PM remarks at St Patrick’s Day reception: 19 March 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s remarks at the first St Patrick’s Day reception hosted in 10 Downing Street.
It’s really fantastic to see you all here.
What a buzz. What an occasion it is to have you here in Downing Street where I work and where I live. So, I really hope you enjoy being here this evening for our very own St. Patrick’s Day event.
Now I didn’t realise this, but this is the first time we have had one of these celebrations in No10. I can hardly believe it.
Our manifesto says change on the front. There are many bits we are going to change but this is among them now.
You’ll have seen the Innova Irish dance company on your way in – weren’t they fantastic?
I was in a busy in a meeting downstairs when they were rehearsing up here earlier on, and we could hear the rhythms of what they were going to do, it was really fantastic.
And I think I can see some of them. They were absolutely brilliant.
And we’ve got Tara Viscardi on the harp, it’s very nice to see you.
We’ve got the Belfast Coffee Company, Burren Balsamics, and who would have thought, that tonight Downing Street is the best place in London to grab a pint of Guinness.
We have set up a Guinness bar in the back. I think there is probably a strong case for leaving it there till the next one of these events.
And if anyone wants to have a go at splitting the G, then please go ahead. So Sláinte everyone!
But of course, celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day is a chance to bring people together.
And it is really an honour to host you all here.
And as I think and hope you know, all of this matters deeply to me because I have personal connections to Northern Ireland.
It’s a place close to my heart.
I worked over there for five years, working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on some of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement changes.
And that, as I’ve said on many occasions, was really impactful and formative for me on my journey through life. I learnt so much about politics, about change, about working with communities.
The importance of hope, and there was a lot of hope in the change that was going on, and about the people of Northern Ireland who are absolutely fantastic.
So I remember stepping off the plane for the first time. It’s London to Belfast, it’s only about 55 minutes.
But it was a big step, and it was really incredible to do that work and to feel the personal responsibility of upholding the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.
Because I love Northern Ireland so much, soon after my wife Vic and I got married we flew over to Belfast, hired a car and drove around the entire island of Ireland.
From Belfast, all the way around and then back out of Dublin for about three weeks. But we saw everything, but it was really, really fantastic to see, and a real big part of my life.
And for me the Belfast Good Friday Agreement is the greatest achievement of the Labour Party in my lifetime.
And I’m delighted that we have got in the room tonight, some of the people who were instrumental in bringing that around.
What an incredible piece of history. And I know that Hilary and Fleur who are here work closely with the Northern Ireland parties.
And it’s fantastic that we’ve got some of Mo Mowlam’s family here.
In 2023, I was very pleased to open the Mo Mowlam Studio for Cinematic Arts at Ulster University. And that’s a fantastic tribute to her legacy that will help provide new opportunities for young people.
And secondly, hosting these celebrations in No10 matters to me because it’s only two weeks ago that I was with the Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the inaugural UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool. There we were joined by the Irish Ambassador to the UK Martin Fraser who is also here tonight.
But that Summit was a real opportunity to make good on the reset of relations between the UK and Ireland with a real determination to take them forward with massive ambition.
We had a really good two-day Summit where we got through everything we had on our agenda, and we added further things to the agenda that we could agree on.
And really, it felt that partnership, historically a strong and very important partnership is really entering a new and very positive chapter of our history.
And we will continue to build that friendship. Doing more than ever before in business, trade and security, we have discussed energy at great length and taking the relationship as the closest neighbours and friends – to that next level.
And finally, tonight matters. Because it’s a chance to celebrate the incredible ties that bind us all together. The connections between families and friends across our islands.
The late Queen Elizabeth II spoke about this. I’ve got what she said because when you pull it out it’s a really poignant reminder. > She said “the ordinary people who yearned for the peace and understanding we now have between our two nations and between the communities” within them, and she went on to say is a reminder of everything we still need to do to build a better future for all of us.
And I think it’s worth remembering those words and what an incredible piece of history that we have been living through. So tonight, let us raise a glass to St. Patrick. To celebrating everything Irish.
And on which I’ve seen actually Pat there. I play football regularly as you may know, and I wear a top. Now and again the photographers turn up.
Then there is this quiz which is what’s the top that he’s wearing. It’s my Donegal top that I picked up on my honeymoon.
And then the Taoiseach gave me an upgraded version of that top which is now used on the occasions where I am playing football.
So let’s celebrate everything Irish. All of the huge contribution to Britain over many generations.
From all those who settled in all sorts of places across the United Kingdom, including my own constituency of Camden.
But also of course in Coventry, in Birmingham and Liverpool and who applied their skills in construction, the NHS and workplaces and businesses across the country.
Or who created the music and art that has shaped us for decades.
And I know we’ve got some fantastic people here this evening.
Dermot O’Leary is here. Lisa McGee – the writer of the brilliant Derry Girls. Daniel Wiffen – Olympic Champion.
People from business, politics, the media and from across the country
Including from the London Irish Centre in my own constituency – Seamus MacCormaic, you are very welcome this evening.
You’ll all be familiar with the London Irish Centre. A fantastic centre in Camden. An incredible place.
I’ve been there many times. For meetings, for events, we have held advice surgeries there.
There was a lot of work done there during Covid where it was a place where people could come for a socially distanced cup of coffee.
And that was really important for communities that were lonely and out of touch and of course, they have hampers going out there every Christmas for people who need it in the community.
I even did Desert Island Pics there which was a variation of Desert Island Discs. I once got challenged in a pub in Camden by someone who didn’t like the Desert Island Discs I had chosen.
Only in Camden could you get challenged about that!
And of course we had our CLP Christmas Social this year so the Camden Irish Centre is a great, great place!
So this is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to everyone for what you are doing.
Let’s keep talking. Tell us how we can do better, how we can work with you.
This is the centre of the work I do. But I did say the day after the election when I was on the steps of Downing Street, that we would be a government of service.
And that means it’s great to have you in here so you can help our thinking and shape what we are doing as we go about that task.
So thank you for your contributions, thank you for being here.
I wish you all very Happy St. Patrick’s Day. And as I say, the Guinness bar is winking at us just over there so if you haven’t got a pint of Guinness, please do enjoy one.
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dommonick T. Chatman, age 49, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on twenty counts of bank fraud and one count of destroying records in a federal investigation.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Chatman either submitted or caused to be submitted false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications and supporting documentation in order to obtain funds for his clients and kickback payments to himself.
The PPP program was created by the March 2020 CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PPP program was designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP funds were offered in forgivable loans, provided that certain criteria are met, including use of the funds for employee payroll, mortgage interest, lease, and utilities expenses.
According to the indictment, Chatman operated a business located in York, PA, known as The Chatman Group, LLC, through which he offered tax-preparation services. It is alleged that Chatman discussed the PPP and funds available through the PPP with existing and prospective clients of his company. If the clients decided to move forward with PPP loan applications, Chatman prepared a PPP loan application for and on behalf of a client or directed an employee of The Chatman Group to prepare an application using information that he provided. Chatman then knowingly inserted false and fraudulent information into clients’ applications and supporting documentation. For example, several loan applications were supported by a Schedule C—an official IRS tax form for the reporting of business income by a sole proprietor—claiming over $100,000 in gross receipts when, in reality, the taxpayer either did not file a Schedule C for the corresponding tax year or filed a Schedule C reporting gross receipts of less than $15,000.
A financial institution, including at times an unnamed financial institution headquartered in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, then approved such loans in reliance on the documentation submitted to it.
The indictment contains twenty individual charges of bank fraud, each of which is based on an allegedly false and fraudulent PPP loan application filed during March and April 2021. Most of the applications were for a requested amount of approximately $20,833, which was the maximum possible amount for a sole proprietor with no employees.
The indictment also alleges that in November and December 2022, after being contacted and interviewed by members of federal law enforcement, Chatman knowingly destroyed records—including electronically stored PPP loan applications of clients and a hard copy list of PPP loan applications of clients—with the intent to obstruct a federal grand jury investigation.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for bank fraud is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for destruction of records in a federal investigation is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $55,000 in penalties from Lab Worq, LLC (Lab Worq) after the company misled New Yorkers seeking rapid COVID-19 tests in late 2021 and early 2022. Lab Worq falsely advertised 24-hour test results, despite widespread delays in delivering patients’ results. For example, in the two weeks leading up to Christmas in 2021, Lab Worq’s wait time for test results was more than three days, impacting over 90,000 patients who were counting on receiving their results quickly for holiday travel. Some consumers complained of waiting a week or more for results, and others reported never receiving results at all. While Lab Worq is not currently operational, the company and its owner have agreed to provide accurate information concerning test result timelines if Lab Worq offers tests in the future, in addition to paying $55,000 in penalties. Attorney General James has now secured over $580,000 to date from companies that failed to deliver COVID-19 test results as promised.
“In 2021, consumers were anxious to get COVID-19 tests so they could visit family and friends and return to work during the holiday season,” said Attorney General James. “Lab Worq misled consumers by repeatedly promising 24-hour test results that they could not deliver, and now they are paying the price. I will continue to take action against any company that misleads New Yorkers during a public health crisis.”
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) first launched its investigation into COVID-19 testing sites in December 2021, following numerous complaints from New Yorkers who were not receiving rapid COVID-19 test results as promised. For some patients, these delayed test results jeopardized their ability to work, as they needed negative test results to return to their jobs. For others, the delayed test results disrupted holiday plans. The OAG issued a warning letter in December 2021 to Lab Worq, along with several other COVID-19 testing companies, cautioning them not to misrepresent testing turnaround times during the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which corresponded with the busy holiday season.
With this settlement from Lab Worq, Attorney General James has secured more than $580,000 in penalties and refunds from companies that failed to provide COVID testing as promised, including $122,000 from Clear 19 Rapid Testing, $182,000 from ClearMD Health, and $230,000 from SameDay Health.
Attorney General James asks any New Yorker who believes a medical facility is making misleading statements to file a complaint online with the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau or call the office at 1-800-771-7755.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Franklin Romeo and Mary Alestra, and Deputy Bureau Chief of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau Laura J. Levine, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and is overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Washington, DC:On March 18, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Belgium, and considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.[1]
The Belgian economy was resilient to a series of shocks, but growth has been slowing, and core inflation remains persistent. Labor productivity growth remained sluggish, and labor-cost competitiveness has declined. Successive shocks have increased structural fiscal deficits and public debt. Risks arising from deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and intensification of regional conflicts affecting energy, trade and financial spillovers could worsen the outlook.
In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Belgium, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:
Notwithstanding its resilience, the Belgium economy faces significant challenges. In the short term, in an increasingly uncertain environment, policies need to see disinflation through while preserving growth and financial stability. From a longer perspective, policies need to rebuild buffers, reduce vulnerabilities associated with high and rising public debt, address spending pressures from aging and the green transition, foster higher growth, and improve the external position which, in 2024, was weaker than implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies based on preliminary assessment. The policy agenda of the new government, which includes significant structural reforms and fiscal consolidation, is an opportunity to make headway. Steady and timely implementation of intended reforms will be key.
Sustained and significant fiscal consolidation is needed. Considering the magnitude of the needed adjustment to bring the deficit durably below 3 percent of GDP and put debt solidly on a downward path, staff supports the government’s intention to pursue a seven-year adjustment under the EGF, which should be accompanied by credible and front-loaded growth-enhancing reforms. An annual reduction in the structural primary balance of about 0.6 ppt of GDP until 2031 will be necessary. The forthcoming MTFSP should be built on sufficiently conservative assumptions to lower the risk of deviating from the intended path of deficit reduction.
The adjustment should rationalize current spending, make room for more public investment, and be supported by increased efficiency of spending. Rationalizing social benefits and the public wage bill is crucial to achieve savings. Public investment should be preserved, or ideally, increased to bolster potential growth and support green transition. Amid competing demands for resources and reduced fiscal space, improving the efficiency of spending, is critical, notably with respect to investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Fiscal reforms are crucial to support the adjustment. Staff welcomes the government’s intention to reduce the tax burden on labor while introducing capital gain taxation and reducing tax expenditure. Considering the needed overall fiscal adjustment, tax reforms should not result in lower revenue. Similarly, staff welcomes the planned reforms aimed at raising the effective retirement age and reviewing eligibility to specific pension regimes. This is necessary to preserve the sustainability of the pension system despite aging. Staff also encourages the authorities to strengthen the overall fiscal framework, through a revitalized fiscal council and greater accountability of the federal and all federated entities in sharing the burden of fiscal adjustment.
Overall systemic risks in the financial sector remain moderate and current capital buffer requirements and prudential limits on mortgage loans should be maintained. Recent progress in strengthening systemic risk assessment, supervision, the macroprudential framework, and crisis management and resolution preparedness is welcome. With a new government in place, pending measures that required legislative action should now proceed.
Labor market and education reforms are essential to foster higher labor participation and better adequation of skills. The government’s intended reforms to widen the income gap between work and nonwork, limit the duration of unemployment benefits, and reduce the cost of hiring and dismissal go in the right direction. Fostering a labor market more inclusive of low-skilled workers, older workers, women, and individuals with an immigration background, or disabilities, notably through lifelong learning and reskilling and active labor-market policies, will enhance overall economic performance. Education reforms are also necessary to upskill the labor force. They should focus on aligning curricula with the skills companies need, better leveraging teachers’ time, and strengthening support to students in difficulty.
Reforming the wage-setting mechanism will help increase labor-market efficiency and improve competitiveness. Automatic wage and social benefit indexation protected household purchasing power during the inflation shock but increased fiscal deficits and undermined competitiveness. Consideration should be given to abolishing automatic indexation and the 1996 wage law which, together, prevent an optimal allocation of labor and higher employment. At a minimum, the labor market would already benefit from technical reforms to the existing system.
Further product market reforms and efforts with EU partners to deepen the single market and advance the capital market union will support firms’ productivity. Reforms should focus on reducing regulatory and administrative barriers and improving the insolvency regime. Removing remaining barriers to trade within the EU and harmonizing regulations and bankruptcy frameworks would give Belgian firms’ access to a larger customer base, improve competition, and provide buffers against risks from geo-fragmentation. Developing venture capital at the EU level would help widen Belgian firms’ options to finance their growth.
Despite progress, much effort remains needed to achieve climate objectives. The planned expansion of the EU ETS should be complemented by carbon taxation and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, while ensuring support for vulnerable population. The consolidation of federal and regional climate efforts into a coherent and cohesive national strategy is essential.
Belgium: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–30
Projections
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
(Percent change, unless otherwise indicated)
Real economy
Real GDP 1/
4.2
1.3
1.0
1.1
1.1
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
Domestic demand
4.2
1.8
1.0
1.4
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.4
1.5
Private consumption
3.6
0.6
1.8
1.2
1.2
1.5
1.3
1.2
1.1
Public consumption
3.3
3.2
3.2
1.4
1.9
1.6
1.7
1.7
1.7
Gross fixed investment
1.7
3.5
0.9
0.6
1.7
1.5
1.6
1.7
2.0
Stockbuilding 2/
1.1
-0.1
-1.0
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Foreign balance 2/
0.1
-0.5
0.1
-0.3
-0.4
-0.2
-0.2
-0.1
-0.1
Exports, goods and services
5.8
-7.1
-4.0
0.0
2.6
3.2
3.2
3.1
3.1
Imports, goods and services
5.8
-6.8
-4.2
0.4
3.3
3.6
3.5
3.3
3.3
Household saving ratio
12.7
14.1
13.6
13.7
13.7
13.7
13.8
14.0
14.3
Potential output growth
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
Potential output growth
1.3
1.2
1.0
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.4
1.3
per working age person
Output gap (in percent)
1.6
1.0
0.5
0.2
0.0
0.0
-0.1
0.0
0.0
Employment
Unemployment rate (in percent)
5.6
5.5
5.8
5.7
5.7
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
Employment growth
1.9
0.8
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.6
0.3
0.2
0.4
Prices
Consumer prices (HICP)
10.3
2.3
4.3
3.5
2.2
2.0
2.0
1.9
1.9
Core CPI (HICP)
4.0
6.0
3.4
3.0
2.6
2.2
2.1
1.9
1.9
GDP deflator
6.8
4.5
2.7
2.5
1.7
1.5
1.7
1.6
1.6
(Percent of GDP; unless otherwise indicated)
Public finance
Revenue
48.6
49.1
49.6
49.5
49.5
49.5
49.5
49.6
49.7
Expenditure
52.2
53.3
54.0
54.3
55.0
55.3
55.7
56.3
56.9
General government balance
-3.6
-4.2
-4.4
-4.8
-5.5
-5.8
-6.2
-6.7
-7.2
Structural balance
-4.3
-4.4
-4.5
-4.8
-5.5
-5.8
-6.1
-6.8
-7.2
Structural balance (excl. Covid measures)
-3.7
-4.3
-4.4
-4.8
-5.5
-5.8
-6.1
-6.8
-7.2
Structural primary balance
-2.7
-2.4
-2.2
-2.5
-3.0
-3.0
-3.2
-3.5
-3.7
Primary balance
-2.0
-2.2
-2.2
-2.4
-3.0
-3.0
-3.3
-3.4
-3.7
General government debt
102.6
103.1
104.1
105.4
108.6
111.9
115.2
118.9
123.0
External Sector
Goods and services balance
-1.5
-0.6
-0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.3
0.5
0.7
Current account
-1.3
-0.7
-0.3
-0.3
-0.3
-0.3
-0.1
0.1
0.2
Exchange rates
Euro per U.S. dollar, period average
0.9
0.9
0.9
…
…
…
…
…
…
NEER, ULC-styled (2005=100)
96.3
97.6
97.8
…
…
…
…
…
…
REER, ULC-based (2005=100)
99.7
103.8
105.5
…
…
…
…
…
…
Memorandum items
Gross national savings (in percent of GDP)
25.6
24.6
23.8
23.9
23.9
23.9
24.1
24.3
24.5
Gross national investment
26.9
25.3
24.1
24.2
24.3
24.3
24.2
24.2
24.3
(in percent of GDP)
Nominal GDP (in billions of euros)
563.5
596.3
618.6
640.9
658.7
677.3
697.8
718.4
739.8
Population (in millions)
11.6
11.7
11.8
11.8
11.9
11.9
11.9
12.0
12.0
Sources: Haver Analytics, Belgian authorities, and IMF staff projections.
1/ Based on national accounts data available as of January 29, 2025.
2/ Contribution to GDP growth.
[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
[2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers struggled to grasp the rate of the virus’s spread and the number of related deaths. While hospitals tracked cases and deaths within their walls, the broader picture of mortality across communities remained frustratingly incomplete.
Policymakers and researchers quickly discovered a troubling pattern: Many deaths linked to the virus were never officially counted. A study analyzing data from over 3,000 U.S. counties between March 2020 and August 2022 found nearly 163,000 excess deaths from natural causes that were missing from official mortality records.
Excess deaths, meaning those that exceed the number expected based on historical trends, serve as a key indicator of underreported deaths during health crises. Many of these uncounted deaths were later tied to COVID-19 through reviews of medical records, death certificates and statistical modeling.
In addition, lack of real-time tracking for medical interventions during those early days slowed vaccine development by delaying insights into which treatments worked and how people were responding to newly circulating variants.
Five years since the beginning of COVID-19, new epidemics such as bird flu are emerging worldwide, and researchers are still finding it difficult to access the data about people’s deaths that they need to develop lifesaving interventions.
How can the U.S. mortality data system improve? I’m a technology infrastructure researcher, and my team and I design policy and technical systems to reduce inefficiency in health care and government organizations. By analyzing the flow of mortality data in the U.S., we found several areas of the system that could use updating.
Critical need for real-time data
A death record includes key details beyond just the fact of death, such as the cause, contributing conditions, demographics, place of death and sometimes medical history. This information is crucial for researchers to be able to analyze trends, identify disparities and drive medical advances.
Approximately 2.8 million death records are added to the U.S. mortality data system each year. But in 2022 – the most recent official count available – when the world was still in the throes of the pandemic, 3,279,857 deaths were recorded in the federal system. Still, this figure is widely considered to be a major undercount of true excess deaths from COVID-19.
In addition, real-time tracking of COVID-19 mortality data was severely lacking. This process involves the continuous collection, analysis and reporting of deaths from hospitals, health agencies and government databases by integrating electronic health records, lab reports and public health surveillance systems. Ideally, it provides up-to-date insights for decision-making, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, these tracking systems lagged and failed to generate comprehensive data.
Getting real-time COVID-19 data from hospitals and other agencies into the hands of researchers proved difficult. Gerald Herbert/AP Photo
Without comprehensive data on prior COVID-19 infections, antibody responses and adverse events, researchers faced challenges designing clinical trials to predict how long immunity would last and optimize booster schedules.
Such data is essential in vaccine development because it helps identify who is most at risk, which variants and treatments affect survival rates, and how vaccines should be designed and distributed. And as part of the broader U.S. vital records system, mortality data is essential for medical research, including evaluating public health programs, identifying health disparities and monitoring disease.
At the heart of the problem is the inefficiency of government policy, particularly outdated public health reporting systems and slow data modernization efforts that hinder timely decision-making. These long-standing policies, such as reliance on paper-based death certificates and disjointed state-level reporting, have failed to keep pace with real-time data needs during crises such as COVID-19.
These policy shortcomings lead to delays in reporting and lack of coordination between hospital organizations, state government vital records offices and federal government agencies in collecting, standardizing and sharing death records.
History of US mortality data
The U.S. mortality data system has been cobbled together through a disparate patchwork of state and local governments, federal agencies and public health organizations over the course of more than a century and a half. It has been shaped by advances in public health, medical record-keeping and technology. From its inception to the present day, the mortality data system has been plagued by inconsistencies, inefficiencies and tensions between medical professionals, state governments and the federal government.
The first national efforts to track information about deaths began in the 1850s when the U.S. Census Bureau started collecting mortality data as part of the decennial census. However, these early efforts were inconsistent, as death registration was largely voluntary and varied widely across states.
In the early 20th century, the establishment of the National Vital Statistics System brought greater standardization to mortality data. For example, the system required all U.S. states and territories to standardize their death certificate format. It also consolidated mortality data at the federal level, whereas mortality data was previously stored at the state level.
However, state and federal reporting remained fragmented. For example, states had no unifom timeline for submitting mortality data, resulting in some states taking months or even years to finalize and release death records. Local or state-level paperwork processing practices also remained varied and at times contradictory.
To begin to close gaps in reporting timelines to aid medical researchers, in 1981 the National Center for Health Statistics – a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – introduced the National Death Index. This is a centralized database of death records collected from state vital statistics offices, making it easier to access death data for health and medical research. The system was originally paper-based, with the aim of allowing researchers to track the deaths of study participants without navigating complex bureaucracies.
As time has passed, the National Death Index and state databases have become increasingly digital. The rise of electronic death registration systems in recent decades has improved processing speed when it comes to researchers accessing mortality data from the National Death Index. However, while the index has solved some issues related to gaps between state and federal data, other issues, such as high fees and inconsistency in state reporting times, still plague it.
Accessing the data that matters most
With the Trump administration’s increasing removal of CDC public health datasets, it is unclear whether policy reform for mortality data will be addressed anytime soon.
Experts fear that the removal of CDC datasets has now set precedent for the Trump administration to cross further lines in its attempts to influence the research and data published by the CDC. The longer-term impact of the current administration’s public health policy on mortality data and disease response are not yet clear.
What is clear is that five years since COVID-19, the U.S. mortality tracking system remains unequipped to meet emerging public health crises. Without addressing these challenges, the U.S. may not be able to respond quickly enough to public health crises threatening American lives.
Dylan Thomas Doyle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The strong working relationship between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and local tour guides and operators, has proven to be the key driving force for the booming cruise tourism industry within the city.
According to the Tourist Guide Association of Mandela Bay (TGAMB), which represents the tour guides and operators within Nelson Mandela Bay, the industry has seen drastic growth post-COVID-19, due to the ongoing good working relationship with the municipality.
Luxolo Kanti confirmed that huge strides have been made within the tourism industry, with the “cruise industry as the catalyst and gateway” to the region’s broader tourism growth.
Kanti noted that the association, working with the municipality to rebuild the cruise industry, has seen more diversity and inclusiveness.
“A lot of emerging tour guides and operators have managed to get into the industry and thrive. Through a number of training programmes and workshops we have received on areas like Digital Marketing, Tourism Best Practice and Packaging of Cruise Tourism in South Africa, we have managed to acquire skills to market both the city and our businesses to attract more people to venture into the cruise tourism experience across the world,” he said.
Kanti also commended the municipality’s openness to the industry’s advice and contributions in policy development. “In as much as we have made strides, there are still areas we need to improve on, both as the industry and the municipality, so that we can be competitive against other major cities.”
Successes
Highlighting the success of the current cruise season, NMBM mayor, Babalwa Lobishe said Nelson Mandela Bay has already received 34 cruise vessels which docked at the city’s ports, from the 45 scheduled for the season which started in November last year.
“In March alone, there has been seven cruise vessel dock-ins and five overnight stays, with three vessels still expected for this month. During the current cruise season, there will be 15 cruise vessels that will stay for more than one day. The cruise vessels for this season are expected to spend a combined total of 61 days,” Lobishe said.
The mayor also announced that the current cruise season is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, with a forecasted R100 million in economic spin-offs, an increase from R85 million during the 2023/24 season.
“This forecast is based on the anticipated 50 000 passengers who will be spending on tours, dining, shopping, and other cultural and heritage experiences across Nelson Mandela Bay. This influx of visitors will not only boost our local economy but also showcase the rich diversity and vibrant culture of our city,” the mayor said.
Appeal
In line with the city’s Tourism Master Plan, several initiatives are being pursued to enhance the region’s tourism appeal. These include the development of new cultural and heritage routes, the promotion of township tourism through community forums, and the expansion of events strategies aimed at attracting international visitors.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Bassie Kamana, emphasised the municipality’s commitment to ensuring that the city remains a top destination for tourists and a thriving community for the residents.
According to Kamana, part of the work that the NMBM Tourism Sub-Directorate is doing is to create a conducive environment for the cruise industry to optimise on regional economic opportunities.
“Working with the vast tourism industry stakeholders, the metro encourages passengers to explore the full breadth of the region, including private game reserves, cultural and heritage sites, and local businesses.
“This is done to make sure that passengers do not just sleep over in the metro, but spend funds, explore and experience the region’s tourist attractions and create unforgettable memories,” Kamana said.
The MMC added that working with its development entity Mandela Bay Development Agency, Transnet, Eastern Cape Tourism, and other stakeholders, it has made strategic infrastructure investments to improve port facilities, tourism products and heritage sites. This is so as to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for cruise tourists.
The NMBM has also paid special attention to tourist safety and hospitality by training and recruiting youth with a tourism background to work as tourism ambassadors. – SAnews.gov.za
BOSTON – A Michigan man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to a conspiracy to import and sell illegal pharmaceuticals, including opioids, and to fund the operation of the scheme by fraudulently obtaining a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan.
Donald Nchamukong, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States, to commit loan fraud and to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2025.
Starting in 2019 and continuing to 2022, Nchamukong and a co-conspirator, Doyal Kalita, conspired to distribute drugs to persons in the United States over the internet and using call centers in India. Nchamukong used shell companies, including a purported dietary supplements company and an auto parts supplier, and associated bank and merchant accounts to process sales of illegal foreign drugs, including the Schedule IV opioid, tramadol. Nchamukong and Kalita also received shipments of tramadol from India and reshipped the drug to customers across the United States, including in Massachusetts. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Nchamukong and Kalita fraudulently obtained a $200,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan to fund their illegal drug scheme.
Kalita was convicted in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years in prison for orchestrating the online drug distribution scheme and a technical support fraud scheme and related money laundering.
The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the monetary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Fernando P. McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in New York, Small Business Administration and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial, and Cyber Fraud Unit, is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
MINNEAPOLIS – Two individuals have been convicted by a federal jury for their roles in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
“Aimee Bock and Salim Said took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out a massive fraud scheme that stole money meant to feed children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “The defendants falsely claimed to have served 91 million meals, for which they fraudulently received nearly $250 million in federal funds. That money did not go to feed kids. Instead, it was used to fund their lavish lifestyles. Today’s verdict sends a message to the community that fraud against the government will not be tolerated.”
“Stealing from the federal government is stealing from the American people – plain and simple. The egregious fraud uncovered in the Feeding our Future case represents the blatant betrayal of public trust. These criminals stole hundreds of millions in federal funding meant to feed hungry children during a crisis and instead funneled it into luxury homes, cars and lavish lifestyles while families struggled,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI will not allow criminals to rob federal programs and walk away unscathed. We will expose their schemes, dismantle their networks, and ensure they face the full weight of justice.”
“Aimee Bock, Salim Said, and others took advantage of a global pandemic to rob food programs, aimed at serving those in need, of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars during a time when so many people were struggling,” said Ramsey Covington, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Instead of overseeing the distribution of meals to low-income children, Bock’s organization enabled meal site operators to commit fraud. This verdict is the product of dedicated investigators and prosecutors to bring accountability to those who brazenly stole from the American public. IRS Criminal Investigation is deeply committed to working with our partner agencies to combat these types of fraud schemes and ensure our American tax dollars serve their intended purpose.”
“Today’s verdict reaffirms how critical a role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service plays in protecting the American consumer from these types of fraudulent schemes and in ensuring that the nation’s U.S. mail stream is not used by criminals to prey upon our citizens and programs intended to aid those in need during difficult times. The bold egregious nature in which these fraudsters victimized our children and programs intended to feed them during a world-wide pandemic illustrates their callous disregard for human decency and overall greed,” Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division stated. “This investigation is a tremendous example of how the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our FBI law enforcement partners can work side by side in an effort to bring these fraudsters to justice.”
Historically, the Federal Child Nutrition provided meals to children in school-based programs or activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waived some of the standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, as well as allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs. As proven at trial, Aimee Bock, 44, was the founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit organization that was a sponsor participating in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Salim Said, 36, former co-owner of Safari Restaurant, was jointly tried with Bock. Together, they oversaw a massive fraud scheme carried out by sites under Feeding Our Future’s sponsorship.
As proven at trial, Feeding Our Future employees recruited individuals and entities to open Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout the state of Minnesota. These sites, created and operated by Bock, Said, and others, fraudulently claimed to be serving meals to thousands of children a day within just days or weeks of being formed. Bock and Said created and submitted false documentation, including fraudulent meal counts consisting of fake attendance rosters purporting to list the names and ages of the children receiving meals at the sites each day. Feeding Our Future submitted these fraudulent claims to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and then disbursed the fraudulently obtained Federal Child Nutrition Program funds to their co-conspirators involved in the scheme.
To accomplish their scheme, Bock and Said created dozens of shell companies to enroll in the program as food program sites, and to receive and launder the proceeds of their fraudulent scheme. In exchange for sponsoring these sites’ fraudulent participation in the program, Feeding Our Future received more than $18 million in administrative fees to which it was not entitled. In addition to the administrative fees, Feeding Our Future employees solicited and received bribes and kickbacks from individuals and companies sponsored by Feeding Our Future. Many of these kickbacks were paid in cash or disguised as “consulting fees” paid to shell companies created by Feeding Our Future employees to make them appear legitimate.
As proven at trial, Said’s Safari Restaurant reported approximately $600,000 in annual revenue in each of the three years prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, Safari Restaurant enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. By July 2020, Said claimed to be serving meals to 5,000 children per day, seven days a week. In total, Said claimed to have served over 3.9 million meals to children from the Safari Restaurant food site between April 2020 and November 2021. Said also claimed that Safari Restaurant provided more than 2.2 million meals to other food sites involved in Feeding Our Future’s fraud scheme.
In total, Feeding Our Future opened more than 250 Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout the state of Minnesota, and in doing so, went from receiving and disbursing approximately $3.4 million in federal funds in 2019 to nearly $200 million in 2021. Throughout the course of their scheme, Feeding Our Future fraudulently obtained and disbursed more than $240 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. The defendants used the proceeds of their fraudulent scheme to purchase luxury vehicles, residential and commercial real estate in Minnesota as well as property in Ohio and Kentucky, real estate in Kenya and Turkey, and to fund international travel.
After a six-week trial, Bock was convicted on four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of bribery, and one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. Said was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, eight counts of bribery, one count conspiracy to commit money laundering and five counts of money laundering.
The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson, Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, says Tuberculosis (TB) has resulted in more deaths than all other infectious diseases combined but receives less attention.
In 2023 alone, TB claimed over 56 000 deaths in South Africa, despite being a preventable and treatable disease.
The Minister emphasised the urgent need to tackle this public health crisis and announced that the soon-to-be-launched End TB campaign aims to reduce TB-related deaths by 41% by 2035.
“TB is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases, yet it continues to be a silent killer,” said Motsoaledi on Wednesday.
“TB doesn’t make noise. And that’s the problem that we’re faced with. That’s why I’m saying we are faced with a very difficult job.”
The Minister called on everyone to act now to end this epidemic and save lives.
The Minister’s remarks come as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will deliver the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event on Monday, 24 March 2025.
World TB Day is commemorated annually on the 24th of March to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and highlight efforts to eliminate the disease.
During the event on Monday, the Deputy President will also launch the national End TB campaign in Gamalakhe Township, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the Minister, the End TB initiative aims to test five million people for the disease, leveraging the success of HIV treatment strategies to control disease and prevent drug resistance.
“When we say you want to test five million people, if one family member tested positive, we want to test the whole family. That’s what we are going to do.”
He noted that this infectious disease has killed more people than all other infectious including Ebola, malaria, yellow fever, smallpox, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, influenza, and mpox.
In addition, Motsoaledi emphasised several key elements of the campaign, including the need for those who test positive to receive immediate treatment to prevent further transmission.
The Minister acknowledged the strong link between TB and HIV/AIDS and announced that the campaign will integrate the management of these two diseases, noting that TB kills 80% of people with HIV.
He highlighted the success of SANAC in bringing HIV/AIDS under control, observing the reduction in funerals over the past 15 years.
He suggested changing the name of SANAC to the South African National AIDS and TB Council to reflect the co-infection.
Meanwhile, he said the End TB campaign was a critical step in South Africa’s efforts to address the longstanding TB epidemic and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
He also touched on the promising new M72/AS01E TB vaccine, funded by the Gates Foundation and Wellcome, with the trial being conducted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI), with preliminary results expected in 2027.
The Minister called on the media to be an ally in shaping public perceptions, creating awareness, and influencing action around the TB campaign.
He was of the view that by amplifying the message, the media can play a crucial role in mobilising communities to participate in the fight against TB.
“We cannot succeed in this battle without the support and engagement of the media.
“Together, we can raise awareness, dispel misconceptions, and empower people to take action against this preventable disease,” he stressed. – SAnews.go.za
Derby Arena is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The landmark building opened in 2015, with the aim of inspiring the next generation and put sport, health and physical activity at the heart of the city.
Since opening, the Arena has offered citizens the opportunity to be more physically active and improve their health and wellbeing. It’s not just a fitness facility – it’s a national cycling hub, a stage for top performers and a venue for major sporting events, as well as conferences and tradeshows.
In the past decade, Derby Arena has had over a 4 million visits and, in the last five years, has held over 300 events. These have included shows by top comedians Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican, national hockey and international handball finals, and University of Derby graduations.
It was also an important part of the city’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a huge vaccination centre which saw more than 100,000 people vaccinated.
The Arena was constructed on behalf of Derby City Council by Bowmer + Kirkland – the same company that completed the new Becketwell Live performance venue.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:
For a decade, Derby Arena has thrived, becoming a leading hub for fitness, wellbeing, sport, and entertainment. Looking ahead, this ambitious facility will no doubt continue to enhance Derby’s appeal as a great place to live, work, and visit.
As a centre for fitness and wellbeing, the Arena is continuing to inspire people to change their lives through physical activity.
Fitness member Dave Martin said:
I can now lift, press, push, and pull weights that I couldn’t have imagined handling before. Initially, even lifting the bar was a struggle. All of this progress is thanks to the dedicated personal training team. The PTs both challenge and support you at your desired level. At 56 years old, I’ve learned that with the right team and motivation, anything is possible.
The Arena is one of only five cycling velodromes in the country and boasts four world champions coaches.
Cyclist John Baugh is a regular at the velodome. He said:
Since our first visit to the Arena three years ago, my son and I have shared many happy hours riding the velodrome. This venue is unique, in our experience. Where else could a father and son share an interest and passion for cycling, ride with multiple world champions, under the guidance and supervision of the finest coaches in the UK?
The atmosphere on Track League evenings is superb – there’s a sense of camaraderie that is a joy to be a part of. I can’t thank the team at Derby Arena enough for their kindness and encouragement.
The facility has attracted top-flight cyclists with the Great Britain Cycling Team track squads relocating to Derby Arena in 2022 while their usual home, the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, was renovated. Team GB’s track cyclists won one gold, three silver and four bronze medals at the Paris Olympics
The Arena hosted the British University and College Sport (BUCS) cycling championships for the first time. Joe O’Loughlin, event organiser for the BUCS Track Championships, said:
The first BUCS Track Championships in Derby was a huge success and we received amazing feedback, with members experiences overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to making next year even bigger and better and continuing to provide a platform where student riders can display their immense talent.
The Arena is an important sporting centre for Derbyshire’s young people, as home to Derbyshire Institute of Sport. DIS provides bespoke support services to individual athletes, sports teams and club members to enable them to achieve success.
Managing director Chloe Maudsley said:
We are proud to be hosted at the iconic Derby Arena, where we can deliver exceptional sports science, accessible to all the young athletes of Derbyshire. Together, we are showcasing that Derby can compete with the best in the world.
The cast of Cinderella outside the Arena
Beyond sport, Derby Arena has become a key entertainment venue, and has hosted Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s much-loved pantomimes since it opened. Last year’s Cinderella was Derby’s highest grossing panto ever, enjoyed by almost 40,000 people with sparkling reviews from audiences. The award-winning team will be back this year with Dick Whittington.
Further exciting shows coming up this year include comedy from Jimmy Carr and Al Murray, the mind-blowing family show Jurassic Earth and music from world-renowned acts celebrating the sounds of Taylor Swift, Tina Turner and Elvis, to name a few.
The Arena team will be celebrating the landmark 10th anniversary throughout the year with a host of events and activities, including Les Mills fitness launches, our popular family Fun-Fest, Cycle-Fest and other local, regional and national events.
Look out for the upcoming National Track Series Cycle Championships, the England Boxing National Amateur Championship Finals in April and, in September, the UK’s first full DEKA FIT competition – billed as ‘the ultimate fitness test’.
Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)
Defendant admitted to spending portions of fraudulent-loan proceeds on a Lamborghini and home renovations.
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby sentenced Andra Shirone Thompson, 48, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to a year and a day for two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Thompson pled guilty to conspiring to defraud Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loan programs and his role in a years-long scheme to defraud commercial equipment financing companies. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised released and ordered to forfeit $847,280, and pay $813,363.01 in restitution to the victims of his schemes.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, made the announcement with Supervisory Official Matthew Galeotti, Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C., Field Office; Jeffrey D. Pittano, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region; Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Eastern Region; and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to his guilty plea, Thompson admitted to participating in a conspiracy to submit fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of companies he controlled. The companies included Alpha Bravo Tango LLC., Senergy Consulting Group Inc., and Novus Ordo Seclorum LLC. Through the scheme, Thompson fraudulently obtained $716,375. He spent a portion of the proceeds on vehicles, including a 2014 Lamborghini Aventador, and on renovating a home in North Carolina.
Thompson also joined a conspiracy to defraud equipment financing companies by submitting fraudulent invoices that falsely showed the sale of substantial quantities of computer servers and related equipment. Thompson and his co-conspirators caused borrowers to submit fraudulent invoices to lenders to support their loan applications to purchase items. After approval, lenders deposited loan proceeds into accounts controlled by Thompson and his co-conspirators. The lenders were unaware that the sales on the invoices never occurred. Thompson and his co-conspirators typically “kicked back” a portion of the proceeds to the borrower who submitted the application and kept the rest for themselves. Thompson personally participated in three executions of this scheme, causing approximately $813,362 in fraudulently induced lending.
Additionally, the co-conspirators caused more than $60 million of fraudulently induced lending across more than 350 separate loans through this scheme. Thompson’s principal co-conspirator, Craig David Davis, 49, of Venice, California, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and was sentenced earlier this month to 93 months incarceration.
Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and other expenses, through the PPP, administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA also offered an EIDL and/or an EIDL advance to help businesses meet their financial obligations.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI, FDIC-OIG, SBA-OIG, and the FBI who investigated the case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wenner, along with Trial Attorney David A. Peters from the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, who prosecuted the federal case.
The facilities provided by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) under CSR through various CSR activities are related to different themes viz. Healthcare, Education, Water Supply, Rural Development, etc., primarily for development of local populace residing within 25 KMs from SECL project sites/ mines/ Area HQ/ Company HQ and also for people residing in the operating state of SECL i.e. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, SECL also provides a wide range facilities to the local populace by providing safe & free drinking water, better roads, organising periodical medical check-up camps/eye camps in affected and nearby villages, free OPD facilities in the dispensary / hospitals of the Company and vocational training to landless people displaced by the project.
Further, SECL also provides facilities at the various R&R sites such as buildings for primary schools, shopping centres, buildings for community centres, buildings for health centres, wells, hand pumps, approach roads, Electric poles and electric wires and playgrounds as per the Act/Policy.
Further, SECL has a range of welfare initiatives in place for its employees/workers. These initiatives focus on improving the well-being, safety, and quality of life for human capital. The key welfare measures by SECL to its workers are:
1. Health and Medical Facilities
Healthcare Centres: SECL runs a number of health centres and dispensaries across its mining areas, providing primary and emergency medical care to employees and their families. The central Hospitals at Area provide emergency medical services and inpatient treatment to employees and their families.
Free Medical Services: Employees and their dependents are offered free medical treatment, including in-house medical care and the provisions of treatment at empanelled hospitals.
Medical Camps: Periodic health check-up camps are organized to monitor the health status of workers, especially in areas like respiratory health, which is critical for mining personnel
2. Housing and Accommodation
Residential Quarters: SECL provides residential facilities to its employees, especially in mining regions where housing is a critical concern. These quarters are maintained and offer basic amenities.
Family Welfare: Efforts are made to ensure that the families of employees have access to amenities like clean drinking water, electricity and sanitation.
3. Education and Skill Development
Schools for Children: SECL runs schools in its mining areas, providing education to the children of employees.
Scholarships and reimbursement of Tuition Fee: Scholarships are provided to the children of employees who excel in their academic pursuits. There are provisions of reimbursement of tuition fee of the dependents of employee for engineering and medical education au government institutes.
Skill Development Programs: SECL organizes various training and development programs to upskill its employees, improving their employability and career growth opportunities.
4. Retirement Benefits
Pension and Gratuity: SECL offers comprehensive retirement benefits, including Coal Mines Pension Scheme, Gratuity, and Coal Mines Provident Fund (CMPF) to its employees.
Post-Retirement Welfare: SECL has welfare schemes in place for retired employees, offering post-retirement medical benefits and other postretirement support services.
5. Financial Assistance and Loans
Housing Loans/ Car Loan: SECL provides employees with low-interest loans to construct or purchase houses and/or car.
6.Cultural and Recreational Activities
Sports and Recreation: SECL encourages employees to participate in sports and cultural activities. The company organizes sports events, cultural festivals, and competitions for both employees and their families.
Clubs and Societies: Employees and their families can engage themselves in social and recreational clubs within the company, helping foster a healthy work-life balance.
7. Women’s Welfare
SECL ensures equal opportunities for women in its workforce, with policies in place to prevent discrimination and promote gender equality.
Women employees are also provided with maternity leave, childcare facilities, creche at workplace and other benefits to balance work and family responsibilities.
Further, the facilities provided to Contractors’ Workers in SECL are as follows:
First Aid facility in Mines Premises.
Medical OPD and indoor facility in company hospital are being provided to contractor workers on producing I/Card.
Drinking Water and sanitary facilities.
Personal Protection/ Safety Equipment as per terms of contract
Ambulance facility.
Canteen and Creche facility.
Group Personal Accident Insurance as per terms of contract.
Corporate salary package with Eight Nationalized Banks viz SBI, PNB, BOB, UCO Bank, BOI, Indian bank, UBI. The aforesaid Banks are also providing personal accidental insurance coverage of Rs. 40 Lakhs in case of death or for permanent total disability and other facilities as per MoU signed between Coal India Ltd and different banks.
Social Security as per statute, including ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of contractor worker in case of mine accident and even during Covid -19, similar amount was also paid to the next kin of contractor workers of SECL who died due to COVID-19.
The contractor workers are also covered under CMPF/EPF & Employees Compensation ACT. In addition, contractor workers are paid minimum Wages (Central) engaged in non- mining activities and in case of contractor workers engaged in mining activities are being paid wages as per High Power Committee of CIL. (HPC Wages are midway between wages prescribed by Central Government under the Minimum Wages Act 1948 for the workers employed in the scheduled employment for non- coal mines and the wages payable to the lowest category of regular workers i.e Cat-I of NCWA-XI for CIL and SCCL.)
Education facility to the children of Contractor workers in project school of SECL is also being provided.
Various development works done in the concerned districts of Chhattisgarh by SECL during last five years (year-wise) and the current year i.e. 2024-25, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) head (Sector-wise) is detailed hereunder:
(Rs. in Crore)
Financial Year
Healthcare
Education
Water
Supply
Environmental Sustainability
Rural
Development
Others
Total
2019-20
18.50
0.91
0.69
5.62
1.94
56.99
84.65
2020-21
26.44
4.74
0.24
0.11
2.24
4.56
38.33
2021-22
45.55
15.32
0.00
4.36
5.14
9.45
79.82
2022-23
35.72
12.77
0.00
0.42
2.48
7.89
59.28
2023-24
32.07
7.25
0.00
0.24
6.54
6.97
53.07
2024-25(Current)
13.40
5.12
0.00
1.09
4.25
1.49
25.35
Total
171.68
46.11
0.93
11.84
22.59
87.35
340.50
District wise CSR expenditure of SECL in Chhattisgarh State is detailed below:
(Rs. in Crore)
Name of District in Chhattisgarh
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
Grand Total
Balrampur
0.42
0.11
0.92
1.45
Balrampur-Ramanujganj
3.52
3.52
Bastar
0.21
0.04
0.24
Bilaspur
21.65
11.45
10.32
0.96
1.98
4.18
50.54
Gaurella-Pendra-Marwahi
0.2
0.2
Janjgir-Champa
0.25
0.25
Korba
0.99
4.51
7
5.41
11.74
8.99
38.64
Koriya
0.12
0.01
0.32
0.06
3.69
4.2
Raigarh
0.36
1.36
7.25
5.96
1.67
3.86
20.47
Raipur
0.02
0.27
0.31
2.83
6.31
0.69
10.42
Surajpur
1.15
1.11
0.89
0.73
0.66
4.53
Surguja
2.93
1.6
0.18
0.6
0.59
5.91
Other districts of Chhattisgarh
58.49
12.88
10.88
25.52
9.29
2.13
119.19
Administrative Expenditure in CG
0.49
3.33
2.33
2.73
3.02
11.9
Grand Total
83.69
37.86
45.07
44.49
39
21.35
271.46
Overall, SECL’s CSR expenditure reflects a strategic shift towards targeted investments, adapting to evolving community needs while maintaining a strong focus on improving health, education, environmental sustainability, rural development projects etc.
The details of the development works done under other heads in various districts of Chhattisgarh during each of the last five years and the current year is as under:
Providing filtered Mine water in various villages.
Construction of Community/ Multipurpose Hall.
Modification of existing Stadiums.
Construction of Boundary Wall of Schools/Townships, etc.
Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plants
Construction of Approach Road/Village Road, etc.
Construction of Cement concrete road with pavement, culverts, etc.
Strengthening and widening of existing roads.
Re-carpeting of PWD Road.
Construction of Hostels.
Construction of Badminton Court, Tennis Court, etc.
Addition of ICU Unit at Hospital.
Construction/Modernisation of Sport Complex.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Councillors are to be asked to approve St Albans City and District Council’s statement of accounts for the 2023/24 financial year.
A decision in favour would bring a welcome end to a backlog of audit approvals which the Council has experienced in common with other local authorities.
The 2023/24 accounts will go before an extraordinary meeting of the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee on Thursday 20 March along with auditor KPMG’s annual report.
Delays in auditing local authority accounts have been acknowledged by the Government as a national problem.
The causes range from staff shortages among external auditors to the adverse impact of the Covid pandemic.
In January, the Committee approved the accounts for the financial years 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23.
This was made possible by recent Government legislation to clear the backlog which allows for auditors to issue a ‘disclaimed opinion,’ neither giving full approval to the accounts or non-approval.
KPMG has given a disclaimed opinion for the 2023/24 accounts as the Council expected.
Councillor Giles Fry, Lead for the Budget and Financial Strategy, said:
I am delighted that the 2023/24 accounts will now go before the Audit and Governance Committee for approval and we have the opportunity to put this backlog issue behind us.
This has been a frustrating period for us and dozens of other local authorities for reasons outside of our control. Our finance team will be able to concentrate on their day-to-day work and the future rather than the past.
I can assure residents that our 2023/24 accounts comply with all laws and regulations and nothing untoward or unexpected has been highlighted.
In its annual report, KPMG has highlighted one issue of concern under its assessment of Value for Money: the Council’s arrangements for achieving financial efficiency and effectiveness.
This is identified as “a risk that the Council does not have in place adequate governance arrangements to ensure compliance with its statutory financial reporting responsibilities”.
The report recommends the Council “should invest in additional resources within the finance team to ensure future compliance with statutory reporting deadlines”.
Cllr Fry said:
While the KPMG report is overwhelmingly positive, we are well aware that we need to add to the overall level of our resources in our finance team and are taking steps to address this issue.
In common with other Councils across the country, we have found there is a shortage of finance staff, especially those with experience of handling major public sector accounts.
Our recruitment team is on the case and will continue to be proactive in searching for suitable staff in what is a very competitive job market.
Despite these difficulties, I am pleased that the auditors could see no risk or weakness associated with our work at improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness. It shows we are meeting the challenge by providing our residents with a financially sound and stable Council.
Thank you for the opportunity to address you today. I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and pay my respects to all First Nations people present. Their connection to community and country reminds us of our ongoing responsibility to care for each other.
The Gospel of Matthew teaches us powerfully:
‘Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
This teaching resonates deeply with Australia’s ideals of fairness and community. Yet, our society today faces a significant challenge: inequality. Inequality matters profoundly – not just economically, but morally, socially, and spiritually. It shapes opportunities, influences life outcomes, and determines who shares in our national prosperity.
In reflecting upon inequality today, I’d like to begin with a thought experiment developed by the Dutch economist Jan Pen.
Imagine all Australians marching in a one‑hour parade, their height reflecting their wealth.
At first, you wouldn’t see anyone – the poorest Australians, submerged by debt, would be underground. Several minutes would pass before you see people the height of tiny insects, representing those with minimal savings and precarious jobs. At half‑time, the parade participants would be barely waist‑high, reflecting an average wealth level that is far below what many expect.
It isn’t until the last few minutes that the parade gets dramatic. Australians become giants, several metres tall, owning investment properties and multiple cars. In the last seconds, billionaires appear, their heads literally in the clouds. The richest Australian would tower over 46 kilometres high – far above Mt Everest.
This image vividly captures the scale and drama of inequality in Australia today.
The historical journey of Australian inequality
Yet it was not always like this. As I documented in my book Battlers and Billionaires, Australian history shows fluctuations in inequality, shaped by policy, events, and the collective actions of citizens.
When British settlers first arrived in 1788, inequality was limited – not due to idealism, but survival. Governor Arthur Phillip’s invitations to dinner famously concluded, ‘Please bring your own bread,’ reflecting the scarcity of resources and the reality that inequality was limited by necessity.
Yet inequality quickly rose through the nineteenth century, driven by land distribution favouring the wealthy. Under Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who ruled the colony from 1810 to 1821, more than half the land granted went to just the top 10 per cent of settlers. By the late nineteenth century, disparities between landowners and labourers were immense. Historian Stuart Macintyre describes colossal extremes between the luxurious life of pastoralists like Richard Casey and the hard labour endured by workers like Jock Neilson, who struggled through bush labour with minimal wages and harsh living conditions.
The early twentieth century brought change. In 1907, the Harvester Judgement established a basic wage designed to lift families out of poverty. Australia saw the creation of institutions such as the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Court, introducing worker rights into the national conscience. Still, stark inequalities remained, with large segments of society excluded from prosperity.
However, the post‑war period between the 1940s and 1970s marked what economists call the ‘Great Compression.’ Strong unions, progressive taxation, expanded public services, and affordable housing policies dramatically reduced inequality. For several decades, Australians experienced significant upward social mobility and rising standards of living for the majority.
Yet since the 1980s, Australia has seen what economists describe as a ‘Great Divergence,’ reversing the gains of earlier decades. Today, the top 1 per cent of income earners receive nearly 10 per cent of national income, nearly doubling their share from 40 years ago. Wealth inequality is even more extreme, with the richest fifth owning more than 60 times the wealth of the bottom fifth.
This widening gap is not just economic – it profoundly affects people’s everyday lives. Those at the bottom face greater health challenges, including a stark difference in life expectancy – Australians in the richest fifth of the population live an average of 6 years longer than those in the poorest fifth. The poorest Australians have 7 fewer teeth on average due to poor dental care. In education, the wealth gap translates into substantial resource disparities between affluent and poorer communities.
Why inequality matters
Inequality does not simply represent a difference in wealth; it shapes our society. Excessive inequality erodes social cohesion, reducing empathy and undermining community bonds. When wealth is concentrated among a few, society becomes fragmented. Our sense of collective responsibility diminishes, and the fabric that binds us as Australians weakens.
Catholic social teaching stresses the inherent dignity of every person, the importance of community, and the imperative to act justly towards one another. From Pope Francis’ call for inclusive economies to teachings on the common good, Catholic faith underscores the urgency of addressing rising inequality.
For too many Australians, the promise of a fair go – the belief that effort and hard work determine success, not birth or background – has felt increasingly out of reach. Inequality is not just an abstract economic issue; it affects our communities, our health, our opportunities, and our sense of national cohesion.
No government is perfect, but I want to argue today that ours has done more to address inequality than any government in well over a decade.
Taking office 3 years ago, on the tail of the Covid pandemic, we have acted decisively to ensure that prosperity is shared more fairly across our society.
Lifting wages and supporting secure work
One of the most direct ways to reduce inequality is by lifting wages and ensuring job security. Since coming to office, the Albanese government has delivered consecutive wage increases for 2.6 million Australians, particularly benefiting low‑ and middle‑income earners. These pay rises ensured that minimum wage workers were not left behind as the cost of living rises.
Furthermore, our government has tackled insecure work by introducing stronger protections for casual employees who want to transition to permanent work, establishing minimum standards for gig economy workers, and enforcing ‘same job, same pay’ provisions to prevent labour hire workers from being exploited. These reforms help ensure that Australians can rely on stable incomes, reducing the financial precarity that fuels inequality.
A fairer tax system
Tax policy plays a crucial role in shaping economic fairness. The Albanese government has delivered tax cuts that benefit every Australian taxpayer, allowing people to keep more of what they earn while ensuring that the system remains progressive.
This approach contrasts with our predecessors, whose tax policies disproportionately benefited the highest earners, widening the gap between rich and poor. By maintaining a fair and responsible tax structure, we can fund essential public services while ensuring that the most fortunate Australians contribute their fair share.
Strengthening the social safety net
A strong, targeted welfare system is essential to reducing inequality, and our government has taken decisive action to support those who need it most. We have increased JobSeeker and other income support payments, ensuring that Australians doing it tough can afford the basics. Recognising the unique challenges faced by older Australians, we have also expanded eligibility for higher JobSeeker rates for those over 55, providing more security and dignity in later years.
Rent assistance has been increased by over 40 per cent, helping Australians struggling with rising housing costs. Single parents have received greater support through extended access to the parenting payment, making it easier for them to balance work and caregiving responsibilities without falling into poverty. These targeted measures lift Australians up rather than trapping them in cycles of disadvantage.
Investing in affordable housing
Housing inequality is one of the most pressing economic issues facing Australia today. The Albanese government has responded with the largest investment in social and affordable housing in more than a decade. Through the Housing Australia Future Fund, we are building over 55,000 new social and affordable homes, directly addressing homelessness and housing stress.
Beyond construction, we have strengthened renters’ rights, introducing minimum rental standards, limiting rent increases to once per year, and requiring genuine grounds for eviction. By making renting fairer and ensuring more Australians have access to stable, affordable housing, we are creating a foundation for economic security and social mobility.
Early childhood education and skills training
Breaking the cycle of inequality starts with education. That’s why we have delivered cheaper childcare for 96 per cent of families with children in early education – an investment that not only reduces financial strain but also ensures that more children, regardless of their family’s income, start life with the educational support they need.
In schools, we have delivered on the promise of the Gonski report by ensuring that all schools are funded to the schooling resource standard. This isn’t just about money, it’s about delivering the resources required to drive reform. We know that Australia’s OECD PISA scores have been slipping backwards for the past quarter‑century. If we do not turn this around, the most vulnerable stand to suffer most.
Our government has also committed to over half a million fee‑free TAFE places, ensuring that Australians can gain the skills needed for secure, well‑paying jobs. By making education more accessible, we are expanding opportunities for people from all backgrounds, ensuring that no one is locked out of good jobs because they cannot afford the necessary training.
Fairer pay for women
We cannot talk about overall economic inequality without considering gender inequality. The Albanese government has delivered historic pay rises for aged care and early childhood education workers – sectors dominated by women – while expanding paid parental leave to 26 weeks by 2026 and adding superannuation to government‑paid parental leave. These measures help to close the gender wealth gap, ensuring that women are not financially penalised for caring responsibilities. The gender pay gap is still too high, but it is also at an all‑time low.
Tackling the cost of living
Inequality is exacerbated when basic essentials become unaffordable. That’s why we have delivered targeted cost‑of‑living relief, including $300 in energy bill relief for every household and cheaper medicines that allow millions of Australians to buy 2 months’ worth of prescription medication for the price of one. We have also ensured that HECS‑HELP loans will never grow faster than wages, reducing the financial burden on young Australians starting their careers.
Another major reform is our work in the energy sector. By expanding investment in renewable energy and breaking down barriers to new market entrants, we are reducing energy costs for consumers while ensuring a transition to a cleaner economy. High energy prices disproportionately impact low‑income Australians, and our efforts to foster a more competitive and efficient energy market are directly reducing cost‑of‑living pressures.
Historically, reducing inflation in Australia meant higher unemployment. In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, bouts of inflation were met by job losses. Often, it took a recession to bring prices under control. Yet this time is different. Uniquely in Australian history, we have brought inflation under control while maintaining what economists call ‘full employment’. We have tamed inflation while creating over one million jobs. Unemployment remains low, and the participation rate is at a record high. This is a remarkable achievement for our nation.
Investing in health equity
Health disparities are one of the most damaging consequences of inequality, with lower‑income Australians facing shorter life expectancies and higher rates of chronic illness. Our government has made the largest investment in bulk billing in Medicare’s history, restoring affordable access to GPs for millions of Australians. We have also established new urgent care clinics and expanded mental health services, ensuring that healthcare is based on need, not wealth.
Competition reforms to reduce inequality
A truly fair economy is one where businesses compete on a level playing field, ensuring that consumers and small businesses are not left behind. Monopolies increase inequality by transferring resources from consumers (the many) to shareholders (the few). The Albanese government has prioritised competition reform to prevent market concentration from deepening inequality.
One of our key achievements has been strengthening competition in the grocery sector. By increasing regulatory oversight and cracking down on anti‑competitive behaviour by major supermarket chains, we are ensuring fairer prices at the checkout. We know that when competition declines, consumers pay more, and smaller businesses struggle. Our policies ensure that Australian families are not subject to artificially inflated food prices while smaller retailers have a fair chance to succeed.
Through the biggest overhaul of merger laws in half a century and a revitalised National Competition Policy, we are putting downward pressure on prices and increasing fairness. This approach reflects our commitment to an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.
A commitment to evidence‑based solutions
A key principle of our government is ensuring that policies are grounded in evidence, not ideology. That is why we have created the Australian Centre for Evaluation, and committed to expanding the use of randomised trials in policymaking, ensuring that every dollar spent on social programs delivers real results. By rigorously evaluating what works, we can scale up the most effective initiatives, ensuring that public investment leads to meaningful reductions in inequality.
Conclusion: a shared moral and national imperative
Inequality is a profound challenge – but not insurmountable. Australian history reminds us that inequality is never inevitable. It expands or shrinks based on the decisions we make collectively as a society.
There is much more to do, but I have given you a flavour today of what we have already done together. The Albanese government has chosen to lift wages, invest in housing and education, strengthen social protections, reform competition, and deliver targeted cost‑of‑living relief. These policies lift people up – not just economically, but socially and morally.
As the Gospel of Matthew reminds us, true compassion is measured by our actions towards ‘the least of these.’ We must constantly ask ourselves: Are our policies fair? Are our communities inclusive? Is every Australian being given the chance to thrive?
The Albanese government is committed to answering these questions positively – not just with words, but through meaningful action. Together, we can create a society where dignity, justice, and opportunity are the lived reality for every Australian.
Regional living prevails as CommBank and the Regional Australia Institute’s latest Regional Movers Index reveals Australians are migrating further afield.
The latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) report reveals the emergence of several new regional destinations, as communities beyond the traditional ‘commuter belt’ surge in popularity for newcomers.
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) CEO Liz Ritchie said the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Gympie in Queensland, Richmond Valley and Wingecarribee in New South Wales, and East Gippsland in Victoria have made their debut as hotspots in the December 2024 quarter RMI report, highlighting relocators’ appetites for destinations further afield.
“The desire for regional living remains strong, with 32 per cent more people moving from big cities to regions than in the opposite direction, building on pre-existing data which shows the nation’s migration patterns are changing,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Regional Australia is the new frontier, and people are enthusiastic about the career opportunities and lifestyle benefits it offers. The RMI’s net migration index, which measures net population flow into regional Australia, is now sitting 51 per cent above the pre-Covid average.
“The emergence of new mover hotspots further out shows this increase of population into Australia’s regions is not isolated to a couple of places, rather that it’s happening all over the country. It’s why we must ensure communities have the infrastructure, funding and support they need to ensure they can continue to welcome new residents.”
The RMI is a partnership between the RAI and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), which analyses quarterly and annual trends in people moving to and from Australia’s regional areas.
This latest report signifies a change in mover preferences, with communities such as Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, which has been the nation’s most popular regional mover destination for nine consecutive quarters, gradually reducing its share of net internal migration.
CBA’s Acting Executive General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Josh Foster, said while the Sunshine Coast remains a firm favourite, other communities in the Sunshine State are gaining movers like nearby Gladstone, Toowoomba, Fraser Coast, Mackay and Gympie.
“The lure of the Sunshine State has long attracted both city and regional movers, with the latest RMI proving the appeal of a scenic and often more balanced lifestyle extends beyond metropolitan areas, bringing renewed economic and social benefits to other areas of the state.
“This quarter saw the rise in popularity of several new growth hotspots within regional Queensland, demonstrating the diversification of the state’s economy. Fraser Coast’s deep roots in agriculture and Gladstone’s mining and green energy boom are just some of the sectors helping drive increased employment opportunities to these regions. With lower-than-average employment rates and limited housing supply, more investment is needed in construction, manufacturing and property development to support these growing communities.”
Mr Foster added: “Continued development in roads and transport infrastructure like the Gympie bypass are also integral to improving accessibility to these thriving regions and offer businesses a commercial opportunity to expand or relocate beyond major metro areas. CBA is working closely with local government, key industries and business customers to unlock new areas of investment across the state.”
Regional New South Wales and Victoria accounted for 71 per cent of all net regional inflows in the December 2024 quarter, while Queensland’s share stood at 19 per cent and there were small gains made in regional South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Sydneysiders continue to lead the charge into the regions, accounting for 59 per cent of net city outflows, down from 65 per cent in the 2023 December quarter. Whilst Melbournians now account for 40 per cent of net city outflows, up from 35 per cent a year ago.
Ms Ritchie said this quarter’s report also highlighted city-dwellers are increasingly relocating to areas which have previously been more popular with regional movers, like Greater Bendigo and Maitland.
“It’s critical that decision-makers note this important, contemporaneous data to ensure plans can be made, both now and into the future for these growing communities. The better we are able to project Australia’s population movements, the better we can prepare for them, ensuring the needed skills and services are in the right place, at the right time,” Ms Ritchie said.
Mr Foster said regional Western Australia also continues to exhibit a strong lure for movers, including Albany, Bunbury, Harvey, Capel and York.
“Of note, Bunbury in the southwest corner of Western Australia has retained its position as the nation’s fastest growing hotspot for capital movers over the 12 month period to December 2024. The area’s appeal has been supercharged by major infrastructure developments such as the completion of the Wilman Wadandi Highway, helping ease travel times between city-to-region.
“The RMI has also shown that in this past quarter, people are willing to go further afield with the south coast LGA of Albany recording the third highest growth in net internal migration. Located almost five hours drive from Perth, Albany offers an idyllic lifestyle, reliable healthcare and education services, as well as strong employment opportunities across several sectors including agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy and tourism.”
Mr Foster concluded: “This latest RMI proves that the great regional migration is being felt deep within our regions, with the economic and lifestyle gains no longer contained to areas within commuting distance. With the right commercial and industry investments, this offers a win-win for consumers as well as businesses.”
The December 2024 quarter saw a seasonal reduction in internal migration across all mover types, as people tend to stay put in the last three months of the year, with capital-to-regional migration as measured by the RMI down by 11 per cent.
Despite lower mobility across the country, capital-to-regional relocations remain 8 per cent higher than the pre-Covid average and 3 per cent higher than a year ago.
The reduction also of regional-to-regional and regional-to-capital relocations, suggests more regional movers are choosing to settle where they are, rather than relocate elsewhere.
The Regional Movers Index, launched in 2021, tracks movements between Australia’s regions and capital cities, using Commonwealth Bank data from relocations amongst more than 14.3 million customers. This enables early identification of growth trends and flags places emerging as hot spots needing fresh thinking on housing and infrastructure.
Data based on CBA customer address changes over the past five years, with prior addresses resided in for at least six months. Greater Capital City/Regional Area based on ABS 1270.0.55.001 GCCSA. An LGA must have recorded net internal migration inflows in 2024 of 50 or more people to be included in the report.
The RMI is used primarily to map population movements between Australia’s regional areas and its capital cities. For this reason, it uses an ABS classification of regional that includes areas in and around other centres of population, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong.
A total of 55.02 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened till 7th March 2025, out of which 36.63 crore accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas Cumulative enrolment under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is 50.30 crore till 7th March 2025
Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand Up India Scheme and other financial inclusion schemes have also witnessed remarkable progress
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi
The Government initiated the National Mission for Financial Inclusion (NMFI), namely the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in August, 2014 to provide universal banking services for every unbanked adult based on the guiding principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, funding the unfunded and serving unserved and underserved areas. A total of 55.02 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened till 07.03.2025, out of which, 36.63 crore accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas.
In addition to the PMJDY, the following schemes have also been launched to provide affordable financial services for all, especially marginalized and underserved populations:
i. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): The Scheme is a one-year personal accident insurance scheme, renewable from year to year, offering coverage of Rs. 2 lakh for death or permanent total disability and Rs. 1 lakh for permanent partial disability due to an accident at a premium of Rs. 20/- per annum. It is available to people in the age group of 18 to 70 years having a bank account who give their consent to join the scheme.
As on 07.03.2025, cumulative enrolment under PMSBY is 50.30 crore.
ii. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): The Scheme is a one-year life insurance scheme, renewable from year to year, offering coverage of Rs. Two lakh for death due to any reason at a premium of Rs. 436/- per annum and is available to people in the age group of 18 to 50 years having a bank account who give their consent to join the scheme.
As on 07.03.2025, cumulative enrolment under PMJJBY is 23.21 crore.
iii. Atal Pension Yojana: The Scheme aims to provide monthly pension to eligible subscribers with age limit of 18 to 40 years not covered under any organized pension Scheme. Under this scheme, the subscribers would receive the fixed minimum pension of Rs. 1000, Rs. 2000, Rs. 3000, Rs. 4000 and Rs. 5000 per month, at the age of 60 years, depending on the contributions.
As on 07.03.2025, enrolments under this scheme are 7.49 crore.
iv. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): The Scheme provides access to institutional finance to micro/small business units up to Rs.20 lakh for income generating activities such as manufacturing, trading, services, activities allied to agriculture.
As on 28.02.2025, 52.07 crore loans amounting to Rs. 33.19 lakh crore have been sanctioned since inception of the Scheme.
v. Stand Up India Scheme (SUPI): The Scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship among people from Schedule caste/Schedule tribe and woman. The Scheme facilitates bank loans between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.1 crore to one Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe borrower and one-woman borrower per bank branch of Scheduled Commercial Banks for setting up greenfield enterprises in trading, manufacturing and services sector.
As on 07.03.2025, 2.67 lakh loans amounting to Rs. 60,504 crores have been sanctioned since inception of the Scheme.
vi. PM Vishwakarma Scheme: The Scheme, launched on 17.09.2023, is being administered jointly by Ministry of Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Ministry of Skill Development & Enterprises and Department of Financial Services. It aims to provide end-to end holistic support to traditional artists and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades through access to skill training, collateral-free credit, modern tools, market linkage support and incentive for digital transactions.
vii. Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi): The Scheme is being administered by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It was launched on June 01, 2020 with the main objective of providing relief to street vendors affected by Covid-19 lockdown. The Scheme envisages empowering street vendors by not only extending loans to them but also for their holistic economic development.
Further, from time to time, camps are conducted at village level to promote awareness about various financial inclusion schemes and to enrol more people under these schemes.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
HAMMOND – Kathelia Hopkins, 48 years old, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to wire fraud announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Hopkins was sentenced to 21 months in prison and was ordered to pay $424,250 in restitution for her role in submitting dozens of fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of herself and others.
According to documents in the case, between June and August 2020, Hopkins submitted applications to the SBA claiming that the Covid-19 epidemic was creating an economic hardship on her business and other businesses owned by her family, friends, and others. The investigation revealed that these applications were falsified and the businesses that Hopkins claimed were entitled to funds either did not exist or did not qualify for EIDL loan funds. In total, Hopkins sought to extract over $1,250,000 from the disaster loan program and the SBA disbursed over $420,000 relying on her false claims. Hopkins’ personal profit from the fraud scheme was estimated to be $185,040.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen Foster, Associate Professor, Sociology and Social Anthropology and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Rural Futures for Atlantic Canada, Dalhousie University
Rising tensions between Canada and the United States have made increased military investment and a renewed focus on national defence all but inevitable.
While it makes sense for a country feeling vulnerable to invasion to look at recruiting new soldiers and increasing its arsenal, there is an additional facet of national defence that is too often overlooked: food preparedness.
The globalization of food systems, in Canada and the rest of the world, has intensified since the Second World War. This has brought some benefits, such as year-round access to fresh produce, but it has also made Canada’s food systems vulnerable to the whims of its trading partners.
Now, faced with both a trade war and annexation threats, Canada must confront whether its domestic food systems can feed its population in a crisis — economic, political, environmental or otherwise.
Food systems and national defence
Trade-dependent countries worldwide are recognizing food security as a matter of national defence. Some, like Sweden, are making plans to take stock of the capacity and resilience of their food systems, and actively working toward a system that can sustain the lives of their citizens in a crisis.
Sweden’s total goods trade accounted for 67 per cent of its GDP in 2023, compared to Canada’s 53 per cent. Despite its high level of trade dependence, Sweden has put food at the heart of the country’s total defence approach to national security.
Total defence is a defence policy that emphasizes both traditional military activities and civilian activities, including their food systems.
The Swedish government, in its defence resolution, states: “A well-functioning and robust food supply and personal preparedness of the civil population are ultimately a matter of survival and maintaining the will to defend.”
This approach is not focused only on individual or household levels of preparedness — that is, whether people have enough in their pantries — but also includes the overall preparedness of the systems that produce, process and distribute food.
Canada, with its heavy reliance on global trade and the U.S. as a primary trading partner, would do well to take note.
In Québec, for example, there is a growing movement to mobilize and empower producers, community entities, the agrifood sector, policymakers and additional stakeholders to build more resilient, territorial food systems across the province.
Yet Canada’s efforts are not co-ordinated, empowered or moving fast enough in the push for greater food sovereignty. The point is not to abandon trade, but to manage it more strategically.
Trade relations, however, are about more than economics; they involve building political partnerships with Mexico, the European Union, Asian countries and beyond — something Canada needs now more than ever.
Sweden has already recognized this. Its food preparedness strategy involves deepening co-operation with like-minded Nordic countries and collaborating around the supply, transport, stockpiling and testing of food.
Crisis-proofing Canada’s food systems
To ensure Canada can feed itself in a crisis, the government must invest in domestic production, processing and distribution infrastructure. This would create more efficient, connected local markets that removes some of the burden of buying local from individuals.
The Canadian government must also promote diversification in production and export. Canada needs to move away from monoculture farming and toward more regional networks and agroecological approaches. These approaches are more resilient to both crops themselves and the diverse markets they open up, reducing Canada’s dependence on single trading partners like the U.S.
Key agricultural policies such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership need to go beyond the long-standing focus on prioritizing export markets. They must also invest in infrastructure and partnerships in Canada to strengthen their support of Canadian producers, ranchers, fisheries and food system players at home, to help them work together at a regional scale.
Correcting power imbalances in our food systems is also critical. Greater local and regional autonomy over how food is produced, processed and distributed would help with this. These strategies would make Canada less vulnerable to supply chain disruption.
Countries like Sweden recognize these efforts as part of national defence — an approach Canada should consider.
But while we fight annexation from the kitchen table, we must recognize it doesn’t start there; it starts at a higher level. Only better policy, infrastructure and systemic change can prepare Canada to be more proactive and resilient in the face of world crises — economic or otherwise.
Karen Foster receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). She is the director of the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.
Alicia Martin is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.
Gavin Fridell receives funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. He is a member of the Trade and Investment Research Project at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Kathleen Kevany receives funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, for the Food Impact Network research and knowledge mobilization for the handbook of sustainable diets; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for food waste prevention work, and Mitacs for internships on food procurement and food environment analysis.
I am advised to Farm to Cafeteria Canada (F2CC) an NGO.
From April 6, 2025, UKHSA requires medical professionals to report 8 more diseases, while labs must report 10 new pathogens to boost surveillance.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expanded the list of notifiable diseases and pathogens that registered medical professionals and diagnostic laboratories in England must report.
The updated Health Protection Notification Regulations (HPNR) requirements, which come into effect from 6 April 2025, will strengthen local and national surveillance and improve outbreak response capabilities for infectious diseases.
Medical professionals will now be required to report 8 additional conditions, including Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and zoonotic influenza strains. Likewise, laboratories processing human samples in England must report ten new causative agents.
These changes are the result of a public consultation and assessment conducted jointly by UKHSA and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to enhance surveillance capabilities for current and emerging infectious diseases.
Aside from existing infections, registered medical professionals will be required to report suspected cases of:
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
Influenza of zoonotic origin
Chickenpox (varicella)
Congenital syphilis
Neonatal herpes
Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) or acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)
Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
Diagnostic laboratories testing human samples in England will also be required to report an additional 10 pathogens, including:
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Non-human influenza A subtypes
Norovirus
Echinococcus spp
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)
Toxoplasma (congenital toxoplasmosis)
Trichinella spp
Yersinia spp
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Candidozyma auris
Dr William Welfare, UKHSA Director of Health Protection Operations said:
These expanded reporting requirements will strengthen our ability to detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks quickly and effectively. Robust disease surveillance is vital for effective public health response and the data gathered through this system is crucial for developing and implementing timely public health interventions and protecting communities across England.
When registered medical practitioners report certain diseases, UKHSA’s Health Protection Teams will take action. This might include giving antibiotics to people who’ve been in contact with patients, offering vaccines, or advising people to self-isolate. For other diseases, the reports help UKHSA track how illnesses spread and how effective interventions are.
UKHSA recently introduced an electronic NOIDs system, allowing medical professionals to submit notifications online. This digital system is faster than the old paper-based method, helping UKHSA respond more quickly to health threats and reducing the burden of reporting for healthcare professionals.
All shared information is confidential and protected under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). UKHSA only uses this information to track and prevent the spread of diseases.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elena Semino, Distinguished Professor in Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University
It has long been recognised that attitudes towards vaccines may be vaccine-specific, so that people may take up some, but not others.
On July 26 2021, the following statement was posted on Twitter (later renamed X) about the COVID-19 vaccine:
It’s not even a real vaccine. You can catch Covid and also spread it if you are vaccinated. You don’t catch polio or MMR after you are vaccinated.
My colleagues and I came across this comment and many like it while analysing a nine-million-word dataset consisting of tweets about the COVID and MMR vaccines posted between 2008 and 2022, to learn more about vaccine scepticism. We discovered that the author of this tweet is not alone in questioning the status of the COVID-19 vaccines as vaccines, and comparing it to others.
Vaccines (but not as you know them)
Our study also investigated how, in the years of the pandemic, people compared the COVID-19 vaccines unfavourably with the MMR vaccine. Many described a perception that the COVID vaccines were not very effective at preventing infection:
Yes because the covid vaccine is just like the MMR vaccine. NOT. MMR vaccine provides 99.8% protection from catching measles, mumps or rubella. Covid vaccine does NOT stop you from catching covid. Vaccinate away but it’s not going to stop covid.
Some people go one step further and state that, therefore, the COVID-19 vaccines are not vaccines:
How about we start with the fact that it’s not a vaccine, it’s a therapeutic. True vaccines immunize you from the virus. The COVID “vaccine” still allows you to catch COVID just with lesser symptoms. Not the same with polio, MMR, etc.
In some tweets, posters use the term “shot” in contrast with “vaccine”, to suggest an inferior intervention, despite the fact they mean the same thing:
Stop calling it a vaccine. It’s a shot.
Over 20 years ago a discredited but still influential claim that the MMR vaccine may cause autism caused a wave of vaccine scepticism. But this is a new type of vaccine-specific scepticism.
In our data, there is almost no evidence before 2020 of people claiming that some vaccines are not in fact vaccines. In the period 2020-2022, this form of scepticism increased rapidly in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines, and also applied to the flu vaccine:
Can you tell me more about this “vaccine” for the flu that allows tens of thousands of deaths? That’s not a vaccine, it’s a flu shot. Much different than say a polio vaccine or MMR vaccine. I would argue that we do NOT have a flu vaccine.
How can we explain this?
Experts were already aware that some diseases, such as measles, are vaccine-preventable: if you are vaccinated, you are extremely unlikely to be infected. In contrast, other diseases, including influenza and COVID-19, are vaccine-modifiable: if you are vaccinated, you may still be infected, but you are much less likely to become seriously ill or die.
This is not to do with the quality of the vaccines, never mind their status as vaccines, but with differences between, for example, more stable viruses and viruses that mutate over time, and between different rates at which immunity wanes.
Up until the pandemic, these definitions were mostly consistent with people’s experiences of vaccination. Even with flu, there was no easy access to tests that could show that you had been infected with the strain you had been vaccinated against.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed all that. It became a common experience to test positive for COVID-19 even after receiving one or more vaccine doses. Our research found that for some people, this did not undermine confidence in the status of the COVID-19 vaccines as vaccines. For others it did.
This probably explains the new type of scepticism my colleagues and I discovered. It is a scepticism that may be shared by people who normally take up vaccines, for themselves and for their children. The use of informal alternatives to the term “vaccine”, such as “shot”, in public health messaging may unintentionally contribute to this confusion about what counts as a vaccine.
If left unaddressed, this new scepticism may affect the take up of seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as confidence in vaccines in future pandemics.
Elena Semino receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation (grant number: ES/V000926/1).
Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)
Defendant obtained people’s personal information to file false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims.
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Devante Smith, 30, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with his role in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme. Through the conspiracy, victims lost at least $298,685.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Baltimore Field Office.
According to the guilty plea, beginning in June of 2020, and continuing through at least May 2021, Smith engaged in a conspiracy to defraud and obtain money under fraudulent pretenses in connection with an unemployment insurance scheme. Smith obtained personal identifiable information of identity victims to fraudulently file claims for unemployment insurance with the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL).
Smith and his co-conspirators used the unemployment insurance benefits, which were designated to assist persons who were unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 national emergency, for their own personal use. Additionally, Smith and co-defendant Tiia Woods, 47, of Jacksonville, Florida, stole identification cards, social security cards, and/or birth certificates from identity victims, to submit with fraudulent UI applications to MD-DOL.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized increased unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits. UI benefits have historically been a state and federal program that provided monetary benefits to eligible workers. The CARES Act expanded states’ ability to provide UI benefits for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including self-employed workers or independent contractors, who would not normally be eligible for UI benefits.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI, along with Bank of America – Detection and Complex Investigations Fraud Rings and Analytics, for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Harry M. Gruber who prosecuted the federal case
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, reintroduced legislation to extend the reporting deadline for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who seek emergency care outside of IHS facilities. The IHS Emergency Claims Parity Act would extend the emergency notification requirements of IHS’s Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) program from within 72 hours to 15 days.
“Medical emergencies are emergencies – people can’t choose when and where they occur,” said Cortez Masto. “In a crisis, IHS patients should be able to seek care at the closest hospital without worrying about having to fill out burdensome paperwork after an emergency.”
IHS beneficiaries are subject to a number of restrictive rules when seeking outside care; however, few of these rules are as problematic as the emergency reporting deadline. Currently, in emergency cases, the patient must notify the PRC office within 72 hours of receiving outside care. Native American patients determined to be elderly or disabled are given 30 days to notify the IHS of emergency medical care received from non-IHS medical providers or at non-IHS medical facilities.
The IHS Emergency Claims Parity Act would increase the window for timely consideration of emergency care payments to 15 days for all IHS beneficiaries. This excludes reporting requirements for patients considered to be elderly or disabled, which will stay at 30 days.
You can find the full text of the legislation here.
Senator Cortez Masto has long been a champion for Tribal communities and led efforts to provide Native American communities across Nevada with access to quality health care. Last year, the Senate passed her legislation to make it easier for IHS to recruit and retain medical workers. She helped secure over $1 billion in coronavirus relief funding for the Indian Health Service to combat the pandemic and $125 million in additional funding for Tribes and urban Indian health organizations within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to address the mental health needs of Native communities. She has also cosponsored legislation to help address health disparities for Native Americans in urban areas and expand access to physician training to address the state-wide doctor shortage. The Senator has continuously highlighted the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), and she was instrumental in passing Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s Act into law.
There are many home-grown problems on Earth, but there’s still time to worry about bad things arriving from above. The most recent is the asteroid 2024 YR4, which could be a “city killer” if it hits a heavily populated area of our planet in the early years of the next decade.
The chances of that happening are now estimated to be around 0.001%. But there was a brief moment after the asteroid’s discovery last year when the estimated danger of a direct hit crossed the 1% threshold of comfortable risk.
There’s a need to worry about planetary defence if we are to avoid going the way of the dinosaurs. But there are many other things that could kill us, including climate change and wars. So what is it about space that grabs our attention? And how do these fears affect us – individually and as a society?
In the long run, something big will hit us, unless we can redirect it. The responsibility for preparation begins with us.
Yet preparation also carries risks. Daniel Deudney, a professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University in the US, has warned that the technologies used for planetary defence can not only guide asteroids away from Earth – they can also guide them towards it as a tool in a military conflict.
As explained in his book Dark Skies, Deudney’s solution is to reverse, regulate and relinquish most of our human activities in space for several centuries to come. The more we do in space, he believes, the greater the likelihood that states will end up in catastrophic conflict. “The avoidance of civilisation’s disaster and species extinction now depends on discerning what not to do, and then making sure it is not done,” he writes.
He ultimately argues space expansion has come too soon, and we must reverse the process until we are ready. That said, he thinks we may still need some form of planetary defence, but that it can be limited.
Holding off for centuries is an unlikely option though. The chances of an asteroid strike may well be too high. And the political interest in space expansion is, at this point, irreversible.
Fear of space has grown alongside space programs. Worries about asteroid strikes and over-militarisation lean into deeper fears about space as the unknown. Yet they also lean into worries about the self-destructive side of humanity.
Both fears are very old. One of our earliest traceable human tales, the story of the Cosmic Hunt dating back at least 15,000 years, combines the two.
An indigenous Sami version, surviving in Scandinavia, describes how a great hunt in the skies would go wrong if the hunter is impatient and fires an arrow which misses its target and accidentally strikes the pole star. This would bring the canopy of the night sky crashing down to Earth. Again, fears about misguided human actions and the threat from above fuse.
We can see this in modern technologically driven fears such as UFOlogy. Some hard-core believers in UFOs are not only concerned about hostile visitors, but about secret collaborations among scientists on Earth, or, an entire conspiracy to keep the truth from the public.
Without belief in a conspiracy to suppress the evidence, the whole idea falls apart. But without belief that there is actually something to fear from space, there is nothing for the conspiracy to be about. Fear of space is a necessary part of this picture.
This is an idea neatly captured in recent times by the Chinese science fiction author Cixin Liu, who compares space to a “dark forest” in which alien civilisations are trying to hide from each other.
All of this presupposes something of a bunker mentality, an over-separation of Earth and space, or sky and ground. This is something I have referred to as ground bias. The bias allows space to appear as a threatening outside, rather than something that we, too, are part of.
Alien viruses
The rationalisation for such fear shifts about and is not restricted to asteroids, aliens, meteors and runaway military conflict. There is even a theory that viruses come from space.
When COVID sceptics went looking for an idea to explain why mask wearing was pointless, what many of them struck upon was an obscure theory put together by the astrophysicists Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramsinghe in 1979.
The duo ultimately had a good idea which they followed up with a bad idea. The good idea was that the components for the emergence of life may have come from space. The bad idea was that they came ready formed, as viruses and bacteria, and that they are still coming.
According this theory, well known pandemics of the past (such as the lethal 1918 flu pandemic and even epidemics in antiquity) were apparently the result of viruses from space and could not be the result of person-to-person transmission – least of all from asymptomatic carriers.
The COVID version involved a meteor exploding over China. In an interview, Wickramsinghe claimed “a piece of this bolide containing trillions of the COVID-19 virus broke off from the bolide as it was entering the stratosphere” releasing viral particles which were then carried by prevailing winds.
The idea illustrates the way in which fears about space are used to drive anxiety about human failings or wrongdoing. COVID scepticism has since gone all the way into the White House.
But fears about space can also be used to critique those in power. In our own times, they are used to fuel narratives about billionaires with private space agendas and presidential access, wealthy space tourists and even wealthier prospective colonisers of Mars and beyond. It is a tempting narrative, but one that sees Earth as closed system, which should not be opened to the outside.
We may, at some level, be afraid of space itself. We certainly have an exaggerated sense our our Earthly separateness from it. And there are some particular things that we do have cause to worry about. But there is also the risk that a fear of space can combine with suspicions about governments, leading us to embrace conspiracy theories as a way to consolidate different kinds of worries into a single, manageable, set of beliefs.
Tony Milligan receives funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 856543).
Source: The Conversation – France – By Pierre Micheletti, Responsable du diplôme «Santé — Solidarité — Précarité» à la Faculté de médecine de Grenoble, Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)
The collapse of western funding for international aid–for both emergency humanitarian operations and official development assistance (ODA)–is a major blow. The dramatic consequences for the neglected populations are the result of the structural weaknesses–evident for years [1]–of an economic model of international aid and development whose obsolescence is now plain for all to see. What is particularly dramatic, however, is the abrupt, non-negotiated manner in which the procedures and targets of the withdrawals have been determined.
The “four temptations” inherent to the financial system in force to date [2]–and now unashamedly embraced by the new US administration–are obvious: the “western-centrism” of the donor countries; the “neo-liberal approach” to international aid where each contributing state chooses which countries to help; the “security concerns” about payments which are governed by strict control procedures to prevent such payments falling into the hands of the enemies of donor countries in conflict areas; and the “temptation to withdraw” funding whenever donor countries experience a major upheaval (Covid-19, economic crises, the rise of nationalism and isolationism, etc.). These trends converge to generate a volumetric insufficiency and suspicions of political soft power in the countries contributing to the annual budgets [3].
Of course, this is a disaster for international aid and development actors themselves, both in terms of feeling responsible for abandoning the activities developed in the field, and in terms of the redundancy plans that have already hit some of the organisations. Some of these organisations will clearly not survive the current events: even those with little or no reliance on USAID (the US development agency whose aid was ordered frozen for 90 days) will potentially be affected by the knock-on effects of the withdrawal of the leading donor country.
Du lundi au vendredi + le dimanche, recevez gratuitement les analyses et décryptages de nos experts pour un autre regard sur l’actualité. Abonnez-vous dès aujourd’hui !
Scaling back aid in an interdependent world
Even before the United States announced its cuts, other countries had begun to scale back their international aid and development budgets. These include France [4], the UK, Germany and Belgium, to name a few we already know of.
Organisations for which the “generosity of the public” (which accounts for around 20% of annual humanitarian aid funding) [5] is a major component of their resource structure will not escape the consequences either.
The economic rebalancing and political tensions resulting from some of the Trump administration’s decisions are indeed likely to have industrial and social repercussions in all the countries that were once privileged partners of the United States, particularly among the members of the European Union. Experience shows the effects that the erosion of certain national parameters can have on the donation processes of the individual donors who support non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Individual donors will have to prioritise a wide range of crises that are now being neglected by government funding, and compassion will then be a matter of personal choice.
The tension looming everywhere as a result of increasing trade restrictions may have economic and social repercussions, which in turn may lead to higher expectations among the general public and redirect donations toward local, national or family forms of aid and development.
Some political groups are starting to question the legitimacy and validity of ODA, which recently prompted the director of the Agence française de développement (AFD) to speak out specifically in defence of the actions of the organisation [6].
The richest countries are gradually developing a dynamic that shows an insane indifference to poverty, environmental degradation and the zoonoses that can result from the abuse of our primary forests. Yet no border can act as an illusory and impenetrable Maginot line to curb the worldwide dangers that define the interdependencies of today’s globalised world [7].
We cannot be indifferent–neither in Europe nor in North America–to all the forms of abuse inflicted on our planet (and soon to be compounded by the revival of a mutilating and predatory extractive industry), nor to the survival strategies underlying current and future massive population movements, nor to the conflicts that these different mechanisms can generate.
The danger of losing interest in equality of opportunity
Two figures immediately reveal the huge gap that already exists in terms of global inequality. The global ODA envelope, provided by OECD countries, amounted to $230 billion in 2023, when “migratory remittances”–sums transferred by migrants to their countries of origin–stood at $830 billion, of which $650 billion were sent to low- and middle-income countries [8]. These sums are a lifeline for the poorest populations. They reflect the inseparable balance of survival between here and there.
Yet we are being encouraged to accept the idea that, despite these border-free interdependencies, we, in the richest countries, could lose interest in the various mechanisms that are destroying equality of opportunity throughout the world; that an unabashed reaffirmation of “everyone for themselves”, in terms of both consumption and global solidarity, could henceforth serve as a new, unabashed political mantra; and that this would have no long-term consequences for lasting peace…
Therefore, in a world where, by 2100, the population of Africa could represent 40% of humankind, we risk major turmoil if we turn our backs on the reality that is unfolding [9]. On that continent (and in other places where major vulnerabilities exist), we cannot shy away from showing concern for others–out of a sense of realism if not generosity.
Together, we must resist the strategy of every man for himself and the law of the strongest promoted by the new leaders of the United States and their affiliates. We must also strive to invent a new model free of the four founding temptations of the existing system, which grew out of the Second World War and the process of decolonisation. This implies creating the conditions for a significant increase in the number of contributing countries for government funds, as well as a diversification of sources for private funds. A new distribution of creative and decision-making power within the governance of a system in need of rebuilding is thus essential. In the aftermath of the current crisis, new battles are emerging to radically overhaul the strategies and methods of international solidarity.
A version of this article originally appeared under a different headline in Alternatives Humanitaires. It was translated by Derek Scoins for that publication.
Pierre Micheletti ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Emmanuel Ojo, Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand
Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.
He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.
What are the global crises that have undermined education?
In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.
The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.
More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.
Who suffers most, and in what ways?
Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.
But the impact is not distributed equally.
My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.
In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.
Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.
What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.
What makes southern African education systems fragile?
Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.
The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.
Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.
Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.
How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?
One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.
Research points to a number of ways to do this:
Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.
Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.
Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.
Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.
Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.
Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.
Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.
What’s the cost of doing nothing?
The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.
When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.
Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.
Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.
The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.
The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.
– Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa – https://theconversation.com/global-crises-have-hit-education-hard-24-years-of-research-offers-a-way-forward-for-southern-africa-251833
Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.
He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.
What are the global crises that have undermined education?
In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.
The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.
More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.
Who suffers most, and in what ways?
Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.
But the impact is not distributed equally.
My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.
In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.
Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.
What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.
What makes southern African education systems fragile?
Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.
The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.
Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.
Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.
How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?
One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.
Research points to a number of ways to do this:
Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.
Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.
Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.
Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.
Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.
Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.
Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.
What’s the cost of doing nothing?
The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.
When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.
Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.
Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.
The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.
The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.
Emmanuel Ojo receives funding from National Research Foundation (NRF).
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Henson used the fraudulently obtained funds for cosmetic surgery, extensive renovations to her home and the home of a family member, funding new business adventures—including a used car dealership that never opened—and a cryptocurrency she had created.
Baltimore, Maryland – After a one-week trial, a federal jury found Nichelle Henson, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, guilty of making false statements and for bank fraud in connection with fraudulent applications Henson filed to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in the names of multiple purported businesses that she had previously incorporated in the state of Maryland.
The trial conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Brian D. Miller, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR).
According to the evidence presented at trial, Henson incorporated several businesses with the State of Maryland, including Crowns Construction, LLC; Nichelle Henson Campaign, LLC; One Stop for Services, LLC; Your Friendly Tax Preparation Services, LLC; Women Entrepreneurs Can Succeed, LLC, and Peace of Mind Services, Inc. The Defendant opened bank accounts in the names of some of her businesses and obtained Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the businesses.
In 2020 and 2021, she submitted six fraudulent EIDL applications to the SBA for her various businesses that contained false information concerning each business’s gross receipts, costs of goods sold, and number of employees. At the time of the submissions, none of the businesses were operating, and none of the businesses had any employees. As a result of the applications, Henson received $18,000 in United States Treasury funds from the SBA.
Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP, administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA also offered an EIDL and/or an EIDL advance to help businesses meet their financial obligations. An EIDL advance did not have to be repaid, and small businesses could receive an advance, even if they were not approved for an EIDL loan. The maximum advance amount was $10,000.
During this same period, Henson submitted 12 fraudulent PPP loan applications to three SBA-approved lenders for her various purported businesses. Each of these applications contained false information about each business’s number of employees and average monthly payroll, and each was supported by purported IRS tax forms listing employees and wages that were, in fact, never filed with the IRS.
Between April 30, 2020 and June 29, 2020, Henson submitted six PPP applications for her various businesses. One of these businesses was called Nichelle Henson Campaign (the “Campaign”), an entity that was meant to fund Henson’s run for Baltimore City Council. However, at the time of the submission of the application for the Campaign on May 10, 2020, Henson had withdrawn her candidacy – approximately six months earlier, on November 19, 2019.
Another entity was called Crowns Construction, a purported construction business located in Baltimore City. This business did not exist in any capacity, and the address used on the PPP loan application was nothing more than a vacant lot. In support of the application for this business, Henson included a fabricated Baltimore Gas & Electric that purported to be for Crowns Construction but was in fact a bill belonging to a neighbor of Henson’s that she had scanned and then doctored using a PDF editing tool.
Henson ultimately obtained $998,590 as a result of these six fraudulent applications. On January 19, 2021, Henson submitted six more fraudulent PPP loan applications—this time to M&T Bank—for each of her six purported businesses. Each of these applications contained lies about the existence of each business, the number of their employees, and payroll paid. And each application was supported by fabricated tax documents never filed with the IRS. M&T funded five of the six loans, transferring $676,250 in PPP funds to Henson. Shortly thereafter Henson went to an M&T branch in Baltimore and withdrew $5,000 cash from each of her five M&T accounts where the PPP funds flowed. M&T thereafter froze Henson’s accounts and notified law enforcement about the suspected fraud.
Henson used the EIDL and PPP loan funds to support businesses other than the borrowers, such as Wyse Rides, a used car business Henson attempted to open in Dundalk, Maryland. The business never opened. Henson used the PPP funds she received in multiple ways impermissible under the PPP, including for cosmetic surgery, for extensive renovations to her home and a family member’s home, to pay a year’s rent for her personal home, to pay a year’s rent for a new business venture, and to fund other new business ventures, including a used car dealership—which never opened—and to create a cryptocurrency called Subina Coin and, relatedly, to fund an entity called the “Adageyhdi Indian Nation.”
In total, Henson obtained $1,694,451 in connection with her scheme to defraud.
Henson faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count of Bank Fraud, and a maximum possible sentence of 5 years in prison for each count of False Statements. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox has scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. She will be required to pay restitution to the SBA and the victim financial institutions.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI and the Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, which conducted the investigation on behalf of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force, for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Riley and Joseph Wenner, who are prosecuting the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Julie Jarman.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
AUSTIN, Texas, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors today announced a transformational partnership with Pipe17, a leading provider of AI-powered composable order operations. This partnership reimagines how modern merchants manage orders in an increasingly complex digital commerce ecosystem.
BigCommerce empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to sell online and capture orders seamlessly. Feedonomics, BigCommerce’s AI-powered product data feed management and order orchestration solution, helps brands list, manage and optimize product, inventory, pricing and order data across third-party channels, from ads, to social commerce, to marketplaces. The next frontier of commerce lies in the back office—turning captured orders into packages on consumers’ doorsteps or trucks on businesses’ loading docks.
Today’s customers expect to shop anywhere—through merchant-owned channels like their brand websites and mobile apps, marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart, social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and increasingly AI agents. They also demand instant delivery and flawless order fulfillment, pushing brands to expand their fulfillment infrastructure with additional warehouses, third-party logistics (3PL) partnerships, generous returns policies and new technology.
As selling channels proliferate and fulfillment infrastructure grows in both size and complexity, problems rapidly shift to the back office—specifically order management. Merchants struggle to route orders and ensure order-related data is perfectly synchronized between selling channels, 3PLs, warehouse management systems (WMSs), customer service and back-office systems of record such as an ERP, and any one of dozens or hundreds of systems that touch order and order-adjacent data.
Pipe17’s order operations network transforms the way orders, inventory and data flow through the modern commerce landscape. Unlike outdated and monolithic order management systems (OMSs) that attempt to be the center of every integration, Pipe17 is built atop an AI-powered network composed of hundreds of endpoints. In partnership with BigCommerce, this dynamic, scalable, and composable approach gives merchants unmatched flexibility and control of their connectivity, product listings, order routing and order-related data flows.
With this partnership, merchants on the BigCommerce platform, as well as Feedonomics customers on any platform, can leverage Pipe17’s connectivity network to extend their coverage across critical fulfillment endpoints.
“Order Management is ripe for disruption, and Pipe17 delivers a game-changing solution with its innovative order operations platform,” said Travis Hess, CEO of BigCommerce. “BigCommerce has always made it easy for merchants to capture orders, and Feedonomics helps merchants sell everywhere their customers shop, and by partnering with Pipe17, we can now ensure those orders from both owned channels and third-party channels move smoothly through our customers’ fulfillment infrastructure and back-office setup, ensuring a seamless flow through the delivery process.”
“Commerce is all about delivering great customer experiences,” said Mo Afshar, CEO of Pipe17. “We’re proud to partner with BigCommerce to help merchants unify their commerce operations and stay ahead of the evolving digital commerce landscape. Together, with BigCommerce’s world-class API-first open commerce platform, product data management and order capture solutions and Pipe17’s order operations network that delivers the order management capabilities merchants need without the bloated OMS they despise, we’re enabling sellers to create better, more intelligent and further reaching customer experiences.”
“We saw during the height of the Covid pandemic, and beyond, the importance of accurately managing orders and fulfillment across multiple sales channels,” said James Grandefeld, Chief Operating Officer at Bona Fide Masks, “Our partnership with both of these great platforms lets us provide best in class service to our valued customers. We are excited about the partnership and what it means for us.”
To learn more about BigCommerce’s partnership with Pipe17, visit the company’s booth (#1944) at Shoptalk, March 25-27, 2025.
About BigCommerce BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.
About Feedonomics Feedonomics is the leading data management platform powering omnichannel growth for the world’s top brands and retailers. With its flexible technology and full-service support team, Feedonomics facilitates a variety of data and order management use cases across industries such as ecommerce, automotive, employment, travel, real estate, and more. Feedonomics has thousands of active customers, integrations with hundreds of ecommerce platforms and channels, and strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft and TikTok. To learn more about Feedonomics, a platform-agnostic BigCommerce subsidiary, visit www.feedonomics.com. For more information, please visit www.feedonomics.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About Pipe17 Pipe17 Inc. provides AI-Powered Order Operations solutions for modern merchants and fulfillment service providers. Based in Seattle, Pipe17 is the fastest and easiest way to make omnichannel order flows touchless and cost-efficient, from order to inventory to fulfillment across DTC, B2B, and Retail. Pipe17 is the only ecommerce order operations solution that combines rapid deployment, seamless orders-to-anywhere automation, real-time visibility, and elastic scale. Learn more at https://Pipe17.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media contacts: For BigCommerce and Feedonomics Brad Hem pr@bigcommerce.com
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Lex Fridman in a podcast about various topics today. In a candid conversation, when asked about why he fasts and how he manages, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Lex Fridman for his gesture of fasting as a mark of respect for the PM. “In India, religious traditions are deeply intertwined with daily life”, said Shri Modi, adding that Hinduism is not merely about rituals but a philosophy guiding life, as interpreted by the Honorable Supreme Court of India. He emphasized that fasting is a tool for cultivating discipline and balancing the inner and outer self. The Prime Minister noted that fasting heightens the senses, making them more sensitive and aware. He observed that during fasting, one can perceive even subtle aromas and details more vividly. He also highlighted that fasting accelerates the thinking process, providing fresh perspectives and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. Shri Modi clarified that fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it involves a scientific process of preparation and detoxification. He emphasized that he prepares his body for fasting by following Ayurvedic and yoga practices for several days beforehand and stressed the importance of hydration during this period. Once fasting begins, he views it as an act of devotion and self-discipline, allowing for deep introspection and focus. The Prime Minister shared that his practice of fasting originated from personal experience, starting with a movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi during his school days. He felt a surge of energy and awareness during his first fast, which convinced him of its transformative power. He highlighted that fasting does not slow him down; instead, it often increases his productivity. He noted that during fasting, his thoughts flow more freely and creatively, making it an incredible experience for expressing himself.
On being asked how he carried out his role as a leader on the world stage, all fasted, and sometimes nine days, Shri Modi highlighted the ancient Indian tradition of Chaturmas, observed during the monsoon season when digestion naturally slows. He remarked that during this period, many Indians follow the practice of consuming only one meal a day. For him, this tradition begins around mid-June and continues until after Diwali in November, spanning four to four and a half months. He added that during the Navratri Festival in September or October, which celebrates strength, devotion, and spiritual discipline, he completely abstains from food and consumes only hot water for nine days. He further shared that during the Chaitra Navratri in March or April, he follows a unique fasting practice by consuming only one specific fruit once a day for nine days. For instance, if he chooses papaya, he eats only papaya throughout the fasting period. He emphasized that these fasting practices are deeply ingrained in his life and have been followed consistently for 50 to 55 years.
The Prime Minister remarked that his fasting practices were initially personal and not publicly known. However, they became more widely recognized after he became Chief Minister and Prime Minister, he added noting that he does not mind sharing his experiences now, as they might be beneficial to others, aligning with his life’s dedication to the well-being of others. He also shared an instance during a bilateral meeting at the White House with former President of USA, Mr. Barack Obama when he was fasting.
On being asked about his early life, the Prime Minister reflected on his birthplace, Vadnagar, Mehsana district in North Gujarat, highlighting its rich historical significance. He noted that Vadnagar was a major center for Buddhist learning, attracting figures like the Chinese philosopher Hiuen Tsang. He mentioned that the town was also a prominent Buddhist educational hub around the 1400s, highlighting that his village had a unique environment where Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu traditions co-existed harmoniously. He emphasized that history was not confined to books, as every stone and wall in Vadnagar told a story. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he initiated large-scale excavation projects that uncovered evidence dating back 2,800 years, proving the city’s continuous existence. Shri Modi remarked that these findings have led to the establishment of an international-level museum in Vadnagar, which is now a major area of study, especially for archaeology students. He expressed gratitude for being born in such a historically significant place, seeing it as his good fortune. The Prime Minister also shared aspects of his childhood, describing his family’s life in a small house without windows, where he grew up in extreme poverty. However, he added that they never felt the burden of poverty, as they had no basis for comparison. His father was disciplined and hardworking, known for his punctuality, he said. Shri Modi highlighted his mother’s hard work and her spirit of caring for others, which instilled in him a sense of empathy and service. He recalled how his mother would treat children with traditional remedies early in the morning, gathering them at their home, and emphasized that these experiences shaped his life and values. The Prime Minister noted that his journey into politics brought his humble beginnings to light, as media coverage during his oath-taking as Chief Minister revealed his background to the public. He expressed that his life’s experiences, whether seen as fortune or misfortune, have unfolded in a way that now informs his public life.
Shri Modi encouraged young people to remain patient and self-confident, emphasizing that challenges are part of life but should not define one’s purpose, when asked for his advice to the young people. He highlighted that difficulties are tests of endurance, meant to strengthen individuals rather than defeat them, adding that every crisis presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. The Prime Minister remarked that there are no shortcuts in life, using the analogy of railway station signs that warn against crossing tracks, stating, “Shortcut will cut you short.” He emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving success. He also stressed the need to pour one’s heart into every responsibility and live life with passion, finding fulfillment in the journey. Highlighting that abundance alone does not guarantee success, as even those with resources must continue to grow and contribute to society, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of never stopping learning, as personal growth is essential throughout life. He shared his own experience of learning from interactions at his father’s tea shop, which taught him the value of continuous learning and self-improvement. He noted that many people set big targets and feel disappointed if they fall short. He advised focusing on doing something rather than just becoming something, as this mindset allows for continued determination and progress toward goals. He emphasized that true contentment comes from what one gives, rather than what one gets, and encouraged young people to cultivate a mindset centered on contribution and service.
On being asked about his journey in the Himalayas, Shri Modi reflected on his upbringing in a small town, where community life was central. He often visited the local library, finding inspiration in books about figures like Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This sparked a desire to shape his life similarly, leading him to experiment with his physical limits, such as sleeping outside in cold weather to test his endurance, he added. Highlighting the influence of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, particularly a story where Vivekananda, despite needing help for his ill mother, could not bring himself to ask Goddess Kali for anything during meditation, an experience which instilled in Vivekananda a spirit of giving, Shri Modi said that this left an impression on him, stressing that true contentment comes from giving and serving others. He recalled an incident where he chose to stay behind and care for a saint during a family wedding, demonstrating his early inclination towards spiritual pursuits. He noted that seeing soldiers in his village inspired him to serve the nation, though he didn’t have a clear path at the time. The Prime Minister mentioned his deep longing to understand life’s meaning and his journey in exploring it. He highlighted his connection with saints like Swami Atmasthanandji, who guided him on the importance of serving society. He shared that during his time in the mission, he met remarkable saints who showered him with love and blessings. Shri Modi also spoke about his experiences in the Himalayas, where solitude and encounters with ascetics helped shape him and discover his inner strength. He emphasized the role of meditation, service, and devotion in his personal growth.
Sharing his experience with Swami Atmasthanandaji in Ramakrishna Mission which led him to a decision to live a life of service at every scale, Shri Modi said that while others may view him as the Prime Minister or Chief Minister, he remains deeply committed to spiritual principles, highlighting that his inner consistency is rooted in serving others, whether through helping his mother care for children, wandering in the Himalayas, or working from his current position of responsibility. The Prime Minister remarked that to him, there is no real difference between a saint and a leader, as both roles are guided by the same core values. He emphasized that while external aspects like attire and work may change, his dedication to service remains constant. He underlined that he carries out every responsibility with the same sense of calm, focus, and dedication.
Discussing about the impact that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has had on his early life, Prime Minister mentioned his childhood fascination with patriotic songs, particularly those sung by a man named Makoshi, who would visit his village with a tambourine. He said that these songs deeply touched him and played a role in his eventual involvement with RSS. He highlighted that the RSS instilled in him core values such as doing everything with a purpose, whether studying or exercising, to contribute to the nation. Shri Modi remarked that the RSS provides a clear direction toward a purpose in life, emphasizing that serving people is akin to serving God. He noted that the RSS is nearing its 100th anniversary and is a massive volunteer organization with millions of members worldwide. Highlighting various initiatives inspired by the RSS, such as Seva Bharati, which runs over 1,25,000 service projects in slums and settlements without government assistance, Shri Modi also mentioned Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, which has established over 70,000 one-teacher schools in tribal regions, and Vidya Bharati, which operates nearly 25,000 schools educating around 30 lakh students. He emphasized that the RSS prioritizes education and values, ensuring students remain grounded and learn skills to avoid becoming a burden on society. He highlighted the Indian Labor Union, which has millions of members across the country, adopting a unique approach by focusing on “workers unite the world,” contrasting with traditional labor movements. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the life values and purpose he gained from the RSS and the spiritual guidance he received from saints like Swami Atmasthananda.
On the topic of India, Shri Modi said that India is a cultural identity and a civilization that dates back thousands of years. Highlighting the vastness of India, with over 100 languages and thousands of dialects, emphasizing the saying that every 20 miles, the language, customs, cuisine, and clothing styles change, he said that despite this immense diversity, there is a common thread that unites the country. The Prime Minister highlighted the stories of Lord Ram, which resonate across India, and pointed out how names inspired by Lord Ram are found in every region, from Rambhai in Gujarat to Ramachandran in Tamil Nadu and Ram Bhau in Maharashtra. He remarked that this unique cultural bond unites India as one civilization. Shri Modi emphasized the ritual of remembering all the rivers of India during bathing, where people chant the names of rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri. He noted that this sentiment of unity is deeply ingrained in Indian traditions and is reflected in the resolutions made during important events and rituals, which also serve as historical records. Underlining the meticulous guidance of Indian scriptures in practices such as invoking the universe during ceremonies, starting from Jambudweep and narrowing down to the family deity, the Prime Minister remarked that these practices are still alive and observed daily across India. He observed that while Western and global models view nations as administrative systems, India’s unity lies in its cultural bonds. He noted that India has had varied administrative systems throughout history, but its unity has been preserved through cultural traditions. Shri Modi also underscored the role of pilgrimage traditions in maintaining India’s unity, mentioning Shankaracharya’s establishment of four pilgrimage sites. He remarked that even today, millions of people travel for pilgrimage, such as bringing water from Rameshwaram to Kashi and vice versa. He also pointed out the richness of India’s Hindu calendar, which reflects the country’s diverse traditions.
Discussing Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy and India’s Struggle for Independence, the Prime Minister reiterated that he was born in Gujarat, with Gujarati as his mother tongue, just like Mahatma Gandhi. He highlighted that Gandhi, despite having opportunities abroad as an attorney, chose to devote his life to serving the people of India, guided by a deep sense of duty and family values. He emphasized that Gandhi’s principles and actions continue to influence every Indian to this day. Underlining Gandhi’s advocacy for cleanliness, noting that he practiced it himself and made it a central topic in his discussions, Shri Modi remarked on India’s long struggle for independence, during which the flame of freedom burned brightly across the nation despite centuries of colonial rule. Millions sacrificed their lives, enduring imprisonment and martyrdom, to ensure India’s freedom, he added. Shri Modi observed that while many freedom fighters made lasting impacts, it was Mahatma Gandhi who awakened the nation by leading a mass movement rooted in truth. He highlighted Gandhi’s ability to involve every individual in the freedom struggle, from sweepers to teachers, spinners, and caregivers. He remarked that Gandhi transformed ordinary citizens into soldiers for freedom, creating a movement so immense that the British could not fully comprehend it. He noted the significance of the Dandi March, where a pinch of salt sparked a revolution. The Prime Minister shared an anecdote from a Roundtable Conference, where Gandhi, dressed in his breechcloth, met King George at Buckingham Palace. He highlighted Gandhi’s witty remark, “Your king is wearing enough clothes for the both of us,” showcasing his whimsical charm. Shri Modi reflected on Gandhi’s call for unity and recognition of people’s strength, which continues to resonate. He emphasized his own commitment to including the common man in every initiative and fostering social change, rather than relying solely on the government.
Shri Modi further mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy transcends centuries, emphasizing that his relevance endures to this day. He highlighted his own sense of responsibility, stating that his strength lies not in his name but in the backing of 140 crore Indians and thousands of years of timeless culture and heritage. “When I shake hands with a world leader, it’s not Modi, but 140 crore Indians doing so”, he added humbly. Recalling the widespread criticism he faced in 2013 when he was declared his party’s prime ministerial candidate, Shri Modi said that critics questioned his understanding of foreign policy and global geopolitics. He responded at the time, “India will neither allow itself to be looked down upon, nor will it ever look up to anyone. India will now see eye-to-eye with her counterparts.” He reaffirmed that this belief remains central to his foreign policy, emphasizing that the country always comes first. Prime Minister highlighted India’s long-standing advocacy for global peace and brotherhood, rooted in the vision of the world as one family. He remarked on India’s contributions to global initiatives, such as the concept of “One Sun, One World, One Grid” for renewable energy and “One Earth, One Health” for global healthcare, which extends to all flora and fauna. He emphasized the importance of fostering global well-being and called for collective efforts from the international community. Touching upon India’s hosting of the G20 Summit with the motto, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” Shri Modi underscored the duty to share India’s timeless wisdom with the world. He remarked on the interconnected nature of today’s world, stating, “No country can thrive in isolation. We all depend upon one another.” He emphasized the need for synchronization and collaboration to propel global initiatives forward. He also addressed the relevance of global organizations like the United Nations, noting that their inability to evolve with the times has sparked a global debate on their effectiveness.
On the topic of the path to peace in Ukraine, Shri Modi said that he represents the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, great souls whose teachings and actions were entirely dedicated to peace. He emphasized that India’s strong cultural and historical background ensures that when India speaks of peace, the world listens. He highlighted that Indians are not hardwired for conflict but instead espouse harmony, standing for peace and embracing the responsibility of peacemaking wherever possible. The Prime Minister reflected on his close relationships with both Russia and Ukraine, stating that he can engage with President Putin to emphasize that this is not the time for war and can also convey to President Zelensky that resolutions will not be achieved on the battlefield but through negotiations. He added that discussions must include both parties to be fruitful and noted that the current situation presents an opportunity for meaningful talks between Ukraine and Russia. Highlighting the suffering caused by the conflict, including its impact on the global south, which has faced crises in food, fuel, and fertilizer, the Prime Minister called for the global community to unite in the pursuit of peace. He reaffirmed his stance, stating, “I am not neutral. I have a stance, and that is peace, and peace is what I strive for.”
Discussing the topic of India and Pakistan relations, the Prime Minister touched upon the painful reality of India’s partition in 1947, highlighting the grief and bloodshed that followed. He described the harrowing sight of trains arriving from Pakistan filled with wounded people and corpses. He noted that despite expectations of harmonious coexistence, Pakistan chose a path of hostility, waging a proxy war against India. The Prime Minister questioned the ideology that thrives on bloodshed and terror, emphasizing that terrorism is a menace not just for India but for the world. He pointed out that the trail of terror often leads to Pakistan, citing the example of Osama bin Laden, who was found taking refuge there. He remarked that Pakistan has become an epicenter of turmoil and urged them to abandon state-sponsored terrorism. “What do you hope to gain by surrendering your nation to lawless forces?”, he questioned. Shri Modi shared his personal efforts to foster peace, including his visit to Lahore and the invitation extended to Pakistan for his swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister. He highlighted this diplomatic gesture as a testament to India’s commitment to peace and harmony, as captured in the memoir of former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. However, he noted that these efforts were met with hostility and betrayal.
Stressing on the unifying power of sports, Shri Modi said that they connect people on a deeper level and energize the world. He stated, “Sports play a major role in human evolution. They’re not just games; they bring people together across nations.” He noted that while he is not an expert in sports techniques, results often speak for themselves, as seen in a recent cricket match between India and Pakistan. The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s strong football culture, noting the impressive performance of the women’s football team and the progress of the men’s team. Reflecting on the past, he remarked that for the 1980s generation, Maradona was a true hero, while today’s generation immediately mentions Messi. Shri Modi shared a memorable visit to Shahdol, a tribal district in Madhya Pradesh, where he encountered a community deeply dedicated to football. He recounted meeting young players who proudly referred to their village as “mini Brazil,” a name earned through four generations of football tradition and nearly 80 national-level players. He noted that their annual football matches attract 20,000 to 25,000 spectators from nearby villages. He expressed optimism about the growing passion for football in India, stating that it not only fuels enthusiasm but also builds true team spirit.
On being asked about the President of the USA, H.E. Mr. Donald Trump, the Prime Minister reminisced about a memorable event, the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston, where he and President Trump addressed a packed stadium. He remarked on President Trump’s humility, noting how he sat in the audience during Modi’s speech and later agreed to walk around the stadium with him, showcasing mutual trust and a strong bond. He highlighted President Trump’s courage and decision-making, recalling his resilience even after being shot during a campaign. Shri Modi reflected on his first visit to the White House, where President Trump broke formal protocols to personally give him a tour. He mentioned Trump’s deep respect for American history, as he shared details about past Presidents and significant moments without notes or assistance. He emphasized the strong trust and communication between them, which remained unshaken even during Trump’s absence from office. Remarking on President Trump’s graciousness in calling him a great negotiator, attributing it to Trump’s humility, the Prime Minister stated that his negotiation approach always prioritizes India’s interests, advocating positively without causing offense. He emphasized that his nation is his high command, and he honors the responsibility entrusted to him by the people of India. Highlighting his productive meetings with individuals like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and JD Vance during his recent visit to the United States, Shri Modi spoke of the warm, family-like atmosphere and shared his long-standing acquaintance with Elon Musk. He expressed happiness over Musk’s excitement about the DOGE mission and drew parallels to his own efforts to eliminate inefficiencies and harmful practices in governance since taking office in 2014. Prime Minister shared examples of governance reforms, including the removal of 10 crore fake or duplicate names from welfare schemes, saving massive amounts of money. He introduced direct benefit transfers to ensure transparency and eliminate middlemen, saving nearly three lakh crore rupees. He also launched the GeM portal for government purchases, reducing costs and improving quality. Additionally, he eliminated 40,000 unnecessary compliances and removed 1,500 outdated laws to streamline governance. He added that these bold changes have made India a topic of global discussion, just as innovative missions like DOGE capture worldwide attention.
On being asked about the bilateral relations with India and China, the Prime Minister emphasised their shared history of learning from each other and contributing to global good, highlighting that at one point, India and China together accounted for over 50% of the world’s GDP, showcasing their massive contributions. He noted the deep cultural connections, including the profound influence of Buddhism in China, which originated in India. Shri Modi stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the two nations. He acknowledged that differences are natural between neighbors but stressed the need to prevent these differences from escalating into disputes. “Dialogue is the key to building a stable and cooperative relationship that benefits both nations”, he added. Addressing the ongoing border disputes, Prime Minister acknowledged the tensions that arose in 2020 but noted that his recent meeting with President Xi has led to a return to normalcy at the border. He highlighted efforts to restore conditions to pre-2020 levels and expressed optimism that trust, enthusiasm, and energy would gradually return. He emphasized that cooperation between India and China is essential for global stability and prosperity, advocating for healthy competition rather than conflict.
On global tensions, the Prime Minister reflected on the lessons from COVID-19, which exposed the limitations of every nation and underscored the need for unity. He remarked that instead of moving toward peace, the world has become more fragmented, leading to uncertainty and worsening conflicts. He highlighted the irrelevance of international organizations like the UN due to a lack of reforms and the disregard for international laws. Shri Modi called for a shift from conflict to cooperation, advocating for a development-driven approach as the way forward. He reiterated that expansionism will not work in an interconnected and interdependent world, emphasizing the need for nations to support one another. He expressed hope for the restoration of peace, noting the deep concern shared by global forums over ongoing conflicts.
On the topic of 2002 Gujarat riots, Shri Modi provided a detailed account of the volatile atmosphere leading up to it, highlighting a series of global and national crises, including the Kandahar hijacking, the Red Fort attack, and the 9/11 terror attacks. He remarked on the tense environment and the challenges he faced as a newly appointed Chief Minister, including overseeing rehabilitation after a devastating earthquake and managing the aftermath of the tragic Godhra incident. The Prime Minister addressed misconceptions about the 2002 riots, noting that Gujarat had a long history of communal violence before his tenure. He emphasized that the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter and found him completely innocent. He highlighted that Gujarat has remained peaceful for 22 years since 2002, attributing this to a governance approach focused on development for all and trust from all. Talking about criticism, Shri Modi stated, “Criticism is the soul of democracy”, emphasising the importance of genuine, well-informed criticism, which he believes leads to better policy making. However, he expressed concern over the prevalence of baseless allegations, which he distinguished from constructive criticism. He remarked, “Allegations benefit no one; they just cause unnecessary conflicts.” The Prime Minister shared his perspective on journalism, advocating for a balanced approach. He recounted an analogy he once shared, comparing journalism to a bee that collects nectar and spreads sweetness but can also sting powerfully when necessary. He expressed disappointment over selective interpretations of his analogy, emphasizing the need for journalism to focus on truth and constructive impact rather than sensationalism.
Discussing his extensive experience in politics, highlighting his early focus on organizational work, managing elections, and strategizing campaigns, Shri Modi stated that for 24 years, the people of Gujarat and India have placed their trust in him, and he remains committed to honoring this sacred duty with unwavering dedication. He emphasized his government’s commitment to ensuring welfare schemes reach every citizen without discrimination based on caste, creed, faith, wealth, or ideology. He remarked that fostering trust is the cornerstone of his governance model, ensuring that even those not directly benefiting from schemes feel included and assured of future opportunities. “Our governance is rooted in the people, not the polls, and is dedicated to the well-being of citizens and the nation”, said the Prime Minister, sharing his perspective of revering the nation and its people as manifestations of the Divine, likening his role to that of a devoted priest serving the people. He emphasized his lack of conflicts of interest, noting that he has no friends or relatives who stand to gain from his position, which resonates with the common man and builds trust. The Prime Minister expressed pride in belonging to the world’s largest political party, which he credited to the tireless efforts of millions of dedicated volunteers. He remarked that these volunteers, devoted to the welfare of India and its citizens, have no personal stakes in politics and are widely recognized for their selfless service. He highlighted that this trust in his party is reflected in election results, which he attributes to the blessings of the people.
Further talking about the incredible logistics of conducting elections in India, citing the 2024 general elections as an example, Shri Modi highlighted that there were 98 crore registered voters, surpassing the population of North America and the European Union combined. Out of these, 64.6 crore voters braved intense heat to cast their votes, he added. He noted that India had over one million polling booths and more than 2,500 registered political parties, showcasing the scale of its democracy. He emphasized that even the remotest villages had polling stations, with helicopters used to transport voting machines to inaccessible areas. He shared anecdotes, such as a polling booth set up in Gujarat’s Gir Forest for a single voter, underscoring India’s commitment to democracy. The Prime Minister praised the Election Commission of India for setting a global benchmark in conducting free and fair elections. He remarked that the management of Indian elections should be studied as a case study by top universities worldwide, given the immense depth of political awareness and logistical excellence involved.
Reflecting on his leadership, Shri Modi stated that he identifies himself as a “prime servant” rather than a Prime Minister, with service as the guiding principle of his work ethic. He emphasized that his focus is on productivity and bringing positive change to people’s lives, rather than seeking power. He remarked, “I entered politics not to play power games, but to serve.”
Addressing the notion of loneliness, the Prime Minister shared that he never experiences it, as he believes in the philosophy of “one plus one,” representing himself and the Almighty. He remarked that serving the nation and its people is akin to serving the divine. During the pandemic, he stayed engaged by designing a governance model through videoconferencing and personally connecting with party volunteers aged 70 and above, inquiring about their well-being and reliving old memories, he added.
On being asked the secret about hard work, Shri Modi remarked that his motivation comes from observing the hard work of people around him, including farmers, soldiers, laborers, and mothers who tirelessly dedicate themselves to their families and communities. He stated, “How can I sleep? How can I relax? The motivation is right in front of my eyes.” He emphasized that the responsibilities entrusted to him by his fellow citizens push him to give his absolute best. He recalled the promises he made during his 2014 campaign: to never fall behind in hard work for the country, to never act with bad intentions, and to never do anything for personal gain. He affirmed that he has upheld these standards throughout his 24 years as head of government. Prime Minister highlighted that his inspiration comes from serving 140 crore people, understanding their aspirations, and addressing their needs. He remarked, “I am always determined to do as much as I can, work as hard as possible. Even today, my energy remains just as strong.”
Expressing his deep respect for Srinivasa Ramanujan, widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time, Shri Modi remarked that Ramanujan’s life and work exemplify the profound connection between science and spirituality. He highlighted Ramanujan’s belief that his mathematical ideas were inspired by the goddess he worshiped, emphasizing that such ideas emerge from spiritual discipline. He stated, “Discipline is more than just hard work; it means fully devoting yourself to a task and completely immersing yourself into it so much that you become one with your work.” The Prime Minister underscored the importance of being open to diverse sources of knowledge, noting that this openness fosters the emergence of new ideas. He emphasized the distinction between information and knowledge, stating, “Some people mistakenly confuse information with knowledge. Knowledge is something deeper; it gradually evolves through processing, reflection, and understanding.” He highlighted the need to recognize this difference in order to handle both effectively.
Discussing the factors influencing his decision-making, Shri Modi highlighted his extensive travel across 85-90% of India’s districts before his current role. He emphasized that these experiences provided him with firsthand knowledge of grassroots realities. He stated, “I carry no baggage that weighs me down or forces me to act a certain way.” He shared that his guiding principle is “My country first,” and he draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s wisdom of considering the poorest person’s face when making decisions. The Prime Minister highlighted his well-connected administration, noting that his numerous and active information channels provide him with diverse perspectives. He remarked, “When someone comes to brief me, that’s not my only source of information.” He also emphasized maintaining a learner’s mindset, asking questions like a student and playing devil’s advocate to analyze issues from multiple angles. Shri Modi shared his decision-making process during the COVID-19 crisis, where he resisted pressure to follow global economic theories blindly. He stated, “I wouldn’t let the poor sleep hungry. I wouldn’t allow social tensions to arise over basic daily needs.” He emphasized that his approach, rooted in patience and discipline, helped India avoid severe inflation and emerge as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The Prime Minister highlighted his risk-taking capacity, stating, “If something is right for my country, for the people, I’m always prepared to take the risk.” He emphasized taking ownership of his decisions, remarking, “If something goes wrong, I don’t shift blame to others. I stand up, take responsibility, and own the outcome.” He noted that this approach fosters deep commitment within his team and builds trust among citizens. “I can make mistakes, but I won’t act with bad intentions”, he added, emphasising that society accepts him for his honest intentions, even if outcomes do not always go as planned.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) development is fundamentally a collaborative effort, no nation can develop AI entirely on its own”, emphasised Shri Modi when asked about the role of India in promoting AI. He stated, “No matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India.” He highlighted India’s active work on AI-driven applications for specific use cases and its unique marketplace-based model to ensure broad accessibility. He noted that India’s vast talent pool is its greatest strength, remarking, “Artificial intelligence is fundamentally powered, shaped, and guided by human intelligence, and that real intelligence exists abundantly in India’s youth.” The Prime Minister shared an example of India’s rapid progress in 5G rollout, which surpassed global expectations. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of India’s space missions, such as Chandrayaan, which cost less than a Hollywood blockbuster, showcasing India’s efficiency and innovation. He emphasized that these achievements generate global respect for Indian talent and reflect India’s civilizational ethos. Shri Modi also reflected on the success of Indian-origin leaders in global tech, attributing it to India’s cultural values of dedication, ethics, and collaboration. He remarked, “People raised in India, especially those from joint families and open societies, find it easier to lead complex tasks and large teams effectively.” He highlighted the problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking of Indian professionals, which make them globally competitive. Addressing concerns about AI replacing humans, the Prime Minister remarked that technology has always advanced alongside humanity, with humans adapting and staying a step ahead. He stated, “Human imagination is the fuel. AI can create many things based on that, but no technology can ever replace the boundless creativity and imagination of the human mind.” He emphasized that AI challenges humans to reflect on what it truly means to be human, highlighting the innate human ability to care for one another, which AI cannot replicate.
Touching upon the topic of Education, Exams, and Student Success, Shri Modi said that the societal mindset places undue pressure on students, with schools and families often measuring success by rankings. He emphasized that this mentality has led children to believe their entire lives depend on 10th and 12th-grade exams. He highlighted the significant changes introduced in India’s new education policy to address these issues and shared his commitment to easing students’ burdens through initiatives like Pariksha Pe Charcha. The Prime Minister emphasized that exams should not be the sole measure of a person’s potential, stating, “Many people may not score high academically, yet can hit a century in cricket because that’s where their true strength lies.” He shared anecdotes from his school days, highlighting innovative teaching methods that made learning enjoyable and effective. He noted that such techniques have been incorporated into the new education policy. Shri Modi advised students to perform every task with dedication and sincerity, emphasizing that enhanced skills and capabilities open doors to success. He encouraged young people not to feel discouraged, stating, “There’s certainly some task out there destined just for you. Focus on enhancing your skills, and opportunities will come.” He highlighted the importance of connecting one’s life to a greater purpose, which brings inspiration and meaning. Addressing stress and difficulties, the Prime Minister urged parents to stop using their children as status symbols and to understand that life is not just about exams. He advised students to prepare well, trust their abilities, and approach exams with confidence. He emphasized the importance of systematic time management and regular practice to overcome challenges during exams. He reaffirmed his belief in every individual’s unique capabilities, encouraging students to maintain trust in themselves and their abilities to succeed.
Prime Minister also shared his approach to learning, emphasizing the importance of being fully present in the moment. He remarked, “Whenever I meet someone, I am fully present in the moment. This complete focus allows me to grasp new concepts quickly.” He encouraged others to embrace this habit, stating that it sharpens the mind and improves learning ability. He highlighted the value of practice, remarking, “You cannot master driving merely by reading the life stories of great drivers. You must get behind the wheel and take the road yourself.” Shri Modi reflected on the certainty of death, emphasizing the importance of embracing life, enriching it with purpose, and letting go of the fear of death, as it is inevitable. He remarked, “Commit to enriching, refining, and elevating your life so you can live fully and with a purpose before death comes knocking.”
Prime Minister expressed his optimism about the future, stating that pessimism and negativity are not part of his mindset. He highlighted humanity’s resilience in overcoming crises and embracing change throughout history. He remarked, “In every era, it is in human nature to adapt to the ever-flowing current of change.” He emphasized the potential for extraordinary breakthroughs when people break free from outdated thinking patterns and embrace transformation.
Speaking on the topics of Spirituality, Meditation, and Universal Well-Being, Shri Modi highlighted the significance of the Gayatri Mantra, describing it as a powerful tool for spiritual enlightenment dedicated to the radiant power of the sun. He remarked that many Hindu mantras are deeply intertwined with science and nature, bringing profound and lasting benefits when chanted daily. The Prime Minister emphasised that meditation was about freeing oneself from distractions and being present in the moment. He recounted an experience from his time in the Himalayas, where a sage taught him to focus on the rhythmic sound of water droplets falling onto a bowl. He described this practice as “divine resonance,” which helped him develop concentration and evolve into meditation. Reflecting on Hindu philosophy, Shri Modi quoted mantras emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the importance of universal well-being. He remarked, “Hindus never focus solely on individual well-being. We wish for the well-being and prosperity of all.” He highlighted that every Hindu mantra concludes with the invocation of peace, symbolizing the essence of life and the spiritual practices of sages. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his thoughts, noting that the conversation allowed him to explore and articulate ideas he had long kept within himself.
Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Click to enlargeAustralia’s four largest airports, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, each reported their highest ever aeronautical revenues in 2023-24, the ACCC’s latest Airport Monitoring Report shows.
The 24.3 per cent increase in revenues to $2.6 billion occurred despite the four major airports collectively handling fewer passengers than before the pandemic. While domestic and international passengers grew by 13.7 per cent to 114.6 million since 2022-23, passenger numbers remained 4.7 per cent below 2018-19 levels.
“The increase in aeronautical revenues in 2023-24 was driven in large part by the continued recovery in international passenger numbers, which rose by 32.1 per cent at the four airports monitored in our report,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.
“Domestic passenger numbers also grew by 6.7 per cent.”
Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne airports also substantially increased their operating profits from aeronautical activities in 2023-24.
“Sydney Airport was once again clearly the most profitable of the four major airports for aeronautical services in 2023-24, both in aggregate and on a per-passenger basis,” Ms Brakey said.
In 2023-24 Sydney Airport recorded an aeronautical operating profit of $570.5 million, which represented a 20.2 per cent return on its aeronautical assets. Sydney Airport advised that both its aeronautical revenues and operating profits in the year were inflated by back-payments received during the 2023-24 financial year from its contractual agreements with airlines. The agreements started on 1 July 2022, but the terms were not agreed to until the 2023-24 financial year.
Brisbane and Melbourne airports reported aeronautical operating profits of $194.7 million and $198.9 million respectively, despite Brisbane Airport catering to far fewer passengers than Melbourne Airport. Both airports reported a 64.1 per cent increase in aeronautical operating profit in 2023-24.
Perth Airport was the only monitored airport to report a fall in aeronautical profits, down by 29.1 per cent to $70.7 million after a significant increase in security and depreciation expenses.
Car parking profits and ‘landside access’ revenues up
Operating profits from car parking grew for all four airports in 2023-24. Brisbane Airport made the largest profits, increasing by 21.1 per cent to $113.4 million. Melbourne Airport made an operating profit of $108.1 million from car parking, followed by Sydney Airport with $95.6 million and Perth Airport with $70.7 million.
All four monitored airports reported operating profit margins above 60 per cent for the second year in a row for their car parking operations.
“Car parking remains a very profitable business for the monitored airports as they report strong demand for parking,” Ms Brakey said.
“Brisbane Airport made an operating profit of 76.6 cents for every dollar of revenue it collected from car parking.”
Sydney Airport was the most expensive for 30 to 60 minute parking and parking for up to 24 hours at the terminal, while Melbourne Airport was the cheapest in both categories.
Long-term parking at a distance from the terminal booked online was most expensive at Perth and Sydney airports and cheapest at Melbourne Airport.
“To save money, motorists are encouraged to book online, if possible, instead of paying the drive-up rates, and should consider using free waiting zones at the airports,” Ms Brakey said.
Revenues from landside transport access services, such as rideshare operators, taxis and buses, grew by 18 per cent to $69.6 million, as vehicle numbers rebounded. All four airports continued to report a growth in rideshare services.
Airports maintain their ‘good’ quality of service rating, despite falling satisfaction from airlines
All four airports maintained an average overall rating of ‘good’ for the quality of service and facilities in 2023-24.
These results were mainly due to high ratings by passengers, continuing consistent trends over the last 10 years.
Ratings by airlines generally fell, and all four airports received only a ‘satisfactory’ result. The most common airline concerns related to aircraft parking facilities, baggage facilities, common user check-in facilities, aerobridges and public amenities.
“The airports all maintained their ‘good’ rating for quality of service, which is based on surveys of passengers and airlines, as well as objective measures such as the number of check-in kiosks per passenger,” Ms Brakey said.
“However, the falling satisfaction from airlines indicates the airports have some work to do.”
Airports have recommenced investment after Covid
After years of relatively little investment due to the pandemic, the airports have invested $985.1 million in aeronautical facilities in 2023-24, a figure set to increase in coming years.
Melbourne airport’s $502.3 million investment accounted for more than half the total investment in aeronautical assets in 2023-24. This included work on runway overlays, taxiways and terminals, such as the replacement of passenger screening equipment as well as works to resurface the north-south runway and replace the lighting system.
Other major projects underway, or recently announced, include new runways for Melbourne and Perth, new terminals for Perth and Brisbane, upgrades to terminals in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
A new airport will also open at Western Sydney in 2026.
“While the four major airports held back on investment during the pandemic period, this is starting to change now there is more certainty around demand for travel,” Ms Brakey said.
“These significant capital works should help increase capacity at our major airports, leading to more flight options for travellers.”
Background
Under direction from the Australian Government, the ACCC monitors the prices, costs and profits of aeronautical and car parking services at Australia’s four largest airports. The ACCC also monitors the quality of these services under the Airports Act.
The possible ratings for airport quality of services are ‘very poor’, ‘poor’, ‘satisfactory’, ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.
The ACCC measures operating profit by earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation (EBITA). Operating profit margin is EBITA as a percentage of revenue.
Aeronautical operations are those that directly relate to providing aviation services, including runways, aprons, aerobridges, departure lounges and baggage handling equipment.
