Category: Education

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

Source: United Nations – English

ear Rector Magnificus, Chère Madame la Rectrice,

Allow me to address you with the expression that in my country is reserved for the rectors of the university of the Coimbra, your sister university: Magnificus rectorus, magnificent rectors.

Thank you for your warm welcome, your very kind words and this significant honour.

I am proud to accept it on behalf of the United Nations and remembering the women and men of the UN all over the world.

You will find them working everywhere and around the clock.

Building and keeping peace.

Delivering lifesaving relief in the most desperate places on earth.

Fighting poverty and standing up for the marginalized.

Advancing human rights and the rule of law.

And striving to realize the universal values that express the very best of the human spirit.

By bestowing this honour at this consequential time, you are sending a clear message.

A message of support for the noble mission of the United Nations —a message of solidarity to all those working to make it real – and a message of inspiration for us to keep up the fight.

On behalf of the United Nations — thank you.

Distinguished Guests, Dear Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

You honour the United Nations as we celebrate a remarkable milestone:

The 600th anniversary of the University of Leuven, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning, today represented by the two universities that are together in this beautiful ceremony.

Six centuries ago, scholars lit a flame of knowledge.

Generation after generation have kept this flame alive.

Through times of turmoil and triumph.

In war and in peace.

From the Renaissance to the information age.

It is here at Leuven that Erasmus refined his humanist thought, teaching the world to see learning as a path to compassion and understanding.

It was here that Mercator mastered cartography, revolutionizing navigation and the way we see our world — opening new horizons across continents.

It was here that future Prime Minister and statesman August Beernaert began his intellectual journey that led to his bold vision of peace through arbitration, which was recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1909.

It was here that a young Georges Lemaître gazed at the stars and proposed what became the Big Bang theory — forever reshaping humanity’s understanding of the universe itself.

And it was here that Dominique Pire, a humble Dominican friar, developed humanitarian principles that would earn him the Nobel Peace Prize for working with refugees and bringing hope to the forgotten.

All of you are keeping this flame alive in the 21st century.

Your scholars have helped lead the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — and the need for urgent climate action.

Your universities played a pivotal role in launching the Global University Academy — supporting higher education for refugees worldwide.

The Leuven Institute for Artificial Intelligence fosters knowledge-sharing and international partnerships on AI.

Your startup incubators and technology transfer efforts transform innovative research into tangible benefits for humanity.

And you are opening new doors to equality and justice through your Gender Equality Plan, and by actively participating in initiatives like the Belgian Women in Science Network to increase the number of female students and staff in science, technology, engineering and math.

This joint celebration — bringing together KU Leuven and UC Louvain — is yet another example of your spirit of common purpose and renewed partnership…

One that shines a light towards a better, more equal future for all.

Excellencies, dear friends,

We need that light more than ever.

I am here today to deliver a simple and stark message:

Multilateralism matters.

But it is under attack like never before.

We can and must overcome this threat together.

Now is the time.

Your 600th anniversary coincides with a moment of reflection for the United Nations.

2025 marks our 80th anniversary as an organization and as the epicenter of multilateralism.

Our founding Charter embodies the world’s conviction that by working together and adhering to shared principles and values, we can solve global problems.

Standing here in Europe, we know this same commitment to multilateralism is the beating heart of your own European union.

At home and around the world, Belgium and the European Union champion international cooperation, democracy, human rights and global solidarity.

Over the decades, Belgium has brought to life its motto of “unity makes strength” — contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions, advancing peacebuilding and supporting lifesaving relief around the world.

Today, the European ideal stands as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to the world’s most vulnerable people, and proof that isolationism is an illusion, never a solution.

A strong and united Europe is not just essential for the continent.

It is a fundamental pillar of a strong and effective United Nations.

Around the globe, the European Union and the United Nations work hand-in-hand:

Providing humanitarian aid to those in desperate need.

Building peace in fragile states and strengthening democratic institutions.

Defending human rights and dignity.

Supporting sustainable development and climate action.

And putting the spotlight on ending the scourge of domestic violence.

But these and other investments in international cooperation are under threat.

Deadly conflicts are multiplying and deepening, exacting a devastating human toll.

And a contagion of impunity is taking hold.

Poverty, hunger and inequalities are growing — while the wealth of a handful of men eclipses that of half of humanity.

The climate crisis is raging.

Vulnerable countries are often locked out of decision-making rooms.

Technology is outpacing our ability to protect people’s safety, rights and dignity.

We see a dangerous rollback of fundamental freedoms.

Women’s rights are under attack.

Minorities, refugees and migrants are demonized.

The voices of nationalism and isolationism are growing louder with a dangerous resurgence of strongarm politics.

And donors are dramatically scaling-back humanitarian and development support — while defense budgets soar.

It would be the cruelest of ironies for the poor to be made to pay for the weapons of the rich.

Last week, I was in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh during the holy month of Ramadan on a mission of solidarity with Rohingya refugees, and with the Bangladeshi communities that so generously host them.

The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid.

But with looming cuts, Cox’s Bazar is fast-becoming ground zero of the funding crisis, with money for basic essentials like food, running out.

And I am hopeful that what we are doing now with several donor countries will help us overcome this tragic situation, because without a reversal of these cuts in Cox’s Bazar and beyond — people will suffer and people will die.

Dear friends,

As the darkness spreads, we risk losing sight of Europe’s greatest gift to civilization — the Enlightenment.

Everywhere we look, the fruits of the Enlightenment are being challenged by the voices of irrationality, ignorance and isolationism.

Truth, science and knowledge are being questioned.

Expertise and experience have somehow become liabilities.

And the multilateral values that the United Nations embodies — collaboration, solidarity, united action and human rights — are being undone by mistrust and geopolitical divisions.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Anniversaries are about more than looking to the past.

At their best, they are about renewing for the future.

And renewal sometimes means asking hard questions.

Let’s be clear: The UN was never meant to be stuck in time.

The world has changed in fundamental ways — most notably the rise in economic influence and political power across the Global South.

How, can we justify, today, a Security Council without permanent representation for Africa — home to one-quarter of humanity?

How can we accept an unfair and dysfunctional global financial architecture that inadequately supports developing countries in their hour of need?

How can we passively accept that the great promise of Artificial Intelligence might be won at the expense of handing over our humanity to algorithms?

Renewal is the driving force of the Pact for the Future, agreed at the United Nations in September.

And multilateralism must be the engine of this renewal.

We need all countries working together — in solidarity — as we tackle the challenges facing our world.

In this spirit of renewal through multilateralism, I want to outline four areas where we can overcome today’s threats by standing as one and forging common solutions.

First — we must find common solutions for peace in our fragmented world.

Around the world, peace is in short supply.

Look no further than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — an open wound in Europe.

This brutal war is now in its fourth year and has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions — including many who have found shelter here in Belgium — and challenged the very foundations of European security and international order.

It is time for a just and lasting peace. But a just peace means that it must be based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions, including the respect for territorial integrity.

In Gaza, since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction.

I am outraged at this week’s Israeli attacks in Gaza, which killed hundreds of people.

I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the death of one of our UN staff members — and the wounding of five other UN personnel — when two UN guesthouses in Deir al Balah were hit in strikes.

And appallingly another 5 UNRWA humanitarians were also killed this week, bringing the death toll to 284.

The ceasefire had finally allowed some measure of relief to ease the horrendous suffering of Palestinians in Gaza — and relief to Israeli families finally welcoming home hostages after over a year of anguish and desperation.

All of that has now been shattered.

Escalation is not the answer.

There is no military solution to this conflict.

I strongly appeal for the ceasefire to be restored, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally.

Beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace — through immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution — with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo — a country whose tragic history resonates so strongly here in Belgium — renewed fighting, fueled by external interference and armed militias, has devastated communities and plunged the region into a deeper crisis, naturally aggravated by the presence of Rwandan troops, violating the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.

The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

Beyond these and other conflicts, we need to reform the global security architecture.

Drawing from proposals included in the New Agenda for Peace that we developed, the Pact for the Future calls for strengthening the machinery of peace by prioritizing the tools of prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.

The changing nature of conflict calls for a review of our global peace operations;

Enhancing coordination with regional organizations;

And the Pact includes also the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, even if we are still very far from a world free of nuclear weapons.

Dear friends,

Second — we can overcome threats to multilateralism by finding common solutions to reduce inequalities and ensure financial justice for all.

The Pact includes a call for a massive Stimulus to help countries invest in the Sustainable Development Goals.

It also urges bold reforms of the international financial architecture, including expanding the voice and representation of developing countries in institutions.

We must also substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to make them bigger, bolder and better.

And we must review the debt architecture to stop debt from bleeding countries dry.

No country should have to choose between servicing their debt and serving their people.

Our global economy also needs open, predictable and inclusive trade to spur broad-based prosperity and help developing countries to better link to global markets and supply chains.

The Pact also reminds us of a basic truth: societies can only thrive when all women and girls enjoy their full rights.

Investing in their education, economic empowerment, and social protection is not only fair — it is essential for a better future for all.

Third — we can strengthen multilateralism for the future by finding common solutions for climate action before it is too late.

The climate crisis is costing lives, livelihoods, and billions in damages.

Record heatwaves scorch continents.

2024 was the hottest year — in the hottest decade in history.

Relentless storms ravage communities.

Rising seas threaten coastlines — including here.

And those least responsible are bearing the heaviest burden.

If we are to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees — essential to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe — the science is clear:

Global emissions must peak this year and rapidly decline afterwards.

And we must recognize this challenge for what it is: a moment of enormous opportunity.

The benefits of the clean energy transition are clear.

Renewables renew economies.

They boost growth, lower energy bills, and help us all breathe easier with cleaner air.

This year — in advance of the UN Climate Conference, or COP30, in Brazil — every country must submit new economy-wide national climate plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit and seize the benefits of clean energy.

I am working closely with President Lula of Brazil to drive action by the biggest emitters.

The United Nations is also helping nearly 100 developing countries to prepare their national climate action plans.

And we will convene a special event to take stock of the plans of all countries, push for action to keep 1.5 within reach, and deliver climate justice.

I urge Europe to keep leading the way.

To set strong and ambitious emission reduction targets.

And to put an end to the myth that fossil fuels are the future.

We must accelerate the renewables revolution which can lower emissions, boost energy security, create good jobs, and provide cheap and accessible power.

Throughout, we must continue supporting developing and vulnerable nations, by making good on long-standing promises and delivering on climate finance across the board.

Climate solidarity is a moral obligation — and a matter of survival for us all.

Fourth and finally — we can overcome threats to multilateralism by making sure technology upholds human rights and dignity for all.

The information age is unfolding at a dizzying scale and speed.

Artificial Intelligence holds great promise.

But today, those benefits remain concentrated in the hands of a privileged few.

And while some are racing ahead with record investments, most developing countries are left in the dark.

Without guardrails, AI risks deepening geopolitical divides and inequalities;

Enabling surveillance, amplifying disinformation, facilitating cyberattacks;

And even making life-and-death decisions.

Humans must always retain control — guided by international law, human rights and ethical principles.

Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around.

That is the spirit of the Global Digital Compact also adopted at the United Nations last year.

It calls for closing the digital divide, so all countries can benefit.

It includes the first universal agreement on AI governance to bring every country to the table.

It calls for an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI that promotes a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities.

It proposes initiating a Global Dialogue on AI Governance — within the United Nations — to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping common governance standards that help uphold human rights and prevent misuse.

And it urges support for helping grow AI tools and skills in developing countries.

I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.

Excellencies, dear students,

These are all ways that we can overcome the clear and present dangers to multilateralism in our time.

I am convinced that we can do it.

Every generation faces moments of decisive choice.

Yet none has possessed our tools, knowledge, and global awareness.

Today, we are celebrating history.

But history is also unfolding before our eyes — and I urge you to be on the frontlines for human dignity.

Refuse indifference. Choose hope. Confront injustice. Defend truth.

And for that you can draw, being inspired by the values these universities represent.

Dear students, I ask you today to draw strength and inspiration from your universities’ history.

Dear Rector Sels and Rector Smets,

I wish to conclude by reinforcing your opening words.

You recounted the powerful story of the University’s library — destroyed in 1914, and again in 1940.

In the midst of two world wars — and the rubble of this very city — the global shock and outrage that followed the destruction of a library sent a clear and powerful message.

These were not only attacks on books and manuscripts.

These were attacks on history, science, reason, knowledge and art.

These were attacks on the very hallmarks of humanity.

These were attacks on our common soul.

Twice the forces of ignorance tried to extinguish Leuven’s light of knowledge.

And twice the world answered Leuven’s call — and helped you restore that light brighter than ever.

Because in the aftermath of these attacks, we saw other aspects of humanity’s soul revealed and shining brightly.

We saw generosity, in countries providing funding to rebuild, and books to re-stock the library.

We saw the power of collaboration, in countries standing with Belgium and with Leuven to resurrect this library not once, but twice.

And yes, we saw humanity’s hunger for the eternal values that have guided your universities for 600 years — and the United Nations for 80 years.

Generosity, solidarity, renewal.

This is more than just your story — it is humanity’s story.

It shows that no matter the challenge, we can face down threats.

We can overcome obstacles.

We can build stronger than before.

And so, let us carry this legacy forward.

And let’s keep building — together.

Happy 600th anniversary.

And I thank you. Dank u. Merci.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Hosts Google, Internet Matters and Dope Black Dads for Let’s Talk Online Safety Panel Event at KX

Source: Samsung

LONDON, U.K. – March 18, 2025: Samsung welcomed parents, teachers, carers and industry guests to Samsung KX for a panel discussion: Let’s Talk Online Safety, moderated by broadcaster, author and founder of Happy Place, Fearne Cotton.

Fearne was joined by Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer for Samsung UK & Ireland, Vanessa Kingori OBE, Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms for Google, Rachel Huggins, Co-CEO of Internet Matters, and Marvyn Harrison, Founder of Dope Black Dads.

Each panellist shared their own experiences as parents on this important topic and provided guidance on where people can find the right resources to keep young people safe online. This is important as Samsung research shows that almost a fifth of parents don’t know how to set up parental controls and more than a third confess that their children know more about technology than they do.

The key topics for the panel were:

How parents are navigating online safety for their children and the challenges they face
How parents and teachers can make the right choices when it comes to keeping young people safe online
How tech companies can best support in tackling this issue with features and education
The critical role everyone has to play in supporting young people taking advantage of technology in a safe and responsible way

Fearne opened the panel with her own experiences, saying, “My children are nine and twelve so I’m in the thick of it. Neither have a phone and I’m trying to hold off until they’re thirteen or fourteen. But I know every parent makes different choices. My own worries won’t greatly differ from yours, what are they watching and who are they talking to online?”

Rachel Huggins also provided her thoughts, saying, “It’s really hard being a parent at the moment and eight out of ten say they feel overwhelmed. It starts with understanding what your children are doing and what they want to do online. Then you can get to know the tools that are available to manage those experiences.”

The panel then considered how parents and teachers can make the right choices. Marvyn Harrison spoke about what he’s seeing in the community and in his own family. He said, “I try not to be a fearmonger. I want my children to be comfortable online. But I do know there can be risks. That’s why I’m trying to join them in their internet use so I can understand what they’re doing and seeing so I can make sure they’re safe.”

Fearne turned to Deborah Honig and Vanessa Kingori to talk about how tech companies can best support everyone in tackling the issue; how they’re communicating online safety to customers; and how they develop safety features with this in mind.

Deborah shared how Samsung listens to what people need and considers how they can use tools more easily. She said, “We develop with safety in mind. It’s a journey that we’ve been on for a while. It’s about showing people what tools are there and giving them the confidence and comfort to use them. We’re working hard to put out the most accessible resources to empower parents, teachers and kids to have conversations about what’s happening online and how to deal with it.”

Vanessa also gave her perspective, “At Google, we invest deeply in long-standing projects with great partners, some of whom are here today. Our aim is to empower parents to use available tools and give young people the tools to understand and have a healthy relationship with technology.”

Attendees then heard more about where information and resources are available, and how this subject is being tackled in schools. Marvyn spoke about his own platform evolving to meet the needs of parents and the significant interest he’s seen from the communities he interacts with. Rachel also gave her insight on the fragmentation of how the subject is tackled across schools and the difficulty teachers can have in staying up to date with the rapid evolution of technology. There’s an ongoing call for media literacy, including online safety, to be further embedded in the National Curriculum, which Samsung supports.

The debate ended with each panellist summarising what they hoped the audience would take away from the evening. Chief among these were hopes that parents would feel empowered by knowing the tools exist, and that parents’ behaviour with their own devices will influence children with theirs. Panellists also highlighted the importance of events such as this, where everyone works together to have open and honest conversations. They all emphasised that no-one is alone and the work will continue.

Following the discussion, the audience asked questions learning more about how to have the right conversations. They also met with Samsung product trainers, who demonstrated the online safety features available across devices.

This event recognised the importance of equipping parents and teachers with the confidence and knowledge of online safety to help children enjoy the benefits of technology safely. Samsung champions and encourages these types of conversations all year round through customer interactions, but also crucially through educational initiatives that encourage parents and carers to have early conversations with their children about the responsible use of technology.

For more useful information and online safety resources, please visit Samsung’s Online Safety site here, and Internet Matters here.

You can also watch the full panel discussion here on our YT Channel: Let’s Talk Online Safety.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at inauguration of Lo Kwee Seong Pavilion and Harold and Christina Lee Gallery of Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong and opening of “Transcending Transience: Art and Culture of Late Ming Jiangnan” exhibition

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCST at inauguration of Lo Kwee Seong Pavilion and Harold and Christina Lee Gallery of Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong and opening of “Transcending Transience: Art and Culture of Late Ming Jiangnan” exhibition
Vice-Chancellor and President of the CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong), Professor Dennis Lo, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is both a privilege and an honour for me to officiate at the inauguration ceremony of the Lo Kwee Seong Pavilion of the Art Museum of my alma mater. When I studied at the CUHK, I remembered that the Museum was a relatively small gallery entered through a beautiful courtyard with a pond and many koi fish in the centre of the campus. The phenomenal growth and expansion of the university’s Art Museum mirrors the extraordinary development of our city’s vibrant art scene.

It is wonderful indeed to see many friends in the media with us today. Media attention has often centred on large cultural institutions, but boutique museums such as the CUHK Art Museum have also contributed significantly to the local art ecosystem by offering unique and thematic exhibitions and facilitating dialogues with museum professionals worldwide. On that note, I would like to acknowledge that the CUHK Art Museum will serve as a strategic partner for the Museum Summit to be held next week. I look forward to more fruitful and inspirational discussions on the development of museums at the upcoming Summit.

For the benefit of our media here, I should also say a few words in Cantonese. So here it goes:

多年來，我們非常樂見（香港）中文大學文物館的持續發展，同時見證着香港躍動成為中外文化藝術交流中心的歷程。今日，作為校友，非常榮幸出席中大文物館羅桂祥閣及利孝和陸雁群伉儷展覽廳的啓用典禮。中大文物館的成長，離不開中大同仁的持續努力，也離不開社會各界，特別今日在座各位的支持和厚愛。在此，我向香港中文大學為推動文化藝術發展作出的貢獻表示由衷敬意，同時向在座各位以及社會各界的大力支持表示衷心感謝。

在國家《十四五規劃綱要》的明確支持下，政府致力發展香港成為中外文化藝術交流中心。政府會在資源情況許可之下持續改善文化設施，為舉辦多元化的文化藝術活動提供支持。舉例而言，東九文化中心預計將於今年內全面啓用，為市民和業界提供一個全新的表演場地。同樣地，我相信日益完善的中大文物館亦將成為香港的獨特魅力所在，吸引更多香港市民和訪港旅客參觀，為大家提供富有特色的文化藝術體驗。

I hope that any students here – not only current students but also overseas exchange students and prospective college students – will cherish all the wonderful exhibitions and cultural artifacts that this Museum has to offer. I look forward to working more closely with the CUHK community to cultivate our art hub. I wish the CUHK Art Museum a bright future and the “Transcending Transience: Art and Culture of Late Ming Jiangnan” exhibition a resounding success. Thank you.

Issued at HKT 18:15

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 754 Fast Track Courts, Including 404 POCSO Courts functional in 30 states, dispose over 3.06 Lakh cases by January 2025

Source: Government of India

754 Fast Track Courts, Including 404 POCSO Courts functional in 30 states, dispose over 3.06 Lakh cases by January 2025

Government takes steps to create awareness on POCSO Act provisions through Media, Workshops & Training

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

Government accords the highest priority for ensuring safety and security of children and has undertaken various initiatives in this regard. To safeguard children against sexual abuse and sexual harassment, Government has enacted The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. It defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years.

The Act was amended in 2019 to introduce more stringent punishment including death penalty for committing sexual crimes on children, with a view to deter the perpetrators & prevent such crimes.

Section 4 of the Act prescribes rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years, which can extend to life imprisonment, for “Penetrative Sexual Assault”. If the assault results in the death or causes the victim to be in a persistent vegetative state, Section 6 provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Section 8 outlines imprisonment for a minimum of three to five years for those found guilty of sexual assault, while Section 10 increases this to a minimum of five years for Aggravated Sexual Assault (A person can be charged with this offense in certain aggravating circumstances, such as if the rape occurs within a relationship of trust or authority, or if it leads to pregnancy, among others). Section 14 of the Act imposes imprisonment of up to seven years for using children for pornographic purposes.

Additionally, the Act mandates special courts for speedy trials under Section 28; ensuring that the cases are handled with the utmost urgency and sensitivity, reflecting the law’s zero-tolerance approach to crimes against children.

Further the POCSO Rules, 2020 were also notified to protect the children from exploitation and violence and sexual exploitation. Rule 3 provides that any institution housing children or coming in regular contact with children including schools, creches, sports academies or any other facility for Children must ensure police verification and background check on periodic basis, of every staff, teaching or non-teaching, regular or contractual, or any other person being an employee of such Institution coming in contact with the child. Such Institution shall also ensure that periodic training is organized for sensitizing them on child safety and protection.

Rule-9 of the POCSO Rules provides that the Special Court may, in appropriate cases, on its own or on an application filed by or on behalf of the child, pass an order for interim compensation to meet the needs of the child for relief or rehabilitation at any stage after registration of the First Information Report (FIR). Such interim compensation paid to the child shall be adjusted against the final compensation, if any.

Further, the POCSO Rules also provide that for special relief, if any, to be provided for contingencies such as food, clothes, transport and other essential needs, Child Welfare Committee may recommend immediate payment of such amount. Such immediate payment shall be made within a week of receipt of recommendation from the CWC.

Department of Justice is implementing a scheme for setting up Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) including Exclusive POCSO Courts for expeditious trial and disposal of cases related to rape and POCSO cases. As per the information received from High Courts, as of 31.01.2025, 754 FTSCs including 404 exclusive POCSO Courts are functional in 30 States/UTs, which have disposed more than 3,06,000 cases.

Further, the Government has taken various steps from time to time to create awareness of the provisions of the POCSO Act through electronic and print media, consultations, workshops and training programmes with stakeholders concerned. In order to generate awareness about the POCSO Act, a short film was disseminated in Cinema Halls and Doordarshan across the nation. Thereafter, Ministry has undertaken awareness campaign to encompass various aspects of the POCSO Act in an effective manner by way of a short video clips, an audio clip and a poster which have been disseminated through various means all over India. For effective dissemination of these creatives, they have also been translated into regional languages for effective outreach. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has published Childline 1098 which is a 24x7x365 toll free Helpline for children and POCSO E-box on the back side of the front cover of all the course books from class 6th to class 12th to equip the children with the information regarding the possible modes of protection/ complaints and emergency outreach.

Ministry of Women and Child Development has organized following zonal conferences and sensitization/dissemination workshops under Mission Vatsalya Scheme:

i. Zonal Conferences: Outreach with State Governments/UT Administrations and Stakeholders through Zonal Conferences on Strategic Interventions for addressing Malnutrition Concerns and for the Development, Empowerment and Protection of Women and Children including Mission Vatsalya scheme were organised.

ii. Dissemination Workshops: National Dissemination Workshop on Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children ) Act, 2015, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and the rules there under and the Adoption Regulations, 2017 including Mission Vatsalya Scheme were organised with all States/UTs, line Ministries/ Departments, representatives from Police, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Child Protection functionaries including members of Child Welfare Committees(CWCs)/Juvenile Justice Boards(JJBs) and other stakeholders.

iii. Workshops on Sensitization/ Training Programme for representatives of Panchayati Raj Representatives (PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Police on Child Rights & Protection including Mission Vatsalya Scheme at Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in collaboration with UT Administration. This workshop was attended by officers from Ministry, NCPCR, UT of J&K, Administrative and Police Training. Institutes, District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs), CWCs, JJBs, Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs), representative from UNICEF and other Stakeholders.

iv. Vatsal Bharat: Regional Symposiums on ‘Child Protection, Child Safety and Child Welfare’ including Mission Vatsalya were organized at Delhi, Bhopal, Mumbai, Ranchi, Guwahati and Varanasi. In the Regional Symposiums, representatives from States/UTs including members of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), Members of Village Child Protection Committee (VCPC) and Anganwadi Workers had participated.

v. A virtual technical training Session on the Modules of Institutional and Non- Institutional Care in the Mission Vatsalya Portal for North Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura) was organized by the Ministry.

Furthermore, NCPCR, as per its mandate under Section 13(1)(h) of the CPCR Act, 2005, has also been continuously conducting sensitization and awareness-generation activities, along with monitoring efforts, focusing on various critical child protection themes, particularly POCSO mechanisms, to ensure that stakeholders are well-informed, actively involved, and effectively equipped to enhance child protection efforts and address child welfare concerns, especially within the POCSO framework. Engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including government functionaries at the State, District, Village, and Block levels, SPs, DMs, NGOs, CWCs, DCPOs, volunteers, and others, these initiatives are as follows:

1.Development of Digital Portals: Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court under SMWP(C) of 4/2020 and SMWP(C) of 6/2021, the Commission developed several digital portals to ensure timely, efficient, and seamless monitoring of data related to violations and deprivation of child rights. One such portal is the Baal Swaraj-POCSO tracking portal. This portal facilitates real-time tracking of child sexual abuse cases, providing services like victim compensation and rehabilitation to ensure the care and safety of POCSO victims.

2. Addressing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): In August 2024, the Commission convened a meeting on child sexual abuse material (CSAM), inviting social media platforms to discuss issues surrounding the online availability of sexually provocative material involving children. Additionally, in a joint meeting on 05.08.2024, the Commission explored potential solutions to address the alarming increase in crimes committed by minors after viewing pornographic content. This meeting included representatives from Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, and others.

3. Regional Meetings on POCSO Implementation: The Commission organized regional meetings on POCSO: Factors Hindering Implementation and Aspects of Assistance to Victims to address victim support mechanisms and identify specific areas where NCPCR/SCPCRs could provide assistance. These meetings, held in collaboration with NALSA, NFSU, SVPNPA, and BPR&D, brought together key stakeholders, including forensic experts, police officials, and legal representatives. Additionally, through its North East Cell, NCPCR conducted consultations and State-Level Workshops on Handling POCSO Cases to enhance victim assistance and improve the implementation of POCSO provisions in the region.

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

*****

SS/MS

(Release ID: 2113660) Visitor Counter : 27

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: BUDGETARY ALLOCATION TO NTTM

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

With a view to boost technical textiles sector in the country, National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched for a period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs.1,480 crores. The total budget of Rs. 517 crore has been allocated since the inception of the mission. Out of which Rs. 393.39 crore has been utilized so far for various Research, Innovation and Development, Promotion and Market Development, Export Promotion & Education, Training, Skill Development in the field of Technical Textiles.

Under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), a total of 168 research projects of value of Rs. 509 crore (approx.) have been approved. Out of 168 research projects, 2 projects have been completed and completion reports of other 5 projects are under evaluation.

Under NTTM, one of the primary objective is indigenous development of specialty fibre, technologies and textiles machinery in the field of technical textiles. Fund support is being provided for fundamental research in thrust areas of speciality fibre like Carbon Fibre, Aramid Fibre, Nylon Fibre, and Composites & application based research in geotextiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles, mobile textiles and sports textiles and development of biodegradable technical textiles. The research is being carried out through CSIR, IITs, NITs, TRAs, ICAR and other premier institutes in the country.

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

********

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q2929)

(Release ID: 2113551) Visitor Counter : 64

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

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

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Textiles

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NHDP

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

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

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

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

Sl. No	Name of Infrastructure component	Year of sanction	District	Current Status
1	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Eluru	Ongoing project
2	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Palnadu	Ongoing project
3	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	NTR	To be started
4	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Eluru	To be started
5	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Parvathipuram Manyam	To be started
6	Raw Material Bank	2022-23	NTR	To be started

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

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

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

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

S. No	Name of the Scheme	FY 2019-20		FY 2020-21
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	382 Domestic & International Marketing event	213 Domestic & International Marketing event	433 Domestic & International Marketing event	91 Domestic & International Marketing event
		404 Skill & Design Development Training	527 Skill & Design Development Training	574 Skill & Design Development Training	331 Skill & Design Development Training
		3,750 toolkits distributions	2,935 toolkits distributions	3,750 toolkits distributions	4,250 toolkits distributions
		65 Clusters Formation	65 Clusters Formation	Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 45 Producer Companies
		05 Infrastructure projects	08 Infrastructure projects	13 Infrastructure projects	08 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans	0	Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans	0
		Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas	Coverage of 2,346 artisans under Bima Yojanas	Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas	0
		Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Margin Money to 3000 artisans	Margin Money to 3,000 artisans
		Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		15 Survey/ Studies	15 Survey/ Studies	13 Survey/ Studies	13 Survey/ Studies
		44 Seminar/ Workshops	45 Seminar/ Workshops	40 Seminar/ Workshops	40 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects	Completion of projects at advanced level	Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects and setting up of 2 new IDPH projects	Completion of all projects at final stage and sanctioned of 2 new IDPH projects

S. No	Name of the Scheme	FY 2021-22		FY 2022-23
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	149 Domestic & International Marketing event	286 Domestic & International Marketing event	165 Domestic & International Marketing event	338 Domestic & International Marketing event
		366 Skill & Design Development Training	584 Skill & Design Development Training	375 Skill & Design Development Training	315 Skill & Design Development Training
		8,000 toolkits distributions	13,267 toolkits distributions	10,000 toolkits distributions	9,750 toolkits distributions
		Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 73 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	0
		Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 16 Producer Companies	Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 90 Producer Companies
		08 Infrastructure projects	10 Infrastructure projects	07 Infrastructure projects	28 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 410 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 339 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 25 artisans	Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 130 artisans
		Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 25 artisans	Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 212 artisans
		Issuance of 2.0 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.70 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.82 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		80 Awareness Programme	06 Craft Awareness Programme, 08 Workshops and 670 Chaupal conducted	125 Awareness Programme	14 Workshops and 670 Chaupal
		17 Survey/ Studies	20 Survey/ Studies	20 Survey/ Studies	04 Survey/ Studies
		55 Seminar/ Workshops	212 Seminar/ Workshops	55 Seminar/ Workshops	231 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Setting up of 3 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 4 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 7 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 8 Mega Clusters

S. No	Name of the Scheme	2023-24
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	181 Domestic & International Marketing event	208 Domestic & International Marketing event
		378 Skill & Design Development Training	452 Skill & Design Development Training
		10,000 toolkits distributions	9,050 toolkits distributions
		Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 22 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters
		Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 49 Producer Companies
		08 Infrastructure projects	21 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 465 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 538 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 1,144 artisans
		Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 299 artisans
		Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.53 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		125 Awareness Programme	670 Awareness Programme
		22 Survey/ Studies	10 Survey/ Studies
		60 Seminar/ Workshops	137 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Setting up of 5 Mega Clusters/ IDPH	Setting up of 1 Mega Clusters

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

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

(Rs. In Lakhs)

Sl. No	States/UTs	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl. No		Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released
	A & N Islands	93.37	46.68	53.84	29.41	31.19	26.73	20.28	20.28	17.45	17.45
	Andhra Pradesh	353.13	183.57	526.02	312.55	1,528.20	807.19	548.52	323.49	391.57	321.18
	Arunachal Pradesh	38.97	31.37	23.89	17.01	149.64	124.19	23.44	23.44	59.77	44.74
	Assam	315.78	195.64	691.64	396.73	717.84	494.30	728.57	536.59	326.11	247.76
	Bihar	495.81	223.41	397.38	193.42	220.77	128.12	717.73	481.05	451.44	248.84
	Chandigarh	98.68	53.81	0.00	0.00	50.25	20.25	72.91	44.18	27.84	20.88
	Chhattisgarh	203.94	131.19	146.81	110.47	139.44	99.49	118.93	94.98	56.34	47.03
	Daman & Dew	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	8.94	6.71	0.00	0.00
	Delhi	2,234.11	2,105.66	2,965.05	2,901.15	3,011.61	2,759.39	947.53	785.52	1,332.61	816.59
	Goa	25.50	12.75	0.00	0.00	49.35	43.39	53.09	44.92	45.28	31.36
	Gujarat	310.57	165.79	503.50	265.76	1,654.40	1,018.29	1,430.52	840.22	999.29	592.58
	Haryana	286.53	149.32	163.88	81.94	287.71	164.84	291.30	210.47	291.17	195.46
	Himachal Pradesh	513.15	292.86	289.63	192.62	300.70	198.05	121.32	91.51	106.64	79.68
	Jammu and Kashmir	51.95	25.98	373.07	170.22	584.62	431.71	1,172.36	796.56	1,076.91	686.72
	Jharkhand	290.81	190.00	443.68	266.64	191.40	133.37	256.22	190.83	251.51	156.83
	Karnataka	195.74	123.54	149.70	86.63	433.44	273.18	441.08	333.41	361.34	282.69
	Kerala	209.84	130.92	241.80	121.18	307.67	184.76	275.81	234.46	202.80	168.35
	Ladakh	29.70	23.76	5.94	3.97	45.44	31.29	35.55	29.84	112.04	24.40
	Madhya Pradesh	726.01	429.62	680.29	390.84	531.76	331.13	588.77	437.32	452.77	311.09
	Maharashtra	337.99	204.88	278.36	150.34	390.35	266.95	326.58	265.78	919.61	423.06
	Manipur	76.68	59.63	249.81	140.03	1,198.22	768.81	1,169.90	656.12	266.11	194.89
	Meghalaya	86.52	56.73	15.50	15.50	242.99	184.01	89.71	76.92	100.84	53.93
	Mizoram	19.97	19.97	11.50	11.48	131.55	98.93	48.89	45.09	38.59	22.60
	Nagaland	226.85	131.78	70.61	41.56	238.20	144.66	408.72	239.08	279.36	220.03
	Odisha	155.32	83.62	194.87	112.91	888.00	687.15	462.47	358.49	475.47	341.27
	Puducherry	33.25	16.62	124.74	76.16	234.97	153.61	142.42	100.62	71.77	42.96
	Punjab	483.47	281.05	402.06	236.66	565.55	345.88	413.11	318.18	96.13	74.53
	Rajasthan	412.33	293.46	622.25	337.29	1,127.93	698.82	1,715.64	997.32	2,163.86	611.77
	Sikkim	181.00	114.39	12.50	12.50	43.48	34.49	89.97	77.11	38.92	30.07
	Tamil Nadu	109.94	68.34	652.90	130.08	417.52	242.89	333.62	264.64	401.68	282.88
	Telangana	261.21	152.09	287.26	172.52	219.63	152.25	299.31	226.03	339.06	223.04
	Tripura	75.51	53.73	136.63	86.42	94.22	58.80	103.57	86.10	97.61	66.32
	Uttar Pradesh	1,283.77	663.25	2,141.73	1,179.84	3,241.81	2,506.53	5,524.95	3,120.76	3,251.86	1,990.44
	Uttarakhand	230.70	116.04	313.78	203.30	333.68	199.95	222.59	176.29	91.12	76.71
	West Bengal	208.79	121.86	242.13	132.13	416.66	250.92	741.98	527.28	571.09	391.84
	All India (non state Specific)	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	211.14	67.67	1,083.01	1,079.26
	International Marketing	1,195.13	0.00	371.29	0.00	737.02	0.00	2,136.10	0.00	674.12	500.03
	Total	11,852.02	6,953.29	13,866.02	8,600.75	20,757.22	14,064.34	22,293.52	13,129.25	17,523.09	10,919.25

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

(Rs. In Lakhs)

Sl. No.	States/UTs	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
		FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED
	Andhra Pradesh	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	129.09	129.09	0.00	0.00	328.00	328.00
	Bihar	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2,927.57	0.00	99.17	99.17
	Goa	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Gujarat	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	687.01	0.00	244.52	196.00	0.00	0.00
	Himachal Pradesh	0.00	0.00	632.82	316.41	253.13	253.13	0.00	0.00	0.00	196.90
	Jammu and Kashmir	593.61	593.61	2.84	2.84	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Ladakh	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	1,754.55	60.75	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Madhya Pradesh	1,000.58	1,000.58	0.00	0.00	51.80	0.00	0.00	0.00	612.17	612.17
	Odisha	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2,728.72	545.98	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Rajasthan	1,183.35	1,167.60	1,469.38	1,469.38	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Telangana	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	171.80	163.67	8.13	8.13	150.00	150.00
	Tripura							0.00	0.00	464.00	464.00
	Uttar Pradesh	450.15	450.15	281.78	141.88	13.33	13.33	1,852.24	89.02	0.00	0.00
	Total	3,227.69	3,211.94	2,386.824	1,930.517	5,789.434	1,165.95	5,034.46	293.1478	1,653.34	1,850.24

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

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

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

Sl. No.	2022-23		2023-24		2024-25
	District	Number of artisans	District	Number of artisans	District	Number of artisans
	Krishna	120	Guntur	159	Krishna	44
	Annakapalli	128	Annakapalli	232	Annakapalli	66
	Vishakhapatnam	101	Vishakhapatnam	5	Alluri Seetharamaraju	30
	East Godavari	80	East Godavari	40	Bapatla	30
	Eluru	385	Eluru	114	East Godavari	50
	Guntur	40	Konaseema	124	Eluru	34
	Kakinada	50	Krishna	109	Konaseema	35
	NTR	457	NTR	325	Krishna	44
	Palnadu	280	Palnadu	34	NTR	76
	Srikakulam	95	Parvathi puram manyam	144	Palnadu	4
	West Godavari	545	Srikakulam	85	Parvathi puram manyam	34
	Sri Sathya Sai	150	Vijayanagaram	5	Srikakulam	4
	Tirupati	30	West Godavari	161	Vijayanagaram	5
	Chittoor	30	Sri Sathya Sai	100	West Godavari	75
	Nellore	1	Chittoor	50	Annamayya	30
	Vijayanagaram	1	Tirupati	30	Kurnool	31
			Kurnool	01	Tirupati	3
					Srisathya sai	3
					Vishakhapatnam	1
Total		2,493		1,718		599

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

*******

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q2978)

(Release ID: 2113554)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN UNDER NTTM

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

Since the launch of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) from 2020-21, support is being provided for Research and Development, Start-ups, Skill Development, Export promotion in technical textiles. These initiatives are expected to benefit various technical textile clusters across India including clusters in the state of Tamil Nadu. The details of the research projects approved under NTTM, their funding allocations and current status for the State of Tamil Nadu are at below.

The scope of the Mission does not cover the establishment or upgradation of Technical Textiles units. However, the initiatives undertaken under NTTM towards development of new products, R&D activities, generation of domestic demand through market promotion, export promotion and skilling ecosystem have helped development of technical textiles industry across the country including Tamil Nadu. Further, to achieve these initiatives, three National/International conferences have been organized in association with the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Details of research projects approved under NTTM, their funding allocations and current status for the State of Tamil Nadu

S. No.	Research Project Title	Implementing Institute	Approved Grant (INR)	Status of Project
1	Design and development of facile high throughput needle less electrospinning set-up	SITRA, Coimbatore	1,89,65,000	Under Progress
2	Development of natural herbal extract coated seed protection bag using natural fiber with long lasting mechanical and insecticidal properties	SITRA, Coimbatore	50,00,000	Under Progress
3	Municipal Solid Waste (Soil Like Material) and Geotextile Interaction Study for Pavement Subgrade and Embankment Applications in Soft Ground	NIT-Trichy, Tiruchirappalli	30,31,520	Under Progress
4	3D Printed protein-based textile fibers	IIT-Madras, Chennai	1,00,00,000	Completion report is under evaluation
5	Studies on the Ballistic Energy Absorption of Polyethylene Coated Aramid Fabrics	IIT-Madras, Chennai	26,90,000	Under Progress
6	Additive Manufacturing of Technical Textiles for Sustainable Mobility- Agro Waste Based Materials and Product Design	IIT-Madras, Chennai	99,94,600	Under Progress
7	Boron-doped diamond coated corrosion-resistant carbon materials for electro-organic synthesis, energy, and clean water applications	IIT-Madras, Chennai	6,99,90,000	Under Progress
8	Fabrication of flexible conductive fibres/fabric for wearable electronic textiles	CSIR-CECRI, Sekkalakottai	1,00,00,000	Under Progress
9	Design and development of fabric antibody embedded matrix for tuberculosis screening	IIT-Madras, Chennai	50,00,000	Under Progress
10	Conductive yarns embroidered e-textile wearable systems for health and sports application.	CSIR-CECRI, Sekkalakottai	55,54,800	Under Progress
11	Development of Seaweed-derived Cellulose and Phytochemicals as Cost-efficient Additive Composite for Medical-grade Textiles	CSIR-CECRI, Sekkalakottai	51,48,264	Under Progress

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

****

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2840)

(Release ID: 2113552) Visitor Counter : 72

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The World is looking towards India and India presents a significant competitive advantage: Shri Jayant Chaudhary

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 9:14PM by PIB Bhubaneshwar

The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship successfully concluded its two-day Capacity Building Workshop titled “Catalyzing Entrepreneurial Growth: Enhancing Financial Inclusion, Market Access, and Digital Competence” on March 20, 2025.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants who engaged in insightful discussions on overcoming barriers to entrepreneurship, such as limited access to finance, market constraints, and low adoption of digital tools. Expert-led panel discussions and practical facilitation sessions provided valuable insights into leveraging government financial schemes, institutional credit options, venture capital investments, and alternative financing models to support business expansion.

The valedictory session of the workshop commenced in the august presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India as the Chief Guest and Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha as the guest of honor. Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, Government of India and Shri Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha also addressed the entrepreneurs during the session.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, during his address, said “The world is eyeing India for the quality of its products, its citizens, and its businesses, which presents a significant competitive advantage. Our industries must focus on product quality to distinguish themselves globally. To achieve this, industries need to invest in entrepreneurs and support them in every possible way for our economy to progress. Our recent Union Budget 2025 has emphasized initiatives targeting women and underserved categories, with loan sanctions of around ₹10,000 crore under the Fund of Funds (FoF) made accessible for them to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. The government has implemented various schemes to assist citizens in pursuing their dreams, but these will only be effective if we learn to utilize them as our right.

This two-day training session will catalyze the entrepreneurial spirit in budding entrepreneurs and help them gain a deeper understanding on the government initiatives, financial literacy, market access, and digital competence.”

The workshop was attended by more than 100 entrepreneurs from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh with most of the entrepreneurs being trained under the SANKALP programme of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The attendees reported significant gain in their understanding of financial management and funding opportunities. The participants were provided with actionable roadmaps for scaling their ventures and strengthened networks that will aid them in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. The entrepreneurs were also felicitated by the Shri Jayant Chaudhary during the valedictory session.

The two-day workshop was structured with engaging panel discussions and practical sessions that focused on enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem through capacity building of the budding entrepreneurs. The first panel, Building a Strong Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Challenges & Opportunities, included insights from Shri Durga Prasad Gouda, CEO of Atal Incubation Centre, NIT; Shri Sudhanshu Mohanty, Senior Vice President of the Orissa Chambers of Commerce; Ms. Surekha Routray, Founder & CEO of Aashdit Nutritech Pvt Ltd; and Shri Rashmi Ranjan, Managing Partner of Autosave Startup Studio.

The second panel, Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Access to Finance, Credit Linkages and Government Schemes, that featured Shri Deepak Anand, IAS, Secretary cum CEO of Bihar Skill Development Mission; Prof. Mahadeo P. Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur; and Shri Nigam Das, Deputy CEO of Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), created awareness of government schemes and the ways in which they can be leveraged by the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The panels were moderated by Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director, NIESBUD.

An additional session on Digital Growth Strategies led by Shri Anuj Kumar from GeM and Shri Sasank Patro from Sabhvasha Retail Tech Pvt Ltd., provided actionable insights to the entrepreneurs on utilizing platforms like GeM and ONDC for market expansion and a third panel engaged in conversations on Credit Linkages & Financial Inclusion, featuring Smt. Shubha Sharma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development, Govt. of Odisha and other financial experts who offered guidance on accessing government-backed financial schemes essential for entrepreneurs’ growth.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also exchanged between NIESBUD and IIM Sambalpur with the objective of furthering the entrepreneurial climate in the state of Odisha.

The initiative aligns with India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting inclusive entrepreneurship that is digitally enabled. A follow-up mechanism will be established to track the implementation of learnings from the workshop and assess their impact on entrepreneurship development in the region.

***

PIB Bhubaneshwar | AKM/SSP/PKC

(Release ID: 2113465) Visitor Counter : 43

Read this release in: Odia

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Screen addiction of minors and the disruption to their mental and emotional development – E-001006/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001006/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

Experts have expressed serious concerns about the impact on the cognitive abilities, emotional development, mental health and general behaviour of minors caused by the excessive and ever-increasing exposure to screens and digital platforms[1] – many of which take insufficient measures to limit or block minors’ access to illegal goods and illegal and harmful content.

The Commission has taken action under the Digital Services Act (DSA). However, it is not clear whether and to what extent digital service providers are complying with the rules on the protection of child users[2] (which, it should be noted, have been mandatory for all since 17 February 2024). Under the Digital Education Action Plan, the Council Recommendation on improving the provision of digital skills through education and training, the Media Services Directive (AVMSD), Erasmus+ and SELFIE, digital skills should be enhanced and digital literacy promoted.

In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

1.Has it initiated new investigations and how exactly is it monitoring the implementation of the DSA and the compliance of providers/platforms?

2.As regards regulating content promoted through algorithms, does it plan to introduce additional measures to protect vulnerable groups/minors?

3.In addition to the above actions and initiatives, have guidelines been adopted with the aim of ensuring that children are ‘digitally literate’ in a safe, fair and transparent environment?

Submitted: 7.3.2025

[1] https://www.ertnews.gr/video/ethismos-sto-diadiktyo-kai-paidia/

[2] https://lawyermagazine.gr/digital-services-act-%CE%BF-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CF%8C%CF%82-%CE%BF%CF%81%CF%8C%CF%83%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%BF-%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%82-%CF%88%CE%B7%CF%86%CE%B9/
Last updated: 21 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Ecological disaster in Anapa: GUU volunteers talk about the difficult situation on the coast

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

A group of student volunteers from the State University of Management traveled to Anapa to help eliminate the consequences of the fuel oil spill from the wrecked tankers.

Let us recall that in January, volunteers from the Moscow city branch of VSKS went on a similar trip to the Black Sea. Our heroes today do not have such professional skills and extensive experience, which is why it was all the more interesting to talk to them.

The following people helped to eliminate the consequences of the disaster: – Svetlana Savina, 4th year student majoring in Sociology; – Angelina Kolesnikova, 4th year student majoring in Sociology; – Nikita Seregin, 3rd year student majoring in Ecology and Nature Management; – Daria Siraeva, 1st year student majoring in Human Resources Management; – Artem Sikhimbaev, 2nd year student majoring in Global Economy.

— How did you find out about the opportunity to go to Anapa, how did you get there?

Nikita Seregin: Initially, there was a form that was sent out by our Department of Youth Policy and Educational Work. I was interested, I filled it out, and later the Department contacted me, we agreed on dates and went.

— Was there any training before the trip?

Svetlana Savina: We were offered to take trainings and courses before the trip to Dobro.rf, but we did not take them. There was a short excursion in Anapa itself, but without any special details.

— How did you get there, how did Anapa greet you?

Artem Sikhimbaev: It so happened that our train arrived in Anapa after the volunteer bus had left for the beach. And since we had some free time, and the coast greeted us with unprecedentedly cold weather for this time of year (the locals said that this had not happened for 10 years), I decided to rent a car and go to Krasnodar. We drove around there, saw the city, and immediately returned.

— What was the scope of work in general? What exactly did you personally do?

Angelina Kolesnikova: There are people there who clean up the fuel oil. This is what we were supposed to do initially. But we decided to self-organize and go to work at the headquarters. There you can go to the bird wash, to the hospital where they are looked after and fed, or directly to the headquarters, where there is an administration, a kitchen, a warehouse, and a utility room. Specifically, I was the administrator, I sat at the computer, answered phone calls, coordinated people, recorded arriving and departing volunteers, and determined the areas of their work.

Nikita Seregin: I initially worked in a warehouse, then I was sent to wash birds, but most of all I worked in the hospital, where we helped feed the birds, gave them medicine, changed diapers.

Darya Siraeva: I also worked in a warehouse, conducted inventory, accepted deliveries, and issued essential supplies. I tried working at the wash station – I washed two birds. And I also managed to try myself in the hospital, where we fed the birds and gave them medicine.

Svetlana Savin: I tried to gain as much different experience as possible. I washed birds, worked in a hospital, worked in the administration for a day, and went to the beach to clean up fuel oil. It was difficult to deal with fuel oil. Not physically, but because of its properties. Large frozen fractions were simply collected in bags. And the smaller ones had to be sifted through a mesh, but the fuel oil passes through it. It is impossible to take it with your fingers, it crumbles right away. The work is difficult, since you do not see the results right away. With birds, the situation is different, there the result is immediately noticeable. One day I washed two birds, took them to the hospital. Unfortunately, one soon died, but with the second one I saw how it was getting better. But the problem is that the cured birds are taken away far away and released, and they return to their usual habitats and again end up in fuel oil. Dolphins, dogs, and the entire ecosystem also suffer. And it can only get worse in the summer when the fuel oil melts, so you need to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Angelina Kolesnikova: We went to the central beach of Anapa and the sand there seemed to be clean. But when you start collecting shells, you can see that they are covered in fuel oil.

Artem Sikhimbaev: Considering that I had a rented car, I was put to work as a volunteer car driver, which gave me an incredible boost and understanding of what was happening. I visited all the headquarters of Anapa, drove bird catchers to the beach, drove caught birds from different points on the beach to rehabilitation centers. When the car rental ended, I moved on to washing. It consists of two stages. The first is beak treatment: they carefully cleaned it from fuel oil with cotton swabs. Then the beak was fixed in a closed position so that the birds did not clean themselves and did not pollute the beak again. The second stage of washing is quite simple – in a basin with cleaning agents. Volunteers came up with their own life hacks – they washed with fish oil and starch, which wash off fuel oil better. To understand, a standard wash of one bird took about two hours, and with starch and fish oil – about 40 minutes. Two people wash the bird: one holds it, the other washes it. I did both. I also worked in a rehab center. I was engaged in forced feeding using a tube. Inserting a tube correctly is also a certain skill. And you need to know what to give to whom, in what dosage. Therefore, when I was taught, I myself then taught seven more volunteers how to insert a tube correctly. But experience is still needed, each bird must have its own approach, each has its own character and habits. I managed to work in a warehouse and as a coordinator, I knew everyone and everyone knew me. In fact, I only did not catch birds and did not sift sand on the beach.

— Are there many other volunteers in Anapa?

Angelina Kolesnikova: Yes, a lot. But the problem is that they don’t come for long. We were only on the job for five days. And every time people have to be retrained. Once, during the night shift, there was a storm, and they brought us 120 birds at once. The management asked us to call everyone in a row, but the night shift is from 00:00 to 8:00, everyone is sleeping. The birds are dying, and you can’t do anything.

— Tell us about your daily routine.

Angelina Kolesnikova: I got up for the morning shift at 6 am, had breakfast at 7, then worked until lunch at 1 pm, and the shift ended at 4 pm. I took light and night shifts constantly.

Svetlana Savin: I worked 16 hours a day because I took two shifts. There were three of them: morning, evening and night, from 8:00 to 00:00.

Artem Sikhimbaev: I came in the morning and left when work was finished. You know, when it’s 00:00 and you still have 30 birds to wash, are you going to leave? Of course not. Once I came home at 5:30 in the morning. Thanks to that, I met people who have been working there for a long time, the so-called “legends” who don’t back down and go to the end, regardless of time and their desires.

— What was the most difficult thing?

Angelina Kolesnikova: Stress, psychological pressure. I almost never went near the birds because I understood that I wouldn’t be able to work with them.

Darya Siraeva: I agree that the hardest thing is to see this whole picture of the catastrophe, these poor birds, who are brought in all covered in oil. I felt very, very sorry for them.

Svetlana Savin: I recorded dying birds. They are also given names. People come to me and say, for example, “The cutie has died.” My birds, which I named, washed, and took to the hospital, also died. That was the hardest thing. In addition, you can bring equipment to the beach and speed up the process, but you can’t help with birds with equipment, people still have to do everything.

Angelina Kolesnikova: Besides, at the sea there is fresh air and the smell of fuel oil is almost not felt, but in the hospital with birds it is a closed room and it smells strongly.

Nikita Seregin: The hardest job was probably at the car wash. Because it’s dangerous to your health, you can get burned by fuel oil. Birds sometimes bit you. But otherwise, it wasn’t that hard physically. Although I wasn’t on the beach, many of my expectations about the work were confirmed. It wasn’t too labor-intensive, I can’t say that I was very tired during the trip, I could have easily stayed there for another week. And the hardest thing was to directly observe the environmental disaster. I’ve been participating in the volunteer movement for about a year and a half, but this is my first experience of participating in an event of this scale.

Artem Sikhimbaev: I can’t say that I experienced difficulties. I was simply obsessed with the idea of understanding the system, making my contribution, and somehow improving the processes.

— It is clear that the trip was difficult morally. But can you point out anything pleasant?

Svetlana Savin: It’s nice to watch the recovery process. When yesterday you were forcibly feeding a bird, and today it’s already eating on its own, you’re like: “Oh, you’re such a clever girl!”

Angelina Kolesnikova: Among the positive aspects, I can point out the people who work there. For example, Olesya, who trained us. She came for a couple of days the first time, and then took a vacation and came for a month. That is, some people realize how much human capital is lacking, and are ready to sacrifice their time and money to come and help. The heads of headquarters are all such caring people, with whom it is very pleasant to work. The main motivation for the work is compassion for the birds.

Nikita Seregin: In general, all the volunteers who were there were very responsive, friendly, ready to help, to give advice. This is encouraging, it smooths out a difficult situation. If I recall something else positive, then our day of arrival was free from work, and we went to the alpaca park, fed the animals, walked around Anapa and went to Krasnodar.

Artem Sikhimbaev: The most wonderful thing is that like-minded people with very different social ranks are in one place and doing one important thing. It brings people together and warms the soul. It is impossible to describe in words, it is simply harmony. I think that everyone should go.

— Can you somehow indicate the quantitative results of your work, name some figures?

Svetlana Savin: It’s hard to say. I looked after about 100 birds, that’s the number I can name.

Nikita Seregin: I washed and fed about 30 birds. For me, it was an important experience from a professional point of view, I am studying ecology. It was interesting and useful to look at the situation from the point of view of an ecologist.

Artem Sikhimbaev: I brought about 15 birds from the beach and washed about the same number. I fed at least twice as many. The main result of the work is probably not in the numbers. I learned a lot about this man-made disaster, understood a lot, learned a lot in such a short time. I talked to veterinarians and other specialists who worked there from the very first days. Since I managed to work on almost the entire chain of work with birds, I proposed several ideas for modernizing the system. For example, adding fish oil to the feed, because it helps get rid of fuel oil. And the problem of high bird mortality is that we cannot remove fuel oil from the gastrointestinal tract. Previously, nothing could be done about it. I hope that all of us were able to help at least a little.

Svetlana Savin: It seems to me that we need to introduce more volunteer activities at the State University of Management. This is useful from the point of view of management experience. We understand how the work of large groups of people is organized, we see the flaws of the system. For a management university, volunteering is a very good base. I had an existential crisis there, I am still thinking about the meaning of life. So the experience is bright and useful.

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

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Zoological Park celebrates World Sparrow Day

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

The National Zoological Park celebrated World Sparrow Day today with a series of events designed to raise awareness about the significance of sparrows and their role in the environment.

The day’s activities began with an energetic zoo walk, where 127 School students marched from the main entrance to the fountain area, chanting slogans and participating in a sparrow count. This interactive experience emphasized the importance of these birds in our daily lives.

Students also attended an educational talk at the zoo’s amphitheatre, where they learned more about sparrows, their habitats, and the vital role they play in ecosystems. This session was designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for sparrow conservation.

Trainees from the Telangana State Forest Academy took part in a specialized program that included a field visit and discussions with zoo officials. This provided them with practical insights and skills to enhance their conservation efforts.

100 sparrow nests were also distributed to students and visitors. This initiative allowed attendees to actively contribute to the preservation of sparrow habitats, further reinforcing the zoo’s commitment to public education and environmental stewardship.

The celebration of World Sparrow Day at the National Zoological Park concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on the community and highlighting the zoo’s dedication to sparrow conservation and environmental awareness.

*****

VM/GS

(Release ID: 2113505) Visitor Counter : 6

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces appointments to Communications Authority

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government announces appointments to Communications Authority
     The Chief Executive has also reappointed the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development as the Vice-chairperson of the CA. In addition, four incumbent members, i.e. Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, Mr Patrick Law Fu-yuen, Mr Michael Hui Wah-kit and Professor Leung Siu-fai have been reappointed, while Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him and Dr Patrick Tsie Kai-yiu have been appointed as new members. The tenure of the appointments is two years with effect from April 1, 2025.

     Commenting on the appointments, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “I am pleased that Mr Jenkin Suen has been appointed as the Chairperson of the CA. I believe with Mr Suen’s legal background and wealth of experience in public services, he will be able to lead the CA to discharge its statutory functions as the communications and broadcasting regulator in Hong Kong, with the objectives of safeguarding the interests of the public and promoting the sustainable development of the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. I would also like to welcome Professor Anthony Fung and Dr Patrick Tsie as new members of the CA. With their extensive experience and professional knowledge in the broadcasting and telecommunications fields respectively, they will surely provide valuable insights for the work of the CA. I am also grateful that Mr Nicholas Chan, Mr Patrick Law, Mr Michael Hui and Professor Leung Siu-fai have accepted reappointment to continue to contribute to the work of the CA.

     “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms Winnie Tam for her outstanding contributions during her tenure. Since taking up the chairmanship in 2018, Ms Tam has guided the CA in effectively fulfilling its regulatory functions and roles with remarkable achievements. On the broadcasting front, during her tenure, the CA has relaxed a number of requirements under the broadcasting codes of practice to keep pace with the times, thereby creating a more conducive environment for the sustainable development of the broadcasting industry. In addition, the CA has continued to handle complaints in a fair, impartial and unbiased manner to safeguard public interest. On the communications front, with the rapid advancements in communications technologies over the past few years, the CA has continued to stay ahead in formulating policies to promote communications infrastructure and technology development while maintaining fair competition in the industry, contributing to a solid foundation for Hong Kong as a regional communications hub. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the outgoing members Professor Vincent Lau Kin-nang and Mr Simon Wong Kwong-yeung for their contributions to the CA over the past six years,” Mr Yau added.

     Brief profiles of the newly appointed Chairperson and non-official members are as follows:

Mr Jenkin Suen
——————-
     Mr Suen was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2019 and is a barrister and an arbitrator in Des Voeux Chambers. He also sits as a Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. He is currently the Chairman of the Copyright Tribunal and the Pharmacy and Poisons Appeal Tribunal, the Deputy Chairman of the Administrative Appeals Board, and a member of the Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Boards and the Air Transport Licensing Authority. He was previously the Chairman of the Appeal Tribunal Panel (Buildings).——————————————
     Professor Fung is the Dean of Social Science and the Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is currently a co-opted member of the Broadcast Complaints Committee under the CA, as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research and the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Information Technology in Education. He has formerly served as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption as well as the Radio Television Hong Kong Board of Advisors.

Dr Patrick Tsie Kai-yiu
—————————-
     Dr Tsie was formerly the Senior Director of Technical Marketing at Qualcomm International, and has previously served as a member appointed on an ad personam basis of the Telecommunications Regulatory Affairs Advisory Committee of the Office of the Communications Authority.

     The membership of the CA from April 1, 2025, will be as follows:————
Mr Jenkin Suen——————
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development—————————
Dr Hubert Chan Chung-yee
Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung
Ms Amy Fung Dun-mi
Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him
Mr Michael Hui Wah-kit
Mr Patrick Law Fu-yuen
Professor Leung Siu-fai
Dr Patrick Tsie Kai-yiu
Ms Wendy Yuen Miu-ling——————–
Director-General of Communications
Issued at HKT 11:00

NNNN

Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NSO India and IIT Gandhinagar Launch Hackathon to Tackle Real-World Data Challenges by use of Emerging Technology

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

A three-day Hackathon, jointly organised by NSO, India and IIT Gandhinagar has commenced today in the campus of IIT Gandhinagar.

Hackathon has received an overwhelming response and brings together bright young minds from across the country for solving the problems faced by practitioners. A total of 700 teams consisting of five members from different educational institutions applied for three uses cases related to application of AI/ML in the field of Official Statistics. Out of 700 teams, 19 teams from prestigious institutions such as Indian Institute of Information Technology , Indian Institute of Technology ,Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, VIT Vellore, University of Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, National Institute of Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Plaksha University, NMIMS Mumbai, and PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research etc. have been shortlisted for participation in 36 hour Hackathon started today.

During the inaugural session, ADG MoSPI highlighted modernisation initiatives of NSO, India including data innovation lab, eSankhyiki portal etc., emphasizing the role of data-driven solutions in shaping policy and governance. He encouraged participants to approach the problems with creativity and analytical rigor, in the spirit of contribution towards nation-building for Vikshit Bharat. He also profusely thanked Dr. Rajat Moona and IIT Gandhinagar for collaborating with MoSPI for the Hackathon.

Dr. Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar complimented MoSPI for its endevour to use AI and data innovation for improving official statistics. He appreciated the problem statements shared by the Ministry for this Hackathon as being very relevant to real-world Statistical problems. He extended his best wishes to all teams, expressing confidence that the outcome would be useful to solve the problems in real world scenario. He also expressed his confidence that all the students will be winner, either by winning prize or by enriching their knowledge. He also urged students to seize this opportunity to refine their problem-solving skills and contribute innovative ideas to the field of data science and analytics. Several senior Officers from NSO India and faculty members from IIT Gandhinagar and other institutions were also in present to encourage and support the initiative.

The event promises to be an exciting platform for innovation, collaboration, and learning, setting the stage for future advancements in statistical and data-driven decision-making. Hackathon would conclude with the announcement of winners on 23rd March 2025.

****

Samrat/ Allen

(Release ID: 2113702) Visitor Counter : 27

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Three experts on racial justice explain why reparations matter

Source: Amnesty International –

Experts from Africa and its global diasporas gathered in Berlin late last year to call on European governments to address their colonial past and ongoing impact.

Here, human rights lawyer Melissa Hendrickse, journalist Gary Younge and academic Pumla Dineo Gqola talk about the long-lasting legacy of colonialism, how it’s affected them and the importance of reparations…

Melissa Hendrickse

Melissa is Amnesty International’s researcher and advisor on racial justice and international criminal law.

Amnesty International’s Racial Justice team (from left to right) – Melissa Hendrickse, Rym Khadhraoui and Hashas Rage – recently attended the Dekoloniale Berlin Africa Conference, a decolonial counter-version of the 1884/5 Berlin Africa Conference 140 years ago.

I was born in Cape Town in the early Nineties – in the midst of the negotiations to end apartheid. It was a turbulent time in South Africa’s history. After Chris Hani, an important figure in South Africa’s freedom struggle, was assassinated, it seemed that the political transition teetered on the brink of collapse. But the negotiations continued and, when I was two years old, South Africa held its first democratic elections.

It was a better time to be growing up as a person of colour in South Africa, compared to my parents’ experience. There was a sense of hope and optimism. However, the legacy of apartheid didn’t just vanish – the country remained segregated and the inequality caused by centuries of colonialism, dispossession and exploitation has endured. I grew up in a predominantly white area. Most of my classmates were white and it was difficult navigating my own identity within spaces that were disconnected with the history of the country and the experience of the majority of South Africans.

I went on to study law, inspired by the role that law can play in supporting struggles against racial injustice. After my Masters, I applied for a job at Amnesty, where I am now a researcher and advisor on racial justice and international criminal law. Rather than being an activist in the traditional sense, I see my contribution mostly through law and the legal analysis. Working on Amnesty’s groundbreaking report, which concluded that Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians was an honour. The parallels between apartheid South Africa and the racial oppression of Palestinians profoundly resonate with me. As Nelson Mandela, once said: “our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

Within the racial justice team, I work on reparations for slavery and colonialism, having recently drafted Amnesty’s policy. European colonialism and slavery built the world that we inhabit today. It is palpable all around us – from the borders that divide us to the languages we speak and the knowledge systems we are taught. The incredible wealth that was made by European states through slavery and colonialism has led to gross inequality that continues to mark the world order.

There cannot be meaningful racial justice today without reckoning with this legacy and re-making the oppressive systems built by colonialism. While European states are starting to issue apologies, there’s still a resistance to take concrete measures and offer reparations. This is why Amnesty’s work on reparations is coming at an important historical moment. Our hope is that, by joining the global reparations movement, Amnesty can contribute to creating pressure on European states to respond with more than just platitudes to the growing calls for reparatory justice.

Follow Melissa on X.

Gary Younge

Gary is a UK-based award-winning journalist, academic and podcaster.

For journalist Gary Younge, the history of colonialism and slavery has always been of interest.

I grew up in a town called Stevenage (in the UK), during the Seventies, after my family moved from Barbados. There were very few black people.

In the Seventies you got a lot of casual racism from all kinds, teachers as well as people you lived near to. The same people who would be racist could be neighbourly. It wasn’t consistent. I grew up thinking I wasn’t British – and I didn’t want to be. In winter people would say, “I bet it’s not like this where you come from.” There was an assumption that if you were Black, you weren’t British.

It was partly these contradictions that inspired my activism. For me, activism was about being a free person – if you wanted your freedom you had to fight for it and for the freedom of others. For me, there wasn’t any other way to be in the world. My family were very political – my mum, my brothers – and I became obsessed with the notion of freedom and what it means to be free at a very young age.

The history of colonialism and slavery has always interested me. We have grown up in countries in Europe that have decapitated their history in a peculiar way. There’s an aphorism explaining post-colonial immigration that says, “We are here because you were there. If you didn’t know you were there, how do you know why I am here?”

It’s not possible to understand where we are as a country or where I am as a person or why our racial politics are what they are unless there is an engagement with colonialism. None of it makes sense. And it’s far from over yet. We’re still dealing with it.

Britain has only known itself as a non-racial democracy recently. There’s a level of implausible deniability that these European countries can have about where they have been and what they have done – they pose as enlightened liberal democracies and everyone buys into that. However, if you look behind the curtain, you’ll find all the blood sloshing around, along with the occasional kick back such as when Britain gives back the Chagos islands.

Reparations remain important because the impact of slavery and colonialism is still evident. We can see it in trade links, migration patterns, poverty and other inequalities, both globally and nationally. The principal of reparations has already been established. We saw it after the First World War, after the Second World War, after the Holocaust and beyond. So, the question is then why should people of African descent, who were enslaved, and the descendants of the colonised be omitted from that narrative?

Find out more about Gary’s podcast.

Pumla Dineo Gqola

Pumla is a South African academic, award-winning writer and feminist.

Pumla Dineo Gqola is an academic who grew up in South Africa.

I grew up in South Africa, during the Seventies and Eighties, as apartheid was tightening its reign. It was complicated and difficult.

Yet it was a time of diversifying activism. I grew up surrounded by Black academics and I knew I wanted to be an academic myself. My family’s politics were left leaning and my father taught at a historic Black university. It was foundational to who I would become.

I’m now a professor, a feminist writer and I am a post-colonialist by training. We often think about colonialism as something that’s finished, but we are still living in its long aftermath. We live in a world shaped by colonial logic and the systems that organize our world have come from its very powers. For example, where people migrate from and to neatly maps on to histories created under colonial power, while low-income countries are most likely to be former colonies. So, while formal colonialism is over, many of the ideas of how the globe is organized and who can move where, how, why and when map comfortably with those divisions – and that’s why they are so difficult to undo.

I recently attend the event Dekoloniale Berlin alongside a number of racial justice experts. These festivals are important for a variety of reasons. They provide an opportunity to go beyond diplomatic performance, while the conversations around debt, human rights and reparations, even at the level of art and culture, the conversation of coloniality, is one that shows every aspect of how the EU is a power block.

Going forward, I want to see a significant shift in the negotiation of states inside and outside of the EU – and whatever that looks like needs to move beyond diplomacy, while conversations about reparations need to be serious and must move out of the realm of superficiality.

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MIL OSI NGO –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Children need to be wise owls when it comes to the internet

Source:

A new resource to help teachers teach internet privacy issues to primary and intermediate school students was launched on 11 February to coincide with Safer Internet Day and the start of the 2014 school year. The online resource named OWLS is a joint project by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and NetSafe, in partnership with the NZ National Commission for UNESCO. It was introduced to students and teachers at Tawa School in Wellington by the Associate Minister of Education and Minister of Youth Affairs, Nikki Kaye. The Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, says the internet and mobile technology expose children to a range of risks that previous generations have never had to deal with. Teaching children how to protect their privacy online increasingly involves schools because children are experimenting in digital media from very young ages.

MIL OSI News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 24 March
Source: Mayor of London

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Tuesday 25 March

Mayoral Decisions

Oversight Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
The Mayor has published a number of Mayoral Decisions since December 2024.

The GLA Oversight Committee will question guests on some of these decisions. The Committee will also ask questions on the Mayor’s Annual Equalities reports for 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The guests are:

Panel 1 – Mayor’s Annual Equalities Report:
- Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard – Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice
- Tom Rahilly – Assistant Director for Communities and Social Policy, GLA
- Rupinder Parhar – Head of Equalities, GLA
Panel 2 – Mayoral Decisions
- Mostaque Ahmed – Director of Corporate Services, London Fire Brigade
- Other guests to be confirmed.
MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

Wednesday 26 March

Q&A with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime

Police and Crime Committee – Committee Rooms 2 & 3, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will meet with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to explore the level and pace of progress made by the Met since the Casey review was published in March 2023 and any updates regarding an independent review of progress.

The guests are:
- Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
- Kenny Bowie, Director of Strategy and MPS Oversight, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)
MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]

Financing Housing in London

Housing Committee – Committee Rooms 2 & 3, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm
The Housing Committee will meet to ask how to increase the amount of finance available to build social and affordable housing, the risks of different financing models, and whether private investment can help meet new housebuilding targets.

Panel 1: 2pm – 3.15pm
- Will Jeffwitz, Head of Policy, National Housing Federation
- Josh Ryan-Collins, Professor in Economics and Finance, University College London (UCL) Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose
- Steve Partridge FCPFA, Director, Head of Housing Consultancy, Savills
Panel 2: 3.30pm – 4.45pm
- Bek Seeley, Founder, Place Partners
- Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development, Peabody Housing Association
- Piali Das Gupta, Strategy Director, London’s Future & Places, London Councils
MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

Thursday 27 March

Heathrow Airport – Surface Access

Transport Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm
The Transport Committee will discuss surface access to Heathrow Airport – all the ways in which passengers, communities, colleagues and goods travel to and from the airport – in the context of the proposals for a third runway.

The guests are:
- Sophie Chapman, Surface Access Director, Heathrow Airport
- Tim Leach, Head of Surface Access Strategy and Sponsorship, Heathrow Airport
- Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, Transport for London
- Marcus Jones, Route Director, Western, Network Rail
- Anthony Smith, Chair, Heathrow Area Transport Forum
MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to WMO’s World Day for Glaciers announcement

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

March 21, 2025

Scientists comment on the WMO’s (World Meterological Organisation) announcement on World Day for Glaciers.

Dr Bethan Davies, Chair in Glaciology, Newcastle University, said:

“Worldwide, glaciers are shrinking. Everywhere we look, glaciers are getting smaller each year; they are melting and losing more ice than they are gaining from snowfall or other solid precipitation.

“The loss of glaciers is a loss for society. Glaciers are beautiful in their own right, forming some of our world’s most inspiring landscapes. They have a cultural importance, being revered by mountain and polar communities in different regions across the world. They have an economic importance and value; glaciers bring in funds through tourism and adventure travel. But most importantly, glaciers provide ecosystem services. As they melt, they maintain the river flow down-valley, especially in dry seasons and even more importantly in drought years. This melt eventually makes its way to the sea, where it contributes to global sea level rise.

“On World Day of the Glacier in the International Year of Glacier Preservation we may ask, what does it mean to ‘preserve’ glaciers?

“The most effective way to preserve glaciers is by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and curbing the rise in global heating. While we can hypothesise about potential glacier-geoengineering solutions, none of these are tested and may cause more harm than good. All would require substantial investment in inhospitable and often politically contested parts of the world; funds that would be better invested in clean energy and transport.

“I am pleased that the UN and WMO have brought glaciers to the forefront and highlighted their significance and importance to society. While they are an iconic image of climate change, they are so much more, providing water and ecosystem services, contributions to GDP through tourism, being an important cultural part of our landscape, and driving rising sea levels and increasing mountain hazards as they shrink. We must do more to ‘preserve’ them by immediately curbing carbon emissions and meeting the Paris agreement of 1.5 C of warming.”

Declared interests

Bethan Davies: none to declare

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New exhibition space in Perth city centre

Source: Scotland – City of Perth

Modular exhibition stands can accommodate 24 prints of sizes up to 1016mm (40 inches) by 1016mm have now been installed.

Perth and Kinross Council will work with local groups, schools, artists, makers, artisans and other creatives to create exhibitions throughout the year.

Students from Perth High School Art Department are having their work displayed for the first exhibition.

Further works by students from Perth College UHI, Perthshire Artisans, Culture PKC Archives & local photography group ‘Pictures of Perth & Beyond’ are also currently being curated with the intention to work with others over the next year and further ahead.

Although the exhibition stands will initially be used at St Paul’s Square, they can be taken down and moved to other locations.

They have no ground fixings so can be moved to other locations such as the Concert Hall Plaza or outside Perth Museum. They can also be used indoors.

Funding for the project has come from the UK Prosperity Fund.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee Convener Councillor Eric Drysdale said: “St Paul’s is a fantastic space in Perth city centre and it is great to see exhibitions there.

“I am sure they will attract lots of attention, bringing people into the city centre and showing off the tremendous work of people in our communities.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-03-20
President Lai attends AmCham Taiwan 2025 Hsieh Nien Fan
On the evening of March 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the annual Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan). In remarks, President Lai pointed out that the United States is now a major source of investment in Taiwan, adding that last year US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. The president also pointed out that the US has become Taiwan’s largest investment destination, as Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of its total outbound investment last year. President Lai expressed hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. He also emphasized that one essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. The president expressed his belief that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: I’m delighted to be here tonight. I want to wish everyone and their families a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. For many years now, AmCham has acted as a bridge between Taiwan and the US. It not only advocates for Taiwan to various sectors in the US, but also offers advice for the development of Taiwan’s industries. So tonight, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our friends from the American business community. The 2025 Business Climate Survey, published by AmCham this January, demonstrates the confidence foreign businesses have in the Taiwan market. We are happy to see that over 80 percent of survey respondents reported stable or increased revenue last year, and around 80 percent expressed confidence in Taiwan’s economic prospects for the coming year. Moreover, 90 percent of businesses surveyed are planning to maintain or expand their investments in Taiwan. The positive developments in Taiwan made by our American friends here tonight, their outlook for the future, and their confidence in Taiwan, are further proof of Taiwan’s ideal environment for investment. The US is now a major source of investment in Taiwan. Last year, US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. In 2023, Entegris opened a new manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung and Micron launched a new facility in Taichung. Last year, Google further solidified Taiwan as its biggest R&D hub outside of the US by opening a new office here. AMD, Nvidia, and major cloud computing companies from the US have also been choosing Taiwan to expand their presence. Over the past several years, the US has also become Taiwan’s largest investment destination. Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of our total outbound investment last year. Four years ago, TSMC’s [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company] investment in facilities in Arizona became the biggest FDI [foreign direct investment] in a greenfield project in US history. And this month, TSMC announced it would expand that investment, breaking another record and highlighting the enduring prosperity shared by Taiwan and the US. In addition to TSMC, Taiwan’s GlobalWafers has built a 12-inch silicon wafer factory in Texas, the biggest in the US. This will be followed by many other industries. These companies are confidently expanding their global presence across the Pacific and eastward into the Americas. The US is moving to reindustrialize its manufacturing industry and consolidate high-tech leadership, as it moves to become a global AI hub. In these efforts, Taiwan is an indispensable partner for the US. While the US is a leader in chip design, Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing plays an irreplaceable part in the supply chain. Adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape and the coming era of smart technology, Taiwan will continue to promote its Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, AI, military, next-gen communications, and security and surveillance. This will drive the next stage in our economic development. A great time to invest in Taiwan is now. We will continue to better connect relevant government agencies and align with international standards to foster a friendlier investment environment. And I am confident that Taiwanese and American companies can leverage their respective high-tech expertise and invest in each other, boosting growth in industrial innovation and development for both our economies. At the same time, we hope to continue deepening Taiwan-US trade relations. Last year, Taiwan was the seventh largest trading partner of the US, up one spot from the previous year, and bilateral trade grew by 24.2 percent. Taiwan is going to expand procurement from the US of industrial and agricultural products, as well as natural gas. I am very happy to welcome Governor [Mike] Dunleavy of Alaska, who has specially come all the way to Taiwan. Alaska is a source of high-quality natural gas, and its relatively short distance from Taiwan facilitates transportation. So we are very interested in buying Alaskan natural gas because it can meet our needs and ensure our energy security. We hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation and removing tax barriers to bilateral investment and trade, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. One essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. So we are grateful for the joint leaders’ statement issued by [US] President [Donald] Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, in which they expressed their solid support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As we face growing authoritarianism, Taiwan will continue to uphold our values of freedom and democracy and will be a responsible actor in regional and global security. Currently, Taiwan’s defense budget stands at about 2.5 percent of GDP. Going forward, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. At the same time, we will continue to reform national defense, further enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. And we will advance our cooperation with the US and other democracies in upholding regional stability and prosperity. We also welcome continued Taiwan-US cooperation in the defense sector. I believe that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. In closing, I look forward to seeing even greater achievements from Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Thank you. After remarks, President Lai, AmCham Chairperson Dan Silver, American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, and Governor Dunleavy raised their glasses in recognition of the strong Taiwan-US friendship.

Details
2025-03-18
President Lai meets Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Arizona enjoy close economic and trade relations, and expressed hope that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-United States high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. The president indicated that the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome for Taiwan-US relations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome you all to the Presidential Office. Governor Hobbs previously visited Taiwan after taking office in 2023. Her leading a delegation to Taiwan once again demonstrates Arizona’s continued friendship and the importance Arizona attaches to Taiwan. For this, I express my sincerest gratitude, and I welcome you again. In recent years, ties between Taiwan and Arizona have continued to expand and progress. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s investment in Arizona is the largest greenfield investment in US history. This month, TSMC announced that it would increase its investment in the US by US$100 billion. It plans to build more semiconductor fabrication and research and development facilities in greater Phoenix, transforming the area into a US semiconductor hub. Due to our close industrial engagement, we now have more than 30,000 Taiwanese living in Arizona. I would like to thank Governor Hobbs for taking care of Taiwanese businesses and people. I believe that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-US high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. Taiwan and Arizona also enjoy close economic and trade relations. Taiwan is Arizona’s eighth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports. Last December, the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade officially came into effect. I believe this will help further deepen our trade and economic ties. At present, the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation. I hope that we can work together to achieve this goal as soon as possible. This would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive local industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome. With Governor Hobbs’s support, we look forward to continuing to advance Taiwan-US relations and promoting further cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Arizona across all domains. I understand that during this visit, you have visited many important companies and exchanged opinions with government agencies on how to strengthen bilateral relations. These efforts all go toward building an even more solid foundation for future Taiwan-US cooperation. Once again, I thank you all for supporting Taiwan and welcome you to visit us often in the future. Governor Hobbs then delivered remarks, stating that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan continues to thrive as a global hub for technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. She said that she is proud to be back in Taiwan alongside her secretary of commerce, Sandra Watson, as part of a diplomatic and economic delegation from Arizona. Since arriving, she said, they’ve hit the ground running, meeting with key partners, businesses, and leaders, noting that the takeaway from their meetings has been incredibly positive, and that they underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Arizona and Taiwan. Adding that our partnership that is built on shared values, mutual cultural appreciation, and commitment to innovation and economic growth, Governor Hobbs indicated that Arizona and Taiwan’s partnership extends back decades, as Taiwanese fighter pilots have been training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix since 1996. She said that we have built a strong base of collaboration across many areas, including technology, workforce, and cultural exchange, and that Arizona is even slated to get its own Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), which she expressed she is very thrilled about. Governor Hobbs went on to say that Arizona’s relationship with Taiwan is anchored by its ongoing partnership with TSMC and many Taiwan-based companies in semiconductor and other industries, and that TSMC’s US$165 billion investment in Arizona will help power development of the world’s most advanced technology, such as AI, and promises to cement an unbreakable bond between our two economies. She stated that as governor, she can say with confidence that her administration is fully committed to strengthening this relationship in every way possible, because when Arizona and Taiwan succeed, we all succeed. Lastly, Governor Hobbs once again expressed gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. She then invited President Lai to Arizona to continue their productive conversations and further strengthen ties between our people and our economies, adding that she knows there is no limit to what we can achieve together, and that she is looking forward to what is to come. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

Details
2025-03-18
President Lai meets delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas of Saint Christopher and Nevis
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. In remarks, President Lai thanked St. Kitts and Nevis for speaking up for Taiwan at major international venues and supporting Taiwan’s international participation. The president expressed hope that our two countries continue to achieve remarkable results through cooperation in such fields as education and training, agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability, and create even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome Minister Douglas and our esteemed guests to Taiwan. Last June, Minister Douglas accompanied Prime Minister Terrance Drew and his wife on their trip to Taiwan. I am delighted to be able to meet and exchange views with Minister Douglas again less than one year later. Your presence fully demonstrates the profound bond between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis. I look forward to the further deepening of our partnership through our exchanges during this visit. Although our two nations are separated by a great distance, we share such universal values as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. We also continue to achieve remarkable results through cooperation in such fields as education and training, agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Given that Prime Minister Drew, Minister Douglas, and I all share medical backgrounds, we deeply understand the importance of people’s health. I thus look forward to St. Kitts and Nevis’s climate-smart JNF General Hospital commencing operations as soon as possible thanks to our cooperation. The provision of even higher-quality public health and medical services will yield benefits for many more people. I also believe that by having Taiwan share its experiences in renewable energy and energy-saving technologies, our two countries will jointly drive green industrial transformation and stimulate sustainable development together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank St. Kitts and Nevis for actively speaking up for Taiwan and supporting Taiwan’s participation at such major international venues and organizations as the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. In the future, Taiwan will continue to make critical contributions to the international community. With the support of Minister Douglas and our guests, I look forward to our two countries backing each other on the global stage and continuing to build an even stronger foundation for bilateral cooperation. Let us work together to address the various challenges we face and create even greater well-being for our peoples. Minister Douglas then delivered remarks, first conveying greetings from Prime Minister Drew to President Lai, the government, and the people of Taiwan. He then stated that over the last 41 years since the dawn of their nationhood, the Republic of China Taiwan has steadfastly walked beside St. Kitts and Nevis as a strong and immovable partner. As we reflect on four decades of our journey together, he said, we recognize the unswerving and unwavering spirit that has guided both our nations through trials and challenges. The minister then acknowledged the generous support of Taiwan’s government that has helped St. Kitts and Nevis in its own economic and social development. He went on to say that Taiwan’s partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis has been instrumental in helping them achieve the goals of their sustainable island state agenda. Whether in enhancing food security through the diversification of their agricultural sector, fostering clean energy solutions through the solar PV farm, or advancing healthcare through assistance in building their smart hospital, he said, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner in shaping a much more resilient and sustainable future for the people of their federation. In the spirit of reciprocity and solidarity, Minister Douglas said, St. Kitts and Nevis continues to leverage opportunities on the global stage to request incessantly that Taiwan be given its rightful place in international organizations, where it can make a meaningful contribution to resolving the world’s most critical issues. Minister Douglas indicated that the global challenges we face today demand collective action, and that Taiwan has the innovation, the technology, the knowledge, and the expertise to make a tremendous positive impact on some of the world’s most urgent issues. He said that St. Kitts and Nevis will never grow weary in their own support, but shall continue to sound the clarion call of “let Taiwan in,” as well as advocate for peace to be maintained in the Taiwan Strait. To close, Minister Douglas expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality bestowed upon him and his delegation by Taiwan’s government, remarking that the engagements they had thus far were pregnant with promise, and that they are confident in witnessing a fruitful outcome as we work together to build a prosperous and sustainable future for our peoples. The delegation also included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Adina Richards, and Director in the Ministry of International Trade Sean Lawrence. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya L. Francis.

Details
2025-03-18
President Lai meets 2025 Yushan Forum participants
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2025 Yushan Forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the guests for gathering here in Taiwan and discussing ways to enhance regional cooperation, demonstrating that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. The president reiterated that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. He stated that Taiwan will continue to work with international partners to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, the president emphasized, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to begin by thanking Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former prime minister of Denmark and chairman of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, for inviting then-President Tsai Ing-wen to address the Copenhagen Democracy Summit via video over five consecutive years since 2020, and for inviting myself to give remarks via video last year. Those opportunities allowed Taiwan to share with the world our motivation for, and our work toward, safeguarding freedom and democracy. I would also like to thank Mr. Janez Janša, former prime minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who has visited Taiwan many times already, for actively elevating the cordial ties between Taiwan and Slovenia during his term as prime minister, helping expand friendship for Taiwan throughout Europe. Today’s guests have traveled a long way to show their strong backing for Taiwan. For this, I express my deepest gratitude. Yesterday was my first time attending the Yushan Forum as president. I saw political leaders and representatives gather here in Taiwan and discuss ways to enhance regional cooperation. The event demonstrated that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. It was truly moving. As I stated at the opening ceremony, Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. Our government will help guide Taiwanese small- and medium-sized enterprises as they expand into the international market and extend Taiwan’s economic power. I hope that during this visit, our guests will be able to explore more opportunities for cooperation in such fields as AI, smart healthcare, and advanced technologies, and join hands in contributing to the prosperity and development of our democratic allies and friends. Taiwan will continue to work with international partners, building upon the shared values of freedom and democracy, to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And I hope, with the assistance of our guests here today, that we can further strengthen the ties between Taiwan and Europe so that we can all take up the work of maintaining global peace and stability. Once again, I welcome our guests to Taiwan. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in a few moments. I also hope you will visit Taiwan often in the future and continue to experience our vibrant democratic society and culture. Chairman Rasmussen then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great pleasure to be back here in Taipei after meeting with President Lai in 2023. He then thanked President Lai for the Taiwanese hospitality on behalf of the Yushan Forum international visitors and participants, who represent four continents and very different political parties but who are united by one thing – the commitment to democracy. Chairman Rasmussen mentioned that over the past few days, they have met with members of the government, legislature, and civil society in Taiwan. He said that he is more convinced than ever that in a very uncertain world, Taiwan continues to stand as a beacon of democracy, from which people in Europe and in the rest of the world have a lot to learn. Over the past eight years, he has been proud to step up his engagement with Taiwan, he said, as he has always subscribed to the view that freedom must advance everywhere, or else it is in decline everywhere. Chairman Rasmussen noted that they have many interests in making sure Taiwan remains free and that we must always stand up for freedom when it is under assault by a dictator. This is why Ukraine’s fight is also everyone’s fight, he explained. He then praised Taiwan for all of the support it has given to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion and honored the two Taiwanese volunteer soldiers who gave their lives for freedom in Ukraine. Chairman Rasmussen remarked that Taiwan is a strong feature of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit that he convenes each year. His foundation, the Alliance of Democracies, has even been sanctioned by the Chinese government due to its support of Taiwan, he said, which is something he takes as a badge of honor. He added that this year’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit in May will be no different, as they plan to focus on the new world order, urgent measures to strengthen Europe’s military, and the situation in Ukraine. But as the United States pulls back from the transatlantic alliance and Europe focuses more on its own defense, he said, Europe should not retreat from the world. He added that to ensure European security, we need more Europe in the Indo-Pacific, and that is why he has been making the argument for more political and economic cooperation with Taiwan. Chairman Rasmussen praised President Lai’s recent decision to increase Taiwan’s national defense budget to more than 3 percent of GDP, adding that it is important that each nation does what it can for its own defense. The chairman once again thanked President Lai for meeting with them today and for the opportunity to visit Taiwan, a beacon of democracy and liberty in Asia. Also in attendance at the meeting were Chairman of the Czech Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Pavel Fischer; Member of the National Security Advisory Board to India’s National Security Council Anshuman Tripathi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Anna Fotyga; former Minister of Health of Canada Tony Clement; and former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and current Secretary General of the Polish-based Community of Democracies Mantas Adomėnas.

Details
2025-03-17
President Lai meets Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji
On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Japanese House of Representatives Member and Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Consultative Council for doing its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. He also stated that Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense, and in addition to continuing to bolster its economic strength and enhance its self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will work together with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to extend a warm welcome to Chairman Furuya, who is visiting us once again. I am also delighted to meet House of Councillors Member Yamamoto Junzo and House of Representatives Member Hiranuma Shojiro today. Although the Japanese Diet is currently in session, our distinguished guests overcame many hurdles and organized a delegation to attend the 2025 Yushan Forum and deliver speeches, providing valuable insights into issues of mutual concern in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrating the support for Taiwan in the Diet. Here, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. During the Yushan Forum, it was especially inspiring when Chairman Furuya spoke Taiwanese when he emphasized that “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” Over the past few years under Chairman Furuya’s leadership, the Consultative Council has done its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. In addition to passing resolutions every year supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the council has established four internal research groups regarding the CPTPP, exchanges for women legislators, encouraging local-level exchanges, and the Taiwan Relations Act, using an issue-oriented approach to deepen Taiwan-Japan relations. Thanks to the Consultative Council’s long-term assistance and promotional efforts, the Japanese Ministry of Justice has announced that beginning this May, members of the Taiwanese overseas community in Japan included in the country’s family registry system may list “Taiwan” in the field designating their nationality or region of origin. This demonstrates the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan, and the Taiwanese people will always remember the council’s continued concrete actions in support of Taiwan. In his remarks at the Yushan Forum today, Chairman Furuya mentioned that there are many areas in which Taiwan and Japan can engage in industrial cooperation. We can continue to deepen our partnership in semiconductors, energy, AI, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other areas related to economic security and supply chain resilience, all of which have significant room for cooperation, creating win-win situations for both Taiwan and Japan. As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity. Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense. In addition to bolstering our economic strength and enhancing our self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will also work with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. All of our distinguished guests are good friends of Taiwan, and are very familiar with Taiwan. I hope to continue working together with you all to carry Taiwan-Japan relations to an even higher level. Chairman Furuya then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking time out of his busy schedule to see them. He then noted that Japan, Taiwan, and quite a few other nations around the world changed leaders last year, and conditions around the world are becoming increasingly unstable. One cannot see what the world will be like a few years from now, he said, which is why he is counting so heavily on the strong leadership of President Lai. Chairman Furuya said that, in addition to collaboration in foreign affairs and security matters, economic cooperation between Taiwan and Japan is also very important. He mentioned new technologies, and said he had spoken quite a bit on the topic that very morning at the Yushan Forum. The clearest example, he said, is the establishment by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company of a wafer plant in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, which has sparked robust economic activity. He added that cooperation addressing such matters as cyberattacks and supply chain resilience is also very important. Chairman Furuya noted that President Lai had mentioned in his remarks that beginning from May, Taiwanese overseas community members in Japan will be able to list “Taiwan” on their family registers. The chairman expressed his view that this is not a foreign affairs issue, but rather a human rights issue for the Taiwanese people, and an excellent way to show respect for Taiwan. He further noted President Lai’s mentioning of the four research groups that the Consultative Council has established, and said that these groups will ramp up their work. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address challenges that face both countries, such as issues pertaining to democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait, so that they can together push for international peace and stability. Chairman Furuya stated that reciprocal visits by Taiwanese and Japanese people reached an all-time high last year. He said that in the future, in addition to further promoting local exchanges between the two countries, he also hopes that Japanese middle school and high school students planning to go on overseas study trips will choose Taiwan as their destination, because he feels that any student who visits Taiwan will become a fan of this place. Also in attendance was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

Details
2025-03-13
President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
On the afternoon of March 13, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces: China’s threat to national sovereignty, its threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting Taiwan’s military, its threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan, its threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges, and its threats from using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and expressed hope that all citizens unite in solidarity to resist being divided. The president also expressed hope that citizens work together to increase media literacy, organize and participate in civic education activities, promptly expose concerted united front efforts, and refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, he said, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: At many venues recently, a number of citizens have expressed similar concerns to me. They have noticed cases in which members of the military, both active-duty and retired, have been bought out by China, sold intelligence, or even organized armed forces with plans to harm their own nation and its citizens. They have noticed cases in which entertainers willingly followed instructions from Beijing to claim that their country is not a country, all for the sake of personal career interests. They have noticed how messaging used by Chinese state media to stir up internal opposition in Taiwan is always quickly spread by specific channels. There have even been individuals making careers out of helping Chinese state media record united front content, spreading a message that democracy is useless and promoting skepticism toward the United States and the military to sow division and opposition. Many people worry that our country, as well as our hard-won freedom and democracy and the prosperity and progress we achieved together, are being washed away bit by bit due to these united front tactics. In an analysis of China’s united front, renowned strategic scholar Kerry K. Gershaneck expressed that China plans to divide and conquer us through subversion, infiltration, and acquisition of media, and by launching media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare. What they are trying to do is to sow seeds of discord in our society, keep us occupied with internal conflicts, and cause us to ignore the real threat from outside. China’s ambition over the past several decades to annex Taiwan and stamp out the Republic of China has not changed for even a day. It continues to pursue political and military intimidation, and its united front infiltration of Taiwan’s society grows ever more serious. In 2005, China promulgated its so-called “Anti-Secession Law,” which makes using military force to annex Taiwan a national undertaking. Last June, China issued a 22-point set of “guidelines for punishing Taiwan independence separatists,” which regards all those who do not accept that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China” as targets for punishment, creating excuses to harm the people of Taiwan. China has also recently been distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, showing in all aspects China’s increasingly urgent threat against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lately, China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan’s freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within. A report from the National Security Bureau indicates that 64 persons were charged last year with suspicion of spying for China, which was three times the number of persons charged for the same offense in 2021. Among them, the Unionist Party, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government formed treasonous organizations to deploy armed forces for China. In a democratic and free society, such cases are appalling. But this is something that actually exists within Taiwan’s society today. China also actively plots ways to infiltrate and spy on our military. Last year, 28 active-duty and 15 retired members of the armed forces were charged with suspicion of involvement in spying for China, respectively comprising 43 percent and 23 percent of all of such cases – 66 percent in total. We are also alert to the fact that China has recently used widespread issuance of Chinese passports to entice Taiwanese citizens to apply for the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, permanent residency, or the Resident Identity Card, in an attempt to muddle Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity. China also views cross-strait exchanges as a channel for its united front against Taiwan, marking enemies in Taiwan internally, creating internal divisions, and weakening our sense of who the enemy really is. It intends to weaken public authority and create the illusion that China is “governing” Taiwan, thereby expanding its influence within Taiwan. We are also aware that China has continued to expand its strategy of integrated development with Taiwan. It employs various methods to demand and coerce Taiwanese businesses to increase their investments in China, entice Taiwanese youth to develop their careers in China, and unscrupulously seeks to poach Taiwan’s talent and steal key technologies. Such methods impact our economic security and greatly increase the risk of our young people heading to China. By its actions, China already satisfies the definition of a “foreign hostile force” as provided in the Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take even more proactive measures, which is my purpose in convening this high-level national security meeting today. It is time we adopt proper preventive measures, enhance our democratic resilience and national security, and protect our cherished free and democratic way of life. Next, I will be giving a detailed account of the five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces and the 17 major strategies we have prepared in response. I. Responding to China’s threats to our national sovereignty We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we have the Republic of China insofar as we have Taiwan. Just as I said during my inaugural address last May, and in my National Day address last October: The moment when Taiwan’s first democratically elected president took the oath of office in 1996 sent a message to the international community, that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan resists any annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. The future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by its 23 million people. This is the status quo that we must maintain. The broadest consensus in Taiwanese society is that we must defend our sovereignty, uphold our free and democratic way of life, and resolutely oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (1) I request that the National Security Council (NSC), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and the administrative team do their utmost to promote the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to demonstrate the people’s broad consensus and firm resolve, consistent across the entirety of our nation, to oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (2) I request that the NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft an action plan that will, through collaboration with our friends and allies, convey to the world our national will and broad social consensus in opposing annexation of Taiwan by China and in countering China’s efforts to erase Taiwan from the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. II. Responding to China’s threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting our military (1) Comprehensively review and amend our Law of Military Trial to restore the military trial system, allowing military judges to return to the frontline and collaborate with prosecutorial, investigative, and judicial authorities in the handling of criminal cases in which active-duty military personnel are suspected of involvement in such military crimes as sedition, aiding the enemy, leaking confidential information, dereliction of duty, or disobedience. In the future, criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel who are suspected of violating the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces will be tried by a military court. (2) Implement supporting reforms, including the establishment of a personnel management act for military judges and separate organization acts for military courts and military prosecutors’ offices. Once planning and discussion are completed, the MND will fully explain to and communicate with the public to ensure that the restoration of the military trial system gains the trust and full support of society. (3) To deter the various types of controversial rhetoric and behavior exhibited by active-duty as well as retired military personnel that severely damage the morale of our national military, the MND must discuss and propose an addition to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces on penalties for expressions of loyalty to the enemy as well as revise the regulations for military personnel and their families receiving retirement benefits, so as to uphold military discipline. III. Responding to China’s threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan (1) I request that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), and other relevant agencies, wherever necessary, carry out inspections and management of the documents involving identification that Taiwanese citizens apply for in China, including: passports, ID cards, permanent residence certificates, and residence certificates, especially when the applicants are military personnel, civil servants, or public school educators, who have an obligation of loyalty to Taiwan. This will be done to strictly prevent and deter united front operations, which are performed by China under the guise of “integrated development,” that attempt to distort our people’s national identity. (2) With respect to naturalization and integration of individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into Taiwanese society, more national security considerations must be taken into account while also attending to Taiwan’s social development and individual rights: Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan must, in accordance with the law of Taiwan, relinquish their existing household registration and passport and may not hold dual identity status. As for the systems in place to process individuals from Hong Kong or Macau applying for residency or permanent residency in Taiwan, there will be additional provisions for long-term residency to meet practical needs. IV. Responding to China’s threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges (1) There are increasing risks involved with travel to China. (From January 1, 2024 to today, the MAC has received reports of 71 Taiwanese nationals who went missing, were detained, interrogated, or imprisoned in China; the number of unreported people who have been subjected to such treatment may be several times that. Of those, three elderly I-Kuan Tao members were detained in China in December of last year and have not yet been released.) In light of this, relevant agencies must raise public awareness of those risks, continue enhancing public communication, and implement various registration systems to reduce the potential for accidents and the risks associated with traveling to China. (2) Implement a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public officials at all levels of the central and local government. This includes everyone from administrative officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and neighborhood chiefs, all of whom should make the information related to such exchanges both public and transparent so that they can be accountable to the people. The MOI should also establish a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public welfare organizations, such as religious groups, in order to prevent China’s interference and united front activities at their outset. (3) Manage the risks associated with individuals from China engaging in exchanges with Taiwan: Review and approval of Chinese individuals coming to Taiwan should be limited to normal cross-strait exchanges and official interactions under the principles of parity and dignity, and relevant factors such as changes in the cross-strait situation should be taken into consideration. Strict restrictions should be placed on Chinese individuals who have histories with the united front coming to Taiwan, and Chinese individuals should be prohibited from coming to Taiwan to conduct activities related in any way to the united front. (4) Political interference from China and the resulting risks to national security should be avoided in cross-strait exchanges. This includes the review and management of religious, cultural, academic, and education exchanges, which should in principle be depoliticized and de-risked so as to simplify people-to-people exchanges and promote healthy and orderly exchanges. (5) To deter the united front tactics of a cultural nature employed by Chinese nationals to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, the Executive Yuan must formulate a solution to make our local cultural industries more competitive, including enhanced support and incentives for our film, television, and cultural and creative industries to boost their strengths in democratic cultural creation, raise international competitiveness, and encourage research in Taiwan’s own history and culture. (6) Strengthen guidance and management for entertainers developing their careers in China. The competent authorities should provide entertainers with guidelines on conduct while working in China, and make clear the scope of investigation and response to conduct that endangers national dignity. This will help prevent China from pressuring Taiwanese entertainers to make statements or act in ways that endanger national dignity. (7) The relevant authorities must adopt proactive, effective measures to prevent China from engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan or endangering cybersecurity through the internet, applications, AI, and other such tools. (8) To implement these measures, each competent authority must run a comprehensive review of the relevant administrative ordinances, measures, and interpretations, and complete the relevant regulations for legal enforcement. Should there be any shortcomings, the legal framework for national security should be strengthened and amendments to the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, or Cyber Security Management Act should be proposed. Communication with the public should also be increased so that implementation can happen as soon as possible. V. Responding to threats from China using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth (1) I request that the NSC and administrative agencies work together to carry out strategic structural adjustments to the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and China based on the strategies of putting Taiwan first and expanding our global presence while staying rooted in Taiwan. In addition, they should carry out necessary, orderly adjustments to the flow of talent, goods, money, and skills involved in cross-strait economic and trade relations based on the principle of strengthening Taiwan’s foundations to better manage risk. This will help boost economic security and give us more power to respond to China’s economic and trade united front and economic coercion against Taiwan. (2) I request that the Ministry of Education, MAC, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant agencies work together to comprehensively strengthen young students’ literacy education on China and deepen their understanding of cross-strait exchanges. I also request these agencies to widely publicize mechanisms for employment and entrepreneurship for Taiwan’s youth and provide ample information and assistance so that young students have more confidence in the nation’s future and more actively invest in building up and developing Taiwan. My fellow citizens, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. History tells us that any authoritarian act of aggression or annexation will ultimately end in failure. The only way we can safeguard freedom and prevail against authoritarian aggression is through solidarity. As we face increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and to ensure that the freedom, democracy, and way of life of Taiwan’s 23 million people continues on as normal. But relying solely on the power of the government is not enough. What we need even more is for all citizens to stay vigilant and take action. Every citizen stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy and freedom. Here is what we can do together: First, we can increase our media literacy, and refrain from spreading and passing on united front messaging from the Chinese state. Second, we can organize and participate in civic education activities to increase our knowledge about united front operations and build up whole-of-society defense resilience. Third, we can promptly expose concerted united front efforts so that all malicious attempts are difficult to carry out. Fourth, we must refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. The vigilance and action of every citizen forms the strongest line of defense against united front infiltration. Only through solidarity can we resist being divided. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Student design bureaus of Russia unite on a single portal

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

The Department for Coordination of Activities of Educational Organizations of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation announces the launch of a single portal for student design bureaus (SDB).

The Interuniversity Student Design Bureau in collaboration with OOO TMH Engineering also functions at the State University of Management. Moreover, the bureau’s project, developed under the supervision of Vladimir Filatov, Director of the Center for Management of Engineering Projects at the State University of Management, became the winner of the All-Russian competition “My Country – My Russia” in the nomination “My Pedagogical Initiative”.

Today, about 700 SKBs have been created in Russian universities. Patented inventions have been created in 213 of them. More than 107 thousand people are involved in their work: students of secondary vocational and higher education, schoolchildren, master’s students, postgraduates, young scientists, engineers and workers (up to 35 years old).

Main areas of work: artificial and industrial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing and prototyping, aircraft modeling, radio electronics, machine tool manufacturing, instrument making, programming and piloting of unmanned aerial vehicles, information technology.

The portal hosts specialized competitions and has a feedback form.

Welcome to studkb.rf and to the Telegram channel https://t.me/studkb

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

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: How not to regret the choice you made

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

A “good” solution also comes at a price

Even if we are satisfied with the final quality of the decision we made, we can look at the “price” we had to pay for it. According to Dmitry Leontiev, the author of the existential-activity theory of choice, the price of choice consists of the loss of rejected opportunities and the inevitable or probable undesirable consequences of the choice. For example, if a person has built a successful career as an academic musician and actively tours around the world, then when assessing the quality of this decision, it is important to take into account not only satisfaction with the chosen profession, but also what had to be sacrificed for it (for example, the dream of becoming a dentist, having free weekends for many years, quality sleep and, say, good relations with the family – if the family does not support the person’s lifestyle). From this we can conclude that no choice is completely “good” or “bad”: any of our decisions is associated with certain costs, and the perception of the choice as more or less suitable depends on how ready we are for these costs.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Subsidies, services, social shifts: China’s strategic push for a birth-friendly future

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Faced with the twin demographic challenges of a low fertility rate and a graying population, China is spearheading systemic policy innovations and people-oriented practices to bolster birth rates, boost consumption and drive sustainable socioeconomic growth in the coming decades and beyond.
This strategic emphasis on encouraging childbirth was underscored earlier this month during China’s national “two sessions,” where the term “provide childcare subsidies” was included for the first time in the annual government work report.
Additionally, a recently unveiled plan to increase consumption, proposes establishing a childcare subsidy system, expanding childbirth insurance coverage and enhancing pediatric services. These initiatives indicate that promoting childbirth has become a national strategic priority.
China’s total fertility rate has remained at around 1 for a few years, less than half of the required replacement level of 2.1. Meanwhile, the country’s degree of aging continues to increase. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that those aged 65 years and above made up about 15.6 percent of the total population last year.
“Severe sub-replacement fertility will be China’s greatest economic and social challenge,” according to a recent article by veteran demographer James Liang, executive chair of China’s online travel service giant Trip.com Group.
Liang noted that only by prioritizing birth rate improvement, leveraging institutional strengths, and mobilizing social resources can the problem be effectively addressed.
In October 2024, a State Council directive outlined 13 targeted measures to enhance childbirth support services, expand child care systems, strengthen support in education, housing and employment, and foster a birth-friendly social atmosphere.
Earlier data from China’s national health authorities revealed that over 20 provincial-level regions had explored offering childcare subsidies at different levels, with more comprehensive versions being introduced recently.
The latest such measures were rolled out in north China’s Shanxi Province, where several counties introduced policies aimed at encouraging childbirth and alleviating family burdens by providing one-time childbirth subsidies, while partially covering hospitalization costs for childbirth.
For example, families in Xingxian County of the city of Lyuliang in Shanxi that give birth to their first, second or third child on or after Jan. 1, 2025, are eligible for one-time subsidies of 2,000 yuan (about 279 U.S. dollars), 5,000 yuan or 8,000 yuan, respectively.
Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong Province, a city known for its economic vitality and inclusiveness and home to China’s largest migrant population, has also pledged to actively implement national initiatives by enhancing its childbirth support policy system and incentive mechanisms.
These developments follow Hohhot’s earlier announcement of a new childcare subsidy initiative, which attracted nationwide attention to this city, which is the capital of north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, an area known for producing top quality milk, resulting in a boost for market confidence.
In Hohhot, couples having their first child will be offered a one-time payment of 10,000 yuan. For a second child, 50,000 yuan will be distributed in annual installments of 10,000 yuan. For all subsequent children, the same annual subsidy will be offered until the child turns 10, totaling 100,000 yuan, which is much higher than in other cities and amounts to roughly twice the annual income of local citizens.
These tangible subsidies are expected to drive consumption momentum in the maternal and infant product sector, according to Han Fei, vice president of Hohhot-based Yili Group, Asia’s largest dairy company. Han added that the city also plans to provide a daily cup of free milk for new mothers, which will accelerate the consumption of fresh milk in China’s dairy industry heartland.
Since 2013, China has implemented several rounds of progressive adjustments to adapt its population policies to evolving demographic and socioeconomic conditions. In 2021, it announced support for couples who wish to have a third child — and it is from that time onward that childbirth subsidies began to emerge.
Notably, the first city in China to offer such subsidies, Panzhihua in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, has witnessed positive growth in its permanent resident population for four consecutive years.
Meanwhile, Tianmen, a county-level city in central China’s Hubei Province, saw a year-on-year increase of 17 percent in its newborn population in 2024, significantly higher than the national average of 5.8 percent, and ending an eight-year decline. Among the 7,217 newborns in Tianmen, more than half were second or third children.
From baby bonuses and childcare subsidies to maternity leave allowances and home purchase incentives, total rewards for second and third children in Tianmen amount to 96,300 yuan and 165,100 yuan, respectively.
Tianmen’s tangible, holistic pro-birth policies also spurred a strong recovery in the real estate market of the city, where the average housing price is 5,000 yuan per square meter — attracting over 100 regions to conduct research and learn from its practices.
These cases show that financial incentives are probably the fastest way to boost fertility rates, and yet they are far from sufficient. Increased childcare services, extended maternity leave, and strengthened support in the fields of education, housing and employment, as well as a healthy marriage and childbirth culture, are also crucial in fostering a birth-friendly society. Encouragingly, various regions have already begun exploring such avenues.
Cash rewards ease financial burdens, but boosting birth rates requires tackling deeper issues like childcare challenges, work-life balance, and education costs, said Yue Ling, associate professor at the Beijing-based China University of Labor Relations.
Liang also highlighted the need for comprehensive measures including tax breaks, housing subsidies, increased childcare facilities, and promoting flexible work arrangements, to effectively boost willingness to have children.
Experts also emphasized the importance of coordinated consideration at both the national and local levels, to make support policies more reasonable, feasible and sustainable, as regional economic disparities can have an impact on the effectiveness of policies.

MIL OSI China News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump urges Supreme Court to limit judges’ power to block his policies

Source: China State Council Information Office

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called on the U.S. Supreme Court to limit the power of federal judges to issue injunctions that block his administration’s policies, indicating growing tensions between the president and the judiciary system.

“Unlawful Nationwide Injunctions by Radical Left Judges could very well lead to the destruction of our Country!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding that “These Judges want to assume the Powers of the Presidency.”

“STOP NATIONWIDE INJUNCTIONS NOW, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. If (Chief) Justice (John) Roberts and the United States Supreme Court do not fix this toxic and unprecedented situation IMMEDIATELY, our Country is in very serious trouble!” Trump said.

Several policies of the Trump administration have already faced lawsuits, including the revocation of birthright citizenship, the acquisition of private information from the U.S. Treasury by Elon Musk and members of the Department of Government Efficiency, the withholding of funding from the National Institutes of Health, the dismissal of employees from the U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as mass layoff in the Education Department.

So far, a number of actions taken by the Trump administration have been halted or temporarily suspended through judicial rulings. This has sparked anger within the administration and among Trump’s supporters, resulting in frequent calls for impeaching the judges.

Earlier this week, Trump called for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg after he blocked the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. Boasberg is the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

In a rare statement, Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday criticized Trump and his supporters for advocating the impeachment of the judges who have ruled against the administration.

“For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,” Roberts said.

“The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose,” said the chief justice.

MIL OSI China News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Ceremony held in Tainan in southern Taiwan to honor Confucius

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

A solemn ceremony, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of traditional drums, was held at Tainan Confucius Temple in southern Taiwan early Thursday morning, coinciding with the spring equinox, to honor the revered ancient Chinese educator and philosopher.

In keeping with ancient rites, the temple hosts biannual ceremonies in spring and autumn to promote Confucian values of reverence for teachers and scholarly traditions.

Comprising 20 procedures, the ceremony adheres to traditions that trace back to Qufu in Shandong Province — the birthplace of Confucius. The ceremonial music is primarily rooted in Zhangzhou in Fujian. Local primary school students performed an ancient ritual dance at the ceremony, paying the highest tribute to Confucius.

The Confucian philosophy is an important component of Chinese civilization and a cultural bedrock for social development in Taiwan. Incomplete statistics indicate that there are over 40 Confucius temples across the island, with the Tainan Confucius Temple, built in 1666, being the oldest.

MIL OSI China News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Confucius Institute brings Mandarin lessons to secondary schools in Mozambique

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

A groundbreaking partnership has been officially launched between the Confucius Institute at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique’s largest university, and two local secondary schools.

The ceremony on Wednesday featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Confucius Institute and the two secondary schools — Francisco Manyanga Secondary School and Josina Machel Secondary School.

This event not only celebrated educational collaboration but also highlighted the promising opportunities this partnership will create for Mozambican students.

According to the directors of the two secondary schools, the agreement paves the way for the introduction of Mandarin language courses, representing a crucial step in diversifying and enriching Mozambique’s educational curriculum.

“To speak a language is to live a culture. To speak a language is to identify with a certain culture, underscoring the deep cultural significance of the Mandarin language beyond its practical utility,” said Sabino Congolo, director of Francisco Manyanga Secondary School. He expressed enthusiasm for the project and the opportunities it will create for students.

In his speech, Liu Jichao, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, emphasized the importance of language in bridging cultures. “By learning Mandarin, students will not only gain a new skill but will also open doors to better opportunities, particularly in trade, cultural exchange, and international cooperation between China and Mozambique,” he said.

As the project progresses, plans are in place to expand Mandarin classes to additional schools, aiming to build a broader network of learners who can benefit from the cultural and professional opportunities the language offers, according to Liu.

MIL OSI China News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Drug offences – Darwin
Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 26-year-old male for multiple drug offences in Marrara.

On Tuesday 11 February, the Gangs Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Bellamack. Police located and seized over $130,000 in cash and 60g of Ecstasy tablets from the residence.

The alleged offender was not present at the time of the search.

Later, on Friday 21 March, Gangs Task Force arrested 26-year-old Mongols member.

When police located the male at accommodation in Marrara, the male refused to exit his room.

Entry to the residence was gained and the male was arrested without incident.

During a lawful search of the accommodation, police seized a traffickable quantity of MDMA and a quantity of cannabis.

The 26-year-old has been charged with the following offences:
- Supply schedule 1 dangerous drug – Commercial quantity
- Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – Commercial quantity
- Receive / possess / tainted Property
- Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – Traffickable quantity
- Destroy evidence
- Possess schedule 2 dangerous drug – Less than traffickable quantity.
He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 25 March 2025

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Timothy Gardiner said, “Police will not tolerate the violent and criminal behaviour exhibited by outlaw motorcycle gangs in our community.

“These organisations thrive on intimidation, drug trafficking, and violence, and we are committed to dismantling their operations.

“We will pursue them relentlessly until they no longer pose a threat to our community.”

MIL OSI News –
March 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: What are non-tariff barriers – and why is agriculture so exposed?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Renwick, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Since the return to power of US President Donald Trump, tariffs have barely left the front pages.

While the on-off-on tariff sagas have dominated the headlines, a paper released this week by the government’s Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has highlighted other barriers. These non-tariff measures could actually be having a greater impact in terms of preventing trade.

The report says these non-tariff measures are equivalent to Australian agricultural exporters facing a tariff of 19%.

What are non-tariff measures?

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) defines a non-tariff barrier as

any kind of “red tape” or policy measure, other than tariffs or tariff-rate quotas, that unjustifiably restricts trade.

ABARES use a broader definition of “non-tariff measures”. This circumvents the tricky problem of trying to ascertain whether a non-tariff measure is justified or unjustified.

Non-tariff measures can be separated into categories, such as sanitary and phytosanitary (food safety and plant/animal health-related), technical barriers to trade (food standards, labelling, and so on) and quantitative restrictions (such as quotas).

It should be emphasised that these measures have a legitimate role to play in our trading systems.

As noted by DFAT, enshrined in the rules of the World Trade Organization is the fact that all nations have the right to set trade rules to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their citizens and to protect animal and plant health. Australia makes full use of these measures.

How do they become a barrier to trade?

So when does a measure become a barrier? According to DFAT, this is when they are:
- unclear or unevenly applied
- more trade-restrictive than necessary to meet their stated objective, or
- introduced to provide an unfair advantage to domestic industries.
Both justified and unjustified measures can work to prevent free trade. But the report also shows how non-trade measures can facilitate trade – for example, by providing assurances to customers in one country about the quality and safety of products from another country.

Why agriculture is so exposed

Non-tariff measures are particularly prevalent in agriculture because of the biological nature of food production and the potential risks to human, animal and plant health.

Importing a faulty phone may lead to some losses to consumers. But infected agricultural products could severely disrupt a whole sector or even destroy ecosystems. For example, a large foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Australia could cost the Australian economy more than A$26 billion over ten years.

However, the existence of so many of these measures in the agricultural and food sectors may also be a political issue. Agricultural lobby groups are powerful in many countries and continually push for protection from imports. In this case, the measures can be viewed as barriers.

The next wave of tariff announcements is coming on April 2.
Bienvenido Velasco/Shutterstock

What did the research say?

The ABARES research highlights that non-tariff measures have proliferated in recent years as overall tariff rates have been declining. It also estimates that these measures have an increasingly negative impact on Australia’s agricultural export volumes.

However, we do have to be careful in interpreting these results.

An increase in justified measures is very different from an increase in unjustified measures.

The ABARES report is not able to distinguish between the two. It may be questioned whether it is fair to include justified measures in a calculation of the headline tariff-equivalent measure.

The report also highlights the costs of the measures, but does not consider the benefits. The example of foot and mouth shows that the benefits of non-tariff measures can be very large.

It cuts both ways

The ABARES report focuses on the impact of these measures on Australian export trade – but questions can also be raised about the use of them by Australia itself.

Australia is in the crosshairs of Trump’s trade war. On April 2 the United States is set to implement a new wave of tariffs under its Fair and Reciprocal Trade Plan. These will target both tariffs and non-tariff measures.

Read more:
The next round in the US trade war has the potential to be more damaging for Australia

Australia’s food security measures relating to beef are being explicitly called out by the US farm lobby. A US beef trade organisation called the Australia-US free trade agreement “by far the most lopsided and unfair trading deal” for its farmers.

According to a press report on Friday, California winemakers have also complained to Trump about an Australian tax on wine sales, calling it “unfair”.

There is no doubt there are significant gains to be had from disentangling genuine measures that protect human, plant and animal health from those that hinder trade purely to protect inefficient domestic producers or favour certain countries over others. Once this is done, work can be undertaken to reduce the unjustified barriers.

However, the difficulty is how to achieve this – especially as what is often seen as justified by an importer may be the seen as the opposite or unjustified by an exporter.

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

– ref. What are non-tariff barriers – and why is agriculture so exposed? – https://theconversation.com/what-are-non-tariff-barriers-and-why-is-agriculture-so-exposed-252739
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
March 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s ‘coercive’ news media rules are the latest targets of US trade ire

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Nicholls, Senior Research Associate in Media and Communications, University of Sydney

As the United States recalibrates its trade policies to combat what the Trump administration sees as “unfair” treatment by other countries, two significant industries have complained to US regulators about their treatment in Australia.

The tech industry – particularly Big Tech platforms such as Google and Meta – says it is being “coerced” into handing cash to Australian media companies. And the pharmaceutical industry is upset about low prices and delays in getting new treatments into the Australian market.

Why are we hearing about these complaints now? And what will they mean for Australia?

The US Trade Representative requests a pile-on

In February, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) invited comments from the public to help it review and identify any unfair trade practices by other countries. The call was made “pursuant to the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs”.

The aim was to use this consultation to investigate potential harm to the US from any non-reciprocal trade arrangements. The consultation was designed to help the USTR recommend appropriate actions to remedy any such practices.

Essentially, it was an invitation to complain about any and all countries, including Australia. All the relevant industry associations have taken up this opportunity with a high degree of enthusiasm.

There have been 766 submissions.

Big Tech has complaints

A tech industry group called the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) made a submission raising concerns about the digital policies of several countries, including Australia.

The submission emphasised policies with what it calls “extractionary and redistributive characteristics” that force one set of market participants to subsidise the economic activities of another.

The association’s Australian concern focuses on the News Media Bargaining Code. This requires tech companies to pay for news that appears on their platforms.

The CCIA characterises the News Bargaining Code as:

a coercive and discriminatory tax that requires US technology companies to subsidise Australian media companies.

The CCIA argued that the financial burden imposed by the code is substantial. It said that two companies (Google and Meta, although the CCIA does not name them) pay A$250 million annually in deals “coerced through the threat of this law”. It also mentioned the planned “news bargaining incentive”, which aims to encourage platforms to do deals with media companies.

Regulation by default

The CCIA is also concerned about changes in competition law that will lead to platforms being regulated by default. That is, like telecommunications and electricity companies, designated platforms will be assumed to have a substantial degree of market power. (This was a finding made by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in 2019.)

The industry group argued that Australia’s regulatory regime is modelled on the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In fact, Australia is likely to look closely at both the EU and UK regimes.

The CCIA says this default regulation would target specified US companies with discriminatory obligations.

However, any business that is “designated” – regardless of its host country – would have these obligations. The proposed approach does not target or discriminate against US businesses.

It is true the proposed approach will have heavy penalties for breach, and the CCIA complains about these “significant fines”. The CCIA correctly identifies that the regulations would empower the government to impose restrictions on how platforms use customers’ data, and whether they can preference their own products.

The CCIA says it is concerned that these measures, like similar ones in other jurisdictions, disproportionately target US companies. It says they would also impose significant compliance costs, and may serve as a backdoor for industrial policy designed to advantage local competitors. They argue that such rules can require changes to operating procedures and services, and that non-compliance can result in hefty fines.

The submission also addresses Australia’s proposed requirements for US online video providers, such as Netflix, to fund the development and production of Australian content, which could require these providers to allocate 10–20% of their local expenditure to Australian content. It does not note that the same is true for Australian streaming platforms.

Big Pharma also has complaints – and a local ally

Big Pharma, via the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) industry association, has also complained about various countries. Gripes about Australia include low prices under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and delays to approval of new treatments.

Medicines Australia – a local organisation that represents pharmaceutical companies – agrees about the delays, citing a PBS review published last year.

Barriers to trade

The critical submissions should come as no surprise. Any industry group that passes up such a golden opportunity to complain on behalf of its members is arguably not doing its job.

In the case of both Big Tech and Big Pharma, Australia was only one of the targets. Yet the potential impacts are high.

The USTR is looking at treating any regulatory barriers faced by US companies as if they were tariffs. At least one Australian industry association is joining the pile-on.

How will the USTR respond? Given the White House’s current approach to trade, there is a significant risk it will recommend retaliatory tariffs on yet more Australian products.

Rob Nicholls receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. Australia’s ‘coercive’ news media rules are the latest targets of US trade ire – https://theconversation.com/australias-coercive-news-media-rules-are-the-latest-targets-of-us-trade-ire-252806

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Driving offences – Nhulunbuy

Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 33-year-old male with driving offences following a crash in Nhulunbuy this morning.

Around 8am, police attended a two-vehicle collision on Matthew Flinders Way nearby a school. No reports of injuries were made at the time of the crash.

One of the drivers self-extracted from the vehicle and fled the scene by foot.

Nhulunbuy police located the male nearby and he was arrested after returning a positive roadside breath test.

The male is expected to charged later today and will appear in court at a later date.

Nhulunbuy police would like to thank other motorists and witnesses who provided valuable and timely information in relation to the incident.

MIL OSI News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Local Nonprofits Address Federal Funding Uncertainty and the Impact on Critical Services

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and United Way of Southern Nevada hosted a roundtable to discuss the impact of ongoing federal funding uncertainties on critical services in Nevada. Cortez Masto spoke with eight local non-profits about how challenges related to federal support could affect their ability to provide essential services that communities across the Silver State depend on.
“Today, I heard from non-profit leaders that do so much good in their communities. They make housing more affordable, invest in education, provide needed legal services, and ensure Nevada families can put food on their tables, ” said Senator Cortez Masto. “President Trump and his administration need to know that they are putting these essential services at risk by cutting federal funding and spreading uncertainty around ongoing support for such critical work.”
“United Way of Southern Nevada is committed to strengthening our community by ensuring vital services remain accessible to those who need them most,” said Samuel Rudd, President & CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “Collaboration between local nonprofits and government leaders is essential in navigating funding challenges and finding solutions that support families, students, and individuals across our state.”
“Senior Law Program is proud to provide critical legal services to Southern Nevada’s seniors, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to live with dignity and security. However, with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding, we face difficult choices that could impact our ability to serve vulnerable seniors in our community. We are grateful to Senator Cortez Masto in addressing these challenges and advocating for the resources nonprofits need to continue our vital work,” said Diane Fearon, Executive Director of Southern Nevada Senior Law Program.
“With the corporate consolidation of commercial media, public broadcasters like Vegas PBS are the final outposts that still focus on serving their local communities. The Vegas PBS Learning Neighborhood workshops and robust communications network for emergency services are just two of the vital services we provide via federal infrastructure and education funding we receive via The Corporation for Public Broadcasting,” said Kipp Ortenburger, Director of Strategic Organization at Vegas PBS. “Programs like these impact more than 1 million Nevadans, urban and rural.”
“At The Just One Project, we do more than just feed our neighbors—we offer wraparound support through groceries, meal delivery, case management, benefits assistance, and essential social services to ensure families have the resources they need to thrive,” said Kirsten Carl, Director of Social Services for The Just One Project. “Our commitment to serving our community is steadfast. We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring Nevadans continue to have access to critical food and social services. We are actively working with our community partners and local leaders to navigate challenges and strengthen our support for those who rely on us.”
Cortez Masto was joined by representatives from United Way of Southern Nevada, Communities in Schools, HELP of Southern Nevada, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, The Just One Project, Nevada Homeless Alliance, Vegas PBS, and the Senior Law Program.
Senator Cortez Masto has pushed multiple Departments under the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations on Nevada – including to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, and General Services Administration.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 21, 2025

Category: Education

754 Fast Track Courts, Including 404 POCSO Courts functional in 30 states, dispose over 3.06 Lakh cases by January 2025Government takes steps to create awareness on POCSO Act provisions through Media, Workshops & Training

Melissa Hendrickse

Gary Younge

Pumla Dineo Gqola

March 21, 2025

A “good” solution also comes at a price

What are non-tariff measures?

How do they become a barrier to trade?

Why agriculture is so exposed

What did the research say?

It cuts both ways

The US Trade Representative requests a pile-on

Big Tech has complaints

Regulation by default

Big Pharma also has complaints – and a local ally

Barriers to trade

754 Fast Track Courts, Including 404 POCSO Courts functional in 30 states, dispose over 3.06 Lakh cases by January 2025

Government takes steps to create awareness on POCSO Act provisions through Media, Workshops & Training