Category: Economy

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Culture – Arts and creative sector continues to make strong contribution to economy – new data shows
Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

New data released by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage shows the arts and creative sector contributes $17.5 billion to New Zealand’s economy, or 4.2 percent of GDP. The data, updated annually, includes insights for the year ending March 2024.

“The arts and creative sector make a significant contribution to the lives of all New Zealanders, and it’s great to be able to measure economic impacts as part of our wider insights programme,” says Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.

“Overall, the GDP contribution remains relatively steady in comparison to last year. There has been a slight increase in the number of people employed and number of businesses within the sector.

“We’ve worked with Infometrics to capture these statistics and the economic breakdowns. This data is valuable, as it gives us a good indication of how the arts and cultural sectors are faring against the rest of the economy.”

Leauanae says: “For the first time, we’ve published specific data about New Zealand’s heritage sector. The heritage sector contributes $5.1 billion to GDP, employing just under 36,000 people.”

Key statistics from the Infometrics economic sector profiles:

The arts sector’s GDP contribution grew by 2.5 percent from the previous year – compared to a 1.4 percent growth for the total economy.

The data is beginning to reflect the ongoing challenges in the media sector, which had negative GDP growth of -1.9 percent and employment growth of -0.9 percent. The slight decrease in GDP across the arts and creative sector overall is -0.3 percent.

There are 117,912 people employed in the wider arts and creative sector. We expect just under 8,700 new jobs will be created by 2030.

Arts and creative sector economic profiles: https://www.mch.govt.nz/publications/arts-and-creative-sector-economic-profiles-2024

Sport and recreation profile: https://www.mch.govt.nz/publications/sport-and-recreation-sector-economic-profile-2024
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Petrus Resources Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial, Operating & Reserves Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Petrus Resources Ltd. (“Petrus” or the “Company”) (TSX: PRQ) is pleased to report financial and operating results as at and for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and to provide 2024 year end reserves information as evaluated by Insite Petroleum Consultants Ltd. (“Insite”). The Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) and audited consolidated financial statements are available on SEDAR+ (the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval) at www.sedarplus.ca.

Q4 2024 HIGHLIGHTS:

Dividends – Throughout the fourth quarter Petrus paid a dividend of $0.01 per share per month, totaling $3.7 million. Including the dividend declared on March 3, 2025 payable on March 31, 2025, Petrus will have cumulatively paid $0.18 per share, or $22.4 million in dividends since the company began paying dividends in Q4 2023. Based on the average closing share price at March 24, 2025 of $1.36 per share, the current dividend yield is approximately 9% annually.

Production – Production for the fourth quarter of 2024 averaged 9,066 boe/d⁽¹⁾, which was relatively flat compared to 9,215 boe/d in the third quarter of 2024, as natural declines were largely offset by new wells that were brought on production in December 2024.

Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) production – NGL production increased to 1,810 bbl/d in the fourth quarter of 2024, up 24% compared to 1,465 bbl/d in the third quarter of 2024. Strategic efforts to improve NGL recoveries resulted in the NGL yield increasing by 25%, from 40 bbl/mmcf of gas in Q4 2023 to 50 bbl/mmcf of gas in Q4 2024.

Commodity prices – Total realized price was $26.45/boe in the fourth quarter of 2024, up 10% from $24.07/boe in the third quarter of 2024. Increases were seen across all commodities, with the most notable change in realized natural gas pricing, which was up 101% compared to the prior quarter.

Funds flow⁽²⁾– Petrus generated funds flow of $12.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $10.7 million in the third quarter of 2024. The 17% increase is due to the higher natural gas prices combined with higher NGL production volumes.

Net debt⁽²⁾– Net debt was $60.1 million at the end of Q4 2024, which was down $0.3 million compared to the end of the prior quarter.

2024 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS:

Commodity prices – Total realized price was $27.24/boe in 2024, a decrease of 18% from $33.31/boe in 2023. Realized natural gas prices declined by 47% from $3.01/mcf in 2023 to $1.60/mcf in 2024.

Capital expenditures – Total capital expenditures were $31.8 million in 2024, down from $86.8 million in 2023 as the Company reduced its capital expenditures program in response to lower natural gas prices.

Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) production – NGL production was higher by 3% in 2024, increasing to 1,623 bbl/d compared to 1,575 bbl/d in 2023.

Production – Production for 2024 averaged 9,382 boe/d⁽¹⁾, as compared to 10,301 boe/d in 2023. The 9% decrease was primarily due to natural declines and a reduced capital program.

Funds flow⁽²⁾– Petrus generated funds flow of $50.1 million in 2024 compared to $78.0 million in 2023. The 36% decrease was due to a combination of lower natural gas prices and reduced production.

Net debt⁽²⁾– Petrus reduced net debt by $2.5 million from $62.6 million at year end 2023 to $60.1 million at year end 2024.

2025 OUTLOOK⁽³⁾

In 2025, Petrus will continue to execute its strategy of disciplined capital investment, focusing on projects that sustain production, increase liquids weighting, enhance capital efficiency, and drive free funds flow. On February 12, 2025, we announced our 2025 capital budget and guidance, available under the ‘News & Events’ section of our website.

The 2025 capital program began early in the year with a return to drilling in Ferrier. Completion operations were carried out in February and new wells were brought on before the end of the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, construction of the 12-kilometer expansion of the North Ferrier pipeline was completed in March. This infrastructure investment will further improve access to undeveloped lands and allow the Company to transport both its own and third-party natural gas to the Petrus’ operated Ferrier gas plant, providing cost-effective processing and the opportunity to generate additional revenue through third-party fees.

For the balance of 2025, the Company has hedged approximately 53% of forecasted production at an average of $2.67/GJ for natural gas and CAD$94.81/bbl for oil. The Company is well-positioned to carry out its 2025 capital program and achieve guidance targets. As always, Petrus will closely monitor market conditions and is prepared to adjust its capital program as needed, guided by its commitment to delivering sustainable returns to shareholders.

FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END 2024 CONFERENCE CALL

Date: March 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 am (mountain time)
Please refer to the events page on Petrus’ website for conference call details and links: www.petrusresources.com/events

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Company’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 1:30 pm (mountain time).
Please refer to the events page on Petrus’ website for location details: www.petrusresources.com/events

For further information, please contact:

Ken Gray, P.Eng.
President and Chief Executive Officer
T: (403) 930-0889
E: kgray@petrusresources.com

_{⁽¹⁾Disclosure of production on a per boe basis consists of the constituent product types and their respective quantities. Refer to “BOE Presentation” and “Production & Product Type Information” for further details.}
_{⁽²⁾Non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. Refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”.}
_{⁽³⁾Refer to “Advisories – Forward-Looking Statements”.}

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

OPERATIONS	Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2024		Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2023		Three months ended Dec. 31, 2024		Three months ended Sept. 30, 2024		Three months ended Jun. 30, 2024		Three months ended Mar. 31, 2024
Average Production
Natural gas (mcf/d)	38,149		42,779		36,178		37,368		38,908		40,174
Oil and condensate⁽¹⁾ (bbl/d)	1,400		1,595		1,226		1,522		1,322		1,529
NGLs (bbl/d)	1,623		1,575		1,810		1,465		1,664		1,557
Total (boe/d)	9,382		10,301		9,066		9,215		9,471		9,783
Total (boe)⁽¹⁾	3,433,994		3,760,004		834,111		847,760		861,838		890,267
Liquids weighting	32	%	31	%	33	%	32	%	32	%	32	%
Realized Prices
Natural gas ($/mcf)	1.60		3.01		1.61		0.80		1.41		2.54
Oil and condensate⁽¹⁾ ($/bbl)	94.35		95.61		93.60		90.80		103.77		90.38
NGLs ($/bbl)	38.44		39.31		36.90		36.81		37.25		43.09
Total realized price ($/boe)	27.24		33.31		26.45		24.07		26.81		31.42
Royalty income	0.05		0.09		0.03		0.05		0.05		0.07
Royalty expense	(3.66	)	(4.59	)	(3.85	)	(3.06	)	(3.83	)	(3.89	)
Gain (loss) on risk management activities	—		0.40		—		—		—		—
Net oil and natural gas revenue ($/boe)	23.63		29.21		22.63		21.06		23.03		27.60
Operating expense	(5.93	)	(6.25	)	(5.89	)	(6.10	)	(4.96	)	(6.76	)
Transportation expense	(1.55	)	(1.63	)	(1.44	)	(1.46	)	(1.46	)	(1.81	)
Operating netback⁽²⁾($/boe)	16.15		21.33		15.30		13.50		16.61		19.03
Realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives	2.02		2.14		3.04		2.49		(0.36	)	2.90
Other cash income (expense)	0.34		0.02		1.19		0.09		0.05		0.05
General & administrative expense	(1.54	)	(1.11	)	(2.10	)	(1.43	)	(1.34	)	(1.32	)
Cash finance expense	(1.87	)	(1.28	)	(1.83	)	(1.95	)	(1.91	)	(1.78	)
Decommissioning expenditures	(0.52	)	(0.37	)	(0.61	)	(0.12	)	(0.72	)	(0.61	)
Funds flow & corporate netback⁽²⁾($/boe)	14.58		20.73		14.99		12.58		12.33		18.27

FINANCIAL (000s except $ per share)	Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2024		Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2023		Three months ended Dec. 31, 2024		Three months ended Sept. 30, 2024		Three months ended Jun. 30, 2024		Three months ended Mar. 31, 2024
Oil and natural gas sales	93,721		125,605		22,085		20,446		23,150		28,039
Net income (loss)	(1,246	)	50,731		(4,004	)	5,302		2,789		(5,333	)
Net income (loss) per share
Basic	(0.01	)	0.41		(0.03	)	0.04		0.02		(0.04	)
Fully diluted	(0.01	)	0.40		(0.03	)	0.04		0.02		(0.04	)
Funds flow⁽²⁾	50,058		78,024		12,493		10,665		10,628		16,272
Funds flow per share⁽²⁾
Basic	0.40		0.63		0.10		0.09		0.09		0.13
Fully diluted	0.40		0.62		0.10		0.08		0.08		0.13
Capital expenditures	31,814		86,843		7,705		4,859		6,907		12,343
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	124,389		123,469		124,497		124,372		124,290		124,299
Fully diluted	124,389		126,436		124,497		126,686		126,559		124,299
As at period end
Common shares outstanding
Basic	125,113		124,266		125,113		124,372		124,372		124,259
Fully diluted	134,919		134,542		134,919		134,952		134,919		134,484
Total assets	420,124		437,842		420,124		421,196		419,584		427,574
Non-current liabilities	65,475		60,926		65,475		62,869		59,511		59,995
Net debt⁽²⁾	60,080		62,596		60,080		60,423		61,848		63,114

_{(1) Disclosure of production on a per boe basis consists of the constituent product types and their respective quantities. Refer to “BOE Presentation” and “Production & Product Type Information” for further details.
(2) Non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. Refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”.}

OPERATIONS UPDATE

Fourth quarter average production by area was as follows:

For the three months ended December 31, 2024	Ferrier & North Ferrier	Foothills	Central Alberta	Total
Natural gas (mcf/d)	31,052	539	4,587	36,178
Oil and condensate (bbl/d)	928	54	244	1,226
NGLs (bbl/d)	1,665	7	138	1,810
Total (boe/d)⁽¹⁾	7,768	151	1,147	9,066

Production for the fourth quarter of 2024 averaged 9,066 boe/d, as compared to 9,474 boe/d in the fourth quarter of 2023. The 4% decrease was primarily due to natural declines and strategic shut-ins due to low natural gas prices and was partially offset by new wells that commenced production in December 2024.

RESERVES

Petrus’ 2024 year end reserves were evaluated by its independent reserves evaluator, Insite, in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGE Handbook”) and National instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”) as of December 31, 2024 (“2024 Insite Report”). Additional reserve information as required under NI 51-101 will be included in our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which will be available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR (the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval) at www.sedarplus.com.

Petrus has a reserves committee, comprised of a majority of independent board members, that reviews the qualifications and appointment of the independent reserves evaluator. The committee also reviews the procedures for providing information to the evaluators. All booked reserves are based upon annual evaluations by the independent qualified reserve evaluator conducted in accordance with the COGE Handbook and NI 51-101. The evaluations are conducted using all available geological and engineering data. The reserves committee has reviewed the reserves information and approved the 2024 Insite Report.

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s before tax reserves as evaluated by Insite:

As at December 31, 2024	Total Company Interest ⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾
Reserve Category	Conventional Natural Gas (mmcf)	Light and Medium Crude Oil (mbbl)	NGL (mbbl)	Total (mboe)	NPV 0%⁽²⁾ ($000s)	NPV 5%⁽²⁾ ($000s)	NPV 10%⁽²⁾ ($000s)
Proved Developed Producing	72,283	764	4,661	17,472	300,947	242,886	206,936
Proved Developed Non-Producing	1,434	19	67	325	3,397	2,821	2,335
Proved Undeveloped	120,479	3,060	7,235	30,375	425,388	255,976	155,680
Total Proved	194,196	3,843	11,963	48,172	729,733	501,683	362,616
Proved + Probable Producing	86,694	913	5,598	20,960	382,364	291,613	238,115
Total Probable	96,481	3,434	5,405	24,919	499,146	294,964	192,562
Total Proved Plus Probable	290,677	7,277	17,368	73,091	1,228,879	796,647	555,178

_{⁽¹⁾Tables may not add due to rounding.}
_{⁽²⁾NPV 0%, NPV 5% and NPV 10% refer to the risked net present value of the future net revenue of the Company’s reserves, discounted by 0%, 5% and 10%, respectively}
_{and is presented before tax and based on Insite’s pricing assumptions.}
_{⁽³⁾Total company interest reserve volumes presented therein are presented as the Company’s total working interest before the deduction of royalties (but after including any royalty interests of Petrus).}

The Company produced 3.4 mmboe during 2024 and ended the year with 17.5 mmboe of Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”) reserves (31% oil and liquids).

Petrus ended 2024 with $206.9 million, $362.6 million and $555.2 million of PDP, Total Proved (“TP”), and Total Proved plus Probable (“P+P”) reserve value before-tax, respectively, discounted at 10%, based on the 2024 Insite Report. In 2024, the Company realized Finding and Development (“F&D”)⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ costs of $12.58/boe for PDP reserves.

Based on the 2024 Insite Report, the Company’s PDP reserve value before-tax, discounted at 10% is $1.32 per share (134,918,886 fully-diluted common shares outstanding at December 31, 2024). On the same basis, the Company’s P+P reserve value before-tax, discouted at 10%, is $3.90 per share.

_{⁽¹⁾Refer to “Oil and Gas Disclosures”}
_{⁽²⁾While F&D costs are commonly used in the oil and nature gas industry and have been prepared by management, these terms do not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and, therefore, should not be used to make such comparisons.}

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT COST

Future Development Cost (“FDC”) reflects Insite’s best estimate of what it will cost to bring the P+P undeveloped reserves on production. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s FDC as set forth in the 2024 Insite Report:

Future Development Cost ($000s)	Total Proved	Total Proved + Probable
2025	44,349	44,349
2026	138,485	138,485
2027	151,518	164,611
2028	83,030	147,282
Thereafter	—	130,453
Total FDC, Undiscounted	417,381	625,179
Total FDC, Discounted at 10%	345,611	489,942

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
The following table highlights annual performance ratios for the Company from 2020 to 2024⁽²⁾:

	December 31, 2024	December 31, 2023	December 31, 2022	December 31, 2021	December 31, 2020
Proved Producing
FD&A ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	12.58	19.67	12.58	15.64	4.83
F&D ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	12.58	19.67	12.70	8.90	4.83
Reserve Life Index (yr) ⁽¹⁾	5.24	5.27	5.31	5.41	5.20
Reserve Replacement Ratio ⁽¹⁾	0.74	1.15	3.20	0.78	1.20
FD&A Recycle Ratio ⁽¹⁾	1.28	1.06	2.91	1.58	2.60
Proved Developed
FD&A ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	12.63	19.34	12.50	14.54	4.71
F&D ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	12.63	19.34	12.61	8.53	4.71
Reserve Life Index (yr) ⁽¹⁾	5.33	5.36	5.39	5.50	5.20
Reserve Replacement Ratio ⁽¹⁾	0.73	1.17	3.22	0.84	1.20
FD&A Recycle Ratio ⁽¹⁾	1.28	1.08	2.93	1.70	2.70
Total Proved
FD&A ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	17.53	14.50	18.24	10.51	1.29
F&D ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	17.53	14.50	33.99	9.24	1.29
Reserve Life Index (yr) ⁽¹⁾	14.4	13.85	12.18	15.30	10.90
Reserve Replacement Ratio ⁽¹⁾	0.97	2.98	3.79	4.50	(1.00	)
FD&A Recycle Ratio ⁽¹⁾	0.92	1.44	2.01	2.35	9.80
Future Development Cost (undiscounted) ($000s)	417,381	391,058	313,786	233,684	156,815
Total Proved + Probable
FD&A ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	33.63	14.00	15.66	10.57	0.37
F&D ($/boe) ⁽¹⁾	33.63	14.00	36.12	8.36	0.37
Reserve Life Index (yr) ⁽¹⁾	21.9	21.62	19.68	23.29	17.70
Reserve Replacement Ratio ⁽¹⁾	0.33	3.49	6.63	5.10	(1.30	)
FD&A Recycle Ratio ⁽¹⁾	0.48	1.50	2.34	2.33	33.70
Future Development Cost (undiscounted) ($000s)	625,179	618,437	519,823	343,489	252,335

_{⁽¹⁾Refer to “Oil and Gas Disclosures”}
_{⁽²⁾While FD&A cost and F&D costs, reserve life index, reserve replacement ratio and FD&A recycle ratio are commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and have been prepared by management, these terms do not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and, therefore, should not be used to make such comparisons.}

NET ASSET VALUE
The following table shows the Company’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”), calculated using the 2024 Insite Report and Insite’s December 31, 2024 price forecast. The reader is cautioned that these amounts may not be directly comparable to other companies, as the term “Net Asset Value” does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP or NI 51-101. Management believes that net asset value provides a useful measure to analyze the comparative change in the Company’s estimated value on a normalized basis.

As at December 31, 2024 ($000s except per share)	Proved Developed Producing		Total Proved		Proved + Probable
Present Value Reserves, before tax (discounted at 10%) ⁽¹⁾	206,936		362,616		555,178
Undeveloped Land Value ⁽²⁾	30,758		30,758		30,758
Net Debt ⁽³⁾	(60,080	)	(60,080	)	(60,080	)
Net Asset Value	177,614		333,294		525,856
Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding	134,919		134,919		134,919
Estimated Net Asset Value per Fully Diluted Share	$1.32		$2.47		$3.90

_{⁽¹⁾Based on the 2024 Insite Report, using the forecast future prices and costs.}
_{⁽²⁾Based on the exploration and evaluation assets as per the Company’s December 31, 2024 audited consolidated financial statements.}
_{⁽³⁾Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”.}

NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release makes reference to the terms “operating netback” (on an absolute and $/boe basis), “corporate netback” (on an absolute and $/boe basis), “funds flow” (on an absolute, per share (basic and fully diluted) and $/boe basis), and “net debt”. These non-GAAP and other financial measures are not recognized measures under GAAP (IFRS) and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP (IFRS). Accordingly, the Company’s use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. These non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than GAAP measures which are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of our performance. Management uses these non-GAAP and other financial measures for the reasons set forth below.

Operating Netback
Operating netback is a common non-GAAP financial measure used in the oil and natural gas industry which is a useful supplemental measure to evaluate the specific operating performance by product type at the oil and natural gas lease level. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to operating netback is oil and natural gas sales. Operating netback is calculated as oil and natural gas sales less royalty expenses, gain (loss) on risk management activities, operating expenses and transportation expenses. See below for a reconciliation of operating netback to oil and natural gas sales.

Operating netback ($/boe) is a non-GAAP ratio used in the oil and natural gas industry which is a useful supplemental measure to evaluate the specific operating performance by product type at the oil and natural gas lease level. It is calculated as operating netbacks divided by weighted average daily production on a per boe basis. See below.

Corporate Netback and Funds Flow
Corporate netback or funds flow is a common non-GAAP financial measure used in the oil and natural gas industry which evaluates the Company’s profitability at the corporate level. Corporate netback and funds flow are used interchangeably. Petrus analyzes these measures on an absolute value and on a per unit (boe) and per share (basic and fully diluted) basis as non-GAAP ratios. Management believes that funds flow and corporate netback provide information to assist a reader in understanding the Company’s profitability relative to current commodity prices. They are calculated as the operating netback less general and administrative expense, cash finance expense and decommissioning expenditures, plus or minus other income (expense) and the realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives. See below for a reconciliation of funds flow and corporate netback to oil and natural gas sales.

Corporate netback ($/boe) or funds flow ($/boe) is a non-GAAP ratio used in the oil and natural gas industry which evaluates the Company’s profitability at the corporate level. Management believes that funds flow ($/boe) or corporate netback ($/boe) provide information to assist a reader in understanding the Company’s profitability relative to current commodity prices. It is calculated as corporate netbacks or funds flow divided by weighted average daily production on a per boe basis. See below.

Funds flow per share (basic and fully diluted) is comprised of funds flow divided by basic or fully diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

	Three months ended Dec. 31, 2024				Three months ended Dec. 31, 2023				Twelve months ended December 31, 2024				Twelve months ended December 31, 2023
	$000s		$/boe		$000s		$/boe		$000s		$/boe		$000s		$/boe
Oil and natural gas sales	22,085		26.48		26,747		30.70		93,721		27.29		125,605		33.41
Royalty expense	(3,212	)	(3.85	)	(4,167	)	(4.78	)	(12,572	)	(3.66	)	(17,255	)	(4.59	)
Gain (loss) on risk management activities	—		—		—		—		—		—		1,522		0.40
Net oil and natural gas revenue	18,873		22.63		22,580		25.92		81,149		23.63		109,872		29.22
Transportation expense	(1,203	)	(1.44	)	(1,271	)	(1.46	)	(5,316	)	(1.55	)	(6,115	)	(1.63	)
Operating expense	(4,915	)	(5.89	)	(4,419	)	(5.07	)	(20,376	)	(5.93	)	(23,505	)	(6.25	)
Operating netback	12,755		15.30		16,890		19.39		55,457		16.15		80,252		21.34
Realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives	2,539		3.04		1,737		1.99		6,930		2.02		8,051		2.14
Other income⁽¹⁾	991		1.19		(161	)	(0.18	)	1,156		0.34		79		0.02
General & administrative expense	(1,752	)	(2.10	)	(319	)	(0.37	)	(5,291	)	(1.54	)	(4,183	)	(1.11	)
Cash finance expense	(1,530	)	(1.83	)	(1,246	)	(1.43	)	(6,418	)	(1.87	)	(4,801	)	(1.28	)
Decommissioning expenditures	(510	)	(0.61	)	(376	)	(0.43	)	(1,776	)	(0.52	)	(1,374	)	(0.37	)
Funds flow and corporate netback	12,493		14.99		16,525		18.97		50,058		14.58		78,024		20.74

	Three months ended Dec. 31, 2024				Three months ended Sept. 30, 2024				Three months ended Jun. 30, 2024				Three months ended March 31, 2024
	$000s		$/boe		$000s		$/boe		$000s		$/boe		$000s		$/boe
Oil and natural gas sales	22,085		26.48		20,446		24.12		23,150		26.86		28,039		31.50
Royalty expense	(3,212	)	(3.85	)	(2,593	)	(3.06	)	(3,305	)	(3.83	)	(3,461	)	(3.89	)
Net oil and natural gas revenue	18,873		22.63		17,853		21.06		19,845		23.03		24,578		27.61
Transportation expense	(1,203	)	(1.44	)	(1,239	)	(1.46	)	(1,259	)	(1.46	)	(1,615	)	(1.81	)
Operating expense	(4,915	)	(5.89	)	(5,172	)	(6.10	)	(4,271	)	(4.96	)	(6,018	)	(6.76	)
Operating netback	12,755		15.30		11,442		13.50		14,315		16.61		16,945		19.04
Realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives	2,539		3.04		2,115		2.49		(307	)	(0.36	)	2,583		2.90
Other income (expense)⁽¹⁾	991		1.19		77		0.09		40		0.05		48		0.05
General & administrative expense	(1,752	)	(2.10	)	(1,209	)	(1.43	)	(1,152	)	(1.34	)	(1,178	)	(1.32	)
Cash finance expense	(1,530	)	(1.83	)	(1,657	)	(1.95	)	(1,650	)	(1.91	)	(1,581	)	(1.78	)
Decommissioning expenditures	(510	)	(0.61	)	(103	)	(0.12	)	(618	)	(0.72	)	(545	)	(0.61	)
Funds flow and corporate netback	12,493		14.99		10,665		12.58		10,628		12.33		16,272		18.28

Net Debt
Net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as the sum of long term debt and working capital (current assets and current liabilities), excluding the current financial derivative contracts and current portion of the lease obligation and decommissioning obligation. Petrus uses net debt as a key indicator of its leverage and strength of its balance sheet. Net debt is reconciled, in the table below, to long-term debt which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

($000s)	As at Dec. 31, 2024		As at Dec. 31, 2023		As at Sep. 30, 2024		As at Jun. 30, 2024		As at March 31, 2024
Long-term debt	25,000		25,000		25,000		25,000		25,000
Current assets	(17,583	)	(30,805	)	(20,258	)	(16,333	)	(21,081	)
Current liabilities	51,268		61,755		48,458		52,379		61,099
Current financial derivatives	2,632		8,374		7,690		1,276		(716	)
Current portion of lease obligation	(164	)	(258	)	(230	)	(237	)	(263	)
Current portion of decommissioning obligation	(1,073	)	(1,470	)	(237	)	(237	)	(925	)
Net debt	60,080		62,596		60,423		61,848		63,114

ADVISORIES

OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES
Our oil and gas reserves statement for the year ended December 31, 2024, which includes disclosure of our oil and natural gas reserves and other oil and natural gas information in accordance with NI 51-101, is contained in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “AIF”), which will be filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. It should not be assumed that the present worth of estimated future amounts presented in the tables above represents the fair market value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the forecast prices and costs assumptions will be attained, and variances could be material. The recovery and reserve estimates contained herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.

This release contains metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry which have been prepared by management. These terms do not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should not be used to make such comparisons.

Management uses oil and gas metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide shareholders with measures to compare Petrus’ operations over time. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in this release, should not be relied upon for investment or other purposes.

F&D Costs and FD&A Costs

FD&A cost is defined as capital costs for the time period including change in FDC divided by change in reserves including revisions and production for that same time period. F&D cost is defined as capital costs for the time period including change in FDC divided by change in reserves including revisions and production for that same time period, excluding acquisitions and dispositions. Both F&D costs and FD&A costs take into account reserves revisions during the year on a per boe basis. The methodology used to calculate F&D costs includes disclosure required to bring the proved undeveloped and probable reserves to production. Annually, changes in forecast FDC occur as a result of Petrus’ development, acquisition and disposition activities, undeveloped reserve revision and capital cost estimates. These values reflect the independent evaluator’s best estimate of the cost to bring the proved and probable undeveloped reserves to production.

Reserve Life Index

Reserve life index is defined as total reserves by category divided by the annualized fourth quarter production.

Reserve Replacement Ratio

The reserve replacement ratio is calculated by dividing the yearly change in reserves net of production by the actual annual production for the year.

FD&A Recycle Ratio

The FD&A recycle ratio is calculated by dividing operating netback by FD&A costs.

ADVISORIES

Basis of Presentation

Financial data presented above has largely been derived from the Company’s financial statements, prepared in accordance with GAAP which require publicly accountable enterprises to prepare their financial statements using IFRS. Accounting policies adopted by the Company are set out in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. The reporting and the measurement currency is the Canadian dollar. All financial information is expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding Petrus set forth in this release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law, that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements represent Petrus’ internal projections, estimates, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Although Petrus believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause Petrus’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Petrus. In particular, forward-looking statements included in this release include, but are not limited to statements with respect to: that in 2025, Petrus will continue to execute its strategy of disciplined capital investment, focusing on projects that sustain production, increase liquids weighting, enhance capital efficiency, and drive free funds flow; that the Company is well-positioned to carry out its 2025 capital program and achieve guidance targets; that Petrus will closely monitor market conditions and is prepared to adjust its capital program as needed, guided by its commitment to delivering sustainable returns to shareholders; the estimated future development costs to bring our undeveloped reserves on production; that we have a unique ability to be dynamic and respond quickly to constantly evolving market conditions; that Petrus will continue paying an industry leading, high-yielding dividend to our shareholders while investing remaining cash flow in high return wells and strategic infrastructure projects; that during periods of low prices, we will maintain production and cash flow and ensure the Company is positioned to quickly pivot to a growth strategy when pricing is more constructive; that our strengths will continue to serve the Company and our shareholders well as we navigate the constant changes and challenges inherent in this business; that the Company utilizes financial derivative contracts and physical commodity contracts to mitigate commodity price risk and provide stability and sustainability to the Company’s economic returns, funds flow, dividend payments and capital development plans; that the Company’s risk management contracts provide protection from significant changes in crude oil and natural gas commodity prices out to 2026; that the Company endeavors to hedge approximately half of its forecasted production for up to 12 months forward, and approximately 25% of its forecasted production for 12 to 24 months forward; that the Company’s hedging strategy is intended to provide stability and sustainability to the Company’s economic returns, funds flow, dividend payments and capital development plans; that the Company does not intend to settle its DSUs for cash; and that the Company expects the working capital deficiency to diminish over the next 12 months as the RLF is paid down by cash flow from operations. In addition, statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future.

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the Company’s control, including: the risk that (i) negotiations between the U.S. and Canadian governments are not successful and one or both of such governments implements announced tariffs, increases the rate or scope of announced tariffs, or imposes new tariffs on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, (ii) the U.S. and/or Canada imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and (iii) the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Canada, China and other countries and responses thereto could have a material adverse effect on the Canadian, U.S. and global economies, and by extension the Canadian oil and natural gas industry and the Company; the impact of general economic conditions; volatility in market prices for crude oil, NGL and natural gas; industry conditions; currency fluctuation; changes in interest rates and inflation rates; imprecision of reserve estimates; liabilities inherent in crude oil and natural gas operations; environmental risks; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions and exploration and development programs; competition; the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management; changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the oil and gas industry; hazards such as fire, explosion, blowouts, cratering, and spills, each of which could result in substantial damage to wells, production facilities, other property and the environment or in personal injury and/or increase our costs, decrease our production, or otherwise impede our ability to operate our business; extreme weather events, such as wild fires, floods, drought and extreme cold or warm temperatures, each of which could result in substantial damage to our assets and/or increase our costs, decrease our production, or otherwise impede our ability to operate our business; stock market volatility; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; that the amount of dividends that we pay may be reduced or suspended entirely; that we reduce or suspend the repurchase of shares under our NCIB; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our AIF. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this release, Petrus has made assumptions regarding: that the tariffs that have been publicly announced by the U.S. and Canadian governments (but which are not yet in effect) do not come into effect, but that if such tariffs do come into effect, the potential impact of such tariffs, and that other than the tariffs that have been announced, neither the U.S. nor Canada (i) increases the rate or scope of such tariffs, or imposes new tariffs, on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and/or (ii) imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas; the amount of dividends that we will pay; the number of shares that we will repurchase under our NCIB; future commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future exchange rates; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment and services; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; the effects of inflation on our costs and profitability; future interest rates; and future operating costs. Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this release in order to provide investors with a more complete perspective on Petrus’ future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Petrus’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive.

This release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about Petrus’ prospective results of operations including, without limitation, the percentage of our forecast production for the 2025 that is hedged, which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth above. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on FOFI. Petrus’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these FOFI, or if any of them do so, what benefits Petrus will derive therefrom. Petrus has included the FOFI in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on Petrus’ future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

These forward-looking statements and FOFI are made as of the date of this release and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements and FOFI, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

BOE Presentation

The oil and natural gas industry commonly expresses production volumes and reserves on a barrel of oil equivalent (“boe”) basis whereby natural gas volumes are converted at the ratio of six thousand cubic feet to one barrel of oil. The intention is to sum oil and natural gas measurement units into one basis for improved measurement of results and comparisons with other industry participants. Petrus uses the 6:1 boe measure which is the approximate energy equivalence of the two commodities at the burner tip. Boe’s do not represent an economic value equivalence at the wellhead and therefore may be a misleading measure if used in isolation.

Production & Product Type Information

References to crude oil (or oil), natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), natural gas and average daily production in this document refer to the light and medium crude oil, conventional natural gas, and NGLs product types, as applicable, as defined in National Instrument 51-101 (“NI 51-101”), except as noted below.

NI 51-101 includes condensate within the NGLs product type. The Company has disclosed condensate as combined with crude oil and separately from other NGLs since the price of condensate as compared to other NGLs is currently significantly higher and the Company believes that this crude oil and condensate presentation provides a more accurate description of its operations and results therefrom. Crude oil therefore refers to light oil, medium oil, and condensate. NGLs refers to ethane, propane, butane and pentane combined. Natural gas refers to conventional natural gas.

Abbreviations
$000’s		thousand dollars
$/bbl		dollars per barrel
$/boe		dollars per barrel of oil equivalent
$/GJ		dollars per gigajoule
$/mcf		dollars per thousand cubic feet
bbl		barrel
mbbl		thousand barrels
bbl/d		barrels per day
boe		barrel of oil equivalent
mboe		thousand barrel of oil equivalent
mmboe		million barrel of oil equivalent
boe/d		barrel of oil equivalent per day
GJ		gigajoule
GJ/d		gigajoules per day
mcf		thousand cubic feet
mcf/d		thousand cubic feet per day
mmcf/d		million cubic feet per day
NGLs		natural gas liquids
WTI		West Texas Intermediate

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Achieve financial freedom, start with JAmining cloud mining

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

San Francisco, CA, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
Recently, JA Mining announced its latest development plan in the field of mineral resources, aiming to promote the mining industry to new heights through technological innovation and sustainable development strategies. It allows users to easily earn $80,000 in JA Mining. As a leading company dedicated to the development of global mineral resources, JA Mining has always been known for its efficient, safe and environmentally friendly operating model.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Supports Challenge to Trump Administration’s Early Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Venezuelans
Source: US State of California Department of Justice

Leads multistate coalition in filing an amicus brief in Haitian-Americans United v. Trump

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, leading a multistate coalition, filed an amicus brief in Haitian-Americans United v. Trump in support of a challenge to the early termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haitians and Venezuelans. TPS is a critical humanitarian program that allows immigrants of designated countries to remain in the United States due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or extraordinary and temporary conditions in their home countries. Since taking office, the Trump Administration has taken the unprecedented and unlawful action of attempting to cancel TPS for more than 800,000 immigrants fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries.

“The Trump Administration seeks to strip more than 50% of all TPS holders of legal protections that allow them to live lawfully in this country. In doing so, it threatens to force these individuals to choose between living in the shadows here in America or returning to dangerous conditions in their home countries,” said Attorney General Bonta. “TPS holders are neighbors and co-workers, teachers and students, entrepreneurs and job-creators. They are integral parts of their communities and important contributors to our economy. I urge the court to prevent the Trump Administration’s heartless and unlawful attempt to revoke their legal immigration status.”

In the amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition urge the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts to prevent the Trump Administration’s order from going into effect, arguing that the termination of Haitian and Venezuelan TPS is unlawful and will:
- Result in irreparable harm to families, stripping members of work authorization and exposing them to the threat of deportation.
- Harm states’ economies and workforces as TPS holders, including the Haitian and Venezuelan communities, are dynamic contributors to California and other states’ economies.
- Raise healthcare costs and pose substantial risks to public health.
- Create challenges for jurisdictions across the country in enforcing their criminal codes and protecting public safety.
Attorney General Bonta is committed to upholding the rights and protections of all of California’s residents, including the nearly 11 million immigrants who call California home. He has defended pathways for legal immigration for those fleeing dangerous conditions in their home counties, supported a challenge to the early termination of the TPS designation for Venezuela, and secured a preliminary injunction in his lawsuit challenging the President’s unlawful executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.

Attorney General Bonta, with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and New York Attorney General Letitia James, leads the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin in filing the brief.

A copy of the brief can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Colleagues Press USDA to Not Take Food Away from Food Banks and Hungry Families

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

(Washington, DC) — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for funding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), joined U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and 24 of their Senate colleagues in pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to explain the reported cancellation of previously-approved funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for food banks and other emergency food providers. This cancellation would take food away from hungry Americans already facing high grocery prices and hurt American farmers who are being squeezed by tariffs and other cuts to domestic markets.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: “We write regarding the reported cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in previously approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). A cancellation of these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy.”

They continued: “If true, this major shift in a program utilized by emergency food providers in every state in the nation will have a significant and damaging impact upon millions of people who depend upon this program for critical food assistance. In addition, this program consists of purchases of U.S. commodities at a time when America’s growers and producers are struggling due to tariffs, proposed tariffs, animal disease and many other challenges.”

The full letter is available here.

In addition to Shaheen and Klobuchar, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: On Equal Pay Day, Senator Murray Leads Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Reintroducing Paycheck Fairness Act to End Wage Discrimination, Close Gender Pay Gap
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

Murray, former HELP Chair, is a longtime leader in the fight to ensure equal pay for equal work

Murray: “Women don’t want more discrimination. They don’t want more of their wages stolen by bosses like Elon. They just want the pay they earned. They just want to be treated decently—and paid fairly no matter who they are.”

Washington, D.C. — Today, on Equal Pay Day, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation to combat pay discrimination and help close the gender pay gap by strengthening the Equal Pay Act of 1963, ending the practice of pay secrecy, and strengthening available remedies to ensure wronged employees can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable. U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D, CT-03) led the reintroduction of the Paycheck Fairness Act in the House today.

More than five decades after the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the gender wage gap still exists—and alarmingly, for the first time in 20 years, the gender pay gap widened in 2023. Across all workers in the United States, women were typically paid 75 cents for every dollar paid to a man in 2023, adding up to a $14,170 pay difference in a year. U.S. women overall lost $1.7 trillion in earnings overall in 2023, according to a recent analysis by the National Partnership for Women & Families.

“When you do the same work as your colleagues, you should get the same pay, and no one should get to rip you off and pay you less because you are a woman. The principle is simple—but the problem we are talking about is far from trivial; it’s an injustice that compounds over time, robbing women of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of their career,” Senator Murray said.

“For anyone who is serious about fighting for women, for anyone who is serious about ensuring our economy is built on merit and not undermined by discrimination, this is basic stuff. But Trump and Elon—some of the richest men in the world—are right now eliminating a 60-year-old executive order that helped ensure federal contractors don’t discriminate against women, illegally firing commissioners at the EEOC, which enforces existing pay discrimination laws, and making it easier to rip workers off,” Senator Murray continued. “Women don’t want more discrimination. They don’t want more of their pay stolen by bosses like Elon. They just want the pay they earned. They just want to be treated decently—and paid fairly no matter who they are. Republicans can choose to stand with billionaires who cheat their workers—but by reintroducing the Paycheck Fairness Act today, Democrats are showing that we stand with women, we stand with workers, we stand for fairness, and we are going to keep fighting to make sure people get the pay they have rightfully earned, down to the last dime.”

“Equal Pay Day marks how far into the current year a woman must work to catch up to what her male counterpart earned in the previous year,” said Rep. DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Six decades after passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women working full-time or part-time still earn 75 cents for every dollar earned by men. We are in a cost of living crisis – this must end. Equal pay for equal work is a simple concept – men and women in the same job deserve the same pay. It is time we make it real it for the millions of American women who are being unfairly undervalued in the workplace. Let’s enact the Paycheck Fairness Act and empower working women by giving them the tools to ensure their contributions to the workplace are properly respected and reflected in their pay.”

Senator Murray’s Paycheck Fairness Act would:
- Require employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons. In doing so, it ensures that employers who try to justify paying a man more than a woman for the same job must show the disparity is not sex-based, but job-related and necessary.
- Ban retaliation against workers who discuss their wages.
- Remove obstacles in the Equal Pay Act to facilitate participation in class action lawsuits that challenge systemic pay discrimination, by allowing workers to opt-out, rather than requiring them to opt-in.
- Improve the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) and Department of Labor’s (DOL) tools for enforcing the Equal Pay Act. To help these enforcement agencies better uncover and remedy wage discrimination, the bill will require the collection of compensation data from certain employers, including federal contractors.
- Provide assistance to all businesses to help them with their equal pay practices, recognize excellence in pay practices by businesses, and empower women and girls by creating a negotiation skills training program.
- Prohibit employers from relying on and seeking the salary history of prospective employees.
Throughout her career, Senator Murray has been a leader in Congress in fighting for efforts to close the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for equal work, and she has helped lead the fight in Congress for paid family and medical leave since she first joined Congress. Senator Murray leads the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act, comprehensive legislation to prevent workplace harassment, strengthen and expand key protections for workers, and support workers in seeking accountability and justice. Senator Murray leads the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, comprehensive legislation to put hard-earned wages back in workers’ pockets and crack down on employers who unfairly withhold wages from their employees. Murray also recently helped reintroduce the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to protect workers’ right to join and form a union in order to demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions—legislation she first introduced in the 116^th Congress. Murray also introduced the Children Harmed in Life-threatening or Dangerous (CHILD) Labor Act last Congress, new legislation to protect children from exploitative child labor practices and hold the companies and individuals who take advantage of them accountable.

In recent weeks, Senator Murray raised the alarm on President Trump’s illegal firing of EEOC Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Gwynne Wilcox, as well as the firings of EEOC General Counsel Karla Gilbride and NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo—Murray has long championed the vital work and mission of the EEOC and the NLRB in protecting workers’ rights.

The full text of the Paycheck Fairness Act is HERE.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Fort Eisenhower woman pleads guilty to murder in child’s death

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

AUGUSTA, GA: A U.S. Army spouse at Fort Eisenhower awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to the stabbing murder of her infant son.

April Evalyn Short, 31, of Fort Eisenhower, pled guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The negotiated plea agreement subjects Short to a sentence of 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and five years of supervised release following her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“The plea agreement in this disturbing case represents a difficult but appropriate resolution to this tragic and shocking homicide,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons.

As described in the plea agreement, on Nov. 15, 2023, at Fort Eisenhower, Short killed her 11-month-old son “willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with malice aforethought,” using a knife.

Short remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule sentencing upon completion of a presentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.

“This plea is a testament to the outstanding investigative efforts of our Army CID personnel, particularly the child forensic interview team, as well as the dedication of the DOJ prosecution and Victim Advocacy teams, and is indicative of our commitment to ensure justice for victims of heinous crimes such as this,” said Steven Ausfeldt, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division Southeast Field Office. “Army CID will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to pursue those who would harm the most innocent members of our communities, and to hold them fully accountable for their actions.”

“April Short will now have 20 years to think about her heinous actions,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This plea cannot undo that tragedy and loss, but brings another measure of justice to those who knew and loved the child during his short life.”

The case is being investigated by Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry W. Syms Jr. and Patricia G. Rhodes.

For any questions, please call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.

MIL Security OSI –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Element Nominates Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar for Election to the Board of Directors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX:EFN) (“Element” or the “Company”), the largest publicly traded, pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, today announced that Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar have been nominated to stand for election to the Company’s Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on May 2, 2025. They are being nominated to replace Andrew Clarke and Arielle-Meloul Wechsler who have decided not to stand for re-election.

Mr. Ferrari is a seasoned global executive, most recently holding the roles of Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone Americas, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone West, and Joint Global Chief Operations Officer of Bridgestone Corporation. He is also the former Chief Executive Officer of Pirelli North America and Latin America, and held prior executive roles in telecommunications, technology, and investment banking.

Ms. McVicar is a Partner at CAI Capital Partners, a private equity firm she joined in 2003. She previously held senior positions in investment banking at Raymond James Ltd. and RBC Capital Markets. Ms. McVicar is also a past director of Teck Resources Ltd. where she served as Chair of the Audit Committee and a past director of BC Hydro Corporation where she chaired the Audit and Finance Committee.

“We are pleased to nominate Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar to our Board,” said Element Board Chair Kathleen Taylor. “Paolo and Tracey bring integral skills, perspectives, and experience, and we are confident they will be tremendous assets to the Company. We would also like to thank our outgoing Board members, Andrew Clarke and Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, for their valuable support and contributions to Element.”

Further details about Element’s nominated directors can be found in our management information circular, which is available at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

Delivering Value Through Our Global Growth Strategy

Continuing to demonstrate how Element is driving growth and delivering value to our clients, shareholders, and team members, the Company also announced the release of its inaugural annual report. The report provides stakeholders with a clear and comprehensive overview of the Company’s strategy, vision, operations, and financial performance for 2024. It also highlights key trends shaping the fleet and mobility industry, and how the strategic investments Element made in 2024 will drive the Company’s continued industry leadership across fleet and mobility, setting a strong foundation for future success. More details are available in Element’s 2024 Annual Report.

About Element Fleet Management

Element Fleet Management (TSX: EFN) is the largest publicly traded pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world. As a Purpose-driven company, we provide a full range of sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions to optimize and enhance fleet performance for our clients across North America, Australia and New Zealand. Our services address every aspect of our clients’ fleet requirements, from vehicle acquisition, maintenance, route optimization, risk management, and remarketing, to advising on decarbonization efforts, integration of electric vehicles and managing the complexity of gradual fleet electrification. Clients benefit from Element’s expertise as one of the largest fleet solutions providers in its markets, offering economies of scale and insight used to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency and performance. At Element, we maximize our clients’ fleet so they can focus on growing their business.

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Element and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of Element’s management. In some cases the forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, including, among others, statements regarding Element’s expectations for financial performance. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Element’s actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. Such risks and uncertainties include those regarding the fleet management and finance industries, economic factors and many other factors beyond the control of Element. A discussion of the material risks and assumptions associated with this outlook can be found in Element’s annual MD&A, and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, each of which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Element undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Weatherford Releases 2024 Digital Annual Update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford” or the “Company”) announced the release of its 2024 Annual Update. The interactive and fully digital report shares the Company’s financial results and highlights new technology innovations, achievements, and progress in our strategic focus areas to create long-term value for employees, customers, and shareholders.

Girish Saligram, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “2024 has been a year of significant milestones for Weatherford, as we set new records in operational performance and strengthened our position as an industry leader. Our strategic acquisitions, relentless focus on innovation, and commitment to safety and quality have laid the foundation for continued growth and success in the years ahead.”

Visit our 2024 Annual Update at weatherfordannualupdate.com.

About Weatherford
Weatherford delivers innovative energy services that integrate proven technologies with advanced digitalization to create sustainable offerings for maximized value and return on investment. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation. The Company operates in approximately 75 countries and has approximately 19,000 team members representing more than 110 nationalities and 330 operating locations. Visit weatherford.com for more information and connect with us on social media.

Contact
Kelley Hughes
Weatherford Corporate Communications
media@weatherford.com

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News 03/25/2025 Blackburn, Schatz, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost U.s. Cultural Trade Amid Competition From China

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Cultural Trade Promotion Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s creative industries and expand cultural exports. By bolstering the creative economy, this legislation will help U.S. businesses—including Native-owned, small, and rural enterprises—reach new global markets, create jobs, and strengthen America’s influence abroad amidst increasing competition from China.
“We cannot allow China to continue to outpace the United States in overall cultural exports, and Tennessee is home to countless creative entrepreneurs who need support to export their products and grow their businesses,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Cultural Trade Promotion Act would improve access to international shipping services for these small businesses to strengthen our economy and promote high-quality American goods.”
“America’s creative industries are a powerful force, driving jobs at home and shaping perceptions of our country abroad. Recently, China has doubled down on promoting its cultural exports, and we’ve been falling behind,” said Senator Schatz. “This bipartisan bill will help us level the playing field by expanding export opportunities for American businesses everywhere from Maui to Memphis so that our creative economy remains the global leader.”
Over the past decade, China has aggressively expanded its cultural trade through coordinated government investments and programs. In 2014, China surpassed the United States in overall cultural exports, and it continues to leverage cultural promotion as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, America’s cultural trade surplus has declined, dropping from $31.5 billion in 2019 to $17.8 billion in 2021 before rebounding slightly to $21 billion in 2022, according to the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Cultural Trade Promotion Act would direct the Foreign Commercial Service to promote U.S. creative economy goods abroad and require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee to include the creative economy in its annual governmentwide strategic plan. The bill would also improve access to international shipping services for small businesses by facilitating collaboration between the International Trade Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, it would promote products from American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses and include a representative of the creative industries on the Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Colin Flint, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utah State University

A warship is seen docked in the port of the Black Sea city of Sochi. Mikhail Mordasov/AFP via Getty Images

Away from the grueling land battles and devastating airstrikes, the Ukraine war has from its outset had a naval element. Soon after the February 2022 invasion, Russia imposed a de facto naval blockade on Ukraine, only to see its fleet stunningly defeated during a contest for control of the Black Sea.

But that war on the waves looks like it could be ending.

Under the terms of a deal announced on March 25, 2025, by the U.S. and agreed upon in Saudi Arabia, both sides of the conflict committed to ensuring “safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea,” according to a White House statement.

The naval aspect of the Ukraine war has gotten less attention than events on land and in the skies. But it is, I believe, a vital aspect with potentially far-reaching consequences.

Not only have Russia’s Black Sea losses constrained Moscow’s ability to project power across the globe through naval means, it has also resulted in Russia’s growing cooperation with China, where Moscow is emerging as a junior party to Beijing on the high seas.

Battle over the Black Sea

The tradition of geopolitical theory has tended to paint an oversimplification of global politics. Theories harkening back to the late 19th century categorized countries as either land powers or maritime powers.

Thinkers such as the British geopolitician Sir Halford Mackinder or the U.S. theorist Alfred Thayer Mahan characterized maritime powers as countries that possessed traits of democratic liberalism and free trade. In contrast, land powers were often portrayed as despotic and militaristic.

While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers. An accompanying view that naval and army warfare is somewhat separate has continued.

And this division gives us a false impression of Russia’s progress in the war with Ukraine. While Moscow has certainly seen some successes on land and in the air, that should not draw attention away from Russia’s stunning defeat in the Black Sea that has seen Russia have to retreat from the Ukrainian shoreline and keep its ships far away from the battlefront.

As I describe in my recent book, “Near and Far Waters: The Geopolitics of Seapower,” maritime countries have two concerns: They must attempt to control the parts of the sea relatively close to their coastlines, or their “near waters”; meanwhile, those with the ability and desire to do so try to project power and influence into “far waters” across oceans, which are the near waters of other countries.

The Black Sea is a tightly enclosed and relatively small sea comprising the near waters of the countries that surround it: Turkey to the south, Bulgaria and Romania to the west, Georgia to the east, and Ukraine and Russia to the north.

Control of the Black Sea’s near waters has been contested throughout the centuries and has played a role in the current Russian-Ukraine war.

Russia’s seizure of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 allowed it to control the naval port of Sevastopol. What were near waters of Ukraine became de facto near waters for Russia.

Controlling these near waters allowed Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s trade, especially the export of grain to African far waters.

But Russia’s actions were thwarted through the collaboration of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey to allow passage of cargo ships through their near waters, then through the Bosporus into the Mediterranean Sea.

Ukraine’s use of these other countries’ near waters allowed it to export between 5.2 million and 5.8 million tons of grain per month in the first quarter of 2024. To be sure, this was a decline from Ukraine’s exports of about 6.5 million tons per month prior to the war, which then dropped to just 2 million tons in the summer of 2023 because of Russian attacks and threats. Prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had forecasted a decline in Ukrainian grain exports for 2025.

But efforts to constrain Russia’s control of Ukraine’s near waters in the Black Sea, and Russia’s unwillingness to face the consequences of attacking ships in NATO countries’ near waters, meant Ukraine was still able to access far waters for economic gain and keep the Ukrainian economy afloat.

For Putin, that sinking feeling

Alongside being thwarted in its ability to disrupt Ukrainian exports, Russia has also come under direct naval attack from Ukraine. Since February 2022, using unmanned attack drones, Ukraine has successfully sunk or damaged Russian ships and whittled away at Russia’s Black sea fleet, sinking about 15 of its prewar fleet of about 36 warships and damaging many others.

Russia has been forced to limit its use of Sevastopol and station its ships in the eastern part of the Black Sea. It cannot effectively function in the near waters it gained through the seizure of Crimea.

Russia’s naval setbacks against Ukraine are only the latest in its historical difficulties in projecting sea power and its resulting tendency to mainly focus on the defense of near waters.

In 1905, Russia was shocked by a dramatic naval loss to Japan. Yet even in cases where it was not outright defeated, Russian sea power has been continually constrained historically. In World War I, Russia cooperated with the British Royal Navy to limit German merchant activity in the Baltic Sea and Turkish trade and military reach in the Black Sea.

In World War II, Russia relied on material support from the Allies and was largely blockaded within its Baltic Sea and Black Sea ports. Many ships were brought close to home or stripped of their guns as artillery or offshore support for the territorial struggle with Germany.

During the Cold War, meanwhile, though the Soviet Union built fast-moving missile boats and some aircraft carriers, its reach into far waters relied on submarines. The main purpose of the Soviet Mediterranean fleet was to prevent NATO penetration into the Black Sea.

And now, Russia has lost control of the Black Sea. It cannot operate in these once secure near waters. These losses reduce its ability to project naval power from the Black Sea and into the Mediterranean Sea.

Ceding captaincy to China

Faced with a glaring loss in its backyard and put in a weak position in its near waters, Russia as a result can project power to far waters only through cooperation with a China that is itself investing heavily in a far-water naval capacity.

Joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in July 2024 are evidence of this cooperation. Wang Guangzheng of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Southern Theater said of the drill that “the China-Russia joint patrol has promoted the deepening and practical cooperation between the two in multiple directions and fields.” And looking forward, he claimed the exercise “effectively enhanced the ability to the two sides to jointly respond to maritime security threats.”

Warships of the Chinese and Russian navies take part in a joint naval exercise in the East China Sea.
Li Yun/Xinhua via Getty Images

This cooperation makes sense in purely military terms for Russia, a mutually beneficial project of sea power projection. But it is largely to China’s benefit.

Russia can help China’s defense of its northern near waters and secure access to far waters through the Arctic Ocean – an increasingly important arena as global climate change reduces the hindrance posed by sea ice. But Russia remains very much the junior partner.

Moscow’s strategic interests will be supported only if they match Chinese interests. More to the point, sea power is about power projection for economic gain. China will likely use Russia to help protect its ongoing economic reach into African, Pacific, European and South American far waters. But it is unlikely to jeopardize these interests for Russian goals.

To be sure, Russia has far-water economic interests, especially in the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa. And securing Russian interests in Africa complements China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean to secure its own, and greater, global economic interests. But cooperation will still be at China’s behest.

For much of the Ukraine war, Russia has been bottled up in its Black Sea near waters, with the only avenue for projecting its naval power coming through access to Africa and Indian Ocean far waters – and only then as a junior partner with China, which dictates the terms and conditions.

A maritime deal with Ukraine now, even if it holds, will not compensate for Russia’s ongoing inability to project power across the oceans on its own.

Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally published by The Conversation U.S. on Oct. 3, 2024.

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

– ref. Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions – https://theconversation.com/maritime-truce-would-end-a-sorry-war-on-the-waves-for-russia-that-set-back-its-naval-power-ambitions-253089

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects America’s Bank Account Against Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
Source: The White House
PROMOTING FINANCIAL INTEGRITY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order promoting financial integrity, transparency, and efficiency by improving the Department of the Treasury’s ability to screen for improper payments and fraud, track transactions, and manage the Government’s disbursements.
- The Order directs the Department of the Treasury to update guidance and enhance systems across the Federal Government to ensure that all payments made on behalf of agencies undergo pre-certification verification to prevent fraud and improper payments.
  
  In order for Treasury to disburse funds, agency heads must comply with Treasury disbursement requirements, which include ensuring that sufficient funds are available before obligations are incurred, verifying payee information, standardizing information reporting formats, confirming funds are being disbursed from appropriate sources, and implementing other verification and certification measures.
- Agencies must share relevant data with Treasury to enhance Treasury’s ability to detect and prevent fraud, subject to applicable law.
- Agencies will consolidate core financial systems, including for non-CFO Act agencies, consolidating transactional financial management services under standardized solutions to improve financial reporting and traceability.
- Non-Treasury Disbursing Offices (NTDOs) will be reduced as appropriate, with Treasury developing a plan to centralize and manage payments previously handled by NTDOs.
MANAGING TAXPAYER FUNDS RESPONSIBLY: President Trump recognizes that financial fraud threatens the integrity of Federal programs and undermines trust in government.
- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates the Federal Government loses up to $521 billion annually to fraud due to inadequate data and outdated systems.
- The Treasury is responsible for safeguarding the General Fund (sometimes referred to as “America’s Bank Account”) but currently lacks sufficient controls to track transactions flowing through it.
  
  Fragmented disbursing authority, with NTDOs handing 22% of Federal payments, creates duplicative reporting and diminishes Treasury’s ability to provide centralized oversight.
- The Federal Government’s longstanding challenges when it comes to accessing accurate data across agencies has prevented it from more fully safeguarding taxpayer dollars against fraud and improper payments.
- Transitioning to centralized systems and ensuring basic pre-certification and verification measures before funds are disbursed will enhance security and improve efficiency in managing Federal funds.
SAFEGUARDING AGAINST WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE: Since Day One, President Trump has been steadfast in his commitment to get rid of waste, fraud, and abuse across the Federal Government.

President Trump implemented a cost efficiency initiative to ensure government contracts and grants are held to rigorous standards.

President Trump established the “Department of Government Efficiency” to examine how to streamline the operations of the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.

President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new Federal rule is justified by clear benefits.

President Trump reduced unnecessarily large scopes of governmental entities and terminated numerous harmful Biden executive actions.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Update Performing Artist Tax Deduction

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced legislation to provide much-needed tax relief to working artists. The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act would update the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) tax deduction, an above-the-line tax deduction which allows certain performing artists to deduct the cost of expenses incurred in the course of their employment.

The Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction has not been updated since its inception in 1986 and is currently only available to those making less than $16,000 a year, meaning that very few artists qualify. This legislation would update and increase the income ceiling to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for married joint filers, allowing more lower- and middle-income performing artists to receive tax relief for work-related expenses. This bill also indexes the deduction for inflation so it automatically adjusts for increases in the cost of living in the future.

“Middle class and up-and-coming artists have found their home in the Commonwealth making meaningful contributions to our rich culture,” Sen. Warner said. “This legislation levels the playing field for more artists by treating them like the small businesspeople they are, enriching our society and spurring our commerce.”

“The arts play a vital role in North Carolina’s culture and economy, yet many artists struggle with financial burdens that make it difficult to sustain their careers,” Sen. Tillis said. “By updating this outdated tax deduction, this commonsense legislation ensures that hardworking artists can deduct necessary expenses, just like other professionals. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to provide long-overdue tax relief to the creative community.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 24, 2025, by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Judy Chu (D-CA).

The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act is endorsed by numerous organizations advocating for the rights of emerging artists, including the Actors’ Equity Association, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs.

“We commend Senators Warner and Tillis for championing tax fairness for our members and all entertainment professionals. Their bipartisan leadership ensures our members’ voices continue to be heard on this critical issue. It’s time to lower the cost of living for entertainment workers by including PATPA in tax legislation expected later this year, correcting an oversight that has taken money out of the pockets of middle-class IATSE members since 2017,” said Matthew D. Loeb, International President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

“With just a few weeks until Tax Day, Senator Tillis and Senator Warner could not have better timed this critically important bipartisan bill that would mean actors, stage managers and other creative professionals won’t have to pay hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars more in taxes simply due to common business costs like their agents and managers fees and travel to auditions. I’m grateful for the leadership of Senator Tillis and Senator Warner and look forward to working with them as we fight to make this bill law,” said Brooke Shields, President of Actors’ Equity Association.

“Entertainment is one of the United States’ top industries, and the work of performing artists has made an immeasurable impact on our national identity. It’s time for the tax code to address the skyrocketing business costs of this highly risky profession and allow performers to deduct legitimate expenses such as agent and manager fees. This will enable working-class performers to continue supporting local economies that generate income from performers living and working in their communities. SAG-AFTRA enthusiastically supports the reintroduction of the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act in the Senate and applauds Sens. Tillis and Warner for their work in addressing the financial challenges of those who dedicate their lives to human artistry,” said Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA.

“The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) is a critical step toward restoring financial fairness for performing artists across the country. For too long, we’ve been unfairly burdened by a tax system that fails to recognize the realities of our profession. This legislation paves the way for artists to be treated less like expendable contractors and more like the vital parts of an institution that we are. It’s an important step toward ensuring that performing artists are no longer penalized for the cost of doing our jobs and toward a future where we receive the same workplace protections and benefits as others who work within the companies we sustain,” said Ned Hanlon, President of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

“Addressing the unique challenges artists and musicians face under the tax code is imperative to supporting the creative community’s impact on culture and the economy. RIAA appreciates Senators Warner and Tillis’ continued leadership driving the bipartisan, bicameral Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. This bill is designed to balance outdated burdens on performers now and enable the next generation to thrive,” said Mitch Glazier, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Chairman & CEO.

“The Motion Picture Association thanks Sens. Thom Tillis and Mark Warner for re-introducing the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) – an important bipartisan effort to deliver essential economic relief to a creative community that includes more than 2.3 million jobs supported by the film, television, and streaming industry. The MPA is again proud to endorse this legislation and support the American creative economy,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association.

“The bipartisan and bicameral Performing Artist Tax Parity Act is commonsense legislation that benefits working musicians. PATPA makes long overdue updates to restore the intention our tax code. We are grateful to Senators Tillis and Warner for championing fairness for all performing artists and arts workers,” said Tino Gagliardi, President of the American Federation of Musicians.

“Supporting working artists through tax relief creates ripple effects that build more vibrant communities across the country. Beyond the arts and culture sector’s $1.1 trillion economic impact, one of the largest public opinion studies ever conducted on the arts in the U.S. found that 86% of Americans believe arts and culture improve their community’s quality of life and livability. By modernizing the tax code nationally, we can support artists and strengthen every community. We applaud Senators Warner and Tillis for introducing the Senate companion to the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act, alongside the House bill championed by Representatives Buchanan and Chu, to modernize an outdated tax code that hasn’t been updated since 1986,” said Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts.

“Musicians nationwide are essential contributors to the U.S. workforce and the communities in which they perform,” said Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras. “We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Tillis and Warner in re-introducing this critical legislation to support tax fairness for performing artists.”

“The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) is a lifeline for the artists who bring independent stages to life. The Senate is taking an important step toward building a fairer, more sustainable live ecosystem that benefits independent stages, artists, audiences, and communities alike. We hope that Congress will move quickly to enact PATPA this year,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association.

“Virginians for the Arts is grateful to Senator Warner for his unwavering support of the arts and artists here in Virginia and nationally. We are also grateful to the Senator for sponsoring the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. This legislation modernizes the qualified performing artist tax deduction and is an important recognition of the value the arts play in our communities and the economy,” said Brett Bonda, President of Virginians for the Arts.

“Aligned with its mission to advance the performing arts in the Richmond region through programs and resources that support the artists of today, nurture the artists of tomorrow, and provide spaces for the arts to thrive, Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (RPAA) fully endorses the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA). This legislation is critical for RPAA’s vision to create a vibrant community where the performing arts flourish and strengthen Richmond’s cultural, social, and economic vitality. We strongly believe that for this to happen artists from all backgrounds must have the capacity and resources to grow their programs and reach new audiences. We thank Senators Warner and Tillis for introducing this legislation and realizing the tremendous investment that artists make in their work and the incredible contributions they make to our lives,” said Abbi Haggerty, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance.

A copy of the bill text can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Respond to Financial Threats from Community Party of China
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), joined by U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), introduced the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act, legislation aimed at shoring up America’s response to financial threats stemming from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The China Financial Threat Mitigation Act would require deeper analysis of potential financial threats from the CCP that may have substantial impacts on the U.S. economy.

“We continue to see increased aggression from the Chinese Communist Party towards the United States, including in the financial sector. This increased action requires us to take meaningful steps to protect U.S. institutions and interests. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will help to shore up our financial systems and ensure that the U.S. is prepared to counter the CCP’s attacks,” said Sen. Warner.

“The Chinese Communist Party has the ability to intervene in China’s banking system to achieve outcomes that benefit them the most, which has potential to harm American businesses,” said Sen. Rounds. “We must gain a clearer understanding of how China’s financial sector affects the U.S. economy and other global financial systems. Our legislation tasks the Treasury Department, working with other federal agencies, to assess and report on U.S. exposure to China’s financial activities, providing a clearer picture of the threat.”

“The Chinese Communist Party is a serious threat to our national and economic security,” said Sen. Lummis. “I am partnering with my colleagues to protect U.S. financial interests and hold the CCP accountable, and I look forward to getting this bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”

The legislation would also require the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Federal Reserve, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and State Department, to issue a report on the exposure of the United States to the threats posed by China’s financial sector. Specifically, the required report must include:
- Effects the reforms to China’s financial sector have on U.S. and global financial systems;
- Description of the policies the United States is adopting to protect U.S. interests;
- Description and analysis of any risks presented by China to the financial stability of the United States and the global economy; and
- Recommendations for additional actions to strengthen international cooperation to mitigate risks and protect U.S. interests.
As Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Sen. Warner has worked to ensure the U.S. is prepared to counter threats posed by foreign adversaries including the CCP across various sectors. Sen. Warner spearheaded the push to force CCP-based Bytedance to divest from TikTok in order to allow the app to continue operations in the United States. Last year, Sen. Warner introduced the Countering CCP Drones and Supporting Drones for Law Enforcement Act, legislation to cut off dangerous CCP drone companies from the U.S. telecommunication infrastructure. Sen. Warner also introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation to improve information sharing between private companies and the Intelligence Community in order to mitigate the threat that foreign adversaries including the CCP pose to United States companies in foreign jurisdictions on projects relating to energy generation and storage, including in the critical minerals industry. This legislation is the latest step in his efforts to safeguard American interests.

The legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Roger Williams (R-TX).

Full text of the legislation is available here.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

Under Modi ji’s leadership, India became a global leader in disaster management

Modi government is managing disasters by adopting a proactive approach instead of a reactive one and by aiming for zero casualties instead of minimising casualties

Compared to the previous regime, Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central fund

In the previous regime, funds were given to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from PMNRF

This bill will further increase the capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response

Earlier, thousands of people used to die in cyclones, but Modi government is moving towards zero casualty

The aim of this bill is to increase transparency, accountability, efficiency and cooperation in disaster management

India’s disaster management prowess has been established globally through CDRI

To deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods, systems and make institutions accountable as well as give them powers

India has had the most successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the entire world

Earlier, it used to take two generations for getting vaccines, but under the Modi government, India has made the COVID vaccine and also delivered it to every citizen

The Modi government has given more money than the prescribed amount to the states for disaster managementna

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 9:24PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today replied to the discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024. After the discussion, with the passage of the bill from the upper house the amendment bill was passed by the Parliament.

Speaking in the upper house during the discussion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that through this amendment bill, the Narendra Modi government intends to connect Centre, State governments, Panchayat and all our citizens with the cause of disaster management and there is no question of centralization of power. He said that this disaster management amendment bill is an attempt to take the fight against disasters from a reactive approach to a proactive one and also beyond to an innovative and a participatory approach.

Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji presented a ten-point agenda to the world for disaster risk reduction which has been accepted by more than 40 countries of the world. He said that this bill envisages participation not only from state governments and local units but also from the society. He said that the amendment bill keeps scope of minute planning at local levels too along with the national level and gives clarity on the powers and duties of institutions involved. Shri Shah said that the fight against disasters cannot be accomplished without enabling the institutions and making them better and more accountable, and both of these things have been taken care of in the bill. He said that disasters are directly related to climate change and to mitigate them, we should take steps against global warming. He said that India has been moving in this direction for thousands of years and the Modi government is working to take this tradition forward.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Disaster Management Act was brought for the first time in the year 2005 and under this NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) and DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority) were formed. He said that in this bill, the biggest responsibility in the aftermath of disasters have been given to DDMAs which is under the state government, thus there is no question of any damage to our federal system. He said that for financial assistance, National Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Mitigation Fund were created. Shri Amit Shah said that the Finance Commission has made a scientific arrangement for disaster relief and the Modi government has not given a single penny less than the prescribed amount to any state, rather it has given more.

He said that due to global disasters like Covid-19, increasing urbanization, irregular rain-related disasters and climate change, both the size and scale of disasters have changed. Shri Shah said that to deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods and systems and also make the institutions accountable and give them powers. He said that with this objective, this bill has been brought for an effective and comprehensive solution to the disaster management problem. He said that suggestions have been incorporated from stakeholders, ministries and departments of the Central Government, all state governments, Union Territories, international organizations and national and international non-governmental organizations and this bill has been prepared comprehensively by accepting 89 percent of their suggestions.

Union Home Minister said that through this bill, Modi government wants to move from reactive response to proactive risk reduction, from manual monitoring to AI-based real-time monitoring, from radio warnings to social media, apps and mobile warnings, and from government-led response to a multi-dimensional response involving society and citizens. He said that this entire bill has been made to incorporate capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response. Shri Shah said that in the last 10 years, there has been a change in disaster management in our country due to which we have emerged as a regional and global power recognized by the world. He said that this bill is necessary to maintain this success story of India for a longer time in future.

Shri Amit Shah said that this Bill will make both NDMA and SDMA effective, disaster database will be created at national and state level. It envisages creation of Urban Disaster Management Authority which will be completely under the state governments. Apart from this, this Bill will also give statutory power to NDMA and SDMA in creating a blueprint for 100% implementation of the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. He said that transparency, trust, credibility and accountability have been given place in it. Shri Shah also said that well-defined roles have been fixed in it and moral responsibilities have also been given place. The Home Minister said that we have also fixed responsibility for the best use of resources. He said that through this Bill, an attempt has been made to fight against disaster with synergy, between preparation, good management and coordination. Many reforms have been made on these four pillars and not a single one of these reforms is for centralization of power.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in the last ten years, on one hand, Prime Minister Modi Ji has done many things for environmental protection and on the other hand, he has also taken disaster management a long way forward. He said that on one hand Modi Ji talked about Mission Life in front of the world and on the other hand he also announced a ten-point disaster risk reduction agenda. He said that on one hand, a definite concrete program was given to become a pro-planet people and on the other hand, the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) was presented to the world, which has 43 countries as members. Shri Shah said that Modi Ji started the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance and also formed a task force on Disaster Risk Reduction by hosting the G20 conference in India. He said that on both these fronts, Prime Minister Modi and the government led by him have worked in a meticulous manner with great foresight. The Home Minister said that on the one hand efforts should be made to prevent disasters by protecting the environment and on the other hand, in case of a disaster, Modi ji has made complete arrangements to fight the disaster in a scientific manner from villages to Delhi.

Shri Amit Shah said that the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, Gujarat in 2001 shook not only Gujarat but the entire country and the world. He said that at that time Shri Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and he had established the Climate Change Department for the first time in India. He said that at that time Modi ji created the Climate Change Fund in Gujarat and in 2003 brought the State Disaster Management Act in Gujarat. Shri Shah said that in 2013, the country’s first city level action plan for heat wave was made in Ahmedabad and Modi ji also worked on making a detailed plan for reconstruction, community preparedness and rehabilitation after the earthquake.

Union Home Minister said that after Shri Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, a holistic and integrated approach was introduced in the country instead of a relief-centric approach. He said that a proactive approach was adopted instead of a reactive one and disaster management was done by keeping the target of zero casualty instead of the usual target of minimum casualty of the previous regime. He said that today governments are not only focus on relief and rescue after a disaster but also make many preparations to tackle them. Shri Shah said that the Modi government has done a very good job in early warning system, prevention to the extent possible, mitigation, timely preparedness and disaster risk reduction. He said that when the Odisha Super Cyclone hit in 1999, 10 thousand people died, but when Cyclone Fani hit in 2019, only one person died, this was the result of our changed approach. He said that when Cyclone Biparjoy hit Gujarat in 2023, not a single person or animal died and we achieved the target of zero casualties in 2023. He said that there has been a 98 percent reduction in loss of life and property due to cyclones and we have also succeeded in reducing heat-related mortality significantly.

Shri Amit Shah said that the budget of SDRF was Rs 38 thousand crores during the year 2004 to 2014, which was increased to Rs 1 lakh 24 thousand crores by the Modi government during 2014 to 2024. Rs 28 thousand crores were given to NDRF during 2004 to 2014, while Rs 80 thousand crores were given during 2014 to 2024. Shri Shah said that the government has increased the total amount from Rs 66 thousand crores to more than Rs 2 lakh crores. He said that the Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central funds. Shri Shah said that apart from this, a National Disaster Response Reserve of 250 crores was created, the first National Disaster Management Plan was released in 2016 which is completely in line with the Sendai framework, the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award was established in 2018-19 and the first phase of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation was done in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in 2018. He said that in 2020-21, the Home Ministry decided that the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Team (IMCT) will first go and do an immediate review and the Modi government made a provision to provide immediate assistance by sending 97 IMCTs within 10 days in 5 years.

Union Home Minister said that currently 16 battalions of NDRF are operational and seeing the NDRF personnel, people feel assured that they are safe now. He said that apart from this, programs have also been made for landslide risk management, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and civil security and training capacity building.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, conducted ‘Operation Maitri’ during the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, ‘Operation Samudra Maitri’ in Indonesia in 2018, ‘Operation Dost’ in Turkey and Syria in 2023, ‘Operation Karuna’ in Myanmar and ‘Operation Sadbhav’ in Vietnam, due to which the governments and people of these countries praised NDRF and Modi ji. He said that NDRF has worked to get our disaster management system firmed up at a national level.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Government of India has signed agreements with Japan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Italy, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Uzbekistan to strengthen disaster management and disaster risk reduction. The geographical conditions of these countries make them prone to similar disasters which are possible in India. He said that we have tried to ensure that these countries benefit from our best practices and we benefit from their best practices. Apart from the MoUs, international seminars were also held in the years 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2023, in which disaster management experts from member countries of organizations like SAARC, BRICS, SCO also participated.

Union Home Minister said that the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is an example of India’s global leadership in the field of disaster management. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi put forward this idea in the UN Climate Summit held in New York on 23 September 2019 and it was established in India itself. He said that so far 42 countries and 7 international organizations have become members of CDRI and through CDRI, work has been done to establish India’s leadership in this field at the global level.

Shri Amit Shah said that through the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, a force of one lakh community volunteers has been created in 350 disaster prone districts at a cost of Rs 370 crore and the volunteers have been registered on the India Disaster Resource Network portal. The District Collectors have their complete details. When a disaster strikes, these volunteers reach for the help on their own. The Home Minister said that 20 percent of the one lakh ‘Aapada Mitra’ volunteers are women. Our women power is working shoulder to shoulder in the work of disaster management. He said that as a result of the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, 78 thousand people were rescued from disasters and taken to safe places and 129 lives were saved by providing them timely treatment at the hospitals.

Union Home Minister said that the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme is being expanded. To involve the youth, more than 1300 trained ‘Aapada Mitras’ have been employed as master trainers with a budget of Rs 470 crore. In this, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and Bharat Scouts and Guides will train two lakh 37 thousand ‘Aapada Mitras’, which will increase the total number of community volunteers to three lakh 37 thousand.

Shri Amit Shah said that we have created many apps for weather related information. These include ‘Mausam’, ‘Meghdoot’, ‘Flood Watch’, ‘Damini’, ‘Pocket Bhuvan’, ‘Sachet’, ‘Van Agni’ and ‘Samudra’. Also, a nodal agency has been created for the study of landslides. India Quake app has been created for automated broadcasting of earthquake parameters. He said that due to the efforts of Modi ji, today all these apps have reached almost every citizen of the country. This has benefited farmers, fishermen, people living on the seashore and people living in landslide prone areas on time.

Union Home Minister said that the entire world has accepted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the world in the field of environment, therefore the United Nations has honoured him with the award of Champions of the Earth. Modi ji has almost completed the task of making India free from single-use plastic. Many countries have joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) formed on his initiative. Modi ji has worked to popularise the ‘One Sun, One Earth, One Grid’ project worldwide. The construction of Inter-Regional Energy Grid has begun for sharing solar energy across the world. Crores of people have planted trees with devotion in reverence of Mother Earth and their own mothers through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Shri Amit Shah said that India has set the target of Net Zero Carbon Emission by the year 2070. He said that we have already achieved the targets of International Solar Alliance, Global Bio-fuel Alliance and 20 percent Ethanol Blending by the year 2025. Today all our vehicles have 20 percent eco-friendly fuel. Shri Shah said that by providing 10 crore gas connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, we have stopped the smoke of cow dung cakes and coal. We have increased the Swachhata Abhiyan from 39 percent to 100 percent sanitation coverage. Along with this, the Green Hydrogen Mission has started the implementation of a new type of scheme in the entire world.

Union Home Minister said that, if the best COVID management has happened anywhere in the world, it has happened in India. Every Indian should be proud of this and the whole world praises our efforts immensely. He said that as soon as Corona arrived, we started making the vaccine. He said that during the previous regime, it used to take two generations to administer vaccines but under Modi Government India not only got the vaccine made but also ensured that it reached every citizen of the country. Shri Shah said that there is no parallel to such a precise use of technology for public welfare anywhere in the world. Due to the use of technology, the certificate was made available on the mobile as soon as the vaccine was administered and a reminder message would also come up with the time for the second vaccine.

Shri Amit Shah said that through video conference in the state’s civil hospitals and AIIMS, doctors treating minor diseases in small villages were guided about telemedicine, which saved the lives of lakhs of people. He said that the Prime Minister talked to the Chief Ministers of the states 40 times during COVID-19 and inquired about the situation. Not only the Prime Minister, the entire cabinet was involved in this work.

Union Home Minister said that due to our leadership we were able to fight the best battle against Corona in the whole world. Governments were fighting against Corona all over the world, but here the Central Government, State Government and 130 crore people were fighting together. He said that there is not a single example in independent India when an appeal by a leader has had the seriousness of a government order and the whole country followed the appeal of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for Janta curfew with full seriousness. No leader’s appeal had ever received such a great respect.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was created during the previous regime. He said fund from PMNRF used to be given to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Shri Shah said that during Modi ji’s regime PM Cares fund was created. We spent its funds for tackling the corona epidemic, disaster relief, oxygen plants, ventilators, assistance to the poor and vaccination. Shri Shah said that under PM Cares, along with relief work, we have also provided many types of innovative assistance. There is no political interference in this.

Union Home Minister said that for Karnataka, an estimate of Rs 5,909 crore was given by a high-level committee, out of which Rs 5,800 crore was transferred. For Kerala, an estimate of Rs 3,743 crore was made, out of which Rs 2438 crore was given. For Tamil Nadu, Rs 4600 crore was given out of Rs 4817 crore. West Bengal was given Rs 5000 crore out of Rs 6837 crore. Himachal Pradesh was given Rs 1766 crore out of Rs 2339 crore. The committee has given more or less the same amount to Telangana as well.

Shri Amit Shah said that Rs 111 crore was given to Jharkhand, Rs 121 crore to Kerala, Rs 460 crore to Maharashtra, Rs 256 crore to Bihar and Rs 254 crore to Gujarat for fire-fighting measures, which was never given before. He said that other states will be given funds for fire-fighting measures next year. Shri Shah said that Rs 228 crore has been given to Tamil Nadu between the years 2019 to 2024 and a lot of assistance has been provided.

Union Home Minister said that we declared the disaster in Wayanad, Kerala as a disaster of severe nature. Rs 215 crore was immediately released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Rs 36 crore was sent for debris removal, which has not been spent yet. Apart from this, assistance of Rs 153 crore was given on the basis of the IMCT report. The state government has estimated the need for Rs 2219 crore for normalizing the situation and reconstruction, out of which Rs 530 crore has been given. Along with this, other measures have been suggested to get additional assistance from a special window.

Shri Amit Shah said that for the Central Government, citizens of all states including Kerala, Ladakh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh are equal and we do not discriminate against anyone. He said that in the Disaster Management Bill, we have paid attention to increasing human resources along with the provision of increasing technical capacity. Along with the government’s effort, provision has also been made for community effort and along with disaster-resistant construction, care has also been taken for the conservation of nature.

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RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2115092) Visitor Counter : 57

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (LOI) on Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

Source: Government of India (2)

India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (LOI) on Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal along with Senior Minister Dr Amy Khor Attends the Signing Ceremony

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held Bilateral Meeting with Vice Minister Brigit Gijsbers of The Netharlands on Further Deepening Maritime Cooperation between the two countries

“Fruitful discussion on using Dutch Global expertise to enable Cargo Movement in low draft rivers of Brahmaputra & Barak”: Sarbananda Sonowal

Sarbananda Sonowal joined Dr Amy Khor to inaugurate India Pavillion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW)

Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates ‘’ Pavillion, Presides over India Business Roundtable

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing ceremony of Letter of Intent (LOI) between India and Singapore on maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and Decarbonisation (Green Shipping) here today. Shri Sonowal was joined by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Enviornment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LOI was inked by Shri R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Under the LOI, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

India is a leading player in information technology with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels.

Singapore, as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, also supports a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem. The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The signing of this landmark LOI marks the bilateral

collaboration as a significant step towards modernising maritime operations and advancing green shipping efforts. The Singapore-India

Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector, allowing us to move India towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modiji’s ‘Viksit Bharat’. With India’s strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. We look forward to work closely to build a resilient, future ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global maritime industry.”

Seeking the Global Dutch Expertise for revamping India’s waterways rivers like Barak and Brahmaputra, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “With their rich experience and global expertise in dredging, river engineering, we can enable our diverse and rich riverine system with effective dredging techniques, modern inland vessel technology & water management. The Netherlands’ expertise in shallow-draft push barges, modular inland vessels, & LNG-powered river transport presents a valuable opportunity for India. We are keen to adapt these technologies to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the Brahmaputra & Barak, making inland waterways more efficient, sustainable, & economically viable. We see great potential for Dutch collaboration in India’s major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) and Brahmaputra River dredging. This will help us realise the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji to empower the Northeast as the New Engine of Growth for an Atmanirbhar Bharat charting its course on becoming a Viksit country.”

The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated the ‘India Pavilion’ along with Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of Singapore.

Shri Sonowal also inaugurated the IRClass Pavilion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW). Speaking at the India Business Roundtable, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India is rapidly emerging as a global maritime hub, driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are transforming ports into clean energy-driven investment hubs, fostering shipbuilding excellence, and decarbonising shipping. With bold reforms, resilient supply chains, and global collaborations like the India-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, we invite the world to partner with us in shaping a sustainable and future-ready maritime economy.”

During the day, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also visited Singapore Cruise Centre to understand the infrastructure and facilities that has helped Singapore to become a thriving cruise tourism destination. India aims to replicate such terminals in key locations like Goa, Mumbai and Chennai to provide a fillip to the cruise tourism. Sonowal also met with key officials of Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) as well as top industry captains from maritime sector of the Netherlands.

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GDH

(Release ID: 2115049) Visitor Counter : 34

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority implements fees and charges reform rationalising healthcare services and enhancing patient protection

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hospital Authority implements fees and charges reform rationalising healthcare services and enhancing patient protection
The Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan, said, “We sincerely thank the Health Bureau for leading the HA in conducting this fees and charges reform review. Through this reform, the HA can promote the development of Hong Kong’s public healthcare services. We believe that once the fees and charges reform measures are fully implemented, the current service imbalances in public hospitals can be gradually straightened out and the protection for patients, especially those with critical illnesses or emergency conditions, can be enhanced. This will enable sustainable development of public healthcare services to cope with the various challenges posed by Hong Kong’s ageing population.”

Currently, the government provides a high degree of subsidy for HA services, with a subsidy rate as high as 97.6 per cent, with the subsidy amount for some public hospital services even reaching 100 per cent. Beyond facing challenges from an ageing population creating excess demand, Hong Kong’s public healthcare system experiences systemic imbalances, subsidy misallocations, and service waste. To ensure the sustainability of the public healthcare system, the HA initiated a review to reform public healthcare fees and charges last year, based on relevant principles including public affordability, optimal service utilisation, cost sharing, subsidy prioritisation, support for the underprivileged and public acceptance. The review covers the following areas:

Reforming the susidisation structure
Reducing wastage and misuse
Strengthening healthcare protection
The Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, said, “The HA will fully implement the reform. Under the reform, subsidy ratios will vary by service type of public hospitals, depending on the nature of the service. After the reform, the public copayment ratio will remain affordable. Through the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism, relaxed eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net applications, and a cap on annual spending on inpatient and outpatient fees, the HA will continue to ensure that no one will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means and will strengthen the protection of the public, not only taking care of the underprivileged groups, but also preventing middle income people from impoverishment due to illness.”

After the implementation of measures such as enhancing medical fee waiving mechanism, relaxing eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net applications, and establishing a cap on annual spending on inpatient and outpatient fees, over 1.4 million people are expected to be eligible for protection. The HA pledges that all additional revenue generated from fees and charges adjustments will be entirely utilised to medical services, particularly supporting those with critical conditions like cancer or rare diseases, waiving or reducing self-financed medications and devices or medical supplies fees. The HA can also accelerate the introduction of more effective new medications and devices to improve treatment outcomes.

The detailed fee schedule will take effect in January 2026 (see Annex). Details of enhanced protection measures, include enhancing medical fee waiving mechanism, introducing an annual fee cap on inpatients and outpatients of $10,000, and relaxing eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net application, are provided in the appendix. The HA’s last fee adjustment was in 2017.

Mr Fan stated that Hong Kong’s public hospitals remain among the world’s most efficient healthcare providers. The HA will continue promoting reforms to improve the service level of public hospitals, and ensure limited medical resources can be used for patients most in need. Once the public healthcare fees and charges reform achieves its target within five years, Hong Kong’s public healthcare system will take a major step forward. The HA will also fully cooperate with other government healthcare reform measures to continue providing high-quality and sustainable medical services with appropriate healthcare protection for Hong Kong citizens.

Annex

Public healthcare fees and charges reform

Service(Acute bed)(convalescent / rehabilitation, infirmary and psychiatric beds)
Maintenance fee (per day)(Geriatric, rehabilitation) Community allied health service(Fee exempted for Category I, II)16 weeks maximumup to 4 weeks(applicable for SOPC)
$135 for the 1st attendance

$80 per
subsequent attendance
$15 per unit,
16 weeks maximumup to 4 weeksIssued at HKT 21:25

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine with Allopathic system

Source: Government of India (2)

AYUSH

Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine with Allopathic system

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine including Ayurveda with Allopathic system:

The Ayush Vertical under Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), established by the Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), serves as a dedicated institutional mechanism for planning, monitoring, and supervising Ayush-specific public health programs. This vertical provides technical support to both Ministries in developing strategies for public health, healthcare, Ayush education, and training.
The Ministry of Ayush and MoH&FW have jointly established Integrated Ayush Departments in Central Government Hospitals to promote integrative healthcare. As part of this initiative, Department of Integrative Medicine has been set up and is operational at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi through All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi and Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi respectively. No separate funding is allocated for establishing these centres.
An Advisory committee was constituted under the chairpersonship of Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog to study the existing knowledge and efficacy of different models of Integrative Medicine and its benefits at large and to propose a framework of comprehensive Integrative Health Policy.
Government of India has adopted a strategy of Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), thus enabling the choice to the patients for different systems of medicines under a single window. The engagement of AYUSH doctors/ paramedics and their training is supported by the MoH&FW under National Health Mission (NHM), while the support for AYUSH infrastructure, equipment/ furniture and medicines are provided by the Ministry of Ayush under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) as shared responsibilities.
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has undertaken research studies such as Operational study to explore the feasibility of integrating Ayurveda with modern system of medicine in a tertiary care hospital (Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi) for the management of Osteoarthritis (Knee), Feasibility of introducing the Indian System of Medicine (Ayurveda) in the National Reproductive and Child Health services at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level in Himachal Pradesh and Integration of AYUSH systems in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) and Feasibility of introducing Ayurveda Intervention in Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in PHCs of the Selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study). Details of the collaborative projects by the Council in the last five years are given in Annexure I.

Further, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and CCRAS has taken an initiative to set up Ayush-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR), at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to conduct research on identified areas focusing on integrative healthcare under Extra Mural research Scheme of ICMR. Under this program, four research areas in four AIIMS have been identified, which are as follows:

AIIMS Delhi:

1. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Gastro-intestinal Disorders
2. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Women and Child Health
AIIMS Jodhpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health
AIIMS Nagpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Cancer Care
AIIMS Rishikesh: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health.

In All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, integrative medical services are available under, Centre for Integrative Cancer Therapy, Centre for Integrative Dentistry, Centre for Integrative Critical Care & Emergency Medicine, Centre for Integrative Orthopedics, Centre for Integrative Dietetics and Nutrition and Causality OPD Section. Integrated services are also provided through Satellite Clinical Services Units established at Integrative Medical Services Unit at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Integrative Medical Services Unit AIIMS Jhajjar and Centre for Integrative Oncology at National Cancer Institute – AIIMS, Jhajjar.
Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), conducts integrated research and also has visiting allopathic doctors for consultation.
The Ministry of Ayush has been implementing the Central Sector Scheme namely Ayurswasthya Yojana since 2021-22. The Scheme has 02 components viz. (i) Ayush & public health (PHI) component and (ii) Upgradation of facilities to the centre of excellence. Under the Centre of Excellence, financial assistance is provided to support creative and innovative proposals of prestigious organizations with well-established buildings and infrastructure and wish to work for Ayush systems to the level of Centre of Excellence. Nine organizations of National repute have been funded under the Centre of Excellence component of Ayurswasthya Yojana under the activity-based/research-based Centre of Excellence for research and development to integrate the knowledge of Ayurveda with the modern system of medicine. Details of organizations are given at Annexure II.

Annexure I

LIST OF COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS OF LAST FIVE YEARS 2020-21 TO 2024-25

COMPLETED PROJECTS

S. No.	Name of Project	Name of the Collaborating Institutes
1.	Evaluation of Add on Efficacy & Safety of an Ayurvedic coded Formulation in the management of Dengue Fever & Prevention of its complications – A Double Blind Clinical Study	National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, KLE University’s Department of Integrative Medicine, Kolar.
2.	A Randomized Placebo Controlled Prospective Phase II Clinical Study of an Ayurvedic Coded Drug ‘AYUSH-D’ on Glycemic control in Pre- Diabetic Subjects	Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru AIIMS, New Delhi RRA Poddar Medical College, Mumbai KLEU’s Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgavi
3.	A Randomized Placebo Controlled Phase II Clinical Study of an Ayurvedic Coded Drug ‘AYUSH-D’ in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as add on Therapy to Metformin	Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru AIIMS, New Delhi RRA Poddar Medical College, Mumbai Rajiv Gandhi PG Govt Ayurveda College, Paprola
4.	Multi-centric Collaborative Double Blind study on clinical evaluation of AYUSH-SL in chronic Filarial Lymphoedema in patients receiving mass drug administration Multi-centric Collaborative Double Blind study on clinical evaluation of AYUSH-SL in chronic Filarial Lymphoedema in patients receiving mass drug administration	Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine (CSTM) in collaboration with CARI, Kolkata Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bhubaneswar Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Vijayawada
5.	Feasibility of introducing Ayurveda intervention in Reproductive and Child Health	30 PHCs of Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra

	(RCH) in PHCs of selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study)
6.	Randomized control study to evaluate the efficacy of Ayush CCT and Rajyoga Meditation versus conventional treatment on clinical recovery and post-operative outcomes following elective adult cardiothoracic surgeries	AIIMS, New Delhi
7.	Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of “Ayush- SS Granules” in exclusively breast feeding mothers with Insufficient Lactation (Stanyalpata)-A Randomized double blind placebo control Trial”	Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi
8.	A comparative clinical study of Ayush LND a coded Ayurvedic formulation in the management of Asrigdara (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding)	Regional Ayurveda Research Institute,, Nagpur Govt. Medical College, Nagpur
9.	A Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of Marma therapy in Lumbar disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.	Uttrakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun
10.	Efficacy of Ayurveda nutritional supplements and Yoga protocol in the prevention and reduction of the severity of Acute Mountain Sickness: an open-label randomized controlled study	2118 field hospitals, Nimu/Leh under the AFMS, Northern Command of Indian Army
11.	A pilot study to assess the effect of intranasal oil instillation (Pratimarsha Nasya) on nasal barrier function among healthy individuals	Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
12.	Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Sarpagandha Mishran) vs. Amlodipine in the management of stage-I Primary Hypertension	AIIMS Delhi
13.	Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical study Ayurvedic coded drug AYUSH-A in the management of Bronchial Asthma (Tamaka Shwasa)	AIIMS Delhi
14.	Study the physiological basis and gut bacterial modulation induced by Virechana Purgation therapy in the healthy adults: A prospective longitudinal study.	Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi
15.	Morbidity and Healthcare-seeking behaviour of	Directorate General Armed Force

	the patients visiting the Ayurveda healthcare facilities of the DGAFMS Hospitals: A multicentre cross-sectional survey study	Medical Services- facilities
16.	A Randomized Controlled Study to Assess the Effect of Marsha Nasya Karma in Motor, Sensory, Memory and Cognitive Parameters elicited through f – MRI in Apparently Healthy Individuals.	Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala
17.	Evaluation of Ayush-GMH in the subjects of mild to moderate Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-A double blind randomized control clinical study	KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi ICMR – National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belegavi
18.	A randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of multimodal Ayurveda interventions in Jannu Sandhigatavata (Primary Knee – osteoarthritis)	AIIMS Delhi
19.	Clinical evaluation of Ayurvedic management in Allergic Rhinitis- A Randomized controlled Trial	Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi

ONGOING PROJECTS

S. No.	Name of Project	Name of the Collaborating Institutes
1.	A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and imunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer at first serological relapse collaborative project.	Tata Memorial Hospital ACTREC Mumbai & Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Mumbai
2.	Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of PTK as an add on therapy in the patients of Tuberculosis on ATT – A double blind randomized control clinical study	KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi
3.	Evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention as add on to conventional treatment and explore the interaction of epigenetics, neuro/gut biomarkers and neuroimaging in pediatric ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacidity Disorder)	National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru
4.	Double blind randomized placebo controlled multicentric clinical trial of Ayush M-3 in the management of Migraine.	National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru
5.	Ayurveda therapeutic regiman as on Add-on to optimized conventional management of Parkinson’s disease: an RCT for assessment	National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru

	of clinical Cortical excitability neuroimmune and Autonomic function parameters.
6.	Efficacy and safety of Ayurveda Formulation Trikatu as add on to standard care in Dyslipidemia – a randomized controlled trial	AIIMS, Bhubaneswar
7.	Efficacy of Ayurveda regimen (mild purgation and internal oleation) in comparison with Allopathic regimen (Letrozole) along with Yoga module in the management of unexplained and anovulatory female infertility: A RCT	IIT, Mandi
8.	Topical Oil Pooling (Karnapurana) with Kshirabala Taila and supple mentation of Ashwagandha churna (TOPMAC) in presbycusis – An exploratory randomized controlled trial	Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences(ICCONS), Shoranur, Kerela
9.	Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point exploratory clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimen as an adjunct to Hydroxyurea in the management of Sickle cell disease.	AIIMS, Bhopal
10.	A multi-center study to assess the treatment adherence & tolerability of Ayush SR in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)	Shri B.M. Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgavi; Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda College, Kotakkal; Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bengaluru; Adichunchanagiri Ayurvedic Medical College, Bengaluru
11.	Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunti in reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating women consuming traditional diet foods in Maharashtra: A randomized Controlled preliminary clinical study	ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai
12.	Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) – A Randomized Controlled Trial.	Ayurvedic Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Madhavbaugh, Pune
13.	Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Pushkar guggulu & Haritaki churna) in the management of stable coronary artery disease.	Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

14.	A randomized double blind placebo control clinical study to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Swarnaprashan in moderately malnourished children.	Sanjiv Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow
15.	Randomized controlled trial of Anshumati Ksheer Paka in hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy	Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
16.	Anemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission Utkarsh	All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi; National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Public Health Foundation India’s IIPH- Delhi
17.	An exploratory series of n of 1 responder restricted study of Ayurveda regimen on quality of life among elderly population in Ballabgarh district of Haryana- A community based study.	AIIMS, Ballabhgarh

ANNEXURE II

NINE ORGANIZATIONS OF NATIONAL REPUTE FUNDED UNDER CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE COMPONENT OF AYURSWASTHYA SCHEME TO INTEGRATE KNOWLEDGE OF AYURVEDA WITH MODERN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE AYURSWASTHYA SCHEME:

S. No.	Name of the Organization	State	Project Name	Fund Released (Amount in Crore)
S. No.	Name of the Organization	State	Project Name	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25
1.	Tata Memorial Centre, (TMC) Mumbai	Maharashtra	Centre of Excellence for Discovery and Development of AYUSH Medicine for Cancer Care	–	2.00	1.62
2.	Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow	Uttar Pradesh	Center of Excellence for Fundamental and Translation Research in Ayurveda at Central Drug Research Institute	–	2.00	1.99
3.	Jawaharlal Nehru University, (JNU) New Delhi	Delhi	Functional-based CoE on Ayurveda and Systems Medicine	–	1.01	2.44
4.	Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi	Delhi	Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Ayush for Advanced technological solutions, startup support and net zero sustainable solutions for Rasausadhies	–	2.00	1.14
5.	Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru	Karnataka	Centre of Excellence in Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders	–	2.00	1.82
6.	Centre for	Delhi	Centre of	2.05	2.04	–

	Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR), AIIMS New Delhi		Excellence for Yoga & Ayurveda
7.	National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore	Karnataka	Centre of Excellence in Ayush Research	0.85	0.37	–
8.	Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS)	Delhi	Effects of Indian Foods and Ayurvedic drugs on healthy and diseases Liver	2.61	–	–
9.	Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Jodhpur	Rajasthan	Centre of Excellence in AYURTech for Integrative Precision Health and Medicine	–	4.00	–
Total				5.51	15.42	9.01

This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

***

MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2114965)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systems

Source: Government of India (2)

Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systems

Ministry of Ayush approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals for establishment during the last five years

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM) through State/UT Governments. Under NAM, as per the proposals received from State/UT Governments through their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) during the last five years, a consolidated amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs has been released as financial assistance to them for different activities and overall promotion of Ayush systems as per the provision of NAM guidelines.

Under NAM, as per the proposals submitted by State/UT Governments through their SAAPs, the Ministry of Ayush has approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals (IAHs) for establishment during the last five years. The State and district-wise status of approved IAHs is furnished at Annexure-I. Further, existing Ayush Hospitals and Dispensaries have also been supported under the activities of supply of medicines & upgradation of Ayush hospitals/dispensaries during the last five years as per the proposals received from States/UTs through SAAPs.

Ayush Gram is a concept wherein villages will be selected for adoption of principles and practice of Ayush way of life and interventions of health care. As per NAM guideline, there is a provision of financial assistance of Rs. 3.0 lakhs per unit covering 2000-3000 population in 2-3 villages in a block. As per the proposals received by the States/UTs through SAAPs, 699 number of Ayush Gram units have been supported under Ayush Gram in the country during the last five years but district-wise data is not being maintained in the Ministry. The State/UT-wise status of approved Ayush grams is furnished at Annexure -II.

Annexure-I State and district-wise status of approved Integrated Ayush Hospitals during last five

years under NAM

S.No.	State/UT	District	Bedded
1.	Andaman & Nicobar Island	South Andaman	50
2.	Andhra Pradesh	Kakinada	50
2.	Andhra Pradesh	Visakhapatnam	50
3.	Arunachal Pradesh	West Kameng	50
		Lower Siang	50
		Upper Siang	10
		East Kameng	10
		Lower Subansiri	10
4.	Assam	Goalpara	50
		Majuli	50
		Kokrajhar	50
		Baksa	50
		Morigaon	50
		Nagaon	50
		KarbiAnglong	30
		Bajali	10
5.	Bihar	Patna	50
6.	Chandigarh	Chandigarh	50
7.	Chhattisgarh	Janjgir-Champa	10
		Mahasamund	10
		Korea	10
		Korba	10
		Uttar BastarKanker	10
		Narayanpur	10
		Bijapur	10
		DakshinBastarDantewada	10
		Balod	30
8.	Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	Dadra and Nagar Havel	50
9.	Goa	North Goa	50
9.	Goa	South Goa	50
10.	Gujarat	Surat	50
11.	Haryana	Hisar	50
12.	Himachal Pradesh	Kullu	50
13.	Jammu & Kashmir	Kishtwar	50
		Kupwara	50
		Kathua	50
		Kulgam	50
		Samba	50
		Baramulla	10
14.	Jharkhand	Ranchi	50
14.	Jharkhand	Gumla	10

		Bokaro	10
		Deoghar	10
		Palamu	10
		Dumka	10
		East Singhbum	50
15.	Karnataka	Gadag	50
		Dakshina Kannada	50
		Shivamogga	10
16.	Kerala	Thrissur	50
		Kannur	50
		Pathanamthitta	10
		Palakkad	50
		Kollam	30
		Wayanad	30
		Idukki	30
		Pathanamthitta	30
		Thiruvanthapuram	50
		Thiruvanthapuram	50
17.	Lakshadweep	Lakshadweep	30
18.	Maharashtra	Nandurbar	30
		Sindhudurg	30
		Pune	30
		Osmanabad	50
		Ahmednagar	30
		Jalgaon	30
		Jalna	50
		Thane	50
		Nagpur	50
19.	Manipur	Tengnoupal	50
		Churachandpur	50
		Imphal East	50
		Chandel	10
		Jiribam	10
		Kangpokpi	10
		Bishnupur	10
		Noney	10
		Thoubal	10
		Senapati	10
20.	Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal	50
		Indore	50
		Narsinghpur	50
		Anuppur	50
		Khargone	50
		Balaghat	50
		Sehore	50
		Guna	50
		Panna	50
		Bhind	50

		Barwani	30
21.	Meghalaya	East Khasi Hills	50
		RiBhoi	50
		West Jaintia Hills	30
22.	Mizoram	Aizwal	50
22.	Mizoram	Saitual	10
23.	Nagaland	Noklak	30
		Kohima	50
		Mokokchung	50
		Longleng	30
		Kiphire	30
		Mon	30
		Zunheboto	30
24.	Odisha	Dhenkanal	50
24.	Odisha	Balasore	50
25.	Puducherry	Puducherry	50
25.	Puducherry	Yanam	50
26.	Rajasthan	Sikar	50
		Sawaimadhopur	50
		Bharatpur	50
27.	Sikkim	Gyalshing	50
27.	Sikkim	Gangtok	30
28.	Tamil Nadu	Namakkal	50
28.	Tamil Nadu	Chennai	50
29.	Telangana	Siddipet	50
		Vikarabad	50
		JayashankarBhupalapally	50
30.	Tripura	West Tripura	50
30.	Tripura	South Tripura	50
31.	Uttar Pradesh	Jaunpur	30
		Kaushambi	50
		Sonbhadra	50
		Jalaun	50
		SantKabir Nagar	50
		Saharanpur	50
		Deoria	50
		Lalitpur	50
		Amethi	50
		Kanpur Dehat	50
		Ballia	50
		Raebareli	50
		Baghpat	50
		Fatehpur	50
		Shrawasti	50
		Unnao	50
		Hardoi	50
		Gorakhpur	50
		Sambhal	50

		Mirzapur	50
32.	Uttarakhand	TehriGarhwal	50
		Champawat	50
		PauriGarhwal	50
		Haridwar	10
		Nainatal	10
		Haridwar	50
33.	West Bengal	PaschimMedinipur	50

Annexure II

State/UT- wise status of supported villages under Ayush Gram concept during the last five years

Sr.No.	States/UTs	Total
1	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	7
2	Andhra Pradesh	13
3	Arunachal Pradesh	2
4	Assam	4
5	Bihar	10
6	Chandigarh	0
7	Chhattisgarh	0
8	Dadra & Nagar Haveli Daman & Diu	13
9	Delhi	0
10	Goa	10
11	Gujarat	110
12	Haryana	22
13	Himachal Pradesh	0
14	Jammu & Kashmir	20
15	Jharkhand	97
16	Karnataka	0
17	Kerala	64
18	Lakshadweep	6
19	Madhya Pradesh	201
20	Maharashtra	9
21	Manipur	2
22	Meghalaya	35
23	Mizoram	7
24	Nagaland	2
25	Odisha	7
26	Puducherry	0
27	Punjab	0
28	Rajasthan	5
29	Sikkim	0
30	Tamil nadu	0
31	Telangana	10
32	Tripura	1
33	Uttar Pradesh	25
34	Uttrakhand	0
35	West Bengal	8
36	Ladakh	9
	Total	699

This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today’

****

MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2114967) Visitor Counter : 12

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RRBs achieve a record ₹7,571 crore profit in FY 2023-24; key financial indicators like CRAR, deposits, NPAs CD Ratio show steady improvement
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

Government is reviewing the financial performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) at national and regional levels. The agenda items for the review meetings, inter-alia, include:
1. Review of the performance of RRBs on Financial Parameters and technology upgradation.
2. Thrust on Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) portfolio.
3. Importance on loan diversification towards Agri-allied, MSME and Retail Sectors.
Financial health of RRBs has improved in the recent years as they have posted highest ever consolidated net profit of ₹ 7,571 crore during FY 2023-24. Also, the RRBs have shown consistent improvement in key financial parameters like CRAR, deposits, advances, NPA, CD ratio etc. The Key Financial Parameters of RRBs have improved consistently in past years. The Total Balance sheet Size of RRBs have increased from Rs. 7,04,556 Crore in FY 2021- 22 to Rs. 8,40,080 Crore in FY 2023-24. Further the Net NPA has declined from 4.7% in FY 2021- 22 to 2.4% in FY 2023-24. Also the Credit to Deposit Ratio has increased from 64.5% to 71.4% from FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24.

Government has also reviewed the progress made by RRBs in deepening financial inclusion in rural and remote areas by reviewing performance on various financial inclusion schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana etc.

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

*****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2114942) Visitor Counter : 110
MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development of Fisheries Infrastructure

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying with effect from financial year 2018-19 has been implementing Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore to address the infrastructure requirement for fisheries sector. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying based on the techno-financial proposals, so far, has approved a total 141 proposals at a cost of Rs. 5915.54 crore with restricting the project’s cost for interest subvention at Rs. 3947.54 crore to various State Governments, Union Territories and other End Implementing Agencies. The state-wise details of these projects approved under FIDF are furnished at Annexure-I.

The key projects approved primarily include 28 Fishing Harbours, 24 Fish Landing Centers, 8 Fisheries Training Centres and 5 Fish Processing Units. This includes the four fishing harbours at a total investment of Rs 1291.40 crore approved for Andhra Pradesh. The state-wise and project-wise details of these key projects indicating the project-wise status, timeline, loans sanctioned and disbursed are furnished at Annexure-II.

Annexure-I

State-wise details of projects approved under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

(Rs in crores)

Sl No	Name of State	No. of projects approved	Total Project Cost	Amount eligible for interest subvention
1	Andhra Pradesh	10	1396.82	653.05
2	Arunachal Pradesh	1	0.68	0.54
3	Assam	1	0.41	0.18
5	Goa	1	6.42	5.00
6	Gujarat	5	1354.92	750.00
7	Haryana	1	1.17	0.64
8	Himachal Pradesh	1	5.17	5.00
9	Jammu and Kashmir	2	120.70	93.17
10	Karnataka	2	1.44	0.79
11	Kerala	3	162.82	151.20
12	Maharashtra	17	1069.17	799.12
13	Manipur	4	1.15	0.90
14	Mizoram	1	8.57	6.85
15	Odisha	4	60.18	33.83
16	Puducherry	1	2.46	1.97
17	Tamil Nadu	67	1577.70	1338.30
18	Telangana	1	4.70	2.31
19	Uttar Pradesh	2	75.22	60.09
20	West Bengal	17	65.85	44.60
	Total	141	5915.54	3947.54

Annexure-II

Status of fisheries infrastructure projects approved under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

Fishing Harbours

Sl No.	State	Name of the Project With Districts	Financial Year	Amount eligible for interest subvention	Loan Sanctioned	Loan Disbursed	Status	Physical Status	Financial Status
(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(iv)	(v)	(vi)	(vii)	(viii)	(ix)	(x)
1	Andhra Pradesh	Fishing Harbour at Uppada in East Godavari	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	63.14%	40.87%
2	Andhra Pradesh	Fishing Harbour at Machilipattinam in Krishna District	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	58.35%	59.95%
3	Andhra Pradesh	Fishing Harbour at Nizampattinam in Guntur District	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	61.10%	38.26%
4	Andhra Pradesh	Fishing Harbour at Vodarevu in Prakasham District	2019-2020	150.00	Nil	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR
5	Gujarat	Fishing Harbour at Porbandar-Phase: 2	2019-2020	150.00	Nil	Nil	To take up	NR	NR
6	Gujarat	Fishing Harbour at Navabandar	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	41.44	Project Ongoing	95%	90.00%
7	Gujarat	Fishing Harbour at Madhwad in Junagad District	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	4.02	Project Ongoing	14.19%	10.27%
8	Gujarat	Establishment of Fishing Harbour at Veraval – Phase: 2 in Gir Somnath District	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	1.66	Project Ongoing	47.59%	42.46%
9	Gujarat	Establishment of Fishing Harbour at Sutrapada	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	1.48	Project Ongoing	33.61%	19.82%
10	Kerala	Development of Arthunkal Fishing Harbour	2020-2021	150.00	150.00	0.50	Project Ongoing	NR	NR
11	Tamil Nadu	Fishing Harbour at Tharangampadi in Nagapattinam District	2018-2019	120.00	108.00	107.94	Project Completed	100%	100%
12	Tamil Nadu	Fishing Harbour at ThiruvottriyurKuppam in Tiruvallur District	2018-2019	150.00	150.00	135.655	Project Completed	100%	60%
13	Tamil Nadu	Fishing Harbour at Mudhunagar in Cuddalore	2018-2019	100.00	90.00	83.6281	Project Completed	100%	82%
14	Tamil Nadu	Fishing Harbour at Vellapallam in Nagapattinam	2018-2019	100.00	100.00	42.6123	Project Ongoing	79%	76%
15	Tamil Nadu	Fishing Harbour at Azhagankuppam in Villupuram District	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	2%	1%
16	Tamil Nadu	Fishing Harbour at Arcottuthurai in NagapattinamDisrtict	2019-2020	150.00	150.00	116.98	Project Ongoing	91%	89%
17	Tamil Nadu	Export Infrastructures in Mookaiyur Fishing Harbour in Ramanathapuram District	2020-2021	20.00	20.00	11.90	Project Completed	100%	90%
18	Tamil Nadu	Additional berthing facilities in Fishing Harbour at Thoothukudi	2020-2021	25.00	25.00	Nil	Project Completed	100%	100%
19	Tamil Nadu	Additional arrangements and Dredging the Fishing Harbour in Nagapattinam	2020-2021	6.00	6.00	5.79	Project Completed	100%	89%
20	Tamil Nadu	Extension of Fishing harbour in Kanyakumari	2020-2021	150.00	150.00	30.00	Project Ongoing	66%	54%
21	West Bengal	Infrastructural development at Deshpran Fishing HarbourPetuaghat.	2019-2020	3.25	0.00	Nil	Project Dropped	NR	NR
22	Maharashtra	Post Harvesting Facilities in Fisheries Habour at Ratnagiri	2022-2023	146.90	146.90	Nil	project ongoing	5%	0%
23	Maharashtra	Infrastructural Facilities in Fisheries Harbour at Raigad.	2022-2023	150.00	150.00	Nil	project ongoing	45%	32%
24	Maharashtra	Infrastructure Facilities Fisheries Habour at Dapoli, Ratnagiri District	2022-2023	150.00	150.00	Nil	project ongoing	10%	7%
25	Maharashtra	Fisheries Harbour at Shrivardhan, Raigad	2022-2023	119.64	119.64	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR
26	Tamil Nadu	Modernisation of Fishing Harbour in Nagapattinam	2022-2023	81.00	81.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	79%	76%
27	Tamil Nadu	Additional Infrastructure facilities in Fishing Harbour at Thoothukudi	2022-2023	10.00	10.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	94%	84%
28	Maharashtra	Fisheries Harbour at Satpati, Palghar	2022-2023	150.00	150.00	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR

Fish Landing Centres

Sl No.	State	Name of the Project With Districts	FY	Amount eligible for interest subvention	Loan Sanctioned	Loan Disbursed	Status	Physical Status	Financial Status
(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(iv)	(v)	(vi)	(vii)	(viii)	(ix)	(x)
1	Odisha	Fish Landing Centre at Khordha	2020-2021	9.29	Nil	Nil	Project Dropped	NR	NR
2	Odisha	Fish Landing Centre at Khordha	2020-2021	7.56	Nil	Nil	Project Dropped	NR	NR
3	Odisha	Fish Landing Center at Bhadruk	2020-2021	7.85	Nil	Nil	Project Dropped	NR	NR
4	Tamil Nadu	additional facilities to Fish Landing Centre at Portonovo-Annankovil in Cuddalore	2020-2021	10.00	10.00	3.85	Project Completed	100%	100%
5	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Keelamunthal in Ramanathapuram	2020-2021	10.00	10.00	8.50	Project Completed	100%	100%
6	Tamil Nadu	Additional Infrastructure facilities to Fish Landing Centre at Mudasalodai Village in Cuddalore	2020-2021	9.50	9.50	6.05	Project Completed	100%	100%
7	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Chandrapadi village in Nagapattinum	2020-2021	10.00	10.00	Nil	Project Completed	100%	100%
8	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Vanagiri Village in Nagapattinam	2020-2021	8.00	8.00	4.85	Project Completed	100%	100%
9	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Keezhathottam Village in Thanjavur	2020-2021	8.00	8.00	7.89	Project Completed	100%	94%
10	Tamil Nadu	T-Jetty at Tharuvaikulam in Thoothukudi	2020-2021	10.00	10.00	10.00	Project Completed	100%	94%
11	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Mandapam (North) in Ramanathapuram	2020-2021	10.00	10.00	9.98	Project Completed	100%	95%
12	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Mandapam (South) in Ramanathapuram	2020-2021	10.00	10.00	9.98	Project Completed	100%	95%
13	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Aruvikarai Village in Tirunelveli	2020-2021	10.00	10.00	Nil	Project Completed	100%	100%
14	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Kottaipattinam, Village in Pudukottai	2020-2021	3.05	3.05	2.36	Project Completed	100%	94%
15	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Vadakkamapattinam, Village at Pudukottai	2020-2021	1.55	1.55	1.25	Project Completed	100%	97%
16	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Puthukudi, Village at Pudukottai	2020-2021	1.40	1.40	1.20	Project Completed	100%	99%
17	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Sattankuppam at Thiruvallur	2022-2023	8.00	8.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	25%	13%
18	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Sunnambukulam at Thiruvallur	2022-2023	8.00	8.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	92%	38%
19	Tamil Nadu	fish landing centre at Tsunami Nagar and Akkaraigori village in Cuddalore	2022-2023	4.50	4.50	Nil	Project Completed	100%	100%
20	Tamil Nadu	fish landing centre at Sonankuppam village in Cuddalore	2022-2023	5.50	5.50	Nil	Project Completed	100%	96%
21	Tamil Nadu	Fish landing centre at Chithiraipettai and Nanjalingampettai villages in Cuddalore	2022-2023	7.50	7.50	Nil	Project Ongoing	91%	47%
22	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Pudhukuppam and Anichankuppam Villages in Villupuram	2022-2023	7.00	7.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	77%	21%
23	Tamil Nadu	Fish Landing Centre at Mudhaliyarkuppam and Chettynagar Villages in Villupuram	2022-2023	7.00	7.00	Nil	Project Ongoing	95%	39%
24	Tamil Nadu	Fish landing centre at Sothikuppam and Rasapettai village in Cuddalore District	2022-2023	8.50	8.50	Nil	Project Ongoing	77%	53%
				182.20	157.50	65.90

Fisheries Training Centres

Sl No.	State	Name of the Project	FY	Amount eligible for interest subvention	Loan Sanctioned	Loan Disbursed	Status	Physical Status	Financial Status
(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(iv)	(v)	(vi)	(vii)	(viii)	(ix)	(x)
1	Himachal Pradesh	Establishment of State of art of Fisheries Training Centres, Gagret Dist. Una	2020-2021	5.00	5.00	0.54	Project Ongoing	25.25%	20.91%
2	Tamil Nadu	Construction of Integrated office building for Training Centre to the Fishermen at Trichy in Trichy	2020-2021	4.00	4.00	Nil	Project Completed	100%	94%
3	Tamil Nadu	Construction of Integrated Training Centre and Offices at Cuddalore	2020-2021	5.00	5.00	3.92	Project Completed	100%	98%
4	Tamil Nadu	Construction of Training Centre at Radhapuram in Tirunelveli District.	2020-2021	1.60	1.60	1.56	Project Completed	100%	95%
5	Tamil Nadu	Establishment of Training Centre	2022-2023	5.00	5.00	Nil	Project Completed	100%	NR
6	Tamil Nadu	Establishment of Training Centre at Mettur Dam in Salem District.	2022-2023	3.00	3.00	0.03	Project Ongoing	NR	NR
7	West Bengal	Capacity Expansion and modernisation of Govt. Freshwater Fisheries Research & Training Center, Kulia, Kalyani, Nadia	2024-2025	5.00	Nil	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR

Processing Plants

Sl No.	State	Name of the Project	FY	Amount eligible for interest subvention	Loan Sanctioned	Loan Disbursed	Status	Physical Status	Financial Status
(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(iv)	(v)	(vi)	(vii)	(viii)	(ix)	(x)
1	Andhra Pradesh	Expansion of Processing Plant, M/s Ananda Foods, Ramayanapuram village, Bhimavaram, West Godavari District	2020-2021	8.82	8.82	8.82	Project Completed	100%	100%
2	Karnataka	Establishing Fish Processing Unit at Bangalore, by M/s Sashimi Foods Pvt.Ltd.,	2020-2021	0.68	Nil	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR
3	Odisha	EXPANSION OF SHRIMP PROCESSING UNIT OF “HIGHLAND AGRO”	2022-2023	9.13	25.00	25.00	Project Completed	100%	100%
4	Andhra Pradesh	Proposal of M/s Agro products, Andhra pradesh for setting up of a state-of-the -art shrimp processing unit in Nellore,Andhra Pradesh	2024-2025	37.39	Nil	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR
5	Maharashtra	A greenfield fish &Shrimp processing project proposed by M/s Pushpai Marine Exports Private Limited	2024-2025	22.51	Nil	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR
6	Maharashtra	Fish Processing Unit	2024-2025	5.07	Nil	Nil	Project Yet to Start	NR	NR

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

*****

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by Acting CE at Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit Principal Dinner (English only) (with photo/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by Acting CE at Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit Principal Dinner (English only) (with photo)
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to tonight’s Principal Dinner, on the eve of the third annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit.

Allow me to begin by thanking our Hong Kong dancers for their elegant and innovative approach to the traditional Chinese lion dance – tonight performed as a lion ballet dance. That mingling of Asian and Western cultures is very much in keeping with today’s Hong Kong, the world’s rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Hong Kong’s singular role as a gainful bridge between East and West is why many of you are here, with us, from all over the world – from Mainland China and throughout Asia, from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and beyond. And while our Chief Executive, John Lee, is unfortunately away on a duty visit, I am delighted to be your host for this evening’s gala dinner.

Over these next few days, I invite you to immerse yourselves in all that Hong Kong has to offer – to discover, first-hand, why our city is the leading choice for family offices.

And for good reason. Hong Kong is a super-connector bringing together people and ideas. We are a platform for visionaries looking to create lasting legacies, a dynamic hub where your offices and families can flourish.

The theme of this year’s Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, “Hong Kong of the World, for the World,” smartly reflects that reality, spotlights our commitment to international collaboration and mutual rewards.

Hong Kong’s advantages are clear and unique. Our “one country, two systems” framework ensures close and beneficial ties with our country and deep connectivity with the rest of the world.

It helps, too, that Hong Kong is China’s international financial centre and one of the world’s major financial centres. In the latest Global Financial Centres Index, out last week, Hong Kong maintained its position as the world’s third-ranked financial centre, and the top in the Asia-Pacific. In the Index’s “human capital,” “infrastructure” and “financial sector development” areas, Hong Kong climbed to second, worldwide, while our rankings in “business environment” and “reputational and general” rose to third, globally.

We are at the forefront of digitalisation, too, the first government to issue tokenised green bonds, demonstrating our flexibility and support for financial technology.

And we will soon publish a second policy statement on virtual assets, including advancing stablecoin regulations to set a new global standard for the future of digital finance.

Hong Kong is also a hub for world-class events such as this evening’s. We bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators to help shape the future of finance, technology and sustainability.

Yesterday, the Milken Institute held its second Global Investors’ Symposium, attracting senior players from finance, business, technology, healthcare, philanthropy and government.

It’s just one of a number of events making up our “Wealth & Investment Mega-Event Week”. The HSBC Global Investment Summit opened earlier today. On Thursday, we have the Bloomberg Family Office Summit. And the World Economic Forum is hosting several sustainability-themed events here, including Friday’s One Earth Summit.

Our commitment to creating an enriching environment extends beyond finance and investment. Earlier this month, we opened Kai Tak Sports Park, the striking, pearl-like landmark rising from the waterfront in East Kowloon.

The world-class venue features a 50 000-seat stadium, complete with a retractable roof, and stunning views to Victoria Harbour from the South Stand. The 100-metre Champions Bar will be a popular watering hole this weekend, given that the renowned Hong Kong Sevens kicks off on Friday.

And there’s more, much more, on tap this month in Hong Kong. Art Basel Hong Kong opens this week, featuring more than 240 galleries from 42 countries and regions. And the five-day Art Central opens tomorrow, spotlighting Asian galleries and emerging artists.

Family offices, let me add, are no less critical to Hong Kong’s flourishing future.

At the inaugural Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, in 2023, we issued a Policy Statement setting out our strategic vision for family offices.

The majority of the Policy Statement’s eight initiatives have already been implemented, I’m pleased to tell you.

They include establishing a dedicated FamilyOfficeHK team within Invest Hong Kong. To date, the team has helped more than 160 family offices set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.

We’ve also launched the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, designed to attract asset owners to invest and reside in Hong Kong.

And, more good news, a series of enhancement measures are now in place. They include recognising jointly owned assets and investments through specified family-owned entities. And that works well with the tax concession regime we introduced in 2023 for single-family offices.

We are, let me add, expanding tax concessions for single-family offices, increasing the types of qualifying transactions. Add it up, and I think you’ll agree with me that Hong Kong is one of the world’s most attractive destinations for asset owners.

More good reason to turn to Hong Kong for your family office future. You’ll be in good company, with more than 2 700 single-family offices now operating here.

Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we’re just one group photo away from a fine dinner and a fabulous evening.

I wish you all a rewarding Summit and a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 20:30

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government Strengthens financial assistance for Loan Schemes for Entrepreneurs, Farmers, Small Businesses and startups

Source: Government of India

Government Strengthens financial assistance for Loan Schemes for Entrepreneurs, Farmers, Small Businesses and startups

PMMY Offers Collateral-Free Loans for Small Businesses across Four Categories

New Loan Scheme for first-Time Entrepreneurs announced in Union Budget 2025-26

In Union Budget 2025-26, the government raised MISS loan limit for KCC borrowers from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh

Jan Samarth Portal: One-Stop Digital Platform for Easy access to 15 Government Loan Schemes

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:48PM by PIB Delhi

The Government runs many credit Schemes for small traders, farmers and startups. The details of few of these schemes are mentioned below.

It provides collateral-free institutional credit through Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) i.e. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

Any individual, who is otherwise eligible to take a loan and has a business plan can avail loan under the Scheme. The loan is available for income generating activities in the manufacturing, trading, services sector and also for activities allied to agriculture across four loan products, viz. Shishu (loans up to Rs. 50,000), Kishore (loans above Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 5 lakh) and Tarun (loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakh). Loans upto Rs. 20 lakh under Tarun Plus category are given to those entrepreneurs who have availed and successfully repaid previous loans under the ‘Tarun’ category.

The objective of the Scheme is to facilitate loans from Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) of value between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and one Woman borrower per bank branch for setting up greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services or trading sector, including activities allied to agriculture.

Under both the Schemes, the prospective borrowers may avail the loan for trading, activities allied to agriculture and for new business.

As per para 32 of Union Budget 2025-26 “A new scheme will be launched for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first- time entrepreneurs. This will provide term loans upto Rs.2.00 crore during next 5 years. The Scheme will incorporate lessons from successful Stand Up India Scheme. Online capacity building for entrepreneurship and managerial skills will also be organized.”

Kisan Credit Card (KCC), introduced in 1998, is a banking product that provides farmers with timely and affordable credit for purchasing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as for meeting cash requirements related to crop production and allied activities.  In 2019, the KCC scheme was extended to cover the working capital requirements of allied activities, viz. Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries.

Government of India under Modified Interest Subvention Scheme provides Interest Subvention of 1.5% to banks for providing short-term working capital loans upto Rs. 3 lakh at 7% p.a. Further, a Prompt Repayment Incentive of 3% is also provided to farmers on timely repayment of loans. Therefore, effective interest rate for farmers is 4%. In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government has announced to enhance loan limit under the MISS from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

The Jan Samarth portal is a one-stop digital platform for linking fifteen Government-sponsored loans and subsidies Schemes. It provides a quick and efficient way to apply for loans and obtain approvals based on a digital evaluation of the applicant’s data. Further, many Banks and financial institutions have developed online platforms and mobile apps for end to end digital processing of loan applications, reducing the need for physical paperwork and in-person visits.

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

*****

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(Release ID: 2114938) Visitor Counter : 14

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Loan for Fishermen

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

In the year 2018-19, Government of India has extended the facility of Kisan Credit Card to fishers and fish farmers to meet their working capital requirements. Under the scheme, farmers receive KCC loans up to Rs.2.00 Lakhs (fishers & fish farmers) at a subsidized interest rate of 7%. To facilitate this, an up-front interest subvention (IS) of 1.5% is provided to financial institutions by the Govt. of India and additionally, farmers who repay their loans promptly on time, receive a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI), effectively reducing the interest rate to 4% per annum. Besides, the collateral-free loan limit for KCC fisheries has also been enhanced from Rs.1.60 lakh to Rs. 2.00 lakh from 01.01.2025. Moreover, in the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government of India has increased the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) lending limit of loans up to ₹5 lakh to enhance credit accessibility for fishers, farmers, processors and other fisheries stakeholders under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme. Till date, 4,63,492 KCC cards have been issued to fishers and fish farmers with a loan amount of Rs. 2982.58 crore in all States/UTs.

Besides, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with effect from financial year 2018-19 is implementing Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore. FIDF inter-alia provides concessional finance for development of various fisheries infrastructure facilities to the Eligible Entities (EEs), including State Governments/Union Territories, State entities and other Stakeholders for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities. Under FIDF, the Department of Fisheries provides interest subvention up to 3% per annum for providing the concessional finance by the NLEs at the interest rate not lower than 5% per annum. A total of 141 projects with outlay of Rs.3947.54 crore have been approved under FIDF.

Further, in order to provide social security measure to fishers, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India under ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) provides Group accidental insurance coverage to fishers wherein the entire insurance premium amount is borne by the Central and State Government, with no contribution from the beneficiary. The insurance coverage provided includes (i) Rs.5,00,000/- against death or permanent total disability, (ii) Rs.2,50,000/- for permanent partial disability and (iii) hospitalization expenses in the event of accident for a sum of Rs. 25,000/. During the last three years (2021-22 to 2023-24) and current financial year (2024-25) of the implementation of the PMMSY, 131.30 lakh fishers with an average of 32.82 lakh fishers annually have been enrolled for providing insurance coverage under the Scheme.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

*****

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(Release ID: 2114934) Visitor Counter : 14

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Assistant to Fishermen

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

The uniform ban on fishing for 61 days is implemented annually by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India beyond territorial waters on both the coasts for 61 days (i.e., 15^th April to 14^th June in the East Coast, and 1^st June to 31^st July in the West Coast) based on the recommendations of the Technical Committee and in consultation with the coastal States/Union Territories (UTs). The traditional non-motorized units are exempted from this uniform fishing ban imposed in the Indian EEZ beyond territorial waters. Similarly, the coastal States/UTs are also implementing the fishing ban within their territorial waters in line with the uniform ban implemented in the EEZ. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, the livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers is provided during the fishing ban/lean period. Livelihood and nutritional support for 5,97,709 fisher families has been provided annually during fishing ban/lean period, at a total investment of Rs.1059.94 crores during 2020-21 to 2023-24.

As informed by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, there has been an import of fish and fish products worth 722.01 million USD to India in the last 3 years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24), including import in the state of Tamil Nadu. As informed by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, there has been an export of fish and fish products worth 23,235.78 million USD from India in the last 3 years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24), including fish and fish products worth 2,607.99 million USD from the state of Tamil Nadu.

In order to promote the export of marine products, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has taken several steps, these inter-alia include support through PMMSY for branding, standards and certification, training and capacity building, creation of post-harvest infrastructure with emphasis on seamless cold-chain and development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centers, etc. In addition, to address the critical infrastructure requirements of fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the Department of Fisheries, GoI during 2018-19 has created the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore to provide concessional finance to states/UT and private sector. In this regard the supported activities included development of 27,823 ice plant /cold storages and transportation facilities with an investment of ₹1362 Cr, acquisition of 1398 Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (₹ 1310 Cr) and up-gradation of 1338 fishing vessels (₹ 193.64 Cr). Further, Department of Fisheries has also approved the projects for export oriented fish species such as Scampi, Mud crab, Asian Seabass, Cobia etc. and supported the state-of-the-art aquaculture production technologies like RAS and Biofloc. In addition, Department of Fisheries, GoI has notified Tuna Cluster in the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Seaweed Cluster in the Lakshadweep and has issued the Guidelines for promoting diversified species and Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBCs)/Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMCs) under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 (amended in 2023). Apart from this, to ensure the sustainability and uninterrupted supply of Indian seafood material to the US Market, the Department is supporting a Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Project at the cost of around ₹ 13.29 Cr. In order to meet the requirements of the export markets for wild-caught shrimp, the Department of Fisheries is facilitating the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in shrimp trawlers by including TEDs as a separate line item under the PMMSY scheme, and has advised the maritime states/UTs to mandate TED usage in trawl nets through amendments in their respective Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts. To strengthen India’s seafood sector globally, the Government is facilitating ease of business by amending Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act (Amendment) 2023. In addition, the Department is conducting Investors meets, Stakeholders consultation and also advising the States/UTs to encourage the farmers to attend the technical and demonstration workshops/training programs related to seed and feed, technology infusion, ornamental fisheries, hatchery technologies etc. on periodic basis in order to increase in productivity and quality of fishery produce.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Aquaculture and Marine Export

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

Aquaculture and Marine Export

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry has established the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) as a dedicated agency to facilitate export of seafood. MPEDA, through its field offices in maritime States and registered societies like NaCSA (National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture), NETFISH (Network for Fish Quality Management & Sustainable Fishing) and RGCA (Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture) is taking various activities to promote sustainable aquaculture and marine exports. In aquaculture, MPEDA focused on capacity building for better management practices, antibiotic reduction through initiatives like “SHAPHARI” certification and ELISA labs, and disease control through Aqua One Centres and mobile labs. MPEDA also supported sustainable shrimp farming through NaCSA and operated seven technology transfer projects via RGCA. In the marine sector, MPEDA, primarily through NETFISH, conducted workshops and trials for Turtle Excluder Device (TED) implementation, supported marine mammal stock assessments for US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) compliance, promoted eco-friendly fishing gear like square mesh cod ends, and organized numerous coastal clean-up drives and plastic collection projects and hands-on training programs and meets. The details of these projects and their outcomes, project-wise is furnished as Annexure-I and II.

MPEDA has implemented several measures to promote environmentally sustainable shrimp farming by encouraging eco-friendly practices, responsible resource management, and disease prevention strategies. MPEDA also ensure quality and traceability through farm/hatchery enrollment and SHAPHARI certification programs, which include geographical mapping and unique identification numbers. MPEDA supports infrastructure development by providing financial assistance for nursery-rearing units and shrimp handling centers, all aimed at enhancing sustainable practices and ensuring high-quality, safe shrimp production for export. Additionally, through various training programs, MPEDA promote sustainable shrimp farming. With regard to seaweed cultivation, MPEDA-RGCA signed MoU with Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu for supplying the quality germplasm of seaweeds and technical consultant for establishment of Multipurpose Seaweed Aqua Park under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampda Yojana (PMMSY) assistance.

Annexure-I

Aquaculture and Marine Export.

Sl.No.	Name of the project		Name of the produce/ services	No. of Beneficiaries		Quantity supplied
1	Asian Seabass Hatchery, Thoduvai, Tamil Nadu		Seabass fingerlings (nos.)	4300		49.8 million
2	Mud crab Hatchery, Thoduvai, Tamil Nadu		Crab instar (nos.)	919		11.27 million
3	GIFT Tilapia Hatchery Vijayawada, Andra Pradesh		GIFT seed (nos.)	581		50.48 million
			GIFT brood-fry (nos.)	50		84,295
4	Marine Finfish Hatchery, Pozhiyoor, Kerala		Cobia fingerlings (nos.)	95		1,25,091
			Pompano (nos)	115		5,02,250
5	Aquatic Quarantine Facilities for L. vannamei, Chennai, Tamil Nadu		L. vannamei Broodstocks (nos.) quarantined	4,175		25,26,607
			P. monodon broodstocks (nos.) quarantined			28,128
			P. monodon PPLs (nos.) quarantined			1,84,077
			L. vannamei PPLs (nos.)			9,19,431
6	Artemia Demo Farm at Tharuvaikulam&Uppoor, Tamil Nadu		Artemia biomass (kg)	725		9400
			Artemia cyst (tins)			4,673
7	Multispecies Aquaculture Complex (MAC) Vallarpadam, Kerala		GIFT Seed (nos.)	8,704		15.68 million
			Seabass fingerlings (nos.)	1,484		14,12,018
			Etroplus suratensis seed (nos.)	690		12,12,425
			P. monodon seed (nos.)	185		89,69,455
Contribution from RGCA Central Laboratories
S.No	Laboratory	Testing (by samples)			Samples (Nos)	No. of Beneficiaries
1	Mobile Aquaculture Disease Diagnosis Laboratory	Molecular diseases diagnosis (PCR)			4,570	1,094
		Microbiology & water parameters
2	Central Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory	Molecular diseases diagnosis (PCR), Microbiology & water parameters,Histology Disease surveillance / NSPAAD, Seed health, PCR-based species identification,Sequencing-based species identification			30,635	4,532
3	Central Aquaculture Genetics Laboratory				24,897	555

Annexure-II

Aquaculture and Marine Export.

Sl.No.	Hands on Training Program/ Meets	No. of Trainings/ Events	No. of Beneficiaries
1	Best Management Practices of nursery, grow-out and cage culture in earthen ponds for Asian Seabass	95	1,814
2	Best Management Practices of nursery, grow-out and Softshell culture of Mangrove Mud crab	106	1,909
3	Breeding, Seed Production and Grow – out farming of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT)	79	1,165
4	Artificial Insemination Technique used for SPF Black Tiger Shrimp, Penaeus monodon with special reference to Broodstock Management, Maturation and Seed Production	4	22
5	Hatchery Production of Marine Finfish	2	3
6	Artemia Production & Processing of Cyst and Biomass	8	265
7	PCR and its Application in Aquaculture Pathology	44	945
8	PCR and its Application in Aquaculture Genetics Research	37	773
9	RAS ( Re-circulatory Aquaculture System)	1	23
10	Training at MAC, Vallarpadam	13	203
11	Farmers Meet/ Program for SC/ST beneficiaries: on Diversified Aquaculture/	558	17563

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2114923)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Revolutionizing Mobility

Source: Government of India

Revolutionizing Mobility

The Make in India Auto Story

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

Key Takeaways

Make in India has boosted domestic car production and EV manufacturing.
The automobile sector contributes approximately 6% to India’s national GDP
Vehicle production grew from 2 million (1991-92) to 28 million (2023-24).
Automobile exports reached 4.5 million units in FY 2023-24.
US $36 billion FDI attracted in the past four years.
4.4 million EVs registered, with 6.6% market penetration.
PLI & PM E-DRIVE schemes supporting EV and battery manufacturing.
GST on EVs reduced from 12% to 5%.
India’s auto component sector contributes 2.3% to GDP and employs 1.5 million people directly.
The sector grew at a CAGR of 8.63% from FY16-FY24.
Exports reached US$ 21.2 billion in FY24 and are projected to hit US$ 30 billion by 2026.
The government is actively promoting electric mobility and advanced automotive technologies.

Introduction

Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative has significantly transformed India’s automobile industry, fostering domestic car production and accelerating electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. Over the past decade, policy reforms, fiscal incentives, and infrastructure development have positioned India as a key global automotive hub. The sector has attracted substantial investments, spurred innovation, and increased localization, contributing to economic growth and sustainability.

The Indian auto industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors. It embarked on a new journey in 1991 with the de-licensing of the sector and subsequent opening up for 100 percent FDI through the ‘automatic route’. Since then, almost all the global majors have set up their manufacturing facilities in India, taking the level of production of vehicles from 2 million in 1991-92 to around 28 million in 2023-24.

The turnover of the Indian automotive industry is about USD 240 billion (20 Lakh Crore), which translates into a large contribution to the country’s economy and manufacturing sector. As per the Annual Report 2024-25 of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, around 30 million jobs (Direct: 4.2 million and Indirect: 26.5 million) are supported by the Indian Auto Industry. Indian Automotive Industry exported vehicles and auto components amounting to about USD 35 billion. In terms of global standing, India is the largest manufacturer of three-wheelers, among the top 2 manufacturers of two-wheelers in the world, the top 4 manufacturers of passenger vehicles, and the top 5 manufacturers of commercial vehicles in the world.

Auto Components Industry in India

The auto component sector is one of the key pillars of India’s manufacturing industry, supplying critical parts and systems to domestic vehicle manufacturers and exporting to major global markets. The industry covers a broad spectrum of products, including engine parts, transmission systems, braking systems, electrical and electronics components, body and chassis parts, and more. India has become a preferred destination for auto component manufacturing due to its cost competitiveness, skilled workforce, and strong policy support. The auto component sector is expected to reach the $100 billion export target by 2030 making the sector one of the largest job creators in the country.

Overview of the Auto Components Industry

Contribution to GDP	2.3%
Direct Employment	1.5 million people
Industry Turnover (FY24)	Rs. 6.14 lakh crore (US$ 74.1 billion)
Domestic OEM Supply Share	54%
Export Share	18%
CAGR (FY16-FY24)	8.63%
Export Value (FY24)	US$ 21.2 billion
Projected Exports (2026)	US$ 30 billion

India’s auto component sector contributes 2.3% to India’s GDP, directly employing over 1.5 million people. The sector’s turnover in FY24 was Rs. 6.14 lakh crore (US$ 74.1 billion), with domestic OEM supplies making up 54%, and exports contributing 18%. Over FY16-FY24, the industry grew at a CAGR of 8.63%. In FY24, exports reached US$ 21.2 billion, with a trade surplus of US$ 300 million, and are projected to hit US$ 30 billion by 2026.

The Indian auto components industry exports over 25% of its production annually. By FY28, the Indian auto industry aims to invest US$ 7 billion to boost the localisation of advanced components like electric motors and automatic transmissions by reducing imports and leveraging the “China Plus One” trend. In 2023, the auto component industry achieved a 5.8% reduction in imports over two years. The majority of the components sold to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are engine components (26%), body/chassis/BIW (14%), suspension and braking (15%), drive transmission and steering (13%), and electricals & electronics (11%). Major exports are to Europe (US$ 6.89 billion), followed by North America (US$ 6.19 billion) and Asia (US$ 5.15 billion).

Growth in Domestic Automobile Production

The automobile sector contributes approximately 6% to India’s national GDP, with exports reaching 4.5 million units across all categories in FY 2023-24, including 6.72 million passenger vehicles and 3.45 million 2-wheelers. Global automotive companies like Skoda Auto Volkswagen India exporting 30% of their production and Maruti Suzuki exporting around 2.8 lakh units annually, exemplify this trend.

The sector has attracted $36 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over the past four years, highlighting India’s growing prominence in the global automotive landscape. Major international players are making substantial commitments, with Hyundai planning a USD 4 billion (INR 33,200 Crore) expansion, while Mercedes-Benz has pledged USD 360 million (INR 3,000 Crore). Recently, Toyota announced a USD 2.3 billion (INR 20,000 Crore) investment to further increase its capacity.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturing Boom

The country is also advancing in sustainable mobility, with 4.4 million Electric Vehicles (EV) registered by August 2024, including 9.5 lakh in the first eight months of 2024, achieving a 6.6% market penetration. To support this growth, the government has implemented initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery storage. In the 2024-25 Budget, the government allocated INR 2,671.33 crore under the FAME scheme and proposed the exemption of customs duties from the import of critical minerals required for EV cell components manufacturing.

Additionally, in March 2024, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) was launched with an INR 500 Crore outlay for four months, specifically targeting support for the two and three-wheeler segments to expedite the transition to electric vehicles. These initiatives align with the recent discovery of lithium deposits in Jammu & Kashmir, positioning India to become a key player in the global battery manufacturing industry in the coming years. The Indian EV sector is likewise developing quickly and is predicted to record a growth of USD 113.99 billion in 2029.

As per the inputs provided by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the total annual production of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India during the last five years, year-wise is as given below:

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has formulated the following schemes to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and to address the various challenges faced in adoption of electric mobility including availability and accessibility of charging stations in the country:

Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme Phase-II: The Government implemented this scheme for a period of five years from 1 April 2019 with a total budgetary support of INR 11,500 Crore. The scheme incentivised e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-4Ws, e-buses and EV public charging stations. The Department of Heavy Industries has also sanctioned 2636 charging stations in 62 cities across 24 States/UTs under phase II. State-wise allocation of these charging stations is as follows:

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India (PLI-Auto): The Government notified this scheme on 23 September 2021 for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities for Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products with a budgetary outlay of INR 25,938 Crore. The scheme proposes financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of AAT products with minimum 50% Domestic Value Addition (DVA) and attract investments in the automotive manufacturing value chain.

Feature	Details
Budgetary Outlay	Rs. 25,938 crore
Target Years	FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27
Domestic Value Addition	Minimum 50%
Focus	Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products
Targeted Technologies	Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Components
Incentives for EVs and Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Components	13% – 18%
Incentives for AAT components	8% – 13%
Investment Attraction	Global OEMs
Eligibility	Both domestic and export sales

PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC): The Government on 12 May 2021 approved PLI Scheme for manufacturing of ACC in the country with a budgetary outlay of INR 18,100 Crore. The scheme aims to establish a competitive domestic manufacturing ecosystem for 50 GWh of ACC batteries.
PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: This scheme with an outlay of INR 10,900 Crore was notified on 29 September 2024. It is a two-year scheme which aims to support electric vehicles including e-2W, e-3W, e-Trucks, e-buses, e-Ambulances, EV public charging stations and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies.
PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme: This Scheme notified on 28 October 2024, has an outlay of INR 3,435.33 Crore and aims to support deployment of more than 38,000 electric buses. The objective of scheme is to provide payment security to e-bus operators in case of default by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs).
Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC) was notified on 15 March 2024 to promote the manufacturing of electric cars in India. This requires applicants to invest a minimum of INR 4,150 crore and to achieve a minimum DVA of 25% at the end of the third year and DVA of 50% at the end of the fifth year.

Measures taken by other Ministries include the following initiatives:

Ministry of Power has issued guidelines and standards for EV Charging Infrastructure titled, “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024” on 17 September 2024. These revised guidelines outline standards and protocols to create a connected & interoperable EV charging infrastructure network in the country.
Ministry of Finance has reduced GST on EVs from 12% to 5%.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) announced that the battery-operated vehicles will be given green plates and be exempted from permit requirements.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has amended the Model Building Bye-Laws, mandating the inclusion of charging stations in private and commercial buildings.

Conclusion

The Make in India initiative has driven unprecedented growth in India’s automobile sector and Indi’s auto component sector, significantly boosting domestic car production and EV manufacturing. Through sustained policy support, investment influx, and technological advancements, India is on track to becoming a global leader in automotive and electric mobility and achieving greater self-reliance in the automotive sector.

References

https://e-amrit.niti.gov.in/national-level-policy

https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/automobile

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2084148

https://www.makeinindia.com/6-superstar-sectors-boosting-make-india

https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/266/AU2160_wHAoIx.pdf?source=pqars

https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/bloglist/blogs/automobiles.html

https://www.heavyindustries.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/heavy_annual_report_2024-25_final_27.02.2025_compressed.pdf

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU1262_4BzeHa.pdf?source=pqals

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/sep/doc2024925401801.pdf

https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/auto-components

https://heavyindustries.gov.in/pli-scheme-automobile-and-auto-component-industry

https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/plisaaci

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2053179

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2085938

https://invest.up.gov.in/auto-components-sector/

Click here to see in PDF:

Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2114919) Visitor Counter : 61

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The DBIM framework strengthens the government’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: Jayant Chaudhary

Source: Government of India

The DBIM framework strengthens the government’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: Jayant Chaudhary

MSDE Launches DBIM-Compliant Website

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant step toward strengthening India’s digital governance ecosystem, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today launched its DBIM-compliant website, developed in alignment with the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) Version 3.0 introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Launching the revamped website, Sh. Jayant Chaudhary the Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, said: “The DBIM framework strengthens the government’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ by creating a unified and citizen-centric digital ecosystem. As India’s digital economy expands, a standardized and seamless service delivery model is crucial. Our Ministry’s website, aligned with DBIM 3.0, ensures that skilling opportunities are more accessible, inclusive, and efficient for every citizen.” Sh. Chaudhary congratulated the MSDE IT team and NIC for their efforts in making this possible. Further he encouraged all stakeholders to explore the website and leverage its enhanced features for seamless access to skilling initiatives and resources.

The newly launched website enhances accessibility, uniformity, and ease of navigation for users, featuring AI-powered search, multi-language support through Bhashini, persona-led navigation, and centralized content management. With its three-click approach, it ensures citizens can seamlessly access essential services and skilling resources.

The MSDE website serves as a one-stop digital hub showcasing all flagship schemes and initiatives of the Ministry, including Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and more. Each initiative is seamlessly linked to its respective dashboard, portals, and resources, ensuring real-time access to data, performance metrics, and impact stories. The website’s integrated design enhances transparency and enables stakeholders, industries, and citizens to easily explore skilling opportunities, track progress, and engage with government programs more efficiently.

The DBIM framework, introduced by MeitY, ensures a consistent digital presence across all government ministries and platforms, fostering a seamless, integrated, and transparent governance approach. MSDE is among the first five ministries to transition to this new system, reflecting its commitment to leveraging technology for efficient public service delivery.

The Minister further urged all MSDE-operated portals to adopt DBIM standards soon, ensuring standardized governance across all digital platforms under the Skill India Mission.

For more details, visit the new MSDE website: www.msde.gov.in

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Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2114909) Visitor Counter : 77

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NYPA’s First Fully Owned Renewable Energy Project

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has acquired full ownership of a 20 megawatt (MW) solar energy generation project in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County. The Somers Solar project is the first to be acquired, owned and operated by the Power Authority under its expanded authority – signed into law by the Governor in 2023 – and is the first of NYPA’s initial tranche of projects highlighted in its renewables strategic plan, which was announced earlier this year and calls for 3 gigawatts of potential renewable energy growth in New York State.

“With the acquisition of the Somers Solar project, NYPA is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to expand renewable energy resources in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The project reflects New York’s efforts to create a greener, more resilient energy system that benefits all New Yorkers, and demonstrates our focus on driving economic growth in local communities while creating good-paying union jobs.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Our first new renewable energy project as part of NYPA’s expanded authority will be the 100% NYPA-owned and NYPA-operated 20 MW Somers Solar project in Washington County. Our role is to bring this project to execution and ensure its efficient and safe operation for generations; that is what NYPA does best.”

The Power Authority, through its wholly-owned subsidiary the New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), will construct and operate the 20 MW solar generation project on a 150-acre site about 50 miles north of Albany in the Capital Region. The large-scale solar project is estimated to create more than 100 union jobs during construction and operation.

The NYPA Renewables Strategic Plan is a roadmap for NYPA’s renewable energy development under its expanded authority to build additional renewable energy resources to support the State’s clean energy transition.

Previously under development by Edison, N.J.-based CS Energy, the Power Authority’s acquisition of Somers Solar will enable the original developer to reinvest their resources into future renewable project developments.

CS Energy Chief Commercial Officer Eric Millard said, “We are proud to play a key role in advancing New York’s clean energy transition with the development of this solar project. Our commitment to building a clean and sustainable future aligns with New York’s ambitious energy goals, and we look forward to continuing to support it.”

NYPA’s Expanded Authority to Develop Renewable Energy

The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget authorized NYPA to advance renewable energy and support state priorities, building on NYPA’s existing efforts to provide clean, affordable power and expand New York’s transmission system. Specifically, this expanded authority called for NYPA to accelerate renewable energy development, support workforce training, establish the REACH program, support decarbonization efforts across the state, and deactivate its small natural gas power plants in New York City and on Long Island.

Since Governor Kathy Hochul signed the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget into law, NYPA has made significant progress, including establishing new business structures, filling key roles, making regulatory filings, securing tax rulings, and advancing initial projects. NYPA has also issued a $100 million bond issuance for new renewables and established the new renewables subsidiary, NYRED, to facilitate external capital and protect against project risks.

In January 2025, the Power Authority published its inaugural Renewables Strategic Plan for developing new renewable energy generation projects to supply New Yorkers with affordable, reliable, and emissions-free electricity. The plan outlines 37 projects across New York State, representing a potential of more than 3 GW of renewable energy. The plan also reflects feedback from thousands of stakeholders statewide, sets priorities for projects to be advanced over the next two years and includes the pursuit of additional projects in future updates to the plan.

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “NYPA’s acquisition of this large-scale solar project is the first of its kind under its expanded authority to build renewables. NYPA’s ownership will ensure affordable energy for New Yorkers while creating good paying union jobs and helping us reach our ambitious climate goals.”

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, “I am pleased that the New York Power Authority will be developing and operating the Somers Solar Project bringing more jobs to Washington County and providing clean renewable energy at an affordable cost for consumers.”

New York State’s Climate Agenda

New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

About NYPA 

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit  www.nypa.gov  and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Linkedin.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Appalling Civilian Death Toll in Syria, Caretaker Authorities Must Signal ‘Era of Impunity’ Is Over, Special Envoy Tells Security Council

Source: United Nations 4

Several Speakers Urge Lifting Economic Sanctions on Damascus, Condemn Israel’s Ongoing Violations of Syria’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

Meeting today — 14 years after the start of the civil war in Syria, four months since the fall of the former regime and weeks removed from harrowing violence along the country’s coast — the Security Council heard of the need for accountability and economic recovery so that the country can move towards credible, inclusive transition.

“The legacies of 14 years of war and conflict — and five decades of one-man rule — are huge,” said Geir O. Pedersen, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria. “So are the immediate challenges facing the Syrians today,” he added. While many have rejoiced at their newfound ability to gather in public spaces without fear, many others have faced devastating violence on Syria’s coast. On that, he said that “armed groups associated with the former regime” attacked and ambushed caretaker authority forces across that region on 6 March. “Serious armed confrontations ensued, resulting in significant numbers of casualties among the warring factions,” he reported.

“But far more disturbing was the appalling civilian death toll,” he stressed, spotlighting “widespread footage of grave violations of a plainly sectarian and retaliatory nature”. Detailing the broader context of fomenting insecurity, hate speech, sense of exclusion and pent-up grievance, he said that further investigation is needed to fully determine the perpetrators of the “shocking” violence against civilians. For their part, the caretaker authorities have announced an independent investigative committee tasked with examining violations by all sides. He underscored that findings must be made public and those responsible held accountable to clearly signal that “the era of impunity in Syria is in the past”.

He went on to express concern over recent Israeli statements on the intention to stay in Syria “for the foreseeable future”, as well as demands for the “full demilitarization of southern Syria”, calling on the Council to “hold Israel to its commitment that this is a temporary presence”. Additionally, he detailed the caretaker authorities’ actions to establish a transitional Government, a permanent Constitution and transitional justice. “Syrians need an economic future,” he added, welcoming humanitarian pledges made at the ninth Brussels Conference on 17 March to support Syria’s recovery. However, observing that “more resources will be needed”, he also urged “fast and broad sanctions easing”.

Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, cited progress on that front, with expanded cross-border deliveries from Türkiye, engagement with Member States to ease sanctions, the repair of infrastructure to restore access to water and the clearance of over 1,700 pieces of unexploded ordnance. Nevertheless, he underscored: “We need more funding.” The 2024 Humanitarian Appeal for Syria was only 35 per cent funded, and in 2025, almost half of organizations funded by the United States have received full or partial stop orders.

Stating that $2 billion is needed to reach 8 million of the most vulnerable people through June, he noted that his office has only received $155 million to date — 13 per cent of what is needed. Yet, 16 million people — nearly three quarters of the Syrian population — lack sufficient food, water, shelter and medicine. While stating that there are real reasons for hope after 14 years of conflict and devastation, he stressed that “there is no time to spare”. He therefore urged those present to be “problem-solvers, rather than problem-observers”.

Next to brief was Joumana Seif, Co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and Legal Adviser at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, who pointed out that Syrians endured “immense” suffering under the rule of Bashar al-Assad. This led to sanctions, which affected not only the regime, but also ordinary citizens. “Now that Assad is no longer in power, there is no justification for maintaining these sanctions,” she stressed, adding that “what Syrians need most” is the immediate lifting of these measures alongside investment, reconstruction and economic revitalization.

Turning to the recent coastal violence, she underscored that this has “caused real concern for us Syrians”. She stressed: “We don’t want to build our new country on the back of a new massacre.” Instead, Syrians must create a transparent and inclusive plan for transitional justice, which requires consultation with victims’ associations and civil society to ensure fair trials, truth commissions, moral and financial compensation for victims and safeguards to prevent future atrocities. “All of this requires significant financial resources,” she observed. Additionally, she underscored the need to form an inclusive Government that “truly represents everyone without exclusion”.

As the floor opened, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Council President for March, spoke in his national capacity to underscore that the interim Government “must protect Syrians from all religious and ethnic backgrounds”. He also underlined the need for an inclusive political transition. “Syrian society, in all its complexity and diversity, must be represented,” he urged. And on the issue of sanctions, he noted that the European Union suspended several such measures in February “to send a very clear signal to the Syrian people of our support towards a better future”.

Also underlining the European Union’s commitment to the Syrian people, the representative of France noted the suspension of certain restrictive measures to facilitate financial and bank transactions for the country’s reconstruction. Slovenia’s representative added that the bloc will consider a further lifting of sanctions depending on developments on the ground. The representative of Greece, meanwhile, emphasized that sanctions should be eased in a gradual, conditional and reversible manner to “ensure that our expectations are met” in terms of an inclusive transition and accountability for recent atrocities.

Many Council members also spotlighted the recent Brussels Conference, during which donors pledged nearly $6.5 billion in aid to support Syria’s recovery. The representative of the United Kingdom recalled that her country, at that event, promised up to $207 million in critical humanitarian assistance. In parallel, the United Kingdom has relaxed some of its sanctions on Syria and revoked the asset freezes of 24 entities and institutions in the energy, transport and finance sectors.

On the topic of assistance, Kang Insun, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, urged stronger international commitment to humanitarian aid and economic recovery in Syria to “overcome the pain and destruction of 14 years of conflict”. For its part, Seoul has provided nearly $150 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and its neighbours over the past decade, and will continue to offer its support. “As [the Republic of] Korea has pledged, 2,400 tons of Korean rice will be delivered to assist food-insecure populations in Syria,” she reported. She also took “positive note” of recent developments regarding the suspension of certain sanctions.

Many Council members, echoing warnings of Syria’s dire economic and humanitarian situation, called for the lifting of unilateral sanctions on the country. Among them were the representatives of Panama and Pakistan — the latter of whom stressed that lifting sanctions is “imperative to facilitating reconstruction and aid efforts”. Algeria’s representative — also speaking for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia — stressed: “Without rapid economic recovery, it will be difficult to envision a safe and prosperous future for Syrians.” Therefore, the swift lifting of unilateral sanctions is essential.

Additionally, he — like many other Council members today — expressed concern over “alarming” statements by Israeli officials regarding the “indefinite” presence of their forces in Syrian territory and their intention to establish a “demilitarized area” in the country’s south. Condemning these “irresponsible” statements — “which will only exacerbate regional instability” — he also joined others in calling for full respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, including its provisions regarding the area of separation.

Similarly, the representative of the Russian Federation pointed to the “destructive role” played by Israeli air strikes against — and continued occupation of — Syrian territory. Condemning recent attacks by the Israel Defense Forces, he called on Israel to withdraw its units from areas taken since December 2023. Additionally, he expressed concern over the issue of foreign terrorist fighters still present in Syria — a point echoed by China’s representative, who urged the interim authorities to fulfil their counter-terrorism obligations and take decisive measures to combat all Council-listed terrorist organizations.

The representative of the United States also underscored that all foreign fighters “need to be removed from their posts immediately”. She also stressed that the interim authorities must embark on a political process that includes Kurdish, Druze, Alawite and Christian communities — “something they have not meaningfully done to date”. There must also be expansive representation of Syrian voices in the drafting of a permanent Constitution. Otherwise, she stressed, Syria will “remain in the sectarian shadow of the Assad regime, increasing the likelihood of a new civil war”.

For his part, the representative of Syria reported that, in the wake of recent violence, the Syrian leadership “affirmed that the new Syria will be a State of law and that the law will apply to all”. Further, such authorities have emphasized that shedding “the blood of the innocent will not go unpunished — regardless of the identity of the perpetrators”. Additionally, he urged the “full lifting of sanctions imposed on the Syrian people”. And pointing to an Israeli attack on the province of Daraa today, he called on the Council to “compel Israel to cease its ongoing aggression”.

Several of Syria’s neighbours also took the floor, with Iran’s representative condemning Israel’s ongoing violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. So, too, did the representative of Qatar, who additionally called for the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria as “that raison d’être is no longer there”. Jordan’s representative echoed that call, adding that countries hosting Syrian refugees cannot bear that burden alone. Therefore, the international community must provide financial and technical support in this regard.

The representative of Türkiye, meanwhile, welcomed a “new era” in Syria as the interim authorities work towards political transition. However, he voiced concern over provocations in Latakia and surrounding areas, which are aimed at undermining a smooth transition process. “These attacks should not be mischaracterized as a sectarian conflict between Damascus and the Alawite community,” he stressed, as “the international community must recognize that these were coordinated efforts, supported by certain regional actors, to destabilize Syria”.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 26, 2025

Category: Economy

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Battle over the Black Sea

For Putin, that sinking feeling

Ceding captaincy to China

Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systemsMinistry of Ayush approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals for establishment during the last five years

Revolutionizing MobilityThe Make in India Auto Story

The DBIM framework strengthens the government’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: Jayant ChaudharyMSDE Launches DBIM-Compliant Website

Several Speakers Urge Lifting Economic Sanctions on Damascus, Condemn Israel’s Ongoing Violations of Syria’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systems

Ministry of Ayush approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals for establishment during the last five years

Revolutionizing Mobility

The Make in India Auto Story

The DBIM framework strengthens the government’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: Jayant Chaudhary

MSDE Launches DBIM-Compliant Website