate passed the resolution without amendment by a vote of 52 – 48. ​

    S.J.Res.28 is a joint resolution disapproving of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications.” Introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) on February 27, 2025, the resolution seeks to nullify CFPB’s rule that defines larger participants in the general-use digital consumer payment application market—such as payment apps—as nonbanks with an annual volume of at least 50 million transactions and that are not small business concerns. 

    On March 5, 2025, the Senate passed the resolution without amendment by a vote of 51 – 47. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Seeks Joint Damage Assessments in Preparation for Second Federal Disaster Declaration Request within Four Weeks

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 11, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) in 20 counties following the severe storms and flooding that began impacting Missouri on March 30. This request begins the process of obtaining a federal disaster for the second time in less than a month.

    “Missouri has again been battered by severe storms and significant flooding, causing widespread destruction and disrupting the lives of many families and businesses across the state,” Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency management officials have been working tirelessly to assess impacts, and we believe the extent of the damage clearly meets the threshold for FEMA to again participate in joint damage assessments.”

    Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Cooper, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington and Wayne. Additional counties may be added as more damage information is received from local officials.

    Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, April 15, six teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

    Damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, likely resulting in a request for additional PDAs for Public Assistance next week.

    SEMA continues to coordinate with volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals over the coming days. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

    For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: LA’s small businesses, nonprofits, and workers get additional aid with support from Governor Newsom and LA Rises

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 11, 2025

    What you need to know: Supported by $10 million from the state, LA Rises, Maersk and APM Terminals, fire-impacted small businesses, nonprofits, and workers will receive $19.1 million from LA-area grant programs. 

    LOS ANGELES – Earlier this week, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and City of Los Angeles announced the latest round of grants for the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds that will provide direct cash assistance to impacted workers, small businesses, and non-profits. A total of $19.1 million have now been awarded to 1,372 businesses and 2,309 workers, including those businesses and nonprofits that had physical brick-and-mortar locations destroyed in the fires.

    “Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild these communities that have been most impacted. This latest round of relief grants will continue to support the businesses and workers that are the driving forces behind Los Angeles’ vibrant and diverse economy.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Supported by a $10 million investment from the State of California, Maersk and APM Terminals, and LA Rises, led by Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, these relief funds have now awarded $14.52 million to small businesses and nonprofits (awards ranging between $2,000 and $25,000) and $4.62 million for workers (all receiving $2,000). This was the first investment by LA Rises, the unified recovery effort launched by the Governor in January.

    These funds are supporting businesses, nonprofits and workers who are most impacted by the disaster in the fire and emergency zones. This includes 821 brick-and-mortar and home-based businesses and nonprofits in the fire zone that were fully destroyed, representing about 50% of businesses with less than 100 employees in those zones that were destroyed. Of the total business and nonprofit awards, approximately 50% also faced home loss, 50% served the community as legacy businesses for 10+ years, 65% reported underinsurance and 65% represented diverse business ownership. Of the total worker awards, approximately 50% faced permanent loss of employment or income due to the disaster, 44% report low-income and use of public benefits, and 28% report ineligibility or lack of access to public unemployment assistance. The funds are also supporting 283 impacted creative workers.

    At this time, there are not sufficient funds to award all impacted applicants – fundraising could close an estimated $6,742,000 funding gap that could support  an additional 1,194 businesses/nonprofits and 1,169 workers. Organizations and partners interested in supporting these funds can do so directly at lacounty.gov/relief.

    Continuing to support recovery and rebuilding in LA

    In February, the Governor was in Los Angeles to launch the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint as part of his continued tour of the state’s thirteen economic regions. The Blueprint was paired with $125 million in funding to support new, ready-to-go projects and $15 million for economic development projects for California Native American tribes.

    In addition, the Governor received the Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative’s regional plan and announced $3 million to support their recovery efforts for the region, including for the launch of public-facing campaigns to promote small business support and the addition of capacity for near-term business and economic recovery.

    LA fire debris removal program still available

    Building on California and the federal administration’s ongoing partnership for a fast-moving “LA fire fix,” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last month approved Governor Gavin Newsom’s request to expand the scope of the wildfire cleanup effort. That approval came less than 24 hours after the state’s initial request.

    FEMA also extended the deadline for Right of Entry form submissions to April 15 to allow the newly eligible groups time to apply. 

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    Apr 10, 2025

    News What you need to know: California officials continue to protect consumers and support the legal cannabis market through operations to seize 212,681 illegal cannabis plants worth $316 million. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that officials have…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting signs a MoU with Government of Maharashtra to establish Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:08PM by PIB Mumbai

     

     Mumbai, April 11, 2025

    The Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd. (MFSCDCL) and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) for the establishment of a world-class institute dedicated to the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector i.e. Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai.

    The MoU was signed between Chief Secretary of Government of Maharashtra Ms. Sujata Saunik and Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Sh. Sanjay Jaju and was exchanged in the presence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sh. Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting   Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw today.

    Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis stated that Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai — a first-of-its-kind institute will focus on nurturing talent and innovation in creative industries.

    IICT will be located at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City, Goregaon, and shall serve as a centre of excellence for education, research, innovation, and skill development in the AVGC-XR domain recognizing the importance of fostering the growth and development of this sector in the country and envisioning India to become one of the top global players in this field. Union Minister Shri Vaishnaw stated that the first Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), established in Mumbai—the capital of the creative economy and entertainment sector—will serve as a catalyst for the city’s entertainment industry, facilitating its global expansion.

    The IICT has already been set up as a not-for-profit Section 8 company with equity participation from Government of India (48%), Government of Maharashtra (through MFSCDCL) (14%), and leading industry bodies – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), holding 26% each.

    Government of India has already provided an initial one-time budgetary grant of ₹391.15 crore for infrastructure development and initial operations. The IICT shall operate in a self-sustaining mode thereafter. The institute shall also benefit from a 10-acre land parcel leased by MFSCDCL for 30 years at Dadasaheb Phalke Film City, symbolizing a significant step forward in building a digital media and creative technology ecosystem.

    Key highlights of the MoU include:

    1. Establishment of an AVGC-XR centre with a strategic focus on education, skilling, industry development, and research & innovation.
    2. Formation of a Governing Council and Board of Directors with representatives from Government and Industry.
    3. Development of specialized councils on Academia, Skilling, Industry Development, and R&D to ensure sectoral alignment and global competitiveness.
    4. Commitment to fostering public-private collaboration and attracting international partnerships.

     

    IICT will be a world-class premium institute for the media and entertainment sector similar to the IITs and IIMs for technology and management. A temporary campus of IICT is being set up at the NFDC premises in Mumbai and will start operation soon. By producing a consistent flow of highly skilled content creators, the IICT will firmly establish India’s standing as a leading global centre for the creative economy

    The MoU marks a significant milestone under the Government’s efforts to boost the digital economy, empower creative professionals, and generate high-value employment in emerging sectors.

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    Sayyid Rabeehashmi/Sriyanka Chatterjee/Parshuram

     

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

    (Release ID: 2121017) Visitor Counter : 118

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal delivers Keynote Address at 9th Global Technology Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal delivers Keynote Address at 9th Global Technology Summit

    India offers unparalleled trade and investment opportunities: Shri Goyal

    India’s decision not to join RCEP has been vindicated by recent developments: Shri Goyal

    India will always work within the WTO framework, but WTO reforms are essential: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 7:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal delivered the Keynote Address at the 9th Global Technology Summit today in New Delhi, where he highlighted the opportunities that lie ahead for India in reshaping global trade, especially with trusted partners such as the United States.

    Calling India the fastest-growing large economy in the world, Shri Goyal said, “There is a delta of opportunity that India offers. In the next two to two-and-a-half decades, India will grow eight times, supported by the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. This creates a massive domestic demand and offers the benefits of scale that are being recognised globally.”

    Shri Goyal shared that in the last two years alone, at least eight high-level delegations have visited India, signalling the world’s growing interest in forging stronger trade relationships with the country.

    The Minister underscored that India’s current tariff protection measures are directed mainly at non-market economies that engage in unfair trade practices. “India is well-positioned to engage in bilateral partnerships with countries that value reciprocity, trust, and fair play,” he stated.

    Refuting concerns about external pressure on India’s trade decisions, Shri Goyal said, “There is no pressure. India being in a position of such opportunity is in itself very exciting. While our exports today form a relatively small share of our GDP, our strong domestic market and aspirational youth are ready to take Indian industry global.”

    On China, Shri Goyal affirmed, “India will always put its interests first. As of now, there is little FDI from China, and historically too, Chinese investments have been minimal. Our efforts are focused on integrating with developed economies that adhere to honest business practices.” He reiterated that India’s decision not to join the RCEP in 2019 has been vindicated by current global trends.

    Speaking on India’s talent base, he noted, “India has a vast pool of STEM graduates, with 43% being women. If undue pressure is exerted, Indian innovators will rise to the occasion with R&D-driven solutions better suited to our needs than what others can offer.”

    On the global trading order, Shri Goyal stated, “The world cannot be viewed through a single lens. While developed nations enjoy prosperity, developing and least-developed countries must be given time and support to catch up. The WTO must recognise this and evolve accordingly.”

    India remains committed to multilateralism, he added. However, reforms at the WTO are essential. Shri Goyal cited the need to reassess the definition of “developing countries” and called for clarity on e-commerce rules, agriculture decisions, and fisheries negotiations. “Unless those who have caused overfishing are willing to scale down, emerging economies will never get a fair chance,” he noted.

    Reiterating India’s support for WTO principles, he said, “India will always work within the WTO framework. Our bilateral agreements, including with the US and EU, operate within its scope.”

    On FTAs, Shri Goyal emphasised that while timelines are aspirational, national interest cannot be compromised to meet deadlines. “Every action must be equitable, fair, and mutually beneficial,” he said.

    Regarding the EU FTA, the Minister acknowledged progress but pointed out challenges, especially around non-trade issues being linked with climate regulations. “Europe must reconsider the non-tariff barriers it has created. These are becoming trade hurdles not just for India but for the global economy,” he warned.

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    Abhishek Dayal/ Nihi Sharma/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2121070) Visitor Counter : 109

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Centre operationalises dedicated ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in navigating emerging trade issues

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Commerce and DGFT are actively tracking developments in global trade, particularly in relation to tariff changes, import surges, and export-related challenges. Given the evolving trade landscape and the introduction of various tariff and counter-tariff measures, there may be both new export opportunities and heightened

    import pressures from specific countries or product sectors. Exporters and importers experiencing such shifts are encouraged to share their inputs and suggest potential support measures. In this context, DGFT has operationalised a dedicated ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in navigating emerging trade issues.

    The ‘Global Tariff Challenges Helpdesk’ would look into issues relating to Import and Export Challenges, Import Surges or Dumping, EXIM Clearance, Logistics or Supply Chain Challenges, Financial or Banking issues, Regulatory or Compliance Issues, and Other Issues or Suggestions. The Help desk would also collect and collate trade-related

    issues concerning other Ministries/Departments/Agencies of Central Government and State Governments and will co-ordinate to seek their support and provide possible resolution(s).

    Export-Import community may submit information on the DGFT website and submit information relating to their issues on which support is required using the following steps—

    1. Navigate to the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in) — > Services — > DGFT Helpdesk Service
    2. ‘Create New Request’ and select the Category as ‘Global Tariff and Trade and Issues’
    3. Select the suitable sub-category (Import Challenges, Export Challenges, Import Surges or Dumping, EXIM Clearance, Logistics or Supply Chain Challenges, Regulatory & Compliance Issues, and Other Issues and Suggestions), enter the other relevant details and submit.

    Alternatively, issues may be sent to email id: dgftedi[at]nic[dot]in with the subject header: ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’, or call the Toll-Free No at 1800-111-550

    The status of resolutions and feedback may be tracked using the status tracker under the DGFT Helpdesk Services. Email and SMS would also be sent as and when the status of these tickets are updated. Trade stakeholders are encouraged to make appropriate use of these support facilities.

     

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    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2121040) Visitor Counter : 106

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSED THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN SLOVAKIA YESTERDAY

    Source: Government of India

    PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSED THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN SLOVAKIA YESTERDAY

    BEFORE LEAVING FOR NEW DELHI INTERACTS WITH INDIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Yesterday (April 10, 2025), the President addressed the members of the Indian Community at a Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Slovakia at Bratislava. The accompanying Minister of State, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya as well as Members of Parliament, Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray were present on the occasion.

    Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of Indian community members, the President said that relations between India and Slovakia are based on mutual respect and shared democratic values. She was happy to note that over the years, India and Slovakia has witnessed a steady growth in economic, political and cultural ties.

    The President informed gathering about her fruitful meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Council of Slovakia. She said that during those meetings ways to further advance our bilateral relations in various fields were discussed. She told the community members that during the interactions, Slovak leaders expressed great respect for the hard work of the Indian community and their valuable contribution to the development and progress of Slovakia.

    The President appreciated the Slovak friends of India for their important role in further strengthening the friendly relations and mutual understanding between India and Slovakia. She was happy to note that India’s heritage and traditions are quite popular among Slovak people. She said that from Yoga and Ayurveda to Indian cuisine, the love for Indian culture in Slovakia is a testament to the growing strong ties between the people of the two countries. She expressed confidence that the translation of the Upanishads into the Slovak language would provide another opportunity for the Slovak people to connect with the ancient teachings of India.

    Today morning, the President interacted with the Indian Business delegation before leaving for New Delhi.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech-

     

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2121032) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India hosts 8th Meeting of Joint Committee on ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    India hosted the 8th meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, from April 07 to 11, 2025. The event was conducted in a hybrid format. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India and Deputy Co-Chair Dr. Sugumari S. Shanmugam Senior Director Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia. The meeting saw participation from delegates representing ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

    The committee’s primary objective was to advance the ongoing review of the AITIGA, aiming to modernize the agreement to be more effective, user-friendly, and conducive to trade. Five out of eight Sub-Committees (SCs) under the AITIGA JC also conducted hybrid meetings on the margins of the 8th AITIGA JC. Out of which, four SCs, namely Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (SC-CPTF); Sub-Committee on Economic & Technical cooperation (SC-ETC); Sub-Committee on National Treatment and Market Access (SC-NTMA); and Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SC-SPS) met in New Delhi, India, while the Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin (SC-ROO) met in Jakarta, Indonesia, facilitating progress in textual discussions and progressing in groundwork for tariff negotiations.

    ASEAN remains a pivotal trade partner for India, accounting for approximately 11% of India’s global trade. In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached USD 121 billion.

    The next AITIGA JC meeting is scheduled for June 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, continuing the collaborative efforts to enhance ASEAN-India economic integration.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2121030) Visitor Counter : 123

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addresses the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya

    Source: Government of India

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addresses the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya

    Initiatives and formulation of strategies to further strengthen and modernise the Cooperative Sector across the country discussed during the Review Meeting

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah Ministry is committed to promoting cooperative-led economic growth

    Gujarat and Maharashtra are shining examples of how dairy can empower women and improve child nutrition

    Role of national-level cooperative institutions such as NCEL, NCOL, BBSSL, NCCF, and NAFED pivotal in enhancing the cooperative ecosystem and driving innovation and inclusivity

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addressed the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya. The Review meeting, held on 10-11 April 2025, discussed initiatives and formulation of strategies to further strengthen and modernise the Cooperative Sector across the country.

     

    Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah the Ministry is committed to promoting cooperative-led economic growth with robust inter-state cooperation to realize the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi.” He stressed on collating the PAN numbers of all cooperative societies of the country to enable more accurate representation of the cooperative sector in the national GDP. Dr. Bhutani reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening and advancing the cooperative ecosystem in the country.

    The Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation said that White Revolution 2.0 is one of the flagship initiatives, aimed at rural upliftment through the dairy sector. States like Gujarat and Maharashtra are shining examples of how dairy can empower women and improve child nutrition. He said that we are partnering with institutions like Amul and NDDB to support states Assam, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and other states in expanding dairy infrastructure. The economic potential of animal husbandry now exceeds that of traditional crop cultivation.

    Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that passing of the bill to establish India’s first Tribhuvan Sahkari University is a historic move. This university will standardise cooperative education across states and uplift over 250 existing cooperative institutions.

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, and Chief Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya, along with senior officials, took part in a tree plantation drive under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative in International Year of Cooperatives.

    The meeting brought together key stakeholders including representatives from States and Union Territories, officials from cooperative federations, financial institutions, and policymakers, fostering a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange and strategic alignment.

    The States Review Session spotlighted the pivotal role of national-level cooperative institutions such as NCEL, NCOL, BBSSL, NCCF, and NAFED in enhancing the cooperative ecosystem and driving innovation and inclusivity.

    Director of IRMA, Anand (Gujarat), outlined the vision of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, the strategic objectives, and proposed institutional structure. The session reflected the Ministry’s long-term commitment to developing world-class cooperative education and research infrastructure.

    A dedicated workshop on the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, focusing on strategic priorities such as benchmarking cooperative societies, impact assessment, and the formulation of a Business Reform Action Plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Delegations from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand shared best practices and innovations in cooperative development.

    The focus areas of the two-day sessions were on expansion of banking services for cooperative societies and ensure doorstep banking services via micro-ATMs along with provision of zero-interest loans through RuPay Kisan Credit Cards to members of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy Cooperative Societies and other Cooperative institutions, and strengthening of Rural Cooperative Banking. Expansion of time-bound establishment of Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative Societies (MPACS), Dairy and fishery cooperatives, Grain Storage Plan, digital transformation of PACS and Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) with an aim to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and service accessibility was also discussed. An analytical discussion was also held on the impact of NCDC’s schemes and the realignment of its strategic direction with broader national development priorities.

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    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2121020) Visitor Counter : 50

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group approves new financing for European security, transport, energy, water and deep tech as well as support for Ukrainian firms

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB Board approves €3.6 billion in financing for clean transport, energy and innovation, as well as upgrading water and sanitation in Africa.
    • EIB Board also backed broader support for Europe’s automotive sector, which has received more than €11bn EIB financing in the past five years.
    • EIF Board approved investment in deep tech venture capital fund and backing for war-affected small- and medium-sized companies in Ukraine.

    The Boards of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), meeting this week, approved new financing to support economic prosperity and resilience, boost innovation and EU’s strategic autonomy in new technologies, and deepen global partnership.

    “The EIB Group is responding to Europe’s priorities in the current volatile international context, providing financing for projects to boost security, technological innovation, critical infrastructures, and the deepening our international partnerships” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. “We also affirmed our commitment to support Europe’s manufacturing champions in the automotive industry. The automotive sector is the second largest focus of the EIB group after energy, where the EIB Group has committed more than €11.5 billion over the past five years.”

    The EIB Board approved a total of €3.6 billion of new projects for water and energy infrastructure, housing and clean transport.

    The EIF’s Board approved transactions totalling €2.2 billion, including four operations under the EU4Business Guarantee Facility to facilitate access to finance for war-affected enterprises in Ukraine.

    Backing the automotive sector

    The EIB Board of Directors discussed ways to further step-up support for Europe’s automotive industry, with a focus on innovation and investment in future technologies. The EIB Group has provided more than €11.5 billion euros to support the sector over the past five years, with financing covering the entire supply chain and key infrastructures – from battery and components manufacturing to electric vehicle charging stations.

    Transport, energy, water and housing

    New financing approved by the EIB includes more than €1 billion for low-emission transport in northern Europe, urban mobility in Germany, climate-resilience in Poland and an upgrade of 350 kilometres of the main transport route in Malawi.

    Large-scale energy and water investment totalling €1.4 billion was also agreed, including research and development of heat pumps in Poland and Belgium, improvements to water and sanitation in Latvia and Guinea and an expansion of electricity distribution in Brazil.

    Financing to enable construction of more than 700 affordable homes in Czechia was also approved.

    Fresh EIB financing of €1.1 billion for company investments agreed today includes small-business financing programmes in Spain and Greece and venture-debt financing for 3D software, digital health and disease-resistant and drought-resistant agriculture.

    Venture capital support for deep-tech and cybersecurity

    Among the greenlighted EIF equity investments were participations in a pan-European venture capital fund seeking to scale up deep technology investments – including cybersecurity – with resources under the European Tech Champions Initiative, and a venture capital fund supporting early-stage tech companies in emerging European venture capital markets.

    The EIF Board also endorsed two new mandates, which will respectively foster the Polish venture capital market and early-stage technology transfer and deep tech investments in Spain.

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Visit to Bologna Italy – 14-04-2025 – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Source: European Parliament

    On Monday, nine members of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection will travel to Italy to gather information on several key areas of their legislative work. The MEPs will look specifically at implementation of EU legislation at local level and assess its impact on the business world. They will delve into consumer protection issues, and also problems faced by the automotive industry.

    The delegation will explore how digital and artificial intelligence (AI) hubs can support digital transformation and industrial innovation. They will also be investigating the challenges that tech start-ups face in enhancing their artificial intelligence models and developing new business ideas in the single market.

    The delegation has a busy schedule of meetings set up with key stakeholders, including consumer protection bodies, industry associations, think tanks, academics, and local authorities, as well as digital and AI hubs.
    The members of the delegation are; Head of the delegation Christian Doleschal (EPP, DE) Andreas Schwab (EPP, DE), Brando Benifei (S&D, IT), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D, AT), Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE, AT), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR, IT), Morten Løkkegaard (Renew, DK), Alexandra Geese (Greens/EFA, DE), and Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D, IT) who is travelling as an accompanying member.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Innovation, AI, super computers, space technology, defence are key areas for joint partnerships between India-Italy: H.E. Antonio Tajani, Deputy PM, Italy

    Source: Government of India

    Innovation, AI, super computers, space technology, defence are key areas for joint partnerships between India-Italy: H.E. Antonio Tajani, Deputy PM, Italy

    Italy-India Business, Science and Technology Forum is an opportunity to collectively resolve to implement the Joint Strategic Action plan 2025-29: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Italy, H.E. Antonio Tajani today while addressing the ‘Italy-India Business, Science and Technology Forum’ said that this forum is part of the strategic partnership plan signed by both the governments. “India is an important country for stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Stability is crucial to strengthen the trade,” he emphasized.

    Addressing the forum, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that India is an economy with enormous potential, and we want to strengthen this cooperation. “Italy and India are natural economic partners. Together we want to strengthen our cooperation for a partnership that looks at the future through higher education, innovation and research. Today, Italy and India are closer than ever. Our bilateral trade is over $ 14 billion, and we want to invest more in India, export more to India, and attract more Indian investments in Italy,” he added.

    Innovation, AI, super computers, space technology, defence are a few sectors which have potential for joint partnerships and both countries should work to attract investments in these areas, he highlighted.

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal said there is further scope for expansion in the bilateral trade between India and Italy if we work seamless with each other, encourage investments, promote businesses without roadblocks.

    Shri Goyal further stated that Indian economy is slated to grow from $4 trillion to $30-35 trillion by 2047, our goal of Viksit Bharat makes India a compelled case to deepen the engagement between the European Union and India, particularly Italy and India. There are untapped newer areas like fashion, luxury goods, food processing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, green technology, advanced manufacturing, automobiles,” he emphasized.

    Shri Goyal added that amidst all the global challenges that the world is experiencing, it is very reassuring to see the strength and depth of the Italy-India friendship. “This forum is a very timely platform and a good opportunity for all of us to collectively resolve to implement the Joint Strategic Action plan 2025-29 launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in November of 2024. It is a very forward-looking, ambitious and pragmatic roadmap with a strong focus on trade, investment, innovation,” he added.

    Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar said that the direction of India’s progress and capabilities of Italian industry make for a good combination. “Make In India, today offers a platform or pathway for that collaboration to unfold,” he added.

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    Abhishek Dayal/ Nihi Sharma/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2120965) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog launches a Report on “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”

    Source: Government of India

    NITI Aayog launches a Report on “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”

    Factory Floors to Global Headlines — India’s Auto Industry to shift gears and make a mark on the Global Value Chain

    India’s Automotive ambition: USD 145 Billion auto component production by 2030

    GVC share from 3% to 8% by 2030 — India’s Auto Sector is in the Fast Lane

    Focus on competitive manufacturing, infrastructure development, R&D and Skilling to make India global manufacturing hub

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:14PM by PIB Delhi

    NITI Aayog has released an insightful report titled “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”. The report was launched by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog in presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog and Shri BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog. This report offers an extensive analysis of India’s automotive sector, highlighting both opportunities and challenges, and outlining a pathway for positioning India as a key player in global automotive markets.

    Global and Indian Automotive Landscape

    In 2023, global automobile production reached approximately 94 million units. The global automotive components market was valued at USD 2 trillion, with the export share reaching approximately USD 700 billion. India has emerged as the fourth-largest global producer after China, USA and Japan, with an annual production of nearly 6 million vehicles. The Indian automotive sector has gained a strong domestic and export market presence, particularly in the small car and utility vehicle segments. Supported by initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and its cost-competitive workforce, India is positioning itself as a hub for automotive manufacturing and exports.

    Emerging Trends in the Automotive Sector

    The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable mobility, regulatory pressures to reduce carbon emissions, and advancements in battery technology. EV sales have surged globally, reshaping the automotive manufacturing landscape.

    Battery manufacturing hubs are emerging in regions like Europe and the U.S., spurring investments in industries related to lithium and cobalt mining, essential for EV production. These developments are altering traditional supply chains and creating new opportunities for collaboration and competition.

    In parallel, the rise of Industry 4.0 is transforming automotive manufacturing. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics are enhancing production processes, improving productivity, reducing costs, and enabling greater flexibility. These digital advancements are not only optimizing manufacturing but also fostering new business models centered around smart factories and connected vehicles.

    Challenges Facing India’s Automotive Sector

    Despite being the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, India has a modest share (around 3%) in the global automotive component trade, which amounts to approximately $20 billion. The bulk of global trade in automotive components is driven by engine components, drive transmission, and steering systems, but India’s share in these high-precision segments remains low at just 2-4%. India’s automotive sector faces challenges on account of operational cost, infrastructural gaps, moderate GVC integration, inadequate R&D expenditure etc. that hinder its competitiveness in the global value chain (GVC).

    Proposed Interventions for Growth

    NITI Aayog’s report outlines several strategic fiscal and non-fiscal interventions aimed at enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the automotive sector. The interventions are structured across four categories of automotive components based on their complexity and manufacturing maturity i.e. Emerging & Complex, Conventional & Complex, Conventional & Simple and Emerging & Simple.

    Fiscal Interventions

    1. Operational Expenditure (Opex) Support: To scale up manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on capital expenditure (Capex) for tooling, dies, and infrastructure.
    2. Skill Development: Initiatives to build a talent pipeline critical for sustaining growth.
    3. R&D, Government facilitated IP transfer and Branding: Providing incentives for research, development, international branding to improve product differentiation and empowering MSMEs through IP transfers.
    4. Cluster Development: Fostering collaboration between firms through common facilities such as R&D and testing centers to strengthen the supply chain.

    Non-Fiscal Interventions

    1. Industry 4.0 Adoption: Encouraging the integration of digital technologies and enhanced manufacturing standards to improve efficiency.
    2. International Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures (JVs), foreign collaborations, and free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access.
    3. Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory processes, worker hour flexibility, supplier discovery & development and improving business conditions for automotive firms.

    Vision for 2030

    NITI Aayog’s vision for India’s automotive sector by 2030 is ambitious yet achievable. The report envisions the country’s automotive component production growing to $145 billion, with exports tripling from $20 billion to $60 billion. This growth would lead to a trade surplus of approximately $25 billion and a significant increase in India’s share of the global automotive value chain, from 3% to 8%.

    Additionally, this growth is expected to generate 2-2.5 million new employment opportunities, bringing the total direct employment in the sector to 3-4 million

    Conclusion

    India has significant potential to become a global leader in the automotive industry. Achieving this goal requires focused efforts from the central and state governments, as well as industry stakeholders. By addressing the existing challenges and leveraging the proposed interventions, India can enhance its competitiveness, attract investments, and build a robust automotive sector capable of leading the global value chain.

    The report can be accessed at this link: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-04/Automotive-Industry-Powering-India-participation-in-GVC_Non-Confidential.pdf

     

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    MJPS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal meets with H.E Mr Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Italy to India

    Source: Government of India

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal meets with H.E Mr Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Italy to India

    Strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties discussed

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal met with H.E. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy here today to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. The meeting reinforced the longstanding relationship between India and Italy, built on shared values of democracy and fair play. The two leaders discussed ways to expand economic cooperation, and explored new avenues to advance this partnership.

    This high-level engagement marks a significant step to advance the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, agreed at the level of the two Prime Ministers in November 2024, with purposeful momentum, promoting smoother trade flows, nurturing investment opportunities, and achieving tangible outcomes, to pave the way for a prosperous, mutually beneficial partnership that benefits both our nations. It may be noted that India-Italy trade is estimated at about US$ 15 billion in 2023-2024 while Foreign Direct Investments from Italy into India are estimated at about US$ 4 billion since the year 2000.

    During discussions, both leaders acknowledged the relevance of India’s dynamic and fast-growing economy while emphasizing the significance of diversifying trade relations and deepening economic ties to achieve growth and prosperity.

    The leaders also discussed the progress of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and emphasized the importance of prioritizing trade issues to streamline negotiations and deliver a commercially meaningful package to build resilient value chains to provide stability to business against emerging risks.

    Sectors like pharma, textiles, industry 4.0 & technological collaboration, gems & jewellery, ship building, energy transition and agri-tech and food processing were highlighted as key areas of collaboration. Italy recognized the necessity of engaging with India as a strategic partner to diversify its trade relationships. The trade barriers faced by exporters and investors were also discussed, with both sides agreeing to resolve such issues through continuous dialogue. Both Ministers earlier attended the plenary session of the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum and also interacted with Indian and Italian business leaders.

    It was agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation would be held in Italy at a mutually convenient time, accompanied by a high-level business delegation to advance bilateral trade, enhance market access, and promote investments.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma/Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2120975) Visitor Counter : 105

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rebates available for businesses to install EV chargers

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Charging an electric vehicle on premises is cheaper and more convenient for businesses than using public charging stations.

    In brief

    • The Business Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program assists businesses to buy and install EV chargers on their premises.
    • Eligible businesses can apply for rebates of up to 50 per cent of the cost (capped at $3,000 ex GST).
    • There are other ACT Government initiatives that can support businesses to become more sustainable.

    The Business Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program is available to help businesses buy and install EV charging infrastructure on their premises.

    Eligible businesses can apply for rebates of up to 50 per cent of the cost (capped at $3,000 excluding GST).

    These rebates can help businesses looking to make the switch to an EV. They will always have a place to recharge their vehicle.

    Charging an electric fleet vehicles on the businesses own premises is cheaper and more convenient than charging at public charging stations.

    Businesses looking to buy an EV either new or second hand can also benefit from:

    For every petrol or diesel vehicle you switch to electric, your business could save tens of thousands of dollars in running costs over 10 years.

    Through the Sustainable Business Program, businesses can:

    • receive free advice about electrifying their fleet and the rest of their business
    • access up to $10,000 in rebates to make energy efficient upgrades.

    The charger rebate is available for eligible businesses based in the ACT that operate or subcontract fleet vehicles.

    Read more like this

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Warren Presses Treasury Tax Policy Nominee on Commitment to Address Conflicts of Interests

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 11, 2025
    Kies refused to recuse himself from potential conflicts of interest throughout his time in office 
    Warren: “If confirmed as the top tax official at the Treasury Department, you will play a big role in handing out more tax cuts, including tax cuts to your former clients.”
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Mr. Kenneth Kies, nominee for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Department of the Treasury, on his background as a tax lobbyist for large corporations and pushed him to commit to recusing himself from any matters that would impact the financial interests of his former clients while he is in office. 
    As Treasury’s top tax official, Kies would be responsible for developing and implementing tax policy and programs, negotiating tax treaties, and providing analysis for domestic and international tax policy decisions. However, as Senator Warren highlighted during the hearing, Kies’ former clients stand to gain billions under the upcoming Republican tax bill. If confirmed, Kies’ office at the Treasury Department would oversee the implementation of these tax laws and could potentially include tax loopholes that benefit these large corporations he once lobbied for. 
    So far, Kies has only committed to not working on matters that involve his former clients for one year. When asked if he would commit to recusing himself from matters that would affect the financial interests of his former clients for the duration of his employment, Kies refused to provide a straight answer. 
    This week, Senator Warren sent a letter to Kies urging him to mitigate the glaring conflicts of interest created by his background as a tax lobbyist for large corporations and his extensive investments in corporations that lobby the Treasury on tax policy.
    “Donald Trump cares about one group of people and one group of people only: himself and his billionaire friends, so it’s no surprise that he has nominated a highly paid corporate tax lobbyist to run tax policy for the American people,” said the senator. “We need a government that works for working people, not just massive corporations, their CEOs, and their lobbyists, and that’s what’s going to happen under Mr. Kies’ watch.”
    Transcript: Hearing to examine the nominations of William Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, and Kenneth Kies, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.Senate Finance CommitteeApril 10, 2025
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In 2017, Donald Trump gave $2 trillion in tax cuts, mostly to billionaires and billionaire corporations, and now he’s back for round two, this time a whopping $7 trillion in tax breaks for his rich donors. 
    Now, Mr. Kies, you’ve been a corporate lobbyist for nearly 30 years, successfully arranging tax breaks for Wall Street, Big Tech, Big Oil, and Big Pharma—you’ve helped them all. And if confirmed as the top tax official at the Treasury Department, you will play a big role in handing out more tax cuts, including tax cuts to your former clients. So, I just want to run through how this would work. Mr. Kies, you’ve lobbied for Microsoft for years. Microsoft and other big tech companies are now demanding tax breaks to incentivize research that they would do anyway, but the real kicker is they want those tax breaks, called R&D expensing, to be retroactive, incentivizing them to make research decisions they made years ago. And Republicans have said, ‘Sure, why not.’ 
    Mr. Kies, do you know how much your client, Microsoft, stands to gain from just this one tax break? 
    Mr. Kenneth Kies: No, Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren: Well, if the Trump administration delivers what tech lobbyists are clamoring for, Microsoft would get $11 billion to incentivize investments it made years ago. That’s from Microsoft’s own annual reports. By the way, that is nearly as much as the federal government spends an entire year on child care for all of our babies. One company, your client, $11 billion. So, let’s try another one, Mr. Kies. 
    You’ve also lobbied on behalf of Pfizer, one of the biggest drug companies out there. President Trump has proposed slashing the tax rate for corporations even further, from 21% to 15% Mr. Kies, do you know how much your client Pfizer stands to gain from cutting the corporate tax rate to 15%?
    Mr. Kies: Okay, Senator Warren, Pfizer is not my client. I closed my business on March 14. None of those companies are my clients. My client—
    Senator Warren: I’m sorry, your former client. 
    Mr. Kies: Okay, former client. 
    Senator Warren: Pfizer, the one you lobbied for. 
    Mr. Kies: And Pfizer was a client over 10 years ago. 
    Senator Warren: Do you know how much they stand to make? 
    Mr. Kies: No. 
    Senator Warren: $4 billion from the Trump corporate tax cut. But there is more. The Republicans in Congress will set out the general rules for this tax giveaway, but your office at the Treasury Department will write the rules to implement those laws. When that happens, lobbyists will line up around the block to ask you for even more tax loopholes, which you know about firsthand, because you did exactly that after the first Trump tax giveaway. Now, you’ve committed not to work on matters involving your clients, or your former clients, for only one year. That means on day 366, while you are still in your job, you can go right back to handing out loopholes that could boost the bottom lines of Microsoft or Pfizer or any other of your former and future clients. 
    Mr. Kies, the American people would like to know that when you draw a government paycheck, you will be working just for them, not for your past and future clients. So, will you commit to recusing yourself from matters that would affect the financial interests of your former clients for the entire time that you are in office?
    Mr. Kies: So, Senator Warren, you and I had a very polite discussion about this when we met, and I advised you at that time, which is what I will tell you in public. I will comply with the terms of the ethics letter, which was written by career experts on ethics. And I would also reference you to the Bloomberg article, today, in which Scott Amey, the general counsel of the Project on Government Oversight, said the following: This is someone, me, who is taking government ethics very seriously— 
    Senator Warren: Very seriously—
    Mr. Kies: And was making attempts—
    Senator Warren: I appreciate that, but I’m running out of time here. 
    Mr. Kies: Well, I would encourage you to read the article.
    Senator Warren: I will take this as a no, and the fact that you say it’s okay with the Trump administration that on day 366, you will be handing out tax loopholes to clients that you took in millions of dollars from. And that you’ve made no pledge not to go back and make them your clients again in the future. That may be okay with the Trump administration. I don’t think it’s okay with the American people. 
    Donald Trump cares about one group of people and one group of people only: himself and his billionaire friends, so it’s no surprise that he has nominated a highly paid corporate tax lobbyist to run tax policy for the American people. We need a government that works for working people, not just massive corporations, their CEOs, and their lobbyists, and that’s what’s going to happen under Mr. Kies’ watch. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Towards new technologies: GUU at the Russian Venture Forum

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Representatives of the State University of Management took part in the largest event of the venture industry of our country – the XIX Russian Venture Forum, which was held from April 9 to 11 in Kazan.

    Our university was represented at the forum by the Director of the Business Incubator Dmitry Rogov and students of the State University of Management, residents of the Academy of Innovators: the founder of the HolterTech startup (a wireless Holter for monitoring heart function) Mikhail Zorin and the CEO of the MedTech startups m.GEN (a digital service for health monitoring based on genetic testing) and AXON (innovative gloves for electrocurrent therapy for the rehabilitation of people with brain injuries) Varvara Karamysheva. It is worth noting that in 2025 Mikhail Zorin will defend his final qualification work in the “Startup as a Diploma” format, which will be a very important step for the development of technological entrepreneurship at the State University of Management.

    The “zero” day of the Russian Venture Forum was held at the A.S. Popov Technopark of the Innopolis SEZ. Representatives of the State University of Management were able not only to get acquainted with the infrastructure of the first IT city of Russia, but also to communicate with experts, exchange useful contacts, create a foundation for scientific collaborations and receive feedback on startup projects. In particular, the investment attractiveness of our students’ innovative solutions was highly appreciated by Veniamin Kizeev, a member of the board of directors of the WINbd Management Academy, and business angel Martin Kohlhauser, who gave the students valuable advice on developing and scaling their startups into a real working business. The panel discussions of the “zero” day of the forum were devoted to the role of regional clusters and economic zones in shaping the flow of venture deals, as well as the implementation of technological projects – from scientific research to industry.

    The main part of the business program at the Kazan Expo IEC was opened by the plenary session “Technological Entrepreneurship – a Space of Higher Competencies” with the participation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov and the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. Invited experts and government officials discussed the transformation of the venture market, growth paths for university projects and new national priorities in technological development. During his speech, the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov noted that the country has created a full-fledged infrastructure to support technology startups, which gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to move forward and become small technology companies.

    Today, the ecosystem of projects of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia includes 142 universities, 50 advanced engineering schools, 38 technology transfer centers and more than 900 youth laboratories. The Minister paid special attention to the federal project “Technologies”, in which our university is integrated. The State University of Management implements acceleration programs for NTI markets, conducts trainings in entrepreneurial competencies, our students participate in and become winners of the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations “Student Startup” competition.

    On the first day of the forum, more than 10 thematic sessions were held – from industrial transformation to investments in sustainable development. Representatives of the State University of Management visited a startup exhibition, a conference dedicated to technological leadership, startup battles Venture Games, where experienced entrepreneurs competed for the attention of authoritative investors and representatives of the business community, as well as educational lectures from venture market experts in the Tech Shorts format.

    The final day of the forum began with the session “Opportunity for growth: from “Student Startup” to IPO”, organized by the Platform of University Technological Entrepreneurship of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The discussion was attended by young entrepreneurs who have gone from an idea to their first revenue.

    Other thematic sessions attended by the representatives of the State University of Management were devoted to DeepTech startups, development of the intellectual property market and technology transfer. Our students also gave an interview for the FranchCamp entrepreneurial platform, telling about their projects and shared their impressions of the Russian Venture Forum, which this year brought together over 5 thousand participants from 25 countries of the world – startups, corporations, universities and everyone who is building the technological future right now.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 11.04.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Crapo, Cassidy Introduce Bill to Protect Energy Permitting Process from Frivolous Lawsuits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the Revising and Enhancing Project Authorizations Impacted by Review (REPAIR) Act to protect the permitting process for U.S. energy, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects from frivolous lawsuits.

    “Critical domestic energy, natural resource, and manufacturing projects have been blocked by activist litigation for far too long, forcing the U.S. to rely on countries like China for resources available in our own backyard,” said Risch. “The REPAIR Act would close judicial loopholes and eliminate years of unnecessary litigation that have hindered our ability to harness our own natural resources.”

    “Off-shore energy projects face stiff headwinds in America,” said Crapo. “As we move toward greater American energy independence, the REPAIR Act would reduce the threat of frivolous lawsuits during the permitting and review process for new projects that can tie up proposals for years. Advancing this bill is an important step in furthering President Trump’s domestic energy agenda.”

    “Green activist groups have a pattern. They manipulate the legal system to keep infrastructure and energy projects in legal purgatory,” said Cassidy. “Let’s end this and get the project moving again. It’s the only way to unleash American energy!”

    The REPAIR Act makes many vital changes to the judicial review of an approved permit by ensuring all laws related to permitting have the same review process, scope of adjudication, rules for standing, and statute of limitations. The bill removes the ability to file a suit based on the National Environmental Policy Act, instead focusing lawsuits on the statute for which the permit was issued. In the case of a judicial remand or other court action, the REPAIR Act establishes a mediation process that allows the project developer and the permit-issuing agency to directly address the challenge and enable the project to move forward. Additionally, the bill increases transparency in ongoing court challenges to permits to highlight the unnecessary delays caused by the judicial process.

    The legislation is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Petroleum Institute, ClearPath, the National Mining Association, and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Combat Organized Supply Chain Theft and Retail Crime

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Combatting Organized Retail Crime (CORCA) Act alongside Reps. Dave Joyce (OH-14), Susie Lee (NV-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Laurel Lee (Fl-15), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Michael Baumgartner (WA-05). This bipartisan, bicameral bill takes important steps to strengthen legal tools for law enforcement and crack down on interstate and transnational crime. The Senate companion bill is led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

    The CORCA Act builds off initiatives in the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act, which was introduced by Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) in the 118th Congress.

    “Organized retail crime and supply chain theft are hitting families and small businesses hard in the Central Valley and beyond,” said Congressman Valadao. “These crimes are largely run by sophisticated criminal networks that endanger public safety and drive-up costs for consumers. In the 118th Congress, I introduced the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act to fight back against cargo theft, and I’m happy to see some of that language included in this bill. The CORCA Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to hold criminals accountable, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues to get this across the finish line.”

    “Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Rep. Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities, but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to these rampant crimes. I want to thank Senator Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this effort and all our House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their partnership in addressing this critical issue.” 

    “Organized retail crime puts all of us in danger, while hurting consumers, taxpayers, and businesses of all sizes. And the stolen goods fund human trafficking and terrorism,” said Rep. Susie Lee. “Our local and state law enforcement are doing incredible work, but we need coordination at the federal level to investigate and prosecute these crimes. Our bipartisan legislation will support law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on these criminal operations.”

    “By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks, along with the nefarious transnational groups that fund their operations,” said Rep. Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.”

    “Organized cargo and retail theft are a real and growing problem in Illinois and across the country – it’s time Congress step in to counteract it,” said Rep. Schneider. “Cargo and retail theft are not just local issues — organized groups are stealing goods at all points in the supply chain, oftentimes well before products make it to shelves, and resell stolen items across state lines. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.”

    “The rise in sophisticated criminal activities targeting retail stores and the broader supply chain has become a critical threat to our national economy, consumer safety, and public security,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “With retail theft surging by 93 percent over the last four years, the time to act is now. We must equip law enforcement with the necessary resources and tools to combat these criminals on a federal level, as they operate across state lines and international borders. I am proud to co-sponsor the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act to protect our businesses and keep our communities safe.”

    “The damage of organized retail crime is real, and it hurts hard-working American taxpayers and businesses here in Orange County across the country,” Rep. Correa said. “Our state and local public safety officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from this crime, and they deserve the best possible tools to take down these criminal syndicates. Retail crime affects everyone—so I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act today to help stop this threat dead in its tracks.”

    “Every time these criminals loot a store, fleece a supplier, highjack a trucker, shakedown a warehouse, honest Americans pay more. Prices go up, shelves go empty, and the working families in places like Spokane and Walla Walla get hit with a hidden tax — all because prosecutors are unable to prosecute, and thieves think they can get away with it,” said Rep. Baumgartner. “This bill hits back. It takes on the crime rings behind the theft, shuts down the online black market for stolen goods, and backs the blue with real support. Do you want to lower prices? Start by locking up the people who are robbing us blind.”

    “The Home Depot applauds Congressman Valadao for committing to the safety of our associates and customers by introducing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act,” said Scott Glenn, VP of Asset Protection, The Home Depot. “This legislation will help stop dangerous criminals from stealing from our stores.”

    “The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports efforts to combat organized retail crime, and we appreciate the strong bipartisan support behind the reintroduction of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” said Megan Noland, MCSA Executive Director. “With provisions to strengthen penalties and the creation of a dedicated center for coordination and information sharing, this legislation is a vital step toward supporting law enforcement in our fight against organized crime. We look forward to working together to advance this important legislation during this Congress.”

    “Organized cargo theft and fraud disrupt intermodal freight supply chains, risk the safety of our workforce, and harm the U.S. economy,” said Anne Reinke, President & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America. “The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) applauds Senator Grassley (R-IA), Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Reps. Joyce (R-OH), Lee (D-NV), Valadao (R-CA), Titus (D-NV), Baumgartner (R-WA), Schneider (D-IL), Lee (R-FL), and Correa (D-CA) for their leadership in championing critical legislation to address this urgent threat. The bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act will provide important resources to detect and fight organized crime throughout the supply chain, ensuring that our industry can continue delivering goods to American consumers safely and efficiently.”

    “Organized criminal operations continue to evolve and escalate their targeted attacks against our nation’s supply chain and retailers,” said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “This alarming trend affects every industry — including the nation’s largest railroads, which experienced a 40% spike in cargo theft last year. Rep. Valadao’s long-term leadership on developing a unified, federal response has been pivotal in shaping the legislation introduced today. CORCA’s economy-wide strategic framework will go a long way in disrupting these criminal networks and safeguarding our supply chain.”

    “UPS supports the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act as it provides the necessary resources and coordination to protect the movement of American goods throughout our country while safeguarding the integrity of our national supply chain from rail to road, to retail,” said President of UPS Global Public Affairs Michael Kiely.

    “Across the United States, communities small and large are facing an unprecedented number of Organized Retail Crime (ORC) incidents. The Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act would provide the necessary resources to bring the people and organizations behind this nationwide problem to justice by establishing formal coordination between law enforcement and the private sector,” said ICSC President and CEO, Tom McGee. “We applaud Reps. Joyce, Lee, Titus, and Valadao for reintroducing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act. We believe the bill represents a huge step in the right direction towards addressing this growing issue.”

    “The trucking industry takes great pride in delivering America’s freight safely and on time; however, the billions of tons of goods transported by trucks from coast to coast have increasingly become a prime target for organized crime rings, including transnational organizations, putting truck drivers at risk and raising costs for consumers,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “ATA commends this bipartisan group of leaders for addressing this alarming trend and safeguarding our supply chain.  By empowering federal agencies to improve cooperation across jurisdictions and ramp up enforcement actions, this bill would strike an effective blow against organized crime.”

    “Sophisticated criminal gangs are targeting retailers through brazen organized retail crime schemes, defrauding customers via gift card scams and attacking our supply chains by hijacking our rails and truck shipments. These criminal activities put retail employees, customers and supply chain partners in danger and allow criminal gangs to use ill-gotten profits to fund nefarious activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking. Dismantling these organized criminal rings requires cooperation and collaboration. RILA thanks Reps. Joyce (R-OH), Lee (D-NV), Valadao (R-CA), Titus (D-NV), Baumgartner (R-WA), Schneider (D-IL), Lee (R-FL), and Correa (D-CA) for their leadership and commitment to enacting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), which brings federal, state, and local law enforcement together to intercept and prosecute these criminal enterprises. RILA looks forward to working with them to get this critical piece of legislation signed into law,” said Michael Hanson, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs. 

    “NRF applauds Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) for his continued leadership to address one of retail’s biggest challenges, the rise of organized retail crime. ORC is a multibillion-dollar crisis impacting retailers, their associates and the customers they serve. ORC is occurring across the retail enterprise – supply chains, bricks-and-mortar stores, warehouses and online – with stolen product sold for a profit, oftentimes to fund other crimes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 will align efforts within a new Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to ensure that resources and information-sharing will be available across local, state, federal and private-sector partners to bring cases and prosecutions against organized theft groups. This legislation is an important step to help prevent ORC from infiltrating local communities across the country,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French.

    Background:

    Sophisticated criminal organizations have been increasingly involved in theft, fraud, and other property crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain. These crimes have escalated in scope and impact, threatening the national economy, consumer safety, and public security. According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93% from 2019 to 2023, and stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023. This surge in retail crime is often orchestrated by organized groups to resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises.

    At the same time, product manufacturers and supply chains are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27% increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These thefts range from large-scale physical theft of goods from containers and storage to sophisticated cybercriminal methods that divert shipments to illicit receivers. This causes significant financial losses and operational supply chain disruptions.

    The CORCA Act would:

    • Strengthen legal tools for law enforcement by allowing criminal forfeitures for interstate shipment, transportation of stolen goods, or sale of stolen goods convictions.
    • Expand money laundering statutes.
    • Enable prosecution of organized retail and supply chain groups using interstate or foreign commerce to facilitate crimes.
    • Mandate the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the Department of Homeland Security.

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is also supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Alaska Businesses, Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by October Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Alaska of the May 12, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the severe storm and flooding occurring Oct. 20–23, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Northwest Arctic Borough.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, elevating flood prone structures,  and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofits and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is May 12. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 15.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oregon Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Wheeler County Wildfires

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible businesses, nonprofits and residents in Oregon of the May 12, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the July 10-Aug. 23, 2024, wildfires.

    The disaster declaration covers Wheeler County.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include retrofitting structures to protect against wildfires and other physical disasters.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their disaster readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofits and 2.688% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is May 12. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 15.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement on British Steel: 11 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM statement on British Steel: 11 April 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement on British Steel.

    As Prime Minister, I will always act in the national interest.

    …to protect British jobs and British workers.

    This afternoon, the future of British steel hangs in the balance. 

    Jobs. Investment. Growth.

    Our economic and national security…

    …are all on the line.

    I’ve been to Scunthorpe.

    I’ve met the steel workers.

    I know how important steel is…

    …not just to the region, but to the whole country.

    It’s part of our national story.

    Part of the pride and heritage of this nation.

    And I’ll tell you this – it is essential for our future.

    Our Plan for Change means we need more steel not less.

    So we will act with urgency.

    Now, we should be clear –

    This situation – and our response – is unique.

    While it is true that we are facing a new era of global instability…

    Our concerns about this plant…

    And negotiations to protect it…

    Have been running for years.

    This moment could have happened at any time.

    But it has happened now.

    And I will not stand by.

    There is no time to waste.

    So we are recalling Parliament tomorrow

    For a Saturday sitting.

    We will pass emergency legislation

    In one day

    To give the Business Secretary the powers

    To do everything possible to stop the closure of these blast furnaces.

    And as I have said, we will keep all options on the table.

    Our future is in our hands.

    This government will not sit back and just hope.

    We will act to secure Britain’s future…

    With British steel: made in Britain, in the national interest.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blue Ridge Beef Issues Voluntary Recall of Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix and Kitten Mix Due to Salmonella & Listeria Contamination

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 11, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 11, 2025
    Product Type:
    Animal & VeterinaryFood & BeveragesPet FoodFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Salmonella & Listeria contamination.

    Company Name:
    Blue Ridge Beef
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Blue Ridge Beef

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Puppy Mix and Kitten Mix

    Company Announcement
    STATESVILLE, NC – April 10, 2025– Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,080 lbs. of their 2 lb logs of Kitten Mix Lot # N26 0114 and 1,380 lbs of their 2 lb logs of Puppy Mix Lot # N25 1230 (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags) due to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria.
    Salmonella and Listeria can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
    Healthy people infected with Salmonella or Listeria should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella and Listeria can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
    Pets with Salmonella or Listeria infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product(s) and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
    The products were distributed between January 3, 2025 to January 24, 2025. The product is packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in the states of: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York State, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Wisconsin. Image of product below:
    Due to a customer complaint of animal illness, samples of the products were collected on 3/20/25 by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. On 04/01/25, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that the products tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria.
    Products affected are:

    Product 

    Size 

    Lot Numbers 

    Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix

    2 lb

    N25 1230

    Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix

    2 lb

    N26 0114

    Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food. For more information email blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or call 704-873-2072 Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.
    This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/11/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Executive Committee

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    ATO Executive Committee

    The ATO Executive Committee focuses on the strategic matters that relate to the direction and positioning of the organisation.

    Our Commissioner and Second Commissioners are statutory appointments. The ATO Executive Committee consists of the Commissioner, 3 Second Commissioners and the leads from the operations and technology sections of the ATO.

    For more information about our organisation, see:

    Commissioner and Registrar

    Commissioner of Taxation and Registrar of the Australian Business Register and the Australian Business Registry Services

    Rob Heferen

    Rob Heferen was appointed as the 13th Commissioner of Taxation on 1 March 2024.

    Rob has had a long career in the Australian Public Service, beginning in 1989 as a graduate at the Australian Customs Service. Over 35 years, he’s accumulated diverse experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios. Rob has represented Australia in international forums including the United Nations (UN), International Energy Agency (IEA) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

    For almost 20 years, Rob’s interest and expertise in economics and tax policy led him to various roles in the ATO and Commonwealth Treasury. This included leading the Secretariat for the Australia’s Future Tax System Review (the Henry Tax Review) and culminated in his role as Deputy Secretary, Revenue Group at the Commonwealth Treasury between 2011–2016. Here he had responsibility for tax policy, tax legislation and revenue forecasting.

    Rob’s other Senior Executive roles include:

    • Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
    • Deputy Secretary of Higher Education, Research and International in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment
    • Deputy Secretary of Energy at the Department of the Environment and Energy (where he served as Australia’s representative on the International Energy Agency’s Governing Board)
    • Deputy Secretary of Indigenous Affairs at the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

    Rob is a proven people leader, with an open, collaborative and authentic style. He has a strong record of achievement in leading organisations to help shape and deliver on Government priorities.

    Rob has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania, and a Graduate Diploma of Economics from the Australian National University.

    Second Commissioner – Client Engagement

    Jeremy Hirschhorn

    Jeremy Hirschhorn was appointed to the Second Commissioner role from 16 April 2020. He has overall responsibility for the ATO’s Client Engagement Group, which fosters willing participation in Australia’s tax and super systems through well-designed client experiences.

    Jeremy has more than 20 years’ experience in roles managing complex tax matters.

    As Deputy Commissioner of Public Groups & International from April 2015, Jeremy was responsible for ensuring that the largest Australian and multinational companies were meeting their corporate tax obligations and providing the Australian community with confidence that these large companies were being held to account.

    Jeremy also worked as Chief Tax Counsel, with responsibility for the provision of the ATO’s legal advice in relation to interpretation of the tax and super laws, when he joined the ATO in August 2014.

    Prior to joining the ATO, Jeremy was a senior partner in KPMG’s tax practice.

    Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of NSW. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant.

    Second Commissioner Frontline Operations

    David Allen

    David Allen was appointed to the Second Commissioner Frontline Operations role from 1 November 2024. In this role, David leads the Frontline Operations Group which is responsible for a broad range of the ATO’s taxpayer services for all segments of the community.

    These include:

    • processing all payments, activity statements, income tax returns, superannuation lodgments and other forms
    • administering the Tax File Number register, Australian Business Register and Director ID Services.

    David joined the ATO in 2010 as an Assistant Commissioner in Public Groups & Internationals – working in Capital Gains Tax risk, Internationals. In 2016, he was the ATO’s delegate to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) based in Paris.

    In 2018, David was promoted to Deputy Commissioner and established the Enterprise Strategy and Design (ESD) business line – which takes the leadership role in working with business areas to shape the ATO’s strategic direction, risk management, planning and reporting, as well as internal audit and design.

    Prior to joining the ATO, David held senior roles in different tiers of the public service including Commonwealth, United Kingdom, NSW and local government.

    David has a degree in Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration from Australian Graduate School of Management.

    Second Commissioner for Law Design and Practice

    Kirsten Fish

    Kirsten has overall responsibility for the ATO’s law practice, including law interpretation, public advice and guidance, independent dispute prevention, litigation and resolution, and the ATO’s contribution to policy and law design.

    The Law Design and Practice Group serves the community, government and clients by ensuring the tax and super laws are informed, understood, administered and applied with confidence and integrity and is respected and trusted as the authoritative voice of the Commissioner on matters of law and revenue analysis.

    Kirsten joined the ATO in 2014 and the ATO’s Chief Tax Counsel from 2015, one of the highest legal authorities within the ATO, leading the Tax Counsel Network and providing technical leadership in relation to significant tax issues, cases and rulings. Kirsten was acting Second Commissioner for 12 months before being formally appointed to the role in October 2021.

    Prior to joining the ATO, Kirsten was a tax Partner at Clayton Utz with a focus on the financial services industry and providing finance and investment transaction advice.

    Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Masters of Law (Tax).

    Chief Operating Officer

    Jacqui Curtis

    The Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads the ATO’s Enterprise Strategy and Corporate Operations functions.

    These functions include Strategic Planning, Governance, Finance, Corporate, Risk Management, People, Integrity, Change Management and Design for the organisation. In this role, Jacqui is a member of the ATO Executive, responsible for shaping and setting strategic direction and oversight implementation.

    The COO position gives greater strength and integration to our corporate positioning, and ensures we are well positioned for Australian Public Service (APS)-wide reforms of corporate and shared services, and that our planning, governance and risk management is strategic and sensible. The COO brings together an integrated picture of our people and resource management and ensure we have the right capability and culture to meet our strategic intent.

    This position has a role in managing the relationship with key stakeholders like our scrutineers.

    All of these underpin our ability to deliver on a better client and staff experience. 

    Prior to the COO role, Jacqui joined the ATO in September 2013 as Deputy Commissioner ATO People and was responsible for delivering an enterprise-wide human resource management service which supports ATO employees in providing a sustainable, open and accountable workplace. Jacqui was also responsible for leading the Reinvention Program Management Office and the change management driving this key reform.

    Before joining the ATO, Jacqui was General Manager of the People Capability Division with Services Australia, where she led the department’s leadership and change, people development, workforce planning and research functions. Jacqui has also worked for the Australian Public Service Commission, where she was responsible for delivering integrated people development, SES and APS-wide leadership and talent, change management, strategic recruitment, communications, and learning and development. She also has extensive international experience.

    Jacqui holds an Executive Masters in Public Administration from the Australian National University and is a Fellow of Australian Human Resource Institute, and was appointed Adjunct Professor University of Canberra in 2018.

    In October 2019, Jacqui was appointed the inaugural Head of the APS HR Professional Stream.

    Chief Information Officer

    Mark Sawade

    Mark Sawade was appointed to the Chief Information Officer role from 11 March 2025.

    In this role Mark has overall responsibility for the ATO’s Enterprise Solutions and Technology Group, who work to ensure we maintain a contemporary, secure and reliable technology environment that supports tax, super and registry systems into the future.

    Mark has nearly 25 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service, primarily in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leadership roles. Preceding his appointment at the ATO, Mark was the Chief Information Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, where he led and delivered a range of digital transformation initiatives.

    In 2019, Mark led the School Funding and Data Collection division in the Department of Education, where he delivered significant reform that focused on increased use of government data in the calculation of school funding entitlements.

    Mark has also held ICT senior executive leadership roles in a number of public sector agencies, including at the Department of Education, Australian Bureau of Statistics, ComSuper and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

    Mark holds a Bachelor of Computer and Information Science from the University of South Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister reaffirms commitment to efficient policing

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reaffirmed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) commitment to realising an efficient, effective, and responsible police service.

    “… I want to reaffirm our commitment. We are committed to realising an efficient, effective, and responsible police service; one that reflects the values and aspirations of our democracy. This is non-negotiable,” the Minister said.

    Mchunu was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the recently held three-day National Policing Summit. 

    “The people of South Africa demand policing that is efficient, effective, and accountable. The people of South Africa demand a police service that is worthy of their trust, and most importantly, the people of South Africa demand that we act.”

    WATCH | 

    At Friday’s briefing in Pretoria, the Minister said that the priorities of the police are to reduce murder, remove unnecessary firearms from communities, remove drugs, fight gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and organised crime.

    The police are also aware of the increases in crimes such as kidnappings, extortion, cash-in-transit heists and stock theft.

    Additionally, police have classified the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape as hotspots.

    “As a means of effectively reducing crime, we have identified several key enablers, inclusive of using and improving our technology, strengthening our crime intelligence, capacitating and upskilling our detective services, improving and expanding our forensic services and improving the general environment under which police officers work.

    “We have made mention of the budgetary constraints, but we have also committed to maximising the budget allocated and the resources at our disposal. 

    “Business has also come on board and through that partnership, there are projects aimed at capacitating, particularly our detective services, improving our technology and increasing our laboratories,” he explained.

    Operations Room

    Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said that the summit engaged with seasoned researchers, academic leaders, the business sector, subject matter experts and community structures. The engagements were focused on how to turn the the tide, recalibrate and reposition the SAPS for the future.

    “During the summit deliberations, we assessed the current state and performance of the SAPS, focussed on operational inefficiencies. We identified pragmatic strategies that will improve and advance maximum effectiveness in policing while strategically repositioning the SAPS to ensure long-term relevance, heightened professionalism and the restoration of public trust.

    “The SAPS will establish a National Policing Summit Operations Room. This facility will house a permanent scoreboard that will track and trace progress on the resolutions of the summit periodically for the next five years. 

    “We believe that this significant move will hold the management of the SAPS accountable to the nation, as we commit to turnaround the policing direction of this country,” Masemola explained.

    Visibility 

    The Commissioner added that the summit’s focus was not on theoretical discussion alone, but rather on diagnosing real operational challenges, understanding community perceptions and analysing systemic shortcomings.

    “The summit placed special emphasis on rethinking how SAPS can maximise its impact within existing constraints while repositioning itself for long-term relevance, professionalism, and enhancing public trust in policing.

    “The first day of the summit interrogated the difference between being seen and being felt in communities. While the SAPS often reports on patrols and deployments, the quality and impact of these efforts on safety perceptions was central to the conversation.”
    Masemola explained that the discussions reflected a disconnect between visible policing efforts and actual community safety outcomes, prompting a call for a more intentional, impact-focused presence.

    Masemola also hinted that the Summit touched on technology as a transformative tool in the modernisation of policing.
    “Summit discussions addressed real-time crime tracking, GIS [ geographic information system] mapping, AI-driven analytics, and predictive policing. Participants discussed how these technologies can help SAPS anticipate criminal activity and deploy resources more efficiently.

    “Emphasis was placed on data quality, interoperability of systems and the critical need for digital literacy within SAPS,” said the Commissioner.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the summit that was held at Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Gauteng on Tuesday.

    READ | President calls for holistic overhaul of policing

    The Summit, among other things, addressed the high levels of crime in South Africa by reflecting on current policing approaches and developing more effective methods for the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study suggesting potential patient harms associated with use of AI medical outcome-prediction models

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Patterns looks at potential patient harms linked to the use of AI medical outcome prediction models. 

    Professor Peter Bannister, Fellow and Healthcare expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology said:

    “AI is trained on real-world data which include biases as well as the desired potential to enable better decisions. In the case of healthcare, there is a risk that if AI is widely used for clinical decision making, it may further marginalise groups who already have poor access to treatments. An example would be for patients where AI predicts they have a low survival rate, which means they are then not offered potentially lifesaving treatments.

    “This paper proves that in many clinical decision-making processes, relying only on AI’s ability to accurately predict symptoms can sometimes lead to worse outcomes for those patients. While the authors make it clear there are further, more complex scenarios that need to be studied, this work reinforces the need for AI technologies that are used in real-world settings to be assessed in a “whole system” approach, where the overall health outcome of the patient is used to decide whether the AI is contributing to improved care.”

     

    Professor Ibrahim Habli, Research Director, Centre for Assuring Autonomy, University of York, said:

    “The study warns us about the risks of relying too much on one technology and judging it only by its accuracy, without considering who it’s for and in what situations. For AI to be used safely in healthcare, it needs to fit into the real-world practices of doctors and the specific needs of patients. The study is encouraging in that it focuses on AI safety, especially as it follows a recently published White Paper ‘Avoiding the AI off switch’ highlighting the need for AI to be a benefit, not a liability to both clinicians and patients. Treating patients is a process that changes over time, depending on their needs and available treatments. Focusing only on accuracy and outcomes can be misleading and even dangerous. AI might also show bias, such as against people with disabilities or rare diseases, making it safer for some people but not for everyone.”

    Prof Ian Simpson, Professor of Biomedical Informatics, University of Edinburgh, said:

    When asked how widely are these outcome prediction AI models used in the NHS/NHS Scotland right now?

    “It’s reasonable to say that AI OPMs are not that widely used at the moment in the NHS/NHS Scotland. Decision support tends to be used more in association with medical hardware systems that were very early adopters of ML techniques, i.e. things like MRI machines. Here they tend to be used in parallel with existing clinical management policies and often either for assisting diagnostics and/or speeding up processes like image segmentation.

    “Whilst diagnostics can fall foul of the issues raised in the paper, it’s not quite the same as the scenarios they explore in that it’s deterministic and following clinical decisions would likely be made using existing processes. Issues here tend to be more performance oriented i.e. false positives (over diagnosis) and false negatives (incorrect or missing diagnosis). These are the metrics that are currently scrutinised in approval processes. So, in short, the issues raised in this paper are in my opinion not quite so acute for diagnostics as currently deployed.”

    Professor Ewen Harrison, Professor of Surgery and Data Science and Co-Director of Centre for Medical Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, said:

    “Artificial intelligence and computer algorithms are increasingly used in medicine to help make difficult decisions. While these tools promise more accurate and personalised care, this study highlights one of a number of concerning downsides: predictions themselves can unintentionally harm patients by influencing treatment decisions.

    “Say a hospital introduces a new AI tool to estimate who is likely to have a poor recovery after knee replacement surgery. The tool uses characteristics such as age, body weight, existing health problems, and physical fitness.

    “Initially, doctors intend to use this tool to decide which patients would benefit from intensive rehabilitation therapy. However, due to limited availability and cost, it is decided instead to reserve intensive rehab primarily for patients predicted to have the best outcomes. Patients labelled by the algorithm as having a “poor predicted recovery” receive less attention, fewer physiotherapy sessions, and less encouragement overall.

    “As a result, these patients indeed experience slower recovery, higher pain, and reduced mobility, seemingly confirming the accuracy of the prediction tool. In reality, however, it was the reduced support and resources – triggered by the algorithm’s predictions – that contributed to their poor outcomes. The model has thus created a harmful self-fulfilling prophecy, with accuracy metrics wrongly interpreted as evidence of its success.

    “These are real issues affecting AI development in the UK. The researchers emphasise that hospitals and policymakers need to carefully monitor how predictive algorithms are actually used in practice. Doing so can help ensure that AI-driven decisions genuinely benefit patients, rather than inadvertently harming those who most need help.”

     

    Prof Ian Simpson, Professor of Biomedical Informatics, University of Edinburgh, said:

    “This is an important and timely study adding to emerging evidence that the long established dependence on predictive performance when evaluating AI models is not sufficient to support their deployment in healthcare settings. This study undertakes a formal theoretical approach to explore the relationship between model performance (how well a model predicts) and model calibration (how reliable the probabilities of those predictions are) in both pre- and post- model deployment scenarios. The study finds that, even in simple settings, models that have good performance and calibration properties could lead to worse patient outcomes if deployed.

    “Intuitively, it would seem that implementing models with the best performance would be desirable, if not essential, however these models are typically trained on historical data. This bakes in relationships so that any future change in treatment from the historical process which changes a patient outcome favourably would paradoxically result in a drop in model performance during deployment. This could result in positive changes in treatment decisions leading to the withdrawal of the model due to a drop in performance below an acceptable level despite it leading to an improvement in patient outcomes. One of the interesting findings in this study is that drops in model performance on deployment could actually be evidence of a model performing well and that where models do not change performance upon deployment it may mean that the model is in fact not effective at all; it simply reinforces existing practice.

    “The authors find that over a wide range of settings there is risk of “self-fulfilling prophecy” where the historical training used to develop models hard-wires decisions or worse actively disadvantages groups of patients for whom treatment changes from the established process would be beneficial. They posit a scenario where patients with a fast-growing tumour receive a decision not to undergo palliative radiotherapy based on the poor survival time predicted by the model. Patients with slower growing tumours are recommended for treatment as the model predicts a longer survival time, justifying the side-effects of the treatment. However in this scenario radiotherapy is ineffective for slow growing tumours, but highly effective for aggressive ones; the model supports exactly the wrong outcome.

    “This work, building on findings by others in recent years, provides further evidence for a need to shift focus from predictive performance to an explicit consideration of the effects on patient outcomes of changes in treatment choice. The gold-standard for such are long-established in healthcare; randomised control trials designed to directly measure the effectiveness of new interventions in deployment. Regulation for AI tools is evolving rapidly around the world, but these are primarily focussed on performance both pre- and post- deployment which, as this study shows, fails to capture their effectiveness in practice and risks reinforcing bias from historical data.

    “Whilst at first glance this work might seem alarming it is in fact a very encouraging development highlighting essential considerations for how to evaluate and use AI models in healthcare. These deepen our understanding of how to improve their safety and clinical effectiveness and, crucially, emphasises the importance of randomised control trials and deep integration of clinical knowledge into model development.”

     

    Dr Catherine Menon, Principal Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire’s Department of Computer Science, said:

    “This study presents results that show the risks of doctors using AI prediction models to make treatment decisions. This happens when AI models have been trained on historical data, where the data does not necessarily account for such factors as historical under-treatment of some medical conditions or demographics. These models will accurately predict poor outcomes for patients in these demographics. This creates a “self-fulfilling prophecy” if doctors decide not to treat these patients due to the associated treatment risks and the fact that the AI predicts a poor outcome for them. Even worse, this perpetuates the same historic error: under-treating these patients means that they will continue to have poorer outcomes. Useof these AI models therefore risks worsening outcomes for patients who have typically been historically discriminated against in medical settings due to factors such as race, gender or educational background.

    “This demonstrates the inherent importance of evaluating AI decisions in context, and applying human reasoning and assessment to AI judgements. AIs might be accurate, but they can only understand a limited subset of the entire landscape around treatment decisions. This has important real-world implications because it shows that human oversight and sound ethical assessment of AI models is necessary if treatment decisions are going to be made based on the predictions of these AI models. Use of AI without human oversight in this context risks embedding further discrimination and disenfranchisement into medical systems.

    “This also has important real-world implications beyond the medical domain. Uses of AI such as the “homicide prediction project” highlighted in https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/08/uk-creating-prediction-tool-to-identify-people-most-likely-to-kill may also lead to the same result. Certain demographics which have historically been over-policed and are over-represented within the justice system may suffer from the same AI-predicted poorer outcomes as those discussed within this medical study. This demonstrates the wider power of such predictive AI models, and the necessity to fully understand their training and scope before using them.”

    Dr James N. Weinstein, Innovation and Health Equity, Microsoft Research, Health Futures, said:

    “While prediction models are often praised for their accuracy, this research highlights a critical flaw: even well-performing models can lead to harmful self-fulfilling prophecies when used for treatment decisions. It’s essential to evaluate these models based on their real-world impact on patient outcomes rather than just predictive accuracy. Emphasizing “informed choice,” where medical decisions are guided by a patient’s values and preferences, is crucial to ensure that treatment and outcome decisions evolve with the patient’s condition over time.”

    References:

    Patient-Reported Data Can Help People Make Better Health Care Choices, William B. Weeks, MD and Dr. James N. Weinstein. September 21, 2015: Harvard Business Review

    Effects of Viewing an Evidence-Based Video Decision Aid on Patients’ Treatment Preferences for Spine Surgery, Jon D. Lurie, MD, MS, Kevin F. Spratt, PhD, Emily A. Blood, MS, Tor D. Tosteson, ScD, Anna N. A. Tosteson, ScD, and James N. Weinstein, DO, MS, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, USA   Spine (Phila Pa 1976). August 15, 2011; 36(18): 1501–1504. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182055c1e.

    GenAI and Patient Choice: A New Era of Informed Healthcare, Dr. Peter Bonis and Dr. Jim Weinstein. February 28, 2025: Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare

    ‘When accurate prediction models yield harmful self-fulfilling prophecies’ by Wouter A.C. van Amsterdam et al. was published in Patterns at 16:00 UK time Friday 11 April 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2025.101229

    Declared interests

    Prof Ewen Harrison: EMH receives grant funding from the NIHR, Wellcome Leap, UKRI and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

    Prof Ian Simpson: I have consulted for, and received funding from, pharmaceutical companies including UCB and AstraZeneca. I also lead the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Biomedical Innovation that has many industry partners.

    Dr Jim Weinstein: employee of Microsoft Research which is a research subsidiary of Microsoft.

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The results of the XVI Universiade of the State University of Management have been summed up

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    From March 17 to April 10, 2025, the State University of Management hosted the Universiade among 6 institutes in 11 sports disciplines.

    More than 200 students from our university took part in the competition.

    The leaders in individual disciplines were:

    For the second year in a row, IOM beat everyone in mini-football; IUPSiBK swam the fastest; The score in basketball matches was on IOM’s side; IIS won among girls in volleyball, and IEF among boys; IUPSiBK became the most artistic in aerobics; IGUiP became the masters of rackets in badminton; IUPSiBK thought out the team strategy for tug-of-war better; IM took the greatest weight in the bench press; IEF demonstrated miracles of dexterity in table tennis; IIS (CS 2), IGUiP (Valorant), IIS (DOTA 2) skated their disciplines excellently in e-sports.

    The overall standings for the Universiade were distributed as follows:

    1st place – IUPSiBK 2nd place – IGUiP 3rd place – IEF 4th place – IOM 5th place – IIS 6th place – IM

    Congratulations to the Institute of Personnel Management, Social and Business Communications for confident and unconditional sports leadership. We thank all participants for their beautiful play and will to win.

    We look forward to the next sports competitions and new achievements!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 11.04.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Eightco Announces the Completion of the sale of Fergueson Containers, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Strategic Divestiture Continues Focus on Core Forever 8 Business’ Long-Term Growth

    Easton, PA, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OCTO) (the “Company” or “Eightco”) today announced that it has completed the sale of its subsidiary, Ferguson Containers, Inc., to Reichard Corrugated Products, LLC, an entity controlled by the existing management of Ferguson Containers.

    “We are pleased to announce the sale of Ferguson Containers. This planned divestiture is a milestone that will allow both companies to better position themselves for long-term success and aligns with our focus on our core business,” said Paul Vassilakos, CEO of Eightco and President of Forever 8 Fund, LLC (“Forever 8”), the Company’s remaining subsidiary. “We are grateful for the commitment and value Ferguson Containers has provided us. We extend our sincere congratulations to Edward and Derick Reichard, Senior Managers at Ferugson Containers for 35 years and Founders of Reichard Corrugated Products, LLC, and their team. We wish them the best as they embark on this new chapter.”

    Mr. Vassilakos, continued “This transaction is consistent with Eightco’s strategy to prioroitize and continue to sharpen its focus on its core business, Forever 8, and will move forward with its ongoing efforts to drive long-term growth by responding to the high demand for inventory and cash flow management solutions.”

    A description of the Asset Purchase Agreement and the terms of the acquisition are contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 27, 2024 and can be found at at www.sec.gov.

    About Eightco Holdings, Inc.

    Eightco (NASDAQ: OCTO) is committed to growth of its subsidiary, Forever 8 Fund, LLC, an inventory capital and management platform for e-commerce sellers. In addition, the Company is actively seeking new opportunities to add to its portfolio of technology solutions focused on the e-commerce ecosystem through strategic acquisitions. Through a combination of innovative strategies and focused execution, Eightco aims to create significant value and growth for its stockholders.

    For additional information, please visit www.8co.holdings and www.forever8.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward looking. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “expand,” “advance,” “develop” “believes,” “guidance,” “target,” “may,” “remain,” “project,” “outlook,” “intend,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: Eightco’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements; unexpected costs, charges or expenses that reduce Eightco’s capital resources; Eightco’s inability to raise adequate capital to fund its business; and Eightco’s inability to innovate and attract users for Eightco’s products and services. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause Eightco’s actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, see Eightco’s filings with the SEC, including in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Eightco undertakes no duty to update this information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    investors@8co.holdings

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Orange Bank & Trust Company Promotes David Dineen to Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Wealth Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orange Bank & Trust Company, an economic engine of New York’s business community for more than 132 years, announced that David Dineen has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Senior Managing Director of Wealth Management.

    Dineen joined Orange Bank & Trust in 2022 as Senior Vice President and Director of Wealth Services, successfully overseeing the trust and private banking divisions. As Senior Managing Director of Wealth Management, he is responsible for leading the asset management, trust, and private banking offerings under the umbrella of Orange Wealth Management.

    “David’s deep expertise in the wealth management industry, strategic vision, and commitment to our clients’ financial success is invaluable as we continue to expand our offerings through Orange Wealth Management,” said Michael Gilfeather, Orange Bank & Trust Company President and CEO.

    Dineen has more than 35 years of banking industry experience, including positions with The Bank of New York, Commerce Bank, North Fork Bank, Bankwell Financial, and Capital One Bank. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s College with a B.A. in Business Administration.

    “With Orange Wealth Management, we can offer our entrepreneurial clients a comprehensive solution that integrates investment guidance, estate planning, and personal banking services. I look forward to working with our team to continue to grow this area of our business and meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Dineen.

    About Orange Bank & Trust Company  
    Orange Bank & Trust Company is the Hudson Valley’s premier financial institution focusing on commercial lending, business banking, and wealth management services. For more than 132 years, Orange Bank & Trust Company has been an economic engine of the community, with approximately $2.5 billion in assets and playing a vital role in increasing opportunities for local businesses, facilitating region-defining developments, and maximizing investments to neighborhood-serving non-profits.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d5e90d0-9344-4c3b-b332-dc09b6a0651d

    The MIL Network –