NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Phathom Donald Brings Space Closer as a Hubble Mission Engineer

    Source: NASA

    Name: Phathom Donald
    Title: Mission Engineer
    Formal Job Classification: Satellite Systems Engineer
    Organization: Astrophysics Project Division, Hubble Space Telescope Operations Project, Code 441
    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard? How do you help support Goddard’s mission?
    As a member of the flight operations team for the Hubble Space Telescope, I monitor and evaluate the performance of Hubble’s subsystems through its telemetry. I send commands to Hubble as needed for routine maintenance, maintaining communication with the spacecraft, and recovery from onboard anomalies. I also support ground system maintenance to ensure that operations run smoothly and uninterrupted.
    On the flight software team, I build and run simulations to verify flight software changes before they’re installed onto Hubble. Just like how your laptop or your smartphone gets regular updates to add new features or to fix bugs, Hubble gets flight software updates for added capabilities and to address new issues.
    Being a flight controller was a dream of mine, so being able to command a spacecraft has been really exciting. I also really enjoy coding, and it’s been interesting seeing how all these critical and complicated activities happen at the same time. I think the work I do outside of my flight controller role has helped me become a better flight controller, because I have a better idea of what’s happening behind the scenes — things feel a bit more intuitive to me.
    How did you find your path to Goddard?
    During undergrad, I was on a path to become a power systems engineer. But one day in my senior design class, our professor invited the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) project manager at the time to speak to our class about systems engineering and its applications to the mission. Within five minutes of this presentation, I was on the verge of tears. This presentation alone changed the course of my career because it reminded me that I love the stars and I love space. More importantly, it made me feel like a career at NASA was actually possible.
    So, I emailed the speaker and asked him for advice, and he responded with excellent guidance and encouragement. I saved that email and essentially used it as a career guide. After graduating, I worked for a NASA contractor first as a quality engineer, then as a model-based systems engineer. While I was in that role, I pursued my master’s, and about a month after graduating, I saw the job posting for Hubble’s flight operations team at Goddard. After a year or so of settling in, I reached out to that same speaker and I let him know I took his advice, I made it to NASA, and that I couldn’t be more grateful for his help. He responded beautifully, saying that he was humbled to have played any role in me getting to where I wanted to be.
    What first sparked your interest in space?
    My dad used to take my brothers and me to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles all the time. I loved going to those shows in the planetarium and just feeling engrossed in what they were teaching. I’d always wanted to take an astronomy class, but I didn’t get the chance until my last year of undergrad. I’m so glad I did; it just reaffirmed that space is for me.

    What is your educational background?
    I graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 2014 with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. I also have a master’s in space systems engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Right now, I’m pursuing a graduate certificate in control systems from the University of Michigan at Dearborn to prepare for a role supporting Hubble’s pointing and control subsystems. After I’m done, I plan to pursue a graduate certificate in aerospace for that same reason; I want to pick up and hone skills in order to maximize my contributions to Hubble.
    How do you keep a cool head when you have a mission-critical situation?
    I think I’m generally a pretty calm person, but in moments where Hubble’s mission is at risk, I tend to focus on what is in my power to get done. So I’ll look at the situation and think, “OK, what can we do to either fix or mitigate this problem?” And I do what I can with care, I communicate clearly with those I’m working with, and I trust the abilities of my colleagues. I work with really brilliant, dedicated people who love what they do, so I know that they’re going to do what’s best for the mission.
    What is your proudest accomplishment at Goddard?
    To be honest, I’m always proud every time I see a new picture taken by Hubble, especially after we’ve recovered it from an anomaly. It feels like an accomplishment and an honor even to be part of a mission that brings those images to people on Earth.
    Who are your science role models, and how have they shaped your career in science?
    Katherine Johnson: she was an African American mathematician who was pivotal in the success of the early human spaceflight missions carried out by NASA. Her complex trajectory calculations got the first man into space and back unharmed. I also admire Dr. Sian Proctor: she was the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft.
    As a minority, it can be easy to feel like an outlier in the space industry. Seeing people like Katherine and Dr. Proctor succeed and excel in these fields adds a bit of comfort. They show me that these technically demanding roles are attainable.
    How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies?
    I spend a lot of time with my tiny dog, Chara. I named her after a yellow star in the Hunting Dogs constellation. Chara is Greek for “joy,” and to say she brings me joy would be an understatement.
    I actually have a new obsession with snorkeling and freediving. I went snorkeling for the first time in early 2021 and it completely changed my life. Before snorkeling, I was terrified of water. After snorkeling, I wanted to be a fish. I just love the freedom that comes with the lack of equipment. I love the peace that I feel underwater.
    What is your “six-word memoir”? A six-word memoir describes something in just six words.
    “The stars are not too far.”
    What is some advice you would give your 10-year-old self?
    You are capable of more than you know, more than what people might try to make you believe. Do what makes you feel fulfilled and define your own success. Your passion is your strength.
    By Hannah RichterNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trena Ferrell Inspires Through Science and Education

    Source: NASA

    Name: Trena Ferrell
    Title: Education and Public Outreach Lead for the Earth Science Division
    Formal Job Classification: Environmental Scientist
    Organization: Earth Science Division, Earth Science Directorate (Code 610)
    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard?
    I interface with the public and educational institutions to share all the great research that our scientists and engineers are doing at NASA. I also support large-scale public events around the country and interact with citizen scientists.
    I’ve always been passionate about science and education, so now I get to mesh my two passions together.
    What is your educational background?
    I have a Bachelor of Science in premedicine from Albright College in Redding, Pennsylvania; a master’s in developmental biology from American University in Washington, D.C.; and a Ph.D. in environmental science from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
    How did you come to work for Goddard?
    Initially I wanted to be a doctor, but I started teaching science at the middle school and high school at the Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., and found that I loved teaching. (I got to meet her once, and she was phenomenal!)
    Around 2000, I asked NASA to send a speaker, Dr. Octavia Tripp. Through her suggestion, I became an aerospace education specialist and then the NASA Explorer Schools Workshop Coordinator at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Around 2005, I became Goddard’s education representative for Maryland. In 2015, I became a public affairs specialist for Goddard’s Office of Communications. In 2016, I started in my current position.
    What is your message to students?
    I work with students from kindergarten through college. I want them to reach for the stars and realize that they can be scientists or engineers who work at NASA. I want them to know that NASA also offers a plethora of other careers, which I also want them to consider.
    What is your message for citizen scientists?
    I tell them that they are an important piece of the NASA puzzle who help us with our scientific efforts. For example, the Globe Observer App can be downloaded to a smart phone. Using this app, they can take photos of clouds, land cover, tree height, and mosquito larvae. They can also take tree height measurements.
    What was your favorite large-scale event?
    I was one of the co-leads for Goddard’s open house in 2015, my first large-scale project of this magnitude. Over 20,000 people attended. We had so many people that the Greenbelt Metro Station had to close. People even came from other states.
    I loved seeing all our hard work pay off and how excited all the people were to be at Goddard. I especially enjoyed watching the kids interreacting with our scientists and engineers, asking questions. They are our future.

    When did you feel like you were part of the NASA family?
    While working on our 2015 open house, I worked with an amazing team. Kudos to the Office of Communications; especially to Michelle Jones, Leslee Scott, Deanna Trask, and Amy Grigg.
    This event made me realize that NASA really is a family. Everyone works together for a positive outcome; a shared, common interest. If you need help, someone shows up to help you without asking. And you do the same for others who need help.
    World-class scientist and engineers willingly give their time to tell the world about their expertise. They are good with people of all ages and are always particularly kind with kids, our next generation of explorers.   
    How has working at Goddard changed your life?
    While at Goddard, I met my husband Mark Branch, a Goddard engineer. He was our subject matter expert for a student outreach event I organized. We married two years after meeting, in 2010. Someday I’d like to write a book about all the couples who met at Goddard.
    I sincerely thank everyone at Goddard who has touched my life and helped me!
    Who has guided you the most in life?
    My parents did everything they could to give my sister and me the best possible opportunities. They told us to dream big and to do big things. They are always there for us. They are amazing people!
    I adore my family. I love that I have added new family members from NASA.
    What do you do to relax?
    I attended a French high school for my junior year and became an admirer of French culture and cuisine. I like to cook, including French food. I also love traveling. I enjoy reading fiction to relax.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.
    By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Scientists Spot Candidate for Speediest Exoplanet System

    Source: NASA

    Astronomers may have discovered a scrawny star bolting through the middle of our galaxy with a planet in tow. If confirmed, the pair sets a new record for the fastest-moving exoplanet system, nearly double our solar system’s speed through the Milky Way.
    The planetary system is thought to move at least 1.2 million miles per hour, or 540 kilometers per second.
    “We think this is a so-called super-Neptune world orbiting a low-mass star at a distance that would lie between the orbits of Venus and Earth if it were in our solar system,” said Sean Terry, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland, College Park and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Since the star is so feeble, that’s well outside its habitable zone. “If so, it will be the first planet ever found orbiting a hypervelocity star.”
    A paper describing the results, led by Terry, was published in The Astronomical Journal on February 10.
    A Star on the Move
    The pair of objects was first spotted indirectly in 2011 thanks to a chance alignment. A team of scientists combed through archived data from MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) – a collaborative project focused on a microlensing survey conducted using the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory in New Zealand — in search of light signals that betray the presence of exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system.
    Microlensing occurs because the presence of mass warps the fabric of space-time. Any time an intervening object appears to drift near a background star, light from the star curves as it travels through the warped space-time around the nearer object. If the alignment is especially close, the warping around the object can act like a natural lens, amplifying the background star’s light.

    In this case, microlensing signals revealed a pair of celestial bodies. Scientists determined their relative masses (one is about 2,300 times heavier than the other), but their exact masses depend on how far away they are from Earth. It’s sort of like how the magnification changes if you hold a magnifying glass over a page and move it up and down.
    “Determining the mass ratio is easy,” said David Bennett, a senior research scientist at the University of Maryland, College Park and NASA Goddard, who co-authored the new paper and led the original study in 2011. “It’s much more difficult to calculate their actual masses.”
    The 2011 discovery team suspected the microlensed objects were either a star about 20 percent as massive as our Sun and a planet roughly 29 times heavier than Earth, or a nearer “rogue” planet about four times Jupiter’s mass with a moon smaller than Earth.
    To figure out which explanation is more likely, astronomers searched through data from the Keck Observatory in Hawaii and ESA’s (European Space Agency’s) Gaia satellite. If the pair were a rogue planet and moon, they’d be effectively invisible – dark objects lost in the inky void of space. But scientists might be able to identify the star if the alternative explanation were correct (though the orbiting planet would be much too faint to see).
    They found a strong suspect located about 24,000 light-years away, putting it within the Milky Way’s galactic bulge — the central hub where stars are more densely packed. By comparing the star’s location in 2011 and 2021, the team calculated its high speed.

    But that’s just its 2D motion; if it’s also moving toward or away from us, it must be moving even faster. Its true speed may even be high enough to exceed the galaxy’s escape velocity of just over 1.3 million miles per hour, or about 600 kilometers per second. If so, the planetary system is destined to traverse intergalactic space many millions of years in the future.
    “To be certain the newly identified star is part of the system that caused the 2011 signal, we’d like to look again in another year and see if it moves the right amount and in the right direction to confirm it came from the point where we detected the signal,” Bennett said.
    “If high-resolution observations show that the star just stays in the same position, then we can tell for sure that it is not part of the system that caused the signal,” said Aparna Bhattacharya, a research scientist at the University of Maryland, College Park and NASA Goddard who co-authored the new paper. “That would mean the rogue planet and exomoon model is favored.”
    NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will help us find out how common planets are around such speedy stars, and may offer clues to how these systems are accelerated. The mission will conduct a survey of the galactic bulge, pairing a large view of space with crisp resolution.
    “In this case we used MOA for its broad field of view and then followed up with Keck and Gaia for their sharper resolution, but thanks to Roman’s powerful view and planned survey strategy, we won’t need to rely on additional telescopes,” Terry said. “Roman will do it all.”
    Download additional images and video from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.
    By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Media contact:
    Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.301-286-1940

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newly Minted Ph.D. Studies Phytoplankton with NASA’s FjordPhyto Project

    Source: NASA

    FjordPhyto is a collective effort where travelers on tour expedition vessels in Antarctica help scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Universidad Nacional de La Plata study phytoplankton. Now project leader Dr. Allison Cusick has a Ph.D.! . Dr. Cusick studies how melting glaciers influence phytoplankton in the coastal regions. She wrote her doctoral dissertation based on the data collected by FjordPhyto volunteers.
    “Travelers adventure to the wild maritime climate of Antarctica and help collect samples from one of the most data-limited regions of the world,” said Cusick.  “While on vacation, they can volunteer to join a FjordPhyto science boat experience where they spend an hour collecting water measurements like salinity, temperature, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, as well as physical samples for molecular genetics work, microscopy identification, and carbon biomass estimates. It’s a full immersion into the ecosystem and the importance of polar research!”
    Cusick successfully defended her thesis on December 18, 2024, earning a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Hers is the second Ph.D.  based on data from the FjordPhyto project. Martina Mascioni from FjordPhyto team earned her Ph.D. from the National University of La Plata (Argentina) in 2018.
    The project is a hit with travelers, too.
    “It’s incredibly inspiring to be part of a program like this that’s open to non-specialist involvement,” said one volunteer, a retired biology teacher aboard the Viking Octantis ship, who continued to say, “Thank you for letting us be a part of the science and explaining so clearly why it matters to the bigger picture.”
    If you would like to get involved, go to www.fjordphyto.org and reach out to the team!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Welcomes Peter Schork as Market President for Toledo, OH & Birmingham, MI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) announced that Peter Schork has joined F&M as Market President of the Toledo, Ohio and Birmingham, Michigan markets.

    Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M stated, “As a proven community banker, Peter brings a wealth of experience to F&M. His leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to building strong relationships will be an invaluable resource to F&M as we continue to grow and serve our communities. We look forward to the impact he will make in driving success for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

    In his new role, Peter will oversee F&M’s presence in the Toledo, Ohio, and Birmingham, Michigan markets, including offices in Waterville, Swanton, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Downtown Toledo, as well as F&M’s Loan Production Office in Troy and its Birmingham, Michigan location.

    Peter brings over 25 years of banking and financial experience to F&M. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the Ann Arbor President for Oxford Bank and co-founded the Ann Arbor State Bank serving as its President and CEO. In addition to his community bank experience, Peter was the CFO at Catalyst Commercial Real Estate, and the President of a Michigan based title, mortgage, and real estate company. In addition to his business experience, Peter is a proud supporter of various community organizations. Currently he serves on the Michigan Theater Board of Trustees, is a member of the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Homeless/Unhoused Mission. Peter holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a specialization in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.

    About F&M Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement
    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: 
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Investor and Media Contact:
    Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com
       

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e11179be-cf20-449e-9416-ca1e8ff1fd2f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BioAstra Unveils “Twin Astra”: Pioneering Deep-Space Medical Research Program Set to Transform Space Exploration and Earth-Based Medicine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BioAstra, a pioneering force in space medicine and biotechnology, is set to revolutionize human health with the launch of Twin Astra—a first-of-its-kind deep-space research initiative poised to transform space exploration and medical advancements on Earth.

    The program will be officially unveiled on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at The Explorers Club in New York City, bringing together top minds in space, science, and biotechnology.

    About Twin Astra

    Twin Astra is designed to unlock critical insights into human health through space-based research, driving breakthroughs that will impact both astronauts and Earth-based medicine. The program focuses on:

    • Twin Studies in Space: By studying genetically identical twins—one on Earth, the other in space—scientists will map the molecular, genetic, and physiological shifts caused by space travel.
    • Medical Breakthroughs: This research will accelerate advancements in precision medicine, aging, cancer treatment, and regenerative therapies.
    • Space Exploration & Human Resilience: The findings will pave the way for safer, long-duration space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

    “By harnessing space as a biomedical testing ground, Twin Astra will redefine our understanding of human resilience in extreme environments,” said Professor Chris Mason, BioAstra Board Chair. “This research is crucial for protecting astronauts and unlocking medical discoveries that will benefit life on Earth and beyond.”

    Launch Event: February 20, 2025

    This exclusive gathering will unite astronauts, biotech leaders, philanthropists, investors, and innovators to explore the program’s groundbreaking potential.

    “Twin Astra represents the next frontier of biomedical discovery,” said Savi Glowe, BioAstra CEO. “By pushing the limits of human biology in space, we are opening doors to new treatments, technologies, and insights that will redefine healthcare for generations to come.”

    Event Highlights:

    • Speakers:
      • Dr. Sian Proctor, Inspiration4 Astronaut
      • John Shoffner, Axiom-2 Astronaut
      • Savi Glowe, BioAstra CEO
      • Professor Chris Mason, BioAstra Board Chair & Renowned Genomics Expert

    Event Details:

    Be part of this landmark event, where astronauts, investors, biotech leaders, and medical innovators will unveil Twin Astra’s bold vision.

    Limited seats available – RSVP today.

    Date: Thursday, February 20
    Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Location: The Explorers Club, 46 East 70th Street, New York

    RSVP Required: michal@bioastra.org
    Investor Inquiries: michal@bioastra.org
    Website: www.bioastra.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-20 AG NEWS RELEASE – ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR DEFUNDING MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH INNOVATION RESEARCH

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-20 AG NEWS RELEASE – ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR DEFUNDING MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH INNOVATION RESEARCH

    Posted on Feb 10, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

     

    ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR DEFUNDING MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH INNOVATION RESEARCH

     

    News Release 2025-20

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    February 10, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – – Attorney General Anne Lopez and 21 other attorneys general today sued the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in an effort to bar them from unlawfully cutting funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. 

     

    On Friday, February 7, the NIH announced it would abruptly slash indirect cost rates to an across-the-board 15% rate, which is significantly less than the cost required to perform cutting edge medical research. The NIH purported to make this cut effective today (February 10), giving universities and institutions no time to plan for the enormous budget gaps they are now facing. Without immediate relief, this action could result in the suspension of lifesaving and life-extending clinical trials, disruption of research programs, layoffs, and laboratory closures. 

     

    The coalition is challenging the Trump Administration’s attempt to unilaterally cut “indirect cost” reimbursements at every research institution throughout the country. These reimbursements cover expenses to facilitate biomedical research, like lab, faculty, infrastructure and utility costs. Without them, the lifesaving and life-changing medical research in which the United States has long been a leader, could be compromised.

     

    Indirect cost reimbursements are based on each institution’s unique needs, negotiated with the federal government through a carefully regulated process, and then memorialized in an executed agreement.

     

    “President Trump’s total lack of compassion for all Americans knows no bounds. In just three weeks, he has cut programs providing healthcare and education, resources for climate change and clean air, and policies promoting diversity and equity. Now, he is making massive cuts to lifesaving medical research. Here in Hawai‘i, the University of Hawai‘i is supported by 175 awards and subawards from the NIH with a current value of $211M. I joined this lawsuit with my fellow democratic attorneys general because we are the last line of defense to enforce the rule of law,” said Attorney General Lopez.

     

    The coalition also argues that this action to slash indirect costs violates the Administrative Procedure Act, including a directive Congress passed during President Trump’s first term to fend off his earlier proposal to drastically cut research reimbursements. That statutory language, still in effect, prohibits the NIH from requiring categorial and indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements.

     

    The NIH is the primary source of federal funding for medical research in the United States. Medical research funding by NIH grants have led to innumerable scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of treatment for cancers of all types, the first sequencing of DNA and the development of the MRI. Additionally, dozens of NIH-supported scientists have earned Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking scientific work.

     

    Attorney General Lopez is joined by a coalition of attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

     

    The lawsuit was filed today in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts and can be found here.

     

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
     Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office:     808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Keshena Resident Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution and Involuntary Manslaughter Related to Overdose Deaths in Tribal Jail

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 7, 2025, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach accepted the guilty pleas of Warren J. Grignon to one count of distribution of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 and one count of involuntary manslaughter in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111 and 1153(a).

    According to the indictment and plea agreement, Grignon was an inmate at the Menominee Tribal Detention Center in Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation. On December 23, 2024, Grignon distributed fentanyl he smuggled into the jail to three other inmates. All three inmates overdosed. Two inmates were revived through the efforts of additional inmates, corrections staff, and responding officers from the Menominee Tribal Police Department. One inmate could not be revived and was pronounced dead. A later autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a fentanyl overdose.

    The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., before Judge Griesbach. Grignon faces a total sentence of up to 28 years in prison as well as fines and assessments for each count. Grignon also faces a minimum term of three years, and up to a lifetime of supervised release after completing any period of imprisonment.

    The Menominee Tribal Police Department and FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier is prosecuting the case in the United States District Court in Green Bay.

    # #  #

    For further information contact: 
    Public Information Officer 
    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
    (414) 297-1700
    Follow us on Twitter  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Saudi Arabia: Leeds student jailed in Saudi for tweeting in support women’s rights released

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Salma al-Shehab, a Leeds University PhD student and mother of two was arrested in January 2021

    ‘For more than four years she has been subjected to one gross injustice after another’ – Dana Ahmed

    Responding to the release of Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi Arabian woman who has spent more than four years imprisoned on terrorism-related charges for posting tweets in support of women’s rights, Dana Ahmed, Amnesty International’s Middle East Researcher, said:

    “Salma al-Shehab’s ordeal in prison is finally over. For more than four years she has been subjected to one gross injustice after another including at one point being handed an egregious 34-year prison sentence for her social media posts.

    “Salma spent almost 300 days in prolonged solitary confinement, was denied legal representation, and was then repeatedly convicted on terrorism charges and handed a decades-long sentence. All because she tweeted in support of women’s rights. Saudi Arabia’s authorities must now ensure she is not subjected to a travel ban or any further punitive measures.

    “While today is a day to celebrate Salma’s release, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the many others serving similarly lengthy sentences in Saudi Arabia for their activities online. This includes other women such as such as Manahel al-Otaibi, and Noura al-Qahtani, jailed for speaking out for women’s rights and Abdulrahman al-Sadhan, jailed for 20 years for satirical tweets. We urge the Saudi authorities to immediately release them and end their relentless crackdown on the right to freedom of expression once and for all.

    “Salma’s release would not have been possible without the tireless campaigning of human rights activists around the world.”

    Leeds uni student

    Salma al-Shehab, 36, a Leeds University PhD student and mother of two was arrested on 15 January 2021 for tweeting and retweeting Saudi women’s rights activists on Twitter. Based on these tweets, she was charged, amongst other things, with “disturb[ing] public order, [and] destabilis[ing] the security of society and the stability of the state.”

    In March 2022, the Specialised Criminal Court (SCC) sentenced Salma al-Shehab to six years in prison. At her appeal trial in August 2022, the prosecution demanded a harsher punishment, and the SCC drastically increased her prison sentence to 34 years. Salma appealed that judgement and in January 2023 the Supreme Court referred her case back to the SCC’s appeals chamber. The court reduced her sentence to 27 years’ imprisonment. In September 2024, after the Supreme Court sent her case back to the SCC’s appeals chamber again, her prison sentence was reduced from 27 years to four years in prison with an additional four years suspended. Her four-year prison term ended in December 2024, and she was subsequently released this month.

    For more information on her case, see here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Saudi woman imprisoned for tweeting in support of women’s rights released after four-year ordeal

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the release of Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi Arabian woman, who has spent more than four years imprisoned on terrorism-related charges for posting tweets in support of women’s rights, Amnesty International’s Middle East Researcher, Dana Ahmed, said:

    “Salma al-Shehab’s ordeal in prison is finally over. For more than four years she has been subjected to one gross injustice after another including at one point being handed an egregious 34-year prison sentence for her social media posts. She spent almost 300 days in prolonged solitary confinement, was denied legal representation, and was then repeatedly convicted on terrorism charges and handed a decades-long sentence. All just because she tweeted in support of women’s rights and retweeted Saudi women’s rights activists. Saudi Arabia’s authorities must now ensure she is not subjected to a travel ban or any further punitive measures.

    “While today is a day to celebrate Salma’s release, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the many others serving similarly lengthy sentences in Saudi Arabia for their activities online” – Dana Ahmed, Middle East Researcher

    “While today is a day to celebrate Salma’s release, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the many others serving similarly lengthy sentences in Saudi Arabia for their activities online. This includes other women such as such as Manahel al-Otaibi, and Noura al-Qahtani, jailed for speaking out for women’s rights and Abdulrahman al-Sadhan, jailed for 20 years for satirical tweets. We urge the Saudi authorities to immediately release them and end their relentless crackdown on the right to freedom of expression once and for all.

    “Salma’s release would not have been possible without the tireless campaigning of human rights activists around the world.”

    Background

    Salma al-Shehab, 36, a Leeds University PhD student and mother of two, was arrested on 15 January 2021 for tweeting and retweeting Saudi women’s rights activists on Twitter. Based on these tweets, she was charged, amongst other things, with “disturb[ing] public order, [and] destabiliz[ing] the security of society and the stability of the state.”

    In March 2022, the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) sentenced Salma al-Shehab to six years in prison. At her appeal trial in August 2022, the prosecution demanded a harsher punishment, and the SCC drastically increased her prison sentence to 34 years. Salma appealed that judgement and in January 2023 the Supreme Court referred her case back to the SCC’s appeals chamber. The court reduced her sentence to 27 years’ imprisonment. In September 2024, after the Supreme Court sent her case back to the SCC’s appeals chamber again, her prison sentence was reduced from 27 years to 4 years in prison with an additional four years suspended. Her four-year prison term ended in December 2024, and she was subsequently released this month.

    For more information on her case, see here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protecting consumers when making digital transactions and improving their awareness – E-002635/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Following the Digital Fairness Fitness Check report[1] published on 3 October 2024, the Commission will develop a Digital Fairness Act to address the identified consumer protection issues in the online environment, such as termination of subscription contracts, automatic renewal of subscriptions and conversion of free trials into paid subscriptions.

    The specific options will be developed and assessed in an impact assessment. The Commission services are currently preparing a public consultation and impact assessment, to be conducted in 2025, ahead of a possible legislative proposal.

    The Commission is also committed to improving awareness and understanding of the rights of European consumers through several initiatives.

    The ConsumerPro[2] initiative is a capacity-building project with training programmes covering a wide range of topics, aimed at making consumer organisations and other actors in consumer policy better-equipped to protect and assist consumers.

    The Consumer Education Hub[3] website is a repository of hundreds of educational materials and resources collected during two research studies carried out by the Commission in 2021-2022.

    They can be used by all actors working in consumer education/advice and awareness raising. In 2024, the Commission launched a call for proposals[4] to provide financial support to initiatives and projects aimed at improving consumer education and awareness raising. Proposals selected for EU funding will be announced in Q1 2025.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13413-Digital-fairness-fitness-check-on-EU-consumer-law_en
    • [2] https://www.beuc.eu/consumer-pro-boosting-professionals-consumer-protection
    • [3] https://consumer-education.eu/
    • [4] https://eismea.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities/calls-proposals/call-proposals-action-grants-support-consumer-education-awareness-raising-and-local-advice-consumers_en
    Last updated: 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRIME MINISTER’S 15 POINT PROGRAMME FOR MINORITIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 8:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for welfare of Minorities is a programme which covers various schemes/initiatives of the participating Ministries/Departments with an aim to ensure that the underprivileged and weaker sections of six centrally notified minority communities have equal opportunities for availing the various Government welfare Schemes and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the Country.

    The programme has the following broad objectives: (i) Enhancing opportunities for education; (ii) Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, through existing and new schemes, enhanced credit support for self-employment, and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs; (iii) Improving the conditions of living of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for them in infrastructure development schemes; and (iv) Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence.

    The schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs covered under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme are exclusively meant for notified minorities. However, 15% of the outlays and targets, to the extent possible, of schemes/initiatives implemented by other participating Ministries/Departments are earmarked for notified minorities.

    The welfare schemes, including initiatives for education and skill development of minorities, being implemented by Ministry of Minority Affairs and other participating ministries under the programme, are as under:

    1. Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme
    2. Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
    3. Merit-cum- Means based Scholarship Scheme
    4. National Minorities Development Finance Corporation (NMDFC) Loan Schemes
    5. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan (M/o Education)
    6. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM)- (M/o Rural Development)
    7. Deen Dayal Upadhyay – Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (M/o Rural Development)
    • viii. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (M/o Rural Development)
    1. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (M/o Housing & Urban Affairs)
    2. Priority Sector Lending by Banks (Department of Financial Services)
    3. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (Department of Financial Services)
    4. POSHAN Abhiyaan (Ministry of Women & Child Development)
    • xiii. National Health Mission (Department of Health & Family Welfare)
    1. Ayushman Bharat (Department of Health & Family Welfare)
    2. National Rural Drinking Water Programme (Jal Jeevan Mission), (Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation)

     

    The Schemes are being implemented by the respective Ministries/Departments under the saturation approach of Government. Under the saturation approach of the Government many of the components have achieved mainstreaming.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Minority Affairs specifically implements various schemes across the country for socio-economic and educational empowerment of the six centrally notified minority communities

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 8:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government implements various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of every strata, including minorities, specially the economically weaker and lesser privileged sections of the society. Ministry of Minority Affairs specifically implements various schemes across the country for socio-economic and educational empowerment of the six (6) centrally notified minority communities. The Udasi/Udasin Sect falls under one of these notified communities i.e. Sikh Community. These schemes are meant for the weaker segments of minority. The schemes/programmes implemented by Minority Affairs for the welfare of minority communities are as under:

    1.  Educational Empowerment Schemes

    (i) Pre-Matric, (ii) Post-Matric and (iii) Merit-cum-Means based scholarships

    2.  Employment and Economic Empowerment Schemes

         (i) Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

         (ii) Equity to National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) for

               providing concessional loans to minorities.

    3. Infrastructural Development Scheme

      (i) Pradham Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakaram (PMJVK)

    All the schemes together have contributed in the acquisition of high-level skills, greater opportunities in livelihood, high employability potential, improved access to better infrastructure, improved health and in the overall welfare of the Minority Communities.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog Releases Policy Report on ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 8:15PM by PIB Delhi

    NITI Aayog today launched a policy report titled ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities’. The report was released by Sh. Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog; Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member (Education); NITI Aayog, Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog; Sh. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; and Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

    The report is a first-of-its kind policy document in the higher education sector focused specifically on States and State Public Universities (SPUs). It provides detailed quantitative analysis on vital indicators of Quality, Funding and Financing, Governance and Employability over the last decade across the themes. It provides the distilled essence of the insights gained from extensive stakeholder consultations held with State Government Officers of Higher and Technical Education Departments from over 20 States and Union Territories, Vice Chancellors, and senior academicians of 50 SPUs, and Chairpersons of several State Higher Education Councils.

    Speaking on the occasion, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery said that in many global education systems, public universities set the benchmark for excellence, as seen in the U.S. and Brazil. While India has institutions like IITs, SPUs must also strive for high standards. He observed that as directed by the Hon. PM, NITI Aayog’s role is to create evidence through research, while implementation remains the Ministry’s responsibility. He hoped that the recommendations contained in the report would be enthusiastically taken forward by the Ministries in the Central and State Governments.

    NITI Aayog Member Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul positioned the report in the context of NEP implementation and India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that with 80% of India’s higher education taking place in SPUs, reforming them is crucial for creating human capital and establishing India as a knowledge hub.

    NITI Aayog CEO Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, highlighted that by 2035, the NEP 2020 target is to double enrolment in the higher education system to nearly 9 crore students. Nearly 7 crore of these will continue to study in SPUs. Hence, it is of utmost importance that these universities transition from focusing only on access to higher education to delivering world class higher education to create the high-quality human resource required to power the vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He pitched the report as a milestone contribution of NITI Aayog that would complement the NEP 2020 in transforming India’s higher education landscape.

    Secretary DHE Sh. Vineet Joshi highlighted key initiatives that were announced in the recent budget including the selection of 10,000 PMRF research fellows, addition of 6,500 seats in second-generation IITs, and the Bharatiya Bhasha textbook scheme for regional language education. He highlighted PM-USHA’s allocation of INR13,000 crores for 2023-24 to 2025-26, with INR 100 crores per SPU for transitioning to become MERUs. He said that these would play a role in transforming SPUs.

    Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU detailed how the report involved extensive deliberations and stakeholder consultations. She highlighted that the report addresses three major constraints raised by vice-chancellors: funding limitations, governance issues, and the need for capacity building of VCs, teachers, and staff, and is a pioneering policy work on SPUs.

    The policy report provides a detailed policy roadmap including nearly 80 policy recommendations, short, medium, and long-term implementation strategies, actors responsible for implementing the recommendations and over 125 Performance Success Indicators. The recommendations assimilated from the consultation process are aimed at improving the quality of research, pedagogy and curriculum, augmenting institutional and systemic funding and financing capacity, upgrading and empowering institutional governance structures, and strengthening industry-academia interface to boost student employability.

    The full policy report can be accessed at:  https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/Expanding-Quality-Higher-Education-through-SPUs.pdf

    The full policy brief can be accessed at: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/Policy_Brief_Education.pdf

     

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India and EFTA Strengthen Economic Ties with the Inauguration of the India-EFTA Desk

    Source: Government of India

    India and EFTA Strengthen Economic Ties with the Inauguration of the India-EFTA Desk

    India-EFTA Desk will function as a single-window mechanism to provide support to EFTA businesses looking to invest, expand, or establish operations in India

    Business Roundtable Witnessed Participation from Over 100 Companies from India and EFTA Nations

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – have taken a significant step towards deeper economic collaboration with the inauguration of the India-EFTA Desk. This initiative follows the recently concluded India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which positions EFTA as the first European bloc to formalize a trade pact with India. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal hailed TEPA as a landmark agreement, emphasizing India’s growing role in global trade. “This desk will serve as the bridge between businesses on both sides, ensuring transparency, trust, and ease of doing business,” he stated. He underscored India’s ambition to surpass $100 billion in EFTA investments, highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering equitable and mutually beneficial trade relationships.

    The India-EFTA Desk will provide structured support to EFTA businesses looking to invest, expand, or establish operations in India. High-ranking dignitaries from all four EFTA nations attended the launch, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic ties.

    Switzerland’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Ms. Helene Budliger Artieda, described TEPA as a “new chapter for investment promotion and cooperation,” citing over CHF 10 billion in Swiss FDI that has created 146,000+ jobs in India, particularly in manufacturing. She projected a surge in investments across precision industries, chemicals, food processing, and pharmaceuticals, suggesting that an Invest India office in Switzerland could further drive investment flows.

    Norway’s State Secretary of Trade and Industry, Mr. Tomas Norvoll, likened TEPA to an airport, with the EFTA Desk serving as the landing strip for businesses. He noted that Norwegian companies in India have doubled in the last decade, with sovereign wealth fund assets reaching $31.4 billion.

    Iceland’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Martin Eyjolfsson, called TEPA “the most significant trade agreement EFTA has signed in decades,” reinforcing India’s role as a key economic partner for Europe. He highlighted growing cooperation in renewable energy, seafood, and pharmaceuticals, positioning TEPA as a stabilizing force amid global economic uncertainty.

    Liechtenstein’s Minister of External Affairs, Education, and Sport, Ms. Dominique Hasler, emphasized the Desk’s role in facilitating high-value manufacturing and innovation-driven industries. She pointed to Hilti’s success in India and expressed optimism that TEPA would encourage more Liechtenstein-based firms to expand.

    The India-EFTA Desk will drive investment in renewable energy, life sciences, engineering, and digital transformation. Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, noted that TEPA will spur joint ventures, SME collaborations, and technology partnerships, with the Desk streamlining regulatory navigation for EFTA businesses.

    Union Minister of State, Shri Jitin Prasada, highlighted EFTA’s strategic importance to India’s development goals, citing Norway’s expertise in green shipping, Switzerland’s advancements in rail networks, Iceland’s leadership in geothermal energy, and Liechtenstein’s high-value manufacturing. He also pointed to research collaborations between IITs and the Arctic University of Norway, demonstrating TEPA’s broader scope beyond trade.

    Following the Desk’s inauguration, a high-level Business Roundtable chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal convened to explore opportunities and address trade challenges. Discussions identified key sectors, including seafood & maritime, energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and food processing.

    Looking ahead, the India-EFTA Desk will serve as the primary channel for fostering continuous business-government dialogue. The Indian government has pledged to work closely with EFTA partners to unlock TEPA’s full potential. Concluding the discussions, Shri Piyush Goyal called TEPA a “model agreement” and reaffirmed India’s readiness to build a robust future with EFTA, stating: “India is ready when you are. Let’s build this future together.”

    With the official inauguration of the EFTA Desk, India and EFTA have entered a new era of economic cooperation, ensuring that businesses from both regions thrive in an era of sustainable and innovation-driven growth.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Celebrating a Decade of Progress

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    International Day of Women and Girls in Science

     

    Women have played a pivotal role in shaping the world of science, making groundbreaking discoveries and driving innovation across various fields. With increasing efforts to promote gender equality in education and research, women are now leading scientific advancements, challenging stereotypes, and redefining the landscape of global science. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The day serves as a global reminder of the importance of gender equality in STEM fields, and this year we celebrate its 10th anniversary.

    India has taken significant steps to promote gender parity in STEM. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has recently implemented the WISE-KIRAN (Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN) scheme, a comprehensive program designed to support women at various stages of their scientific careers. Under this scheme, government has launched initiatives like:

    • WISE-PhD: The programme aims to provide support to women who want to pursue a Ph.D. in 5 subject areas of basic and applied sciences.
    • WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF): The programme aims to provide opportunity to women to continue research after Ph.D. in Basic and Applied Sciences through independent project grant.
    • Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI): WIDUSHI programme provides support to women scientists who are at the verge of retirement or retired from Government service and also to the women scientists who are not at permanent position but are active researchers and continuously excelling in research field.
    • WISE-SCOPE: The programme encourages women scientists and technologists to address societal challenges through S&T interventions.
    • WISE Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (WISE-IPR) – WISE-IPR programme provides one-year training to women in the area of Intellectual Property Rights in order to develop a core professional skill in this domain.
    • Women International Grant Support (WINGS): The programme provides opportunities to Indian Women scientists to undertake research in the International research labs and academic institutions.
    • Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE): CURIE Programme provides support to women institutions for establishing State-of-the art research infrastructure to enhance research facilities and improving R&D activities in order to create excellence in Science & Technology (S&T) domain.
    • Vigyan Jyoti: Vigyan Jyoti programme aims to encourage girls to pursue higher education and career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) especially in the areas where women participation is low in order to balance gender ratio across the streams. Vigyan Jyoti (School Component) is in implementation in 250 districts of 34 States/UTs of the country.
    • Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI): GATI aims to develop an indigenous Charter for Gender Equity in STEMM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics & Medicine), with a focus on bringing about transformational changes at Institutional level.

    These efforts collectively aim to bridge the gender gap, empower women in STEM, and create an inclusive scientific ecosystem in India.

    Throughout history, women pioneers in science have defied societal norms, challenged conventions, and made groundbreaking contributions to human knowledge. Let us remember the women who dared to dream beyond the societal norms and created a legacy that continues to inspire others!

     

     

    As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is evident that women have made tremendous strides in STEM, overcoming barriers and reshaping the scientific landscape. India’s dedicated efforts—through policies, programs, and institutional support have played a crucial role in increasing female participation in higher education, research, and innovation.

    References

    https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day

    https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/sites/all/themes/vigyan/images/Women’s_Scientist_Brochure_Low_Res.pdf

    https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/wise-kiran

    https://www.unesco.org/en/days/women-girls-science

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Domestic Tourism Growth

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and the following strategic pillars have been identified for development of sustainable tourism:

    i.    Promoting Environmental Sustainability

    ii.   Protecting Biodiversity

    iii.  Promoting Economic Sustainability

    iv.  Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability

    v.   Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism

    vi.  IEC and Capacity Building Governance 

    The Ministry also launched the Travel for LiFE Initiative to promote sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage the tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices. Travel for LiFE aims to promote sustainable tourism in the country, through mindful and deliberate actions mobilized toward tourists and tourism businesses in the consumption of tourism resources.  The Ministry of Tourism has also revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective of developing sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach. Through these initiatives, the Government seeks to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the economy while safeguarding the environment and benefiting local communities. The list of projects sanctioned under the schemes of the Ministry in various States/Union Territories including in South India are placed at Annexure.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ANNEXURE

    State wise list of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme.

    (Rs. in Crore)

    S. No

    Name of State/UT

    No. of Projects

    Sanctioned Amount

    Amount released

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    4

    150.22

    84.55

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1

    37.88

    21.95

    3

    Assam

    1

    29.8

    29.8

    4

    Bihar

    2

    33.25

    33.25

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    48.44

    32.13

    6

    Gujarat

    4

    152.94

    113.48

    7

    Goa

    1

    16.46

    0

    8

    Haryana

    1

    48.53

    34.68

    9

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1

    40.46

    34.3

    10

    Jharkhand

    1

    36.79

    34.95

    11

    Karnataka

    1

    45.71

    0

    12

    Kerala

    1

    45.19

    45.19

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    2

    93.92

    78.67

    14

    Maharashtra

    1

    42.18

    29.93

    15

    Meghalaya

    1

    29.29

    24.92

    16

    Mizoram

    1

    44.89

    13.18

    17

    Nagaland

    2

    43.38

    32.24

    18

    Odisha

    1

    50

    10

    19

    Punjab

    2

    37.97

    23.89

    20

    Rajasthan

    1

    32.64

    26.11

    21

    Sikkim

    1

    33.32

    28.31

    22

    Tamil Nadu

    2

    18.85

    18.85

    23

    Telangana

    3

    142.28

    54.32

    24

    Tripura

    1

    34.43

    25.62

    25

    Uttar Pradesh

    6

    130.27

    110.82

    26

    Uttarakhand

    3

    145.28

    83.37

    27

    West Bengal

    1

    30.03

    23.39
     

    Grand Total

    47

    1594.4

    1047.92

     

    State wise list of projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme till 31.12.2024

     (₹ in crore)

    S. No

    State / UTs

    Swadesh Darshan

    No. of Projects

    Amount Sanctioned

    in ₹ Crore

    Amount Released

    /

    Authorised*

    in ₹ Crore

    Amount Utilised

    in ₹ Crore

    (as per UC submitted by the Implementing agency)

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    152.62

    147.40

    148.81

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh 

    2

    146.49

    139.16

    139.16

    3

    Assam

    2

    185.66

    185.65

    176.36

    4

    Bihar

    5

    262.72

    250.37

    247.03

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    96.10

    94.23

    94.23

    6

    Goa

    2

    197.00

    197.00

    195.24

    7

    Gujarat

    3

    176.97

    165.74

    161.11

    8

    Haryana

    1

    77.39

    76.74

    76.74

    9

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    68.34

    64.54

    62.56

    10

    Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

    6

    519.58

    453.46

    423.43

    11

    Jharkhand

    1

    30.44

    28.04

    28.04

    12

    Kerala

    5

    312.47

    259.13

    222.05

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    4

    349.70

    342.14

    342.14

    14

    Maharashtra

    2

    64.53

    61.29

    55.85

    15

    Manipur

    2

    117.57

    106.65

    104.29

    16

    Meghalaya

    2

    184.10

    184.07

    176.08

    17

    Mizoram

    2

    158.63

    145.35

    145.35

    18

    Nagaland

    2

    195.50

    195.50

    190.63

    19

    Odisha

    1

    70.82

    67.28

    59.47

    20

    Punjab

    1

    85.32

    81.05

    81.05

    21

    Rajasthan

    4

    283.47

    265.88

    275.45

    22

    Sikkim

    2

    193.37

    192.73

    187.96

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    1

    73.13

    71.03

    71.03

    24

    Telangana

    3

    268.39

    241.73

    262.10

    25

    Tripura

    2

    127.68

    113.01

    100.13

    26

    Uttar Pradesh

    8

    490.95

    452.08

    437.39

    27

    Uttarakhand

    2

    145.49

    138.08

    138.11

    28

    West Bengal

    1

    67.99

    65.07

    65.07

    29

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    1

    27.57

    22.13

    22.08

    30

    Puducherry

    3

    142.84

    135.54

    135.34

    31

    Wayside Amenities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

    1

    15.07

    14.32

    15.83

    Total

    76

    5287.90

    4956.39

    4840.11

    * Includes amount of authorization to CNA through TSA Model I for Central Sector Scheme.

    List of sanctioned projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 as on 31.12.2024

    S. No

    State

    Destination

    Name of the Experience

    Sanctioned Cost

    (₹ Crore)

    Date of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Araku-Lambasingi

    Borra Cave Experience at Araku

    29.87

    05-03-2024

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Nacho

    Unlock Nacho Expedition

    14.02

    05-03-2024

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Cultural Haat

    18.48

    05-03-2024

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Adventure Park

    12.75

    05-03-2024

    5

    Assam

    Kokrajhar

    Kokrajhar Wetland Experience

    26.67

    05-03-2024

    6

    Assam

    Jorhat

    Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate

    23.91

    05-03-2024

    7

    Goa

    Porvorim

    Porvorim Creek Experience

    23.56

    20-08-2024

    8

    Goa

    Colva

    Colva Beach Experience

    15.65

    20-08-2024

    9

    Karnataka

    Hampi

    Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

    25.64

    29-02-2024

    10

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Tonga ride Heritage experience zone

    2.72

    29-02-2024

    11

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Ecological Experience Zone

    18.47

    05-03-2024

    12

    Kerala

    Kumarakom

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience

    13.92

    05-03-2024

    13

    Ladakh

    Leh

    Julley Leh Biodiversity Park

    24.89

    05-03-2024

    14

    Ladakh

    Kargil

    Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience

    12.01

    05-03-2024

    15

    Madhya Pradesh

    Gwalior

    Phoolbagh Experience Zone

    16.73

    29-02-2024

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    Chitrakoot

    Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot

    27.21

    05-03-2024

    17

    Maharashtra

    Pune

    Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3

    76.22

    21-09-2024

    18

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Waterfall Trails Experience

    27.84

    05-03-2024

    19

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Meghalayan Age Cave Experience

    32.45

    04-03-2024

    20

    Nagaland

    Chumoukedima

    Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint

    7.87

    20-08-2024

    21

    Nagaland

    Chumuoukedima

    Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat

    21.56

    05-03-2024

    22

    Puducherry

    Karaikal

    Karaikal beach and waterfront experience

    20.29

    05-03-2024

    23

    Punjab

    Kapurthala

    Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland

    20.06

    05-03-2024

    24

    Punjab

    Amritsar

    Border Tourism Experience at Attari

    25.90

    20-08-2024

    25

    Rajasthan

    Bundi

    Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan

    17.37

    29-02-2024

    26

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster

    15.40

    05-03-2024

    27

    Sikkim

    Gangtok

    Gangtok Cultural Village

    22.59

    29-02-2024

    28

    Tamil Nadu

    Mamallapuram

    Immersive experience at Shore Temple

    30.02

    29-02-2024

    29

    Telangana

    Bhongir

    Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone

    56.81

    29-02-2024

    30

    Telangana

    Ananathagiri

    Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest

    38.00

    05-03-2024

    31

    Uttar Pradesh

    Prayagraj

    Azad Park and Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp

    13.02

    05-03-2024

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    Naimisaranya

    Vedic- wellness Experience

    15.94

    05-03-2024

    33

    Uttarakhand

    Pithoragarh

    Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji

    32.20

    05-03-2024

    34

    Uttarakhand

    Champawat

    Tea Garden Experience

    11.21

    05-03-2024

    TOTAL AMOUNT 

    791.25

     

    List of Destination Identified under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan scheme

    S. No.

    State

    Destination

    Category

    Funding Amount (₹ Crore)

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Nagarjuna Sagar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    Ahobilam Temple

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Kibitho

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Bichom Dam Site

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    5

    Assam

    Sivasagar

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    6

    Bihar

    Bhagalpur

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    7

    Bihar

    Saran Dist. (Sonepur Fair)

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    8

    Chhattisgarh

    Mayali Bagicha

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    9

    Goa

    Mayem Village

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    10

    Gujarat

    Porbandar

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    11

    Gujarat

    Thol Village

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    12

    Gujarat

    Vadnagar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    Kaza

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    14

    Himachal Pradesh

    Rakchham, Chhitkul

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    15

    Jharkhand

    Ramrekha Dham

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    16

    Kerala

    Varkala

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    17

    Kerala

    Thalassery

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    18

    Karnataka

    Bidar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    19

    Karnataka

    Udupi

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    20

    Ladakh

    Mushkoh Village

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    21

    Lakshadweep

    Lakshadweep

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    22

    Madhya Pradesh

    Mandu

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    23

    Madhya Pradesh

    Orchha

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    24

    Maharashtra

    Ahmednagar

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    25

    Manipur

    Langthabal Konug

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    26

    Meghalaya

    Nartiang Village

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    27

    Meghalaya

    Mawphlang Village

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    28

    Nagaland

    Doyang Reservoir

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    29

    Nagaland

    Impur Village

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    30

    Puducherry

    White Town

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    31

    Punjab

    Ferozpur (Hussainiwala Border)

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    32

    Punjab

    Rupnagar (Anandpur Sahib)

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    33

    Sikkim

    Gnathang Village

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    34

    Sikkim

    Kabi

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    35

    Tamil Nadu

    Rameswaram Island

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    36

    Tamil Nadu

    Thanjavur

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    37

    Telangana

    Nalgonda

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    38

    Telangana

    Kamareddy

    Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites

    10.00

    39

    Uttar Pradesh

    Mahoba

    Culture & Heritage

    25.00

    40

    Uttarakhand

    Mana Village

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    41

    Uttarakhand

    Jadung

    Vibrant Village Programme

    5.00

    42

    Uttarakhand

    Kainchidham

    Spiritual Tourism

    25.00

    TOTAL

    800.00

     

    List of Project shortlisted by Ministry of Tourism in consultation with the State Governments on the given parameters and funded by Department of Expenditure for development

     

    S. No.

    State/UT

    Name of the Project

    Sanctioned Cost

    (₹ Crore)

    Date of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Enriching the fort and Gorge Experience in Gandikota

    77.91

    26-11-2024

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    Akhanda Godavari- (Havelok Bridge & Pushkar Ghat) in Raja Mahendravaram,

    94.44

    26-11-2024

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat in Pasighat

    46.48

    26-11-2024

    4

    Assam

    Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati

    97.12

    26-11-2024

    5

    Assam

    Beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar

    94.76

    26-11-2024

    6

    Bihar

    Development of Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa

    97.61

    26-11-2024

    7

    Bihar

    Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub in Karamchat

    49.51

    26-11-2024

    8

    Chhattisgarh

    Development of Chitrotpala Film City in Raipur

    95.79

    26-11-2024

    9

    Chhattisgarh

    Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre in Raipur

    51.87

    26-11-2024

    10

    Goa

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Ponda

    97.46

    26-11-2024

    11

    Goa

    Townsquare in Porvorim

    90.74

    26-11-2024

    12

    Gujarat

    Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in Porbandar

    99.50

    26-11-2024

    13

    Gujarat

    Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo

    51.56

    26-11-2024

    14

    Jharkhand

    Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya” in Koderma

    34.87

    26-11-2024

    15

    Karnataka

    Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni in Bengaluru

    99.17

    26-11-2024

    16

    Karnataka

    Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda in Belgavi

    100.00

    26-11-2024

    17

    Kerala

    Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco-recreational Hub in Kollam

    59.71

    26-11-2024

    18

    Kerala

    Global Gateway to Malabar’s Cultural Crucible in Sargaalayaa

    95.34

    26-11-2024

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    Orchha A Medieval Splendour in Orchha

    99.92

    26-11-2024

    20

    Madhya Pradesh

    International Convention Centre for MICE in Bhopal

    99.38

    26-11-2024

    21

    Maharashtra

    INS-Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and submarine Tourism in Sindhudurg

    46.91

    26-11-2024

    22

    Maharashtra

    Development of RAM-KAL PATH in Nashik

    99.14

    26-11-2024

    23

    Manipur

    Loktak Lake Experience in Loktak

    89.48

    26-11-2024

    24

    Meghalaya

    MICE Infrastructure in Mawkhanu

    99.27

    26-11-2024

    25

    Meghalaya

    Redevelopment of Umiam Lake in Shillong

    99.27

    26-11-2024

    26

    Odisha

    Development of Hirakund

    99.90

    26-11-2024

    27

    Odisha

    Development of Satkosia

    99.99

    26-11-2024

    28

    Punjab

    Development of Heritage Street as a tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam, Sardar Bhaghat Singh at Khatkar Kalan in SBS Nagar

    53.45

    26-11-2024

    29

    Rajasthan

    Development at Amber-Nahargarh and Surrounding Area in Jaipur

    49.31

    26-11-2024

    30

    Rajasthan

    Development at Jalmahal in Jaipur

    96.61

    26-11-2024

    31

    Sikkim

    Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang in Namchi

    97.37

    27-11-2024

    32

    Sikkim

    Border Experience in Nathula

    68.19

    27-11-2024

    33

    Tamil Nadu

    Development of Nandavanam Heritage Park in Mammallapuram

    99.67

    26-11-2024

    34

    Tamil Nadu

    Garden of Flowers in Devala

    70.23

    26-11-2024

    35

    Telangana

    Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit in Ramappa

    73.74

    13-12-2024

    36

    Telangana

    Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat in Nallamala

    68.10

    13-12-2024

    37

    Tripura

    Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar in Gomati

    97.70

    26-11-2024

    38

    Uttar Pradesh

    Development of Bateshwar in District-Agra

    74.05

    26-11-2024

    39

    Uttar Pradesh

    Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shrawasti

    80.24

    26-11-2024

    40

    Uttarakhand

    Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station in Rishikesh

    100.00

    26-11-2024

    TOTAL

    3295.76

     

     

    List of Projects Sanctioned under the Scheme Assistance to Central Agencies

    S. No

    Name of Project

    State

    Agency

    Sanction Date

    Amount sanctioned

    Amount Released

    1

    Sound and Light Show at Dal Lake (Nigeen Lake)

    J&K

    ITDC

    25-06-2012

    500

    400

    2

    Cruise Passenger Facilities Centre in the existing Passenger Terminal at Chennai Port.

    Tamil Nadu

    Chennai Port Trust

    24-09-2012

    1724.66

    1724.66

    3

    Implementation of Multimedia /Laser show at Tilyar Lake 

    Haryana

    ITDC

    30-04-2013

    500

    224.05

    4

    Construction of Interpretation Centre at the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi.

    Delhi

    Aga Khan Foundation

    04-03-2014

    4944.84

    4944.84

    5

    Cruise Terminal Building at Mormugao Port Trust

    Goa

    Mormugao Port Trust

    24-06-2014

    879.04

    767.18

    6

    Sound & Light Show at Diu Fort, Diu

    Daman & Diu

    ITDC

    28-02-2015

    775.54

    620.43

    7

    Illumination of monuments in Varanasi/Sarnath (Dhamekh Stupa in SarnathChaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath, Tomb of Lalkan in Sarnath and Man Mahal in Banaras).

    Uttar Pradesh

    ITDC

    28-02-2015

    512.43

    381.47

    8

    Development of Kanoji Angre Lighthouse as a tourist Destination

    Maharashtra

    Mumbai Port Trust

    09-08-2016

    1500

    1500

    9

    Development of a Walkway/Promenade on Willingdon Island, Cochin, Kerala

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    28-10-2016

    901

    826.29

    10

    Central Financial Assistance for upgrading of Births & Backup area of Ernakulam Wharf

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    31-03-2017

    2141

    1912.8

    11

    Project for Up-gradation of Golf Course at SAI Trivandrum Golf Club by the Sports Authority of India

    Kerala

    SAI

    31-03-2017

    2464.99

    1232.49

    12

    Sound and Light Show at Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore, Haryana.

    Haryana

    ITDC

    16-10-2017

    600

    300

    13

    Sound and Light Show at Puttaparthy, Andhra Pradesh

    Andhra Pradesh

    ITDC

    27-11-2017

    708.67

    354.34

    14

    Up-gradation/ modernization to International Cruise terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai. 

    Maharashtra

    Mumbai Port Trust 

    29-12-2017

    1250

    1250

    15

    Illumination of three monuments in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-
    1. Dashashwamedh Ghat to Darbhanga Ghat (stretch of 300 m)
    2.  Tulsi Manas Mandir
    3. Sarnath Museum

    Uttar Pradesh

    CPWD

    21-12-2017

    293.55

    293.55

    16

    Infrastructural Development at JCP Attari, Wagha Border

    Punjab

    BSF

    12-06-2018

    1312

    1029.59

    17

    Improvement of immigration facility and deepening of existing cruise berth at Mormugao Port Trust

    Goa

    Mormugao Port Trust

    24-08-2018

    1316.4

    658.2

    18

    Developing infrastructure at Cochin Port Cruise Terminal.

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    12-12-2018

    120.79

    114.17

    19

    Creation of additional tourism facilities at the Cochin Port Trust Walkway

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    12-12-2018

    466.47

    466.47

    20

    Construction of Cruise-Cum-Costal Cargo Terminal at Channel berth area in Outer Harbour of Visakhapatnam Port

    Andhra Pradesh

    Visakhapatnam Port Trust

    14-12-2018

    3850

    2991

    21

    Restoration/ Renovation of ‘Jallianwala Bagh Memorial’ & Additional work to be taken at Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial at Amritsar, Punjab.   

    Punjab (GFR)

    ASI

    08-03-2019

    2302

    2250

    22

    Sound and Light Show at (Purana Quila) Delhi

    Delhi

    ITDC

    05-08-2019

    1404

    685

    23

    Development of Additional infrastructure in the new Cochin Port Trust Terminal

    Kerala

    Cochin Port Trust

    13-12-2019

    1029.7

    888.62

    24

    Illumination of Building of National Gallery of Modern Art

    Delhi

    NCSM

    19-12-2019

    380

    304

    25

    Development & renovation of selected facilities of National Museum

    Delhi

    NCSM

    26-12-2019

    4373

    2186

    26

    Development of Jetties at 9 main points of embarkation/disembarkation of River Cruize on National Water ways No. 1 & 2

    Assam

    IWAI

    28-04-2020

    2803.05

    700.76

    27

    Tourism Infrastructure at Beltaal Lake, Damoh, Madhya Pradesh by ITDC.

    Madhya Pradesh

    ITDC

    29-09-2020

    2315.30

    1008.27

    28

    Sound & Light Show at Leh, Ladakh & Water Screen Projection Multimedia Show at Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kargil, Ladakh

    Leh & Ladakh

    ITDC

    26-11-2020

    2321.99

    765.99

    29

    3D visual projection mapping of NGMA Building

    Delhi

    NCSM

    31-03-2021

    616.27

    464.58

    30

    Development of Convention Centre and associated Infrastructure at Aizawl.

    Mizoram

    WAPCOS

    31-03-2021

    3994.75

    3057.03

    31

    Development of International and Domestic Cruse Terminal and allied facilities at Murmugao Port Trust, Goa

    Goa

    Mormugao Port Trust

    10-09-2021

    5000

    4000

    32

    Upgradation/Modernization to International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai Port Trust

    Maharashtra

    Mumbai Port Trust

    20-12-2021

    3750

    3000

    33

    Development of 22 viewpoints in North Eastern State
    (i) Nagaland (2 view points)- Rs.5.77 Crore
    (ii) Meghalaya (3 view points) – Rs.6.26 Crore
    (iii) Mizoram (9 view points)- Rs.12.78 Crore
    (iv) Arunachal Pradesh (4 view points) – Rs.6.25 Crore
    (v) Manipur (3 view points)- Rs.5.93 Crore
    (vi) Sikkim/West Bengal (1 view point)- Rs.3.70 Crore

    NER

    NHIDCL

    11-10-2022

    4444

    3555.4

    34

    Development of Border Tourism at Shri Tanot Complex, Jaisalmer Sector

    Rajasthan

    BSF

    05-07-2022

    1767.66

    883.83

    35

    Multimedia Laser Show with Water Screen and Musical Fountain at Sanjeevaiah Park, Hyderabad, Telangana

    Telangana

    BECIL

    31-10-2022

    5000.04

    4090

    36

    Design, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Digital Multimedia Technology and Lightings at Osmania Arts University, Hyderabad Telangana

    Telangana

    BECIL

    22-12-2022

    1179.93

    943.47

    37

    Project ‘Major Upgradation of National Science Centre

    Delhi

    NCSM

    27-03-2023

    3180

    18

    38

    Installation of Musical Fountain & Water Screen Multimedia based projection show at Nawal Sagar Lake, Bundi

    Rajasthan

    ITDC

    04-10-2023

    925.67

    92.57

    39

    Development of Light & Sound and Multimedia Show at Rashtrapati Bhawan

    Delhi

    ITDC

    28-03-2024

    4712.4

    471

    40

    3D Mapping with Aqua Screen Projection and Sound Show at Buxar, Bihar and Dynamic Lighting & Motif at Ram Rekha Ghat, Bihar

    Bihar

    BECIL

    10-06-2024

    599.96

    59.99

     

    Total (Lakhs)

    78,861.10

    51,416.04

     

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2101365) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measuring the Pulse of Indian Education

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Budget 2025-26 Unveils Transformative Initiatives

    “Education is not only the foundation upon which our civilization has been built, but it is also the architect of humanity’s future.”

    ~Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

     

     

    Education has always been a key priority for the government and with the vision to make India a global education hub, the Union Budget 2025-26 introduces innovative initiatives. Focused on expanding medical seats, enhancing skilling infrastructure and growing IITs, these measures aim to provide more opportunities and equip youth with essential skills for the future.

    Announcements for a Smarter, Inclusive India

     

    1. Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme: To provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education. This aims to help students understand their subjects better. 
    2. National Centres of Excellence for Skilling: Building on the July 2024 Budget, five National Centres of Excellence for skilling will be established with global partnerships to equip youth with skills. These centres will focus on curriculum design, trainer training, skills certification, and regular reviews.
    3. Expansion of Capacity in IITs: Additional infrastructure will be created in the 5 IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students. Hostel and other infrastructure capacity at IIT, Patna will also be expanded. Total number of students in 23 IITs has increased 100 per cent from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh in the past 10 years. 
    4. Centre of Excellence in AI for Education: A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education will be set up with a total outlay of 500 crore.
    5. Expansion of Medical Education: The government had added almost 1.1 lakh UG and PG medical education seats in ten years, an increase of 130 per cent. In the next year, 10,000 additional seats will be added in medical colleges and hospitals, towards the goal of adding 75,000 seats in the next 5 years.

    Inside India’s Education System

     

    The Indian education system has undergone significant transformation over the years. Serving 24.8 crore students across 14.72 lakh schools, it is supported by a dedicated workforce of 98 lakh teachers, as reported by the UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus 2023-24). Government schools form the backbone of the system, comprising 69% of the total, enrolling 50% of students and employing 51% of teachers. On the other hand, private schools make up 22.5% of institutions, catering to 32.6% of students and employing 38% of teachers. This growing structure reflects the dynamic changes in the Indian education landscape, paving the way for continuous improvements in enrollment and access over the years.

    Enrollment Trends in India

    The NEP 2020 aims for a 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2030. The GER is near universal at the primary (93 %) and the efforts are underway to bridge the gaps at the secondary (77.4 %) and higher secondary level (56.2 %), driving the nation closer to its vision of inclusive and equitable education for all. In the realm of higher education, India has seen a dramatic rise in student enrollment. The total number of students enrolled in higher education reached 4.33 crore in 2021-22, a 26.5% increase from 3.42 crore in 2014-15. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for the 18-23 age group also rose from 23.7% to 28.4% in the same period.

     

    Women’s participation in higher education has also witnessed significant growth, with female enrollment rising from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.07 crore in 2021-22, marking a 32% increase. This progress is especially evident in fields like Medical Science, Social Science, and Arts, where women are now leading the charge in enrollment.

    Decline in Dropout Rate

    However, challenges still persist and the dropout rate remains a critical concern. While there has been a steady decline in dropout rates. School dropout rates have steadily declined in recent years, standing at 1.9 per cent for primary, 5.2 per cent for upper primary and 14.1 per cent for secondary levels. According to AISHE report the dropout rate at the secondary level has also decreased significantly from 21% in 2013-14 to 13% in 2021-22.

    Transforming India’s Education Landscape

    Over the years, India has seen a remarkable transformation in its higher education ecosystem. The number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has grown significantly, increasing by 13.8% from 51,534 in 2014-15 to 58,643 in 2022-23. This expansion reflects the country’s commitment to making higher education more accessible and diverse.

    • Growth in Medical Education and Workforce:  Medical Colleges grew from 499 in FY19 to 780 in FY25.
    • Candidates aspiring to study MBBS increased from 16 lakh in 2019 to 24 lakh in 2024.
    • MBBS Seats increased from 70,012 in FY19 to 1,18,137 in FY25.
    • Postgraduate Medical Seats grew from 39,583 in FY19 to 73,157 in FY25.
    • Doctors Available: 13.86 lakh registered practitioners as of July 2024, with a current ratio of 1:1263 per person. The WHO norm of 1:1000 could be met by 2030 with an annual increase of 50,000 doctors.
    • Growth of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): The number of IITs increased from 16 in 2014 to 23 in 2023.
    • Growth of Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs):The number of IIMs grew from 13 in 2014 to 20 in 2023.

     

    • Expansion of Universities:The number of Universities grew from 723 in 2014 to 1,213 in 2024, marking a 59.6% increase.
    • Increase in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Total HEIs increased by 13.8%, from 51,534 in 2014-15 to 58,643 in 2022-23.

     

    Progress in Basic Facilities

    Education infrastructure has significantly improved, with a rise in the number of higher education institutions. Key areas like medical check-ups, sanitation, and ICT availability have also seen substantial upgrades, highlighting positive progress in school facilities to enhance the quality of education. From 2019-20 to 2023-24, there have been notable improvements in school infrastructure. The percentage of schools with girls’ toilets increased slightly from 96.9% to 97.2%, while access to libraries/reading rooms rose from 84.1% to 89%.  The availability of electricity improved from 83.4% to 91.8%, and computers in schools increased from 38.5% to 57.2%. Additionally, internet access grew significantly from 22.3% to 53.9%, marking a positive shift toward better-equipped schools.

    Conclusion

    The education sector in India is being strengthened through various government initiatives aligned with NEP 2020. Programs like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) and PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) are driving improvements in infrastructure, teacher training and learning outcomes. The Economic Survey highlights the progress and the government’s commitment to making education more inclusive and accessible.

    References

    Click here to download PDF

    *******

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2101363) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Allocation of Grants to Autonomous Bodies

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Details of Grants allocated to various Autonomous Bodies under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture is annexed at Annexure –I.

    There have been the demands of excess budget during the said period by some Autonomous Bodies and the same have been met. Autonomous Bodies are continuously advised to enhance their internal revenue generation to meet the excess demand. Details of the excess demand and the reasons there for is at Annexure-II.

    Grants are allocated to Autonomous Bodies keeping in view the overall allocation of the Ministry and their proposed programmes/activities during the year. Additional grants sought by the Autonomous Bodies are met through the Supplementary demands as per the GFR provisions. However, Autonomous Bodies are continuously encouraged to enhance their internal revenue generation to meet the excess demand.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    Annexure-I

    AUTONOMOUS BODIES BE/RE FROM F.Y. BE 2021-22 TO 2023-24                                                                                                (Rs. in lakh)

    S.No.

    Organizations

    BE 21-22

    RE 21-22

    BE 22-23

    RE 22-23

    BE 23-24

    RE 23-24

    I

    Support to Akademies

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1

    Sangeet Natak Akademi

    5925.00

    6087.00

    6315.00

    6660.52

    6555.00

    6855.00

    2

    Sahitya Akademi

    3910.00

    3787.00

    3920.00

    4198.16

    3805.00

    4055.00

    3

    Lalit Kala Akademi

    2620.00

    2558.00

    2650.00

    3310.80

    2855.00

    3255.00

    4

    National School of Drama

    7065.00

    6445.00

    6975.00

    4333.52

    4855.00

    5955.00

    5

    Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

    2555.00

    2455.00

    2495.00

    2495.00

    2545.00

    2545.00

    6

    Indira Gandhi National Culture for the Arts

    5005.00

    5330.00

    5505.00

    19005.00

    10010.00

    10010.00

    7

    Kalakshetra Foundation

    1767.00

    1872.00

    1927.00

    1977.00

    2452.00

    2662.00

    8

    Zonal Cultural Centers

    5310.00

    6419.00

    6748.00

    6748.00

    7050.00

    8208.00

     

    Total- Support to Akademies

    34157.00

    34953.00

    36535.00

    48728.00

    40127.00

    43545.00

    II

    Support to Museum

     

     

     

     

     

     

    9

    Victoria Memorial Hall

    3377.00

    3029.00

    3099.00

    2877.00

    3134.00

    3134.00

    10

    National Council of Science Museum

    13186.00

    13187.00

    13902.00

    14592.00

    17260.00

    20460.51

    11

    Allahabad Museum

    1077.00

    937.00

    967.00

    877.00

    962.00

    962.00

    12

    Indian Institute of Heritage (IIH)-NMI

    2057.00

    2057.00

    2087.00

    1902.00

    1222.00

    1222.00

    13

    Salarjung Museum

    2397.00

    2397.00

    2487.00

    2397.00

    2522.00

    2522.00

    14

    Indian Museum

    2457.00

    2392.00

    4040.00

    3282.00

    4042.49

    4042.49

    15

    Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghralaya

    1772.00

    1652.00

    1702.00

    1977.00

    2355.00

    2355.00

    16

    Prime Minister Museum & Library

    3058.00

    3058.00

    3248.00

    3608.00

    4242.00

    4242.00

     

    Total- Support to Museum

    29381.00

    28709.00

    31532.00

    31512.00

    35739.49

    38940.00

    III

    Support to Libraries

     

     

     

     

     

     

    17

    Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation

    2707.00

    2707.00

    2752.00

    3319.00

    3367.00

    3287.00

    18

    Delhi Public Library

    3627.00

    3237.00

    3367.00

    3252.00

    3558.00

    3538.00

    19

    Asiatic Society Library

    2342.00

    2342.00

    2541.50

    2261.50

    2437.00

    2237.00

    20

    Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library

    632.50

    544.50

    580.50

    595.50

    622.00

    622.00

    21

    Rampur Raza Library

    702.00

    651.50

    672.00

    652.00

    662.00

    662.00

     

    Total- Support to Libraries

    10010.50

    9482.00

    9913.00

    10080.00

    10646.00

    10346.00

    IV

    BTI and Memorials

     

     

     

     

     

     

    22

    Gandhi Smriti Darshan Samiti

    1402.00

    1302.00

    1366.00

    1602.00

    1560.00

    2010.00

    23

    Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies

    465.00

    465.00

    477.00

    492.00

    653.50

    653.50

    24

    Nava Nalanda Mahavihara

    1309.00

    1609.00

    1678.00

    2177.00

    2555.00

    3804.50

    25

    Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh.

    2946.40

    2576.40

    2706.50

    3338.50

    3198.00

    3545.00

    26

    Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies,Sarnath

    5401.70

    6283.90

    4908.50

    3935.50

    3902.00

    4032.00

    27

    Central Institute of Himalayan Cultural Studies, Dahung

    1190.70

    1151.70

    1166.00

    1211.00

    1222.00

    1352.00

    28

    Tabo

     

     

    2.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

        (Rs. in lakh)

    S.No.

    Organizations

     

    BE 21-22

    RE 21-22

    BE 22-23

    RE 22-23

    BE 23-24

    RE 23-24

     

     

    Total- BTI and Memorials

    12714.80

    13388.00

    12304.00

    12756.00

    13090.50

    15397.00

     

    Total- Autonomous Bodies

    86263.30

    86532.00

    90284.00

    103076.00

    99602.99

    108228.00

                   

    STATEMENT REFERRED TO PART(b) & (c) OF THE QUESTION NO. 1126 REGARDING ‘ALLOCATION OF GRANTS TO AUTONOMOUS BODIES’

    (Rs. in lakh)

    Annexure-II

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    1

    Sangeet Natak Akademi

    5925.00

    6087.00

    5716.87

     

    6315.00

    6660.52

    6505.52

    For conducting various programmes/activities

    6555.00

    6855.00

    7105.00

    Additional requirement is for fellowship awards for the year.

    2

    Sahitya Akademi

    3910.00

    3787.00

    4369.77

    For payment to the CPWD Bengaluru towards construction of the sales-cum-godown and setting up of Metro Book Shop at their Kempe Gowda Metro Station

    3920.00

    4198.16

    4381.96

    For conducting various programmes/activitiesb

    3805.00

    4055.00

    4356.59

    For Festival of Letters was conducted at the large scale involving more than 1100 writers from across the nation, due to which amt of more than Rs. 4 crore was incurred and the bills are pending i.r.o. honorarium and TA to the writers and various vendors

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    3

    Lalit Kala Akademi

    2620.00

    2558.00

    3022.57

    For renovation work of old building of Regional Centre of Kolkata & Chennai and infrastructure development of newly built building at Regional Office, Kolkata, etc.

    2650.00

    3310.80

    3110.80

    For conducting various programmes/activities

    2855.00

    3255.00

    3530.00

    For maintenance of all regional centre and pension to staff for the month of Feb, 2024/salary to outsourced staff etc.

    4

    National School of Drama

    7065.00

    6445.00

    5593.58

     

    6975.00

    4333.52

    4333.52

     

    4855.00

    5955.00

    6255.00

    For pending payment of bill related to BRM

    5

    Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

    2555.00

    2455.00

    3114.36

    Rs. 2cr. To CCRT towards payment of construction of CCRT Regional Centre building of Udaipur & purchase of new furniture/fixture & equipment

    2495.00

    2495.00

    2511.20

    For conducting various programmes/activities.

    2545.00

    2545.00

    2595.00

     

    6

    Indira Gandhi National Culture for the Arts

    5005.00

    5330.00

    5330.00

    To meet committed liabilities during the year

    5505.00

    19005.00

    23208.82

    For recoupment of advance taken of Rs.56.60 crore from Contingency fund of India in r/o IGNCA for parliament art works

    10010.00

    10010.00

    10910.00

    For Prerna School, Digitization of Sampurnand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalya and G20 Summit

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    7

    Kalakshetra Foundation

    1767.00

    1872.00

    1872.00

    To meet committed liabilities during the year

    1927.00

    1977.00

    2127.00

    For project sanitization, language moderation by third party agency for Mera Estimated exp. of Rs.

    2.50 cr. By Kalakshetra foundation till 31.03.2023

    2452.00

    2662.00

    2662.00

    For creation of EL Fund with LIC

    8

    Zonal Cultural Centers

    5310.00

    6419.00

    6499.56

    To meet committed liabilities during the year

    6748.00

    6748.00

    6746.00

     

    7050.00

    8208.00

    11019.00

    For organizing program on Cultural Components(Anant Sutra,Vande Bharatam and Tableau)during 75th Republic Day Celebrations,2024

     

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    9

    National Council of Science Museum

    13186.00

    13187.00

    13287.00

     

    13902.00

    14592.00

    14230.50

    For development of Planetarium software by NCSM

    17260.00

    20460.51

    20650.51

     

    10

    Indian Institute of Heritage(IIH)-NMI

    2057.00

    2057.00

    2057.00

     

    2087.00

    1902.00

    1934.90

     

    1222.00

    1222.00

    1578.75

    For expenditure towards special projects and enhanced expenditure on IIH campus such as security, housekeeping, horticulture, AMC of building, generator expenses etc.

    11

    Salarjung Museum

    2397.00

    2397.00

    3046.00

    To meet the committed liabilities during the year

    2487.00

    2397.00

    2397.00

     

    2522.00

    2522.00

    2522.00

     

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    12

    Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

    1772.00

    1652.00

    1729.10

    To meet the expense of DCRG fund, open air and indoor exhibition and other routine expense

    1702.00

    1977.00

    1942.00

    IGRMS for EPF  arrears, DCRG fund

    2355.00

    2355.00

    2545.25

    For

    Wages, Tagore Scholarship,Biennale2023-24, Audit fee,

    EPF Interest payable etc.

    13

    Prime Minister Museum & Library

    3058.00

    3058.00

    3366.62

    To incur the expenditure towards water, electricity charges and other general expenditure, to Tagore National Fellowship for Culture Research Scheme for local TA/Honorarium, stationery, travel project staff, accommodation, misc., software and on account of financial impact of implementation of 7th CPC benefits for the pensioner

    3248.00

    3608.00

    3555.00

    Rs. 1.50 cr. for office expenses of PM Museum, electricity bill, etc. by PMM&L

    4242.00

    4242.00

    7938.00

    To facilitate the payment of property tax/ service charges to NDMC under the Grant-in-aid General head.

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    14

    Delhi Public Library

    3627.00

    3237.00

    3256.07

     

    3367.00

    3252.00

    3252.00

     

    3558.00

    3538.00

    3638.00

    For payment of communication to 12 pensioners, reimbursement of medical expenses to pensioners

    15

    Asiatic Society Library

    2342.00

    2342.00

    2402.05

    Additional Fund  given by the Ministry under the Object Head ‘GIA-General’ to meet expenses on account of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava  and Digitization Project.

    2541.50

    2261.50

    2189.50

     

    2437.00

    2237.00

    2024.30

     

    16

    Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library

    632.50

    544.50

    544.50

     

    580.50

    595.50

    608.50

    For conducting various programmes/activities

    622.00

    622.00

    700.47

    For

    Payment of corporation tax and repairing of Old A. C. Plant

     

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    17

    Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies

    465.00

    465.00

    465.00

     

    477.00

    492.00

    602.00

    For conducting various programmes/activities

    653.50

    653.50

    763.50

    For repair & renovation of Azad Bhawan premises of MAKAIAS

    & to conduct seminar/workshop/symposium/lecture session

    liability

    18

    Nava Nalanda Mahavihara

    1309.00

    1609.00

    2291.57

    To Nav Nalanda Mahavihara for upgradation of existing Residential Complex and administrative building, etc

     

    1678.00

    2177.00

    2177.72

    For conducting various programmes/activities

    2555.00

    3804.50

    3804.50

     

    19

    Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh.

    2946.40

    2576.40

    2704.23

    To central Institute of Buddhist Studies for clearing  existing liabilities of CPWD, etc.

    2706.50

    3338.50

    3044.30

    For conducting various programmes/activities

    3198.00

    3545.00

    3845.00

    For CIBS to razzing and finishing of compound wall at new campus, repair and renovation of guest house and vertical extension of senior secondary school building another storey of classroom

     

     

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    S. No.

     

    Organizations

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

     

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

     

    BE

     

    RE

    Funds Status after adjustments

    Reasons for excess demands

    20

    Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath

    5401.70

    6283.90

    6129.40

    For maintenance of Sowa Rigpa Bhawan (academic & hospital) under Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi

    4908.50

    3935.50

    4347.58

     

    3902.00

    4032.00

    4032.00

    For maintenance of Sowa Rigpa Bhawan (academic & hospital) under Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi

    21

    Central Institute of Himalayan Cultural Studies, Dahung

    1190.70

    1151.70

    1146.83

     

    1166.00

    1211.00

    1216.40

    For conducting various programmes/activities

    1222.00

    1352.00

    1352.00

    To meet the committed liabilities during the year
                                 

     

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2101353) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Culture implements a “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s rich cultural heritage

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:07PM by PIB Delhi

    To organize cultural programmes of India at International level, Ministry of Culture signs Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) for disseminating Indian art and culture across the globe. The Cultural Exchange programmes promote India’s soft power for developing and strengthening India’s inter-cultural relations with other countries. The CEPs facilitate cultural exchanges with other countries in different areas like music and dance, theatre, museums & science museums, libraries, archives, protection and conservation of historic monuments and archaeological sites, literature, research and documentation, festival, among others.

    Ministry of Culture also implements a scheme titled “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s rich cultural heritage and enhance India’s image in the global arena in a concerted manner. The objective of the Scheme is to provide artists practicing Indian art forms, an opportunity to perform abroad under the banner of ‘Festival of India’. Under the Scheme, artists from diverse cultural fields such as Folk Art including Folk Music, Folk Dance, Folk Theatre & Puppetry, Classical and Traditional Dance, Experimental/ Contemporary Dance, Classical/ Semi Classical Music, Theatre etc. perform in the ‘Festivals of India’ abroad. Ministry of Culture has empanelled 627 artists/groups under various art forms for performing in the Festivals of India abroad.

    Besides, Ministry of Culture promotes Indian folk art, culture and music abroad through Grant-in-aid to Indo-foreign Friendship Cultural Societies in Foreign countries for organizing different cultural programmes and activities. Ministry of External Affairs has a programme called Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora (PCTD) under which limited amount of funds are extended to Indian Missions/Posts abroad to encourage the Indian Diaspora overseas to organise cultural programmes with a view to connect them to their roots. The scheme aims to nourish and strengthen the cultural bonds between India and its Diaspora and to reinforce the cultural identity of the persons of Indian origin.

    The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous organization under Ministry of External Affairs, promotes Indian culture worldwide through its Cultural Centres and Missions/ Posts abroad. Activities conducted by them include inter-alia, teaching of Yoga, Dance, Music (vocal and instrumental), Sanskrit and Hindi; organising/ supporting Conferences/ Seminars/ Workshops in different fields of Indian culture; supporting Chairs of Indian Studies in  foreign universities; gifting of busts/ statues of Mahatma Gandhi and other national icons, exchanging visual arts exhibitions, celebrating  International Day of Yog, Ayurveda Day and Indian festivals, promoting Indian films, hosting visitors under various Visitors Programmes (Academic/ Distinguished/ Important/ Gen. Next Democracy Network) and sponsoring scholarships to foreign students under different scholarship schemes. ICCR has also concluded MoUs with various State Governments to promote their culture abroad and to facilitate cultural exchanges with foreign countries. ICCR also hosts incoming foreign cultural troupes to enable Indians to discover various foreign countries.

    To organize cultural programmes at national level and to protect, preserve & promote various forms of folk art and culture, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. These ZCCs organize various cultural activities and programmes like Shilpgram Utsav, Orange City Craft Mela, Octave-Festival of North East, Salangai Naadam, Geeta Jayanti Mahotsav, National Crafts Fair, Rashtriya Shilp Mela, Fete-de-Puducherry, Chandigarh National Crafts Mela, Sindhu Darshan Festival, Purbanchalia Lok Mohotsav etc. throughout the country on regular basis.

    In addition, the Ministry of Culture also organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs (RSMs) in the country and since 2015, the Ministry has organized 14 RSMs and 04 Zonal Level RSMs through its ZCCs up till now. These RSMs aim at bringing together the cultural diversity of India and reconnecting the younger generation to their roots and also make them aware about cultural heritage and ancient cultural values of the country by way of providing an effective platform to a large number of artists from all over India who display their talents during these programmes.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2101346) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting citizens from the devious practices of news networks – E-000387/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000387/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    A number of news networks have been accused of presenting different content in the EU and their countries of origin, with the intention of manipulating Europeans. Studies have identified differences in political tone between Al Jazeera’s English-language and Arabic-language channels, as well as between Arabic and non-Arabic speakers. These differences are evident in terms of content selection, presentation and editorial position. For example, studies comparing the network’s coverage of the US-Al Qaeda conflict found that the Arabic-language website often presented more critical views, while the English-language website adopted a rather neutral tone.

    In addition, Al Jazeera English takes a different approach to the Arabic-language channel, with differences in tone, topic selection and overall coverage. These differences suggest that Al Jazeera adapts its content to meet the distinct needs of its English-speaking and Arab-speaking audiences, resulting in variations in political tone and coverage. Similar complaints have been made about the Turkish broadcaster TRT, which the Turkish Government is trying to use as a tool of social and political manipulation on Turkish people located in the EU.

    Does the Commission have a strategy to effectively address these differences and to enhance the accountability of large news networks operating within the EU?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Daily attendance dashboard is live

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the new daily attendance dashboard is now live. 

    “The attendance dashboard will facilitate the daily recording and publication of student attendance,” says Mr Seymour. 

    “This is an example of Phase 2 of the government’s Attendance Action Plan to ensure that schools, the Ministry of Education, wider government, family, and caregivers are doing everything they can to get students back to school. 

    “The attendance dashboard will provide New Zealanders with up-to-date data about attendance in state and state-integrated schools across the country. That data will enable us to monitor truancy patterns, raise awareness and understanding of truancy and associated problems, and support effective interventions. 

    “On January 27 I announced that schools were required to record attendance daily for publication when the dashboard goes live. Today that data is available on the dashboard.

    The interactive dashboard will show how many students were at school on any given day with data being published the day after attendance was recorded. The data will include a breakdown of reasons students were not attending school.

    Visitors can filter the total number of students by region, type of school and Schooling Equity Index group (this measure has replaced deciles for schools), or day, to understand shifts in attendance over time. 

    “This will not create extra work for schools as daily recording of student attendance is already a requirement when a school is open for instruction, the Government is now compiling the data and making it readily available,” says Mr Seymour. 

    “To support schools to provide more accurate data we have also reviewed and reduced the number of attendance codes that schools need to use when recording attendance, from 26 to 15.

    “This government is working hard to reach our student attendance target of 80 per cent of students being present for more than 90 per cent of the term by 2030. Tracking attendance daily through the attendance dashboard is integral to achieving this target. 

    “With more reliable and timely data being made available, the next phase of improving student attendance will be further understanding why students don’t attend.  

    “If this issue isn’t addressed there will be an 80-year long shadow of people who missed out on education when they were young, are less able to work, less able to participate in society, more likely to be on benefits. That’s how serious this is.” 

    Notes to editors: The dashboard can be accessed via Daily attendance | Education Counts

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why so many Latino voters supported Donald Trump

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julia Young, Associate Professor, History, Catholic University of America

    For many observers of the 2024 US presidential election, Donald Trump’s ability to harness so much of the Latino vote remains one of the more puzzling issues. Latino voters – men in particular – swung decisively towards Trump last November: increasing by 16 points from 2016 to 42% of the bloc in 2024.

    This despite Trump’s consistent history of antagonistic remarks about Latino immigrants. It also appears to fly in the face of the fact that his policies on tariffs, border militarisation and mass deportations will likely affect Mexico, Panama and several other Latin American countries.

    Clearly, Latinos swung towards Trump for the same reason many other voters did. Many were unhappy with the economy (particularly inflation). There was also widespread anxiety about a marked increase in immigration at the southern border.

    But there are more profound reasons driving the dramatic shift in the Latino vote. A closer look at some of the historical dynamics that have shaped the Latino electorate gives a clue for the reason behind this seeming paradox.

    The Latino vote comprises about 14.7% of all eligible US voters. Yet it is far from a monolith. It is a heterogeneous group of people who trace their roots to Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the rest of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Each of these countries has a different political landscape. They are made up of vastly different people with a different background and distinct cultures. And these differences shape disparate Latino identities in the United States. The term “Latino” itself is a blanket term. It can include extremely different populations: Afro-Dominicans in the Bronx, white Cubans in Miami, indigenous Mexicans in Los Angeles, mestizo Salvadorans in Washington DC and a vast array of others.

    Even within these national groups, there are also significant divisions. Partly, this is based on a person’s time of arrival in the US. Mexican-Americans whose families immigrated to California from border cities like Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez in the early 1940s as seasonal (and legal) agricultural workers will have different experiences and priorities than Mexicans who arrived more recently from the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca and settled in New York City without any legal pathway to citizenship. Meanwhile, Nicaraguan-American families who arrived in Miami in the 1980s fleeing the Sandinista revolution will have a different economic outlook from those escaping Daniel Ortega’s current dictatorship.

    There’s no such thing as a generic “Latino” voter. The Latino population in the US needs to be understood as a heterogeneous one, made up of people with different experiences, priorities and preferences.

    Latino conservatism

    For many decades, Latinos were reliable Democratic voters – and many pundits predicted that they would stay that way, tipping the political scales decisively away from the Republican Party. But there has always been a strong strain of Latino conservatives voting Republican.

    Religion plays a key role here. The majority of people of Latino heritage are Catholic. But there is a growing population of Evangelicals and other Christian denominations, reflecting a growth of those groups in some Latin American countries.

    In El Salvador, for example, the rise of Evangelical religions has produced an increasingly culturally conservative population, who support the “mano dura” (strong hand) policies of Nayib Bukele. A similar trend can be found among Latino communities in the US, where Latino Evangelicals strongly supported Trump in 2024.

    The political history of many Latin American countries is a clue to the make-up for migrants to the US. Mexico’s Cristero War in the 1920s prompted thousands of Catholics to flee the country’s anti-clerical government by migrating northwards. Three decades later, the Cuban revolution of 1959 produced large refugee flows of conservative and anticommunist migrants. These exiled groups – most notably, Cubans in South Florida – would ally with Republicans based on their punitive policies towards Cuba. This has helped turn Florida into a Republican stronghold.

    More recently, 7 million Venezuelans fled the left-wing government of Nicolás Maduro. This has led to a more general antipathy among many Latino voters towards left-wing politics and politicians. Trump’s condemnation of Maduro and Venezuela has endeared him to politically conservative Latino voters of all national backgrounds.

    Race, class, and immigration

    Interestingly, it was also clear that some Latino voters are suspicious and resentful of newer waves of migrants, particularly recent asylum-seekers from Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba.

    This dynamic between earlier arrivals and new immigrants is nothing new in the US. Earlier waves of immigrants and their descendants, such as Irish or Italian immigrants, also adopted nativist attitudes towards newer arrivals. In some ways, each generation of immigrants has tried to “pull up the bridge” to the generation that comes after them.

    Yet these negative reactions also relate to racial and class hierarchies both within and between Latin American countries. Like the US, Latin American countries have a long history of racism and colour discrimination, as well as deep class divides and very high rates of income inequality.

    New immigrants who have arrived in recent years from places such as Venezuela, Honduras, Cuba and Nicaragua are poorer than earlier generations of immigrants – and often have darker skin. As a result, cultural divides may impede a strong sense of solidarity between earlier generations of Latino immigrants and recent arrivals.

    This is not to suggest that racism and classism are the dominant drivers behind Latino support for Trump. But it may help explain why Trump’s campaign comments about recent Latino immigrants were not a dealbreaker for every Latino voter.

    Ultimately, the Latino Trump supporter may not represent such a paradox after all. The so-called “Latino voter” is really a multiethnic, diverse bloc of people. While they share common linguistic and cultural features, Latinos are also motivated by a wide variety of religious, political and cultural factors that can be traced back to their own or their families’ experiences in Latin America.

    The Latino vote is complex. Politicians who want to win their support would do well to understand how these complicated identities inform their political decisions and allegiances. It appears at the moment the Republicans are doing this better than their Democratic rivals.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why so many Latino voters supported Donald Trump – https://theconversation.com/why-so-many-latino-voters-supported-donald-trump-248806

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Online enrolment opens for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) providers

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Online enrolment opens today (Monday 10 February 2025), for all Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) providers, including local authority nurseries, partner settings and commissioned childminders.  The enrolment week for all ELC places is from Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February 2025.

    Children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2023 will be entitled to a funded ELC place. 

    To enrol your child, or for further information on completing the online form, the enrolment process, catchment areas, Gaelic Medium education, school transport and placing requests, please visit www.highland.gov.uk/enrol.

    Please note once you have enrolled your child online, the setting will contact you to arrange the necessary induction for your child. 

    Parents who do not have access to the online enrolment process should contact their ELC setting during enrolment week to request a paper copy of the enrolment form.

    Parents and carers are also welcome to phone the setting of their choice to find out more about what is offered. To find out what provision is available in local communities, a helpful map can be found on the Council’s website.

    10 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Farr ELC and Primary Schools receive positive Education Scotland reports

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Farr ELC and Primary School have received positive reports following their most recent inspection by Education Scotland. 

    Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The recent inspection at the Farr ELC and Primary School from Education Scotland received a very positive report, reflecting the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the caring staff at the settings, to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing ethos for all pupils attending.

    “The report noted, the strong working partnerships with parents, the highly skilled staff/leadership and the well-equipped environment that promote children’s natural curiosity and imagination, learning and growth.

    “The setting is at the heart of the community and staff work collaboratively to ensure a holistic approach to help assist in supporting the needs of all pupils and their families. I’d like to commend all the staff at Farr ELC and Primary School for this excellent and deserving report.”

    The reports for the ELC from HMIE and the Care Inspectorate praised various qualities and strengths, reporting the following:

    • Practitioners in the nursery are highly skilled. They effectively support children to make very good progress in their learning through skilful interactions.
    • Positive relationships are a key strength of the nursery and are evident between children, practitioners, families, and senior leaders. Practitioners have a strong focus on the wellbeing of children, their families and each other.
    • Children were cared for by staff who were warm, compassionate, and nurturing. Staff provided individualised support by positively engaging with children.
    • Senior leaders provide sensitive and responsive support to practitioners to ensure they can be highly effective in their role. The ELC also merited the distinction of having practice identified that should be shared more widely.

    The report for the primary school also identified examples of good practice and strengths:

    • Across the school, there is an inclusive and welcoming ethos. Children are proud of their school and show respect for adults and visitors.
    • Teachers create calm, purposeful learning environments. Overall, most children engage well in their learning and are eager participants in class discussions.
    • Children across the school benefit from a range of leadership opportunities. For example, they are members of the pupil council, the eco group or the rights respecting schools’ group.
    • Children have access to attractive grounds and beautiful natural landscapes that surround the school. Senior leaders recognise the need to ensure that children experience greater opportunities to take their learning outdoors.
    • Senior leaders support staff, including non-teaching staff to engage meaningfully with annual staff professional reviews. The Head Teacher provides strong leadership and is ambitious for children to achieve success.

    Farr Cluster Head Teacher, Katherine Van Voornveld said:  “Over the past seven years, all of the ELCs, primaries and secondary school within our Campus have been inspected by HMIE and the Care Inspectorate.  This has been a very positive experience and extremely supportive of our improvement journey.  I am very proud of the most recent inspection reports received by Farr ELC and Primary School and would like to both commend the pupils and staff for their hard work and thank all our parents and partners for their ongoing support. “

    The full report is available on Education Scotland’s website (external link).

    10 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury convicts 2 defendants who were charged with 23 other Ohioans in narcotics distribution ring

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    One defendant also convicted of sex-trafficking victims through use of drug withdrawals, violence

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted two local men for their roles in a narcotics distribution ring involving bulk amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine & other narcotics. As part of this case, the government has seized more than $1.7 million, 50 firearms, and nine vehicles, including a motorcycle. One of the defendants convicted at trial also sex-trafficked at least three adult victims.

    The jury found David Price, 56, of Columbus, guilty on all counts, and Tavaryyuan Johnson, 25, of Columbus, guilty on drug trafficking counts.

    The verdict was announced on Feb. 5 following a trial that began on January 13, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.

    A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury initially indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in central Ohio within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school.

    A superseding indictment returned in October 2022 charged additional co-conspirators with distributing those same drugs in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone.

    Price, who is also known as “DP,” was charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024 with 11 drug, firearm and sex trafficking crimes. He faces a minimum of 25 years and up to life in prison.

    Johnson is also known as “Gucci” and “TJ,” and was also charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024. He was convicted of four drug offenses, including using a family residence in Columbus as his stash house for bulk amounts of narcotics. Johnson faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

    According to court documents and trial testimony, the two men were part of a conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of “crack” cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, as well as marijuana, oxycodone and alprazolam. The drug trafficking organization operated from January 2008 until it was dismantled by law enforcement in 2022.

    Drug offenses took place at residences on Burgess and Harris avenues, which are within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School.

    In July 2021, Price distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine that resulted in the overdose death of an adult female.  The testimony at trial indicated he purposefully killed her to get rid of her as she was talking to the police about his drug business.

    The government also proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Price conspired to commit sex trafficking. From 2016 until 2022, Price and other members of the conspiracy would force and/or coerce adult female drug addicts into performing commercial sex acts by providing, withholding, or threatening to withhold controlled substances and lodging. Law enforcement’s investigation showed that various women engaged in a “rinse and repeat” cycle where they would be allowed to stay at a drug residence associated with Price, receive a front of drugs so they were not in active drug withdrawal, go to Sullivant Avenue, have sex for money, pay the debt from the front drugs, and then be allowed to remain at the house.

    Price was also found guilty of three counts of sex trafficking related to his violence and coercion towards three adult females.  The testimony at trial indicated that he would lock the females inside his residence for days or weeks at a time and refuse to let them leave, forcing them to engage in sex acts.  One victim was locked in a dog cage, shot and stabbed by Price. Another was restrained.  A third was beaten and choked and left with a black eye. Price would refuse to provide them drugs unless or until they engaged in the sex acts, forcing them into withdrawal if they did not comply.

    U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Earth is already shooting through the 1.5°C global warming limit, two major studies show

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne

    Earth is crossing the threshold of 1.5°C of global warming, according to two major global studies which together suggest the planet’s climate has likely entered a frightening new phase.

    Under the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, humanity is seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep planetary heating to no more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average. In 2024, temperatures on Earth surpassed that limit.

    This was not enough to declare the Paris threshold had been crossed, because the temperature goals under the agreement are measured over several decades, rather than short excursions over the 1.5°C mark.

    But the two papers just released use a different measure. Both examined historical climate data to determine whether very hot years in the recent past were a sign that a future, long-term warming threshold would be breached.

    The answer, alarmingly, was yes. The researchers say the record-hot 2024 indicates Earth is passing the 1.5°C limit, beyond which scientists predict catastrophic harm to the natural systems that support life on Earth.

    2024: the first year of many above 1.5°C

    Climate organisations around the world agree last year was the hottest on record. The global average temperature in 2024 was about 1.6°C above the average temperatures in the late-19th century, before humans started burning fossil fuels at large scale.

    Earth has also recently experienced individual days and months above the 1.5°C warming mark.

    But the global temperature varies from one year to the next. For example, the 2024 temperature spike, while in large part due to climate change, was also driven by a natural El Niño pattern early in the year. That pattern has dissipated for now, and 2025 is forecast to be a little cooler.

    These year-to-year fluctuations mean climate scientists don’t view a single year exceeding the 1.5°C mark as a failure to meet the Paris Agreement.

    However, the new studies published today in Nature Climate Change suggest even a single month or year at 1.5°C global warming may signify Earth is entering a long-term breach of that vital threshold.

    What the studies found

    The studies were conducted independently by researchers in Europe and Canada. They tackled the same basic question: is a year above 1.5°C global warming a warning sign that we’re already crossing the Paris Agreement threshold?

    Both studies used observations and climate model simulations to address this question, with slightly different approaches.

    In the European paper, the researchers looked at historical warming trends. They found when Earth’s average temperature reached a certain threshold, the following 20-year period also reached that threshold.

    This pattern suggests that, given Earth reached 1.5°C warming last year, we may have entered a 20-year warming period when average temperatures will also reach 1.5°C.

    The Canadian paper involved month-to-month data. June last year was the 12th consecutive month of temperatures above the 1.5°C warming level. The researcher found 12 consecutive months above a climate threshold indicates the threshold will be reached over the long term.

    Both studies also demonstrate that even if stringent emissions reduction begins now, Earth is still likely to be crossing the 1.5°C threshold.

    Heading in the wrong direction

    Given these findings, what humanity does next is crucial.

    For decades, climate scientists have warned burning fossil fuels for energy releases carbon dioxide and other gases that are warming the planet.

    But humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions have continued to increase. Since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its first report in 1990, the world’s annual carbon dioxide emissions have risen about 50%.

    Put simply, we are not even moving in the right direction, let alone at the required pace.

    The science shows greenhouse gas emissions must reach net-zero to end global warming. Even then, some aspects of the climate will continue to change for many centuries, because some regional warming, especially in the oceans, is already locked in and irreversible.

    If Earth has indeed already crossed the 1.5°C mark, and humanity wants to get below the threshold again, we will need to cool the planet by reaching “net-negative emissions” – removing more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than we emit. This would be a highly challenging task.

    Feeling the heat

    The damaging effects of climate change are already being felt across the globe. The harm will be even worse for future generations.

    Australia has already experienced 1.5°C of warming, on average, since 1910.

    Our unique ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef, are already suffering because of this warming. Our oceans are hotter and seas are rising, hammering our coastlines and threatening marine life.

    Bushfires and extreme weather, especially heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and severe. This puts pressure on nature, society and our economy.

    But amid the gloom, there are signs of progress.

    Across the world, renewable electricity generation is growing. Fossil fuel use has dropped in many countries. Technological developments are slowing emissions growth in polluting industries such as aviation and construction.

    But clearly, there is much more work to be done.

    Humanity can turn the tide

    These studies are a sobering reminder of how far short humanity is falling in tackling climate change.

    They show we must urgently adapt to further global warming. Among the suite of changes needed, richer nations must support the poorer countries set to bear the most severe climate harms. While some progress has been made in this regard, far more is needed.

    A major shift is also needed to decarbonise our societies and economies. There is still room for hope, but we must not delay action. Otherwise, humanity will keep warming the planet and causing further damage.

    Andrew King receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather and the National Environmental Science Program.

    Liam Cassidy 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. Earth is already shooting through the 1.5°C global warming limit, two major studies show – https://theconversation.com/earth-is-already-shooting-through-the-1-5-c-global-warming-limit-two-major-studies-show-249133

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Nature and shops: here’s what people told us they want most from urban planning

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Iain White, Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Waikato

    Getty Images

    Urban planning has a long history of promoting visionary ideas that advocate for particular futures. The most recent is the concept of the 15-minute city, which has gained traction globally.

    But empirical evidence on public preference for what people want is surprisingly thin on the ground.

    To help address this gap, we conducted a national survey (1,491 responses) in Aotearoa New Zealand to find out what amenities people want to have easy access to, how much time they prefer to spend getting there, and how this differs between different groups in the population.

    Our recently published research provides more depth. The headline messages have significant implications for politicians, policy-makers and others interested in planning cities to better meet the needs of citizens.

    People want green space and local shops

    The first message is that visions such as 15-minute cities tend to promote the idea of livability connected to easy access to multiple amenities – from education to employment and culture.

    However, when we asked what amenities people prefer the most, two things came out far above others: local nature and local shops.

    This finding is important as it allows cash-strapped local authorities to prioritise and sequence spending. It also supports the agenda of those who are advocating for an increase in urban green space or local living.

    A complete shift to a 15-minute city can be daunting, but investment in these two specific areas could be an excellent first step in improving livability in a way that reflects what citizens want from planning.

    We also asked people for their preferred maximum travel time to their most preferred amenity for a one-way trip, using different modes. Nationally, the data were consistent, identifying around 20 minutes as a good rule of thumb for maximum preferred travel time.

    Importantly, this time was broadly similar regardless of the transport mode chosen. Whether walking, cycling or travelling by micro-mobility modes such as e-scooters, people wanted to spend no more than 20  minutes doing so – even though the distances vary.

    It is important to acknowledge this time is a maximum, not a preference. It is better understood as a threshold or decision point after which people are much more likely to drive or choose not to travel.

    This evidence has a wider resonance.

    First, it strongly reinforces the 15-minute city or 20-minute neighbourhood as accurately reflecting public preferences for travel time to reach destinations, especially as this figure was consistent regardless of the travel mode.

    Second, people are willing to walk further than we typically plan for.

    For example, planners may typically apply a walkable catchment of an 800-metre radius around the central business district or transit nodes to allow for higher-density zoning. This distance is a walk of about ten minutes. Our data suggest this area could be expanded and more opportunities created to increase housing volume and diversity.

    One size does not fit all

    One crucial aspect for improving livability is recognising differences in people’s ability or willingness to walk, cycle or use micro mobility. To explore this, our survey asked people how comfortable they were using each active travel mode after dark.

    We reveal a strong gender difference. For example, 41% of people said they were uncomfortable walking after dark. Of this group, 86% were female.

    For all travel modes, there was a similar story with females more likely to change travel behaviour, mostly due to safety concerns. The survey also revealed that people with a disability are significantly less comfortable travelling after dark than those without.

    This finding is useful for those concerned with equity. Citizen movement is typically modelled on the idea of an able-bodied person who feels equally comfortable in all urban spaces at all times of day or night.

    Without considering difference across populations, advocates may promote an equitable 15-minute city during the day and an inequitable car-dependent one after dark.

    This also highlights that any new urban strategy or investment needs to understand existing behaviour and the risks of making current disadvantages worse.

    Agendas such as 15-minute cities hold significant value in planning for wellbeing and health, economic activity or decarbonisation. They also hold potential for planners to engage with communities to explain the value of planning, the kind of lifestyle citizens can expect in the future, and why authorities are spending public money.

    But urban researchers also need urban concepts to be grounded in evidence to avoid becoming the next urban imaginary accused of failing to be transformative.

    Our research helps provide some clarity. The general message is that people want easy access to green spaces and local shops more than anything else and they want to spend no more than 20 minutes getting there.

    It also highlights context and differences between groups. We need to marry promising urban concepts to empirical research designed to support people’s preferences and encourage movement and equity.

    Iain White receives funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund and from the Natural Hazards Commission. He is New Zealand’s national contact point for the Horizon Europe program for the climate, energy and mobility research cluster.

    Silvia Serrao-Neumann receives funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund and from the Natural Hazards Commission.

    Xinyu Fu receives funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund and from the Natural Hazards Commission.

    – ref. Nature and shops: here’s what people told us they want most from urban planning – https://theconversation.com/nature-and-shops-heres-what-people-told-us-they-want-most-from-urban-planning-247994

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s clinical guidelines shape our health care. Why do so many still ignore sex and gender?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maggie Kirkman, Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University

    Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

    You’ve heard of the gender pay gap. What about the gap in medical care?

    Cardiovascular diseases – which can lead to heart attack and stroke – are one of the leading causes of death for women in Australia.

    But women are less likely than men to receive preventive care for heart disease, such as appropriate medication. One study in New South Wales showed women admitted to hospital for a stroke were more likely to be first told by paramedics it was a migraine, headache, anxiety or nausea.

    Despite these differences, official guidelines in Australia too often ignore the impact of sex and gender on health care. For example, a guideline on atrial fibrillation (irregular and often fast heartbeat) has limited information on sex and nothing on gender.

    “Sex” refers to various biological characteristics by which at birth we are identified as female, male or intersex. “Gender” is a social and cultural concept in which people understand themselves to be a woman, a man or non-binary.

    Our recent study reviewed 80 clinical guidelines. We found very few define sex and gender and the majority don’t mention gender at all. This has serious consequences for everyone, but especially for women, girls and gender-diverse people.

    What are clinical guidelines for?

    Clinical guidelines are recommendations about how to diagnose and treat a medical condition, based on research and usually developed by a team of specialists. Clinicians and other health workers are expected to use them to guide day-to-day health care.

    For example, there are guidelines for physiotherapists on how to provide the best rehabilitation for someone after a heart attack. Other guidelines outline what a GP should do if a patient discloses intimate partner violence.

    A health practitioner’s sensitivity about gender and sex can profoundly affect the mental health of gender-diverse patients.
    Media_Photos/Shutterstock

    Because clinical guidelines are based on research, they can report only what has been studied and published in peer-reviewed journals. This means where there are gaps in research, clinical guidelines are usually silent.

    What we did

    As part of a larger project, the federal government asked our team to examine whether there are still clinical guidelines that do not take into account sex and gender differences.

    There is no central database of Australia’s clinical guidelines. But in a comprehensive search, we found 80 published from January 2014 to April 2024.

    These encompassed guidelines for conditions including various cancers, diabetes and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, designed for a range of health professionals such as general practitioners, medical specialists, physiotherapists and paramedics.

    We searched every document for the following words:

    • sex
    • gender
    • female
    • male
    • women
    • men
    • girl
    • boy

    If none of these words were found, we looked for “psychosocial” and “cultural”, to see if gender was considered without being named directly. We also read the text around each relevant word to understand its context and meaning.

    What we found

    Clinical guidelines in Australia too often do not offer guidance on incorporating sex and (especially) gender into health care.

    We found:

    • 15% of guidelines didn’t mention sex or gender at all. This includes recommendations about acute coronary syndrome from the National Heart Foundation and on e-mental health by the peak body for GPs. These guidelines did not even give the most basic information on sex differences in occurrence (of heart disease or mental health problems)

    • only four guidelines (5%) defined the terms “sex” and “gender”

    • 19% made no reference to clinical practice concerning sex. That is, there was no information on how symptoms and treatments might vary among biologically female, male and intersex bodies

    • the majority (58%) ignored the role gender can play in clinical practice and how it might shape what treatment is most effective. For example, some women may be more comfortable being seen by a female doctor, for a range of personal or cultural reasons

    • most (81%) did acknowledge biological sex in some way. But among those 65 guidelines there was great variation, ranging from a single statement about whether a condition (such as lung cancer) occurred more often in women or men, to detailed risk factors, prevalence, treatment and management, such as for advanced life support by paramedics.

    Why does this matter?

    The male body has historically been considered the “standard” human. With hormonal changes and pregnancies, women’s bodies have been seen as too complicated to be included in clinical research.

    This means research has been conducted on men and then applied to women, ignoring the differences that excluded them from the research in the first place.

    Women have long been excluded from clinical trials, while male bodies have been considered the standard.
    Inside Creative House/Shutterstock

    If the standard body is implicitly that of a (white) male, discrimination against all other bodies is inevitable.

    The Australian Institute of Sport’s guideline on concussion and brain health is one of just four guidelines that define sex and gender.

    This is crucial, given growing evidence women footballers are at greater risk of concussion than men. But their approach is far from mainstream.

    Gender-diverse people also require distinct health care and support, based on inclusive and non-discriminatory practice and policy. There is clear evidence the mental health of gender-diverse people is profoundly affected by how sensitive – or discriminatory – their health care is.

    Eliminating discrimination

    Discrimination can be explicit and overt.

    But it can also simply come from a lack of imagination, based on the assumption some kinds of health care are sex- and gender-neutral.

    For example, the treatment of skin – dermatology – could appear neutral, as everyone has skin. Yet social expectations about clothing, make-up and appearance are highly gendered, and these can influence how skin conditions develop and are treated.

    Guidelines that offer detailed information on sex- and gender-aware practice, such as those by GP Supervisor Australia, can contribute to challenging both explicit and implicit discrimination.

    Ultimately, we hope this leads to equitable health care for people of all sexes and genders.

    We recommend all developers of clinical guidelines look for evidence concerning sex and gender and, when they find none, say so. Funding bodies should also demand inclusion of sex and gender as a criterion to award money for medical research.

    Silence on sex or gender implies that the topics aren’t important. This is far from the truth.

    We acknowledge the contribution of the other members of our research team: Tomoko Honda, Steve McDonald, Sally Green, Karen Walker-Bone, and Ingrid Winship.

    Maggie Kirkman received funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to conduct this research.

    Jane Fisher receives funding from:

    The National Health and Medical Research Council, The Australian Research Council, The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, VicHealth, The Ramsay Hospital Research Foundation, The Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Human Safety Net, The LEGO Foundation, The Jasper Foundation, The National Center for Healthy Ageing

    – ref. Australia’s clinical guidelines shape our health care. Why do so many still ignore sex and gender? – https://theconversation.com/australias-clinical-guidelines-shape-our-health-care-why-do-so-many-still-ignore-sex-and-gender-237400

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Antisemitism goes beyond overt acts of hate – subtle forms of bias take their toll, too

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mareike Riedel, Senior lecturer in law, Macquarie University

    The dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents has dominated headlines in Australia in recent months, with calls for urgent action to address what many are calling a crisis.

    The Executive Council of Australian Jewry tallied more than 2,000 antisemitic incidents in 2024, including physical assaults, attacks on synagogues, vandalism and graffiti. This is a 316% increase over the previous year.

    These alarming events have sparked a heated political debate, with the opposition accusing the federal government of not taking the issue seriously enough.

    However, focusing only on overt acts of antisemitism risks seeing it as an exceptional phenomenon or a problem limited to fringe extremist groups. This can obscure the more subtle and structural forms of antisemitism that perpetuate stereotypes about Jews and entrench discrimination in society.

    How laws ingrain structural antisemitism

    In my research, I examine how certain forms of antisemitism persist in Western societies with a Christian tradition.

    While laws explicitly targeting Jews are largely a relic of the past, subtler forms of exclusion and discrimination remain. These often stem from perceptions that Jews deviate from dominant cultural norms.

    For instance, Jewish communities frequently encounter resistance to the building of an eruv. This is a symbolic demarcation of a public space that enables Jews to observe Shabbat, a day when work is prohibited. It can sometimes involve stringing a wire between poles to create a boundary where people can do things they aren’t normally able to do, such as push a pram or carry shopping bags.

    When an Orthodox Jewish community in Sydney sought permission to construct an eruv in the 2010s, local residents opposed it. Many arguments invoked stereotypes of Jews as clannish, intrusive and conspiratorial.

    There have been similar disputes over eruvs in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. In many cases, local councils have sided with opponents, meaning Orthodox Jewish communities have had to go to court to seek approval.

    In Europe, bans on religious slaughter have also singled out Jews and Muslims as cruel and fundamentalist, despite the widespread use of factory farming in Western societies.

    There have also been calls to outlaw infant male circumcision in the name of children’s rights in many European countries and parts of the US.

    These campaigns have, at times, tapped into longstanding antisemitic ideas about Jews as barbaric, bloodthirsty and backward.

    These legal conflicts or campaigns reveal the structural dimensions of antisemitism. Similar to other forms of structural racism, structural antisemitism normalises majoritarian norms, perceptions and practices.

    In turn, it marginalises and denigrates Jews as foreign, threatening and a problematic “other”.

    Institutions, including schools, workplaces and local councils, can perpetuate these biases when they legitimise such exclusionary norms without critical reflection.



    Read more:
    The long, dark history of antisemitism in Australia

    Challenging majority cultural norms

    Understanding structural antisemitism also requires examining the Christian heritage of Western societies. In particular, there is a need to reflect on the legacy of Christian anti-Judaism.

    Historically, the Christian belief in “supersessionism” referred to idea that Christianity has superseded Judaism and that Christians have replaced Jews as the people of God. Alongside the stereotype of Jews as the killers of Christ, this belief has contributed to stereotypes of Jews as inferior to Christians and being archaic, unenlightened, exclusive and ritualistic.

    As the legal conflicts over eruvs, religious slaughter and circumcision suggest, such views continue to subtly influence attitudes towards Jews, even in modern secular societies.

    For example, popular references to Judeo-Christian values signal the equality of Jews and Christians in society. However, this glosses over the fact that the acceptance of Jews can be contingent on conforming with majority norms.

    This legacy also normalises Christian privilege. While Christians may face discrimination in certain contexts, they also enjoy inherent advantages in societies shaped by Christian traditions.

    National calendars, weekly rhythms and public holidays align with Christian practices, while minorities need to seek accommodations to observe their own traditions.

    For example, Western cities are filled with Christian symbols, such as churches and annual Christmas decorations. Several Australian parliaments and local councils also still begin meetings with Christian prayers.

    What might seem like benign cultural traditions can signal exclusion to minority communities, including Jews. Implicit Christian norms can also create pressure to assimilate, especially given the long history of Christian societies’ attempts to convert or assimilate Jews.

    However, these dynamics are rarely acknowledged in public debates about the discrimination of Jews and can also fly under the radar of the law.

    In 1998, for instance, a Jewish father in New South Wales brought racial discrimination complaints against the education department over Christian activities at his children’s public school. These included nativity plays, Christmas carols and exchanging Easter eggs. The complaints were dismissed because they did not constitute discrimination on the basis of race.

    The law in NSW does not prohibit religious discrimination (although the state now has religious vilification laws).

    This gap exists in federal discrimination law, as well. It leaves minority religious groups with limited legal options to challenge the dominance of Christian norms. The NSW example demonstrates this and suggests there may be a case for a new federal religious discrimination law.

    The question of what constitutes antisemitism remains a vexed question, including among Jews. Violent antisemitic attacks demand urgent attention. Yet, public discussions of antisemitism must also address these subtler forms of exclusion and the structural dimensions of antisemitism.

    Mareike Riedel 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. Antisemitism goes beyond overt acts of hate – subtle forms of bias take their toll, too – https://theconversation.com/antisemitism-goes-beyond-overt-acts-of-hate-subtle-forms-of-bias-take-their-toll-too-249023

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –