NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Bishop of Coventry: 4 November 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster to be appointed as Bishop of Coventry.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster to be appointed as Bishop of Coventry, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth following his appointment as Dean of Windsor.

    Background

    Sophie was educated at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford and trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. She served her title at St Peter’s, Shipley, in the former Diocese of Bradford (now in the Diocese of Leeds) and was ordained priest in 1998.

    She took up the role of Mission Partner with the Church Mission Society in 2000, serving at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, before returning to the UK in 2003 to take up the role of Resident Minister of St John the Evangelist, Churt with Rushmoor, in the Diocese of Guildford. In 2010, Sophie was appointed Vicar of St Andrew’s, Burgess Hill, in the Diocese of Chichester, and from 2013 was additionally Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands. In 2015, Sophie was appointed Canon Missioner of Durham Cathedral and Diocesan Director of Mission, Discipleship and Ministry, in the Diocese of Durham.

    In 2020, Sophie took up her current role as Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster, in the Diocese of Sheffield

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Appointment of Bishop of Coventry: 4 November 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster to be appointed as Bishop of Coventry.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster to be appointed as Bishop of Coventry, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth following his appointment as Dean of Windsor.

    Background

    Sophie was educated at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford and trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. She served her title at St Peter’s, Shipley, in the former Diocese of Bradford (now in the Diocese of Leeds) and was ordained priest in 1998.

    She took up the role of Mission Partner with the Church Mission Society in 2000, serving at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, before returning to the UK in 2003 to take up the role of Resident Minister of St John the Evangelist, Churt with Rushmoor, in the Diocese of Guildford. In 2010, Sophie was appointed Vicar of St Andrew’s, Burgess Hill, in the Diocese of Chichester, and from 2013 was additionally Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands. In 2015, Sophie was appointed Canon Missioner of Durham Cathedral and Diocesan Director of Mission, Discipleship and Ministry, in the Diocese of Durham.

    In 2020, Sophie took up her current role as Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster, in the Diocese of Sheffield

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: START-Ed initiative meeting | UNECE

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    WP.6 recommends Governments to encourage education establishments to introduce standardization into their curricula and particularly within universities for students studying law, economics and management.

    WP.6 established the initiative on Education on standardization (START-Ed) at its twenty-second session in November 2012. This initiative groups together experts from academia to promote good practices and to share national experience.

    START-Ed Group has elaborated a model programme on education on standardization and relevant teaching materials; a number of universities in the UNECE region already used these tools and have started teaching standardization to their students.

    During the regular meetings of the initiative there are invited guest speakers from academic institutions elaborating on their work and discussing and progressing START-Ed work items. All WP.6 START-Ed members and interested experts are welcome to join these meetings.

    Draft Agenda

    Time

    Agenda item

    Moderator/Speakers

    14:00 – 14:02

    Welcome and approval of the agenda

    WP.6 Secretariat

    Tauno Kangur

    14:02 – 14:07

    Reminder or WP.6 procedures

    WP.6 Secretariat

    14:07 – 14:37

    Invited guest speaker: Prof. Vladislav Fomin (Vilnius University) – 30 minutes (15 minutes presentation followed by discussion / QA)

    Prof. Vladislav Fomin,

    participants

    14:37 – 15:07

    Invited guest speaker: Prof. Philippe le Coustumer (Université de Bordeaux, expert AFNOR/ISO) – 30 minutes (15 minutes presentation followed by discussion / QA)

    Prof. Philippe le Coustumer, participants

    15:07 – 15:37

    Invited guest speaker: Prof. Sandra Feliciano (Porto Polytechnic) – 30 minutes (15 minutes presentation followed by discussion / QA)

    Prof. Sandra Feliciano, participants

    15:37 – 15:52

    Future activities of START-Ed

    Coordinator, Secretariat, meeting participants

    15:52 – 15:57

    Any other business

    Coordinator

    Secretariat

    15:57

    Next meeting

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dons player delivers refurbished football boots to Northfield Academy

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen Football Club player Angus MacDonald and Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) visited pupils at Northfield Academy to deliver refurbished football boots on Thursday 31 October. The visit was a part of a CIF initiative called Re-Kicks that aims to provide ‘free kicks’ to budding young players in Aberdeen helping them to feel pitch ready.

    A call for old football boots was shared at the end of last season with a range of sizes being generously donated to the cause which were then sent to CIF to repair. The boots are cleaned and regenerated into match-ready pairs and sent back to organisations that are included in the initiative. Thanks to CIF, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust received 50 pairs of boots to send out to partner schools.

    During his visit to the academy, Angus MacDonald got a chance to see the project in full swing with the Northfield pupils playing a football match. Following the football match, the pupils then had an opportunity to ask the centre-back about his footballing career. The questions ranged from childhood stories to experiencing the atmosphere at Aberdeen FC’s home, Pittodrie Stadium.

    Councillor Martin Greig, the Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Research has shown that young people feel more confident when they are wearing the right kit, and the refurbished football boots will enable more young people at Northfield Academy to enjoy football. Who knows, it might even lead a pupil going on to become a future international footballer, like former Northfield Academy pupils Martin Boyle and Rachael Boyle (nee Small).”

    AFCCT is grateful for the opportunity from CIF to give the gift of football to partner schools with this Re-Kicks project. A huge thank you to CIF for their continued support on this initiative.

    To find out more information, contact AFCCT at: info@afcct.org 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA issues health advice following the half-term break

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding parents of the simple steps they can take to reduce the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses.

    As children across the country return to their classrooms after the half term break, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding parents of the simple steps they can take to reduce the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses to ensure they stay healthy this term and keep strong this winter.   

    We are now beginning to see cases of flu and norovirus increasing as we head into the winter months, with norovirus activity in the past two weeks more than double the 5-season average for the same 2-week period and flu steadily increasing over the past few weeks.

    Teaching good hygiene habits

    Parents are urged to encourage good hygiene habits in their families, such as handwashing and using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes. Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser when convenient, is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.

    Knowing when to keep your child at home and when to send them to school

    Children are encouraged to stay in school or nursery with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough (if otherwise well and do not have a high temperature), but should stay home if they’re displaying symptoms such as having a fever (they should stay home until the fever has passed and they are well enough to attend) or diarrhoea and vomiting (children should stay home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up).

    Stopping the spread of stomach bugs

    Stomach bugs spread easily in schools and nurseries. If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading. Don’t prepare food for others if you have such symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. If you are unwell, you should also avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection to those more vulnerable. It’s important that all children are given the opportunity to start the year in good health, which is why it’s important not to return to school, nursery or work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

    Getting vaccinated

    Infections such as flu, which see a seasonal increase in winter, are easily protected against with vaccination. All primary school age children, those aged 2 years (who have turned 2 years old before the  1 September 2024) and all 3 year olds (and secondary school children from Year 7 to Year 11) are eligible for the flu vaccine, which beyond protecting the children themselves and the school community, will also protect elderly relatives.

    It’s also important to ensure your children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio. UKHSA is continuing to see cases of measles, which is easily prevented with vaccination. If parents are unsure of their child’s vaccination status, they can check their child’s red book or contact their local GP.  

    Dr Richard Pebody, Director, Clinical & Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said:

    As children return to school after the half term holidays, it’s important that they get off to the best start possible ahead of winter. Staying healthy and taking simple steps to reduce the spread of illness will ensure children and their families experience less disruption at this important time of year.

    Each winter, we see an increase in acute respiratory and gastro-intestinal illnesses, however it only takes simple steps to reduce the spread of most of these infections. By following advice on good hygiene habits, knowing when to keep your child off school and taking up the opportunity to get vaccinated, parents are protecting their children and the wider school community.

    UKHSA’s e-bug resources for all ages can help you to explain and discuss hygiene habits and their importance, to your child or teenager.

    NHS UK also provides easily accessible guidance for parents to help manage winter illness at home.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Research and news relevance key factors driving the future of The Conversation – edition founder

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen Khan, Editor

    I took a walk through the beautiful campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island recently, as I was in the city for the annual gathering of the various editions of The Conversation.

    This project follows a devolved model, providing local leadership and engagement with the higher education and research sectors that support it in different parts of the world. Alongside me on this sunny stroll through one of the world’s great educational neighbourhoods was Alfred Hermida, Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Journalism.

    Alf and I don’t see a huge amount of each other, but when we do it tends to be pretty productive. We first met in July 2014 at an event at the University of Amsterdam, where I stood in for The Conversation founder Andrew Jaspan, and delivered a speech on the establishment of the project – then it only existed in Australia and the UK. Alf was pretty taken with the story, and the unique model. Less than a week later he was in our newsroom at City, University of London, talking to our editors about his research into social media and news.

    But something else was going on in Alf’s head – something about discussions he’d had previously with his colleague Professor Mary Lynn Young that Canada could have its own edition of The Conversation. And for the next couple of years he and Mary-Lynn together built the case within the country’s higher education sector for a membership-supported Conversation Canada. It launched in 2017 under the remarkable leadership of Scott White and now forms one of the most important and valued parts of the global network.

    So it was great to see Alf and note the edition’s success. But it was also fascinating to hear about his ongoing research and insights into the changing media landscape, both in Canada and internationally. Among the trends Alf and colleagues have noticed recently is that many students no longer arrive harboring ambitions of working for big media players. In part, he feels, this is down the decline of such full-career opportunities. But he also hears from students that they don’t see themselves reflected in the legacy news outlets. Instead it is the small independent players and even solo operations now excite many aspiring journalists more than traditional newsrooms.

    Brown university campus in Providence, Rhode Island.
    Author provided, CC BY

    “I have a global cohort of journalism students in class,” said Alf. “Many are driven by a sense of mission, looking to address the way journalism has historically marginalized or mispresented diverse communities. They look to journalism as a way of making the world a better place and are drawn to new journalism start-ups that are looking to reimagine what journalism is and could be.”

    Alf views the Conversation as part of this shift in how journalism is done. As I’ve written before, we are sometimes asked if what we do really is journalism. I’ve suggested that it may not matter, so long as our content is valuable, trusted and accessible. Alf goes further though, arguing that the production method deployed by The Conversation and pursuit of informed, evidence-based reporting
    that drives it, makes it fundamentally journalism, albeit of a different style to that which typified the newspaper era.

    Alf explained: “The scholars who write for The Conversation are taking on journalistic practices, guided and mentored by our team of professional journalists. While the authors are not journalists in the traditional sense, they are producing journalism that seeks to explain and interpret the world around us to help the public lead better lives. This is what journalism is all about.”

    As for the route ahead for The Conversation Canada, and the network more broadly, Alf, as you might expect (and hope), grounds some of his thoughts in research. Indeed, in research conducted by one of his graduate journalism students.

    Savannah Parsons considered traffic to The Conversation Canada late in 2023 as part of her study, and sought to ascertain what type of content drew readers in, and what kept them there. The picture is of course mixed, but there is a clear pattern that illustrates that expert engagement with news and events is a central factor in bringing readers to the website and our content more broadly. However, Parsons’ study also indicated that content we might traditionally describe as “more featurey”, that is, less tied to events, perhaps more narrative and perhaps even taking the form of audio rather than – or as well as – text, plays a vital role in building a loyal audience that will return to Conversation content, time after time.

    So, as was ever the case, there is a mix to be considered. And it will be for edition leads to decide exactly how that mix is deployed, and in what form, to suit individual markets. But it is clear to Alf, and I think to most of us at The Conversation, that news-relevance, timeliness and, of course, research, will be the central factors driving the project through its second decade.

    – ref. Research and news relevance key factors driving the future of The Conversation – edition founder – https://theconversation.com/research-and-news-relevance-key-factors-driving-the-future-of-the-conversation-edition-founder-242812

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission’s response in addressing social dumping following CJEU ruling on Mobility Package – P-002375/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    31.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002375/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Charlie Weimers (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

    A recent judgment[1] by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has upheld most provisions of the EU Mobility Package, but has annulled the ‘return of vehicle’ requirement, citing insufficient proportionality assessment[2][3]. This provision aimed to mitigate the issue of social dumping and unfair competition by ensuring that vehicles operating in other Member States return periodically to their home country.

    Studies indicate that thousands of foreign-registered vehicles operate permanently within Sweden. These operations are continuously ongoing and not of a temporary character at all, thus violating the very definition of cabotage and perpetuating social dumping practices[4].

    In light of this development:

    • 1.What action will the Commission take to ensure that social dumping is effectively curbed within the EU transport sector?
    • 2.Will the Commission propose legal changes to strengthen cabotage rules and protect local markets, ensuring fair competition and adherence to social standards?
    • 3.Does the Commission have any opinion on the fact that the CJEU cited insufficient preparatory work as a reason for invalidating the ‘return of vehicle’ rule?

    Submitted: 31.10.2024

    • [1] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 4 October 2024, Republic of Lithuania and Others v Parliament and Council, Joined Cases C-541/20 to C-555/20, ECLI:EU:C:2024:818.
    • [2] https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=290673&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=385475.
    • [3] https://www.europaportalen.se/notis/2024/10/eu-domstolen-godkanner-i-stort-nya-regler-lastbilstrafik-avvisar-krav-pa-atervandande.
    • [4] https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/trots-lagskarpning-hundratals-lastbilar-kor-illegala-transporter-i-sverige.
    Last updated: 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Today 4 November 2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate will begin today.

    MEPs will evaluate whether the Commissioners-designate are qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties to which they have been assigned.

    Find more detailed information about the hearings process and how to follow them.

    All hearings are public and can be followed live on Parliament’s webstreaming and Ebs/Ebs+.

    Find additional information also on Parliament’s dedicated website on the hearings.

    Find here press releases on the hearings.

    Today’s hearings schedule is as follows:

    14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

    Maroš Šefčovič

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

    Responsible committees

    Committee on International Trade

    Committee on Constitutional Affairs

    Contacts

    Eszter ZALÁN

    (+32) 477 99 20 73

    EP Trade

    Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

    (+32) 470 96 47 35

    EP_Institutional

    Martina VASS

    (+32) 477 99 11 57

    You can watch the hearing live.

    Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), Chair of the Committee on International Trade, and Sven Simon (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

    14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

    Glenn Micallef

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

    Responsible committee

    Committee on Culture and Education

    Contacts

    Raquel LOPES

    (+32) 477 99 14 95

    EPCulture

    John SCHRANZ

    (+32) 498 98 14 02

    You can watch the hearing live.

    Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

    18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

    Christophe Hansen

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Agriculture and Food

    Responsible committee

    Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

    Contacts

    Hana RAISSI

    (+32) 484 27 87 54

    EP_Agriculture

    Michaela FINDEIS

    (+32) 498 98 33 32

    You can watch the hearing live.

    18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

    Apostolos Tzitzikostas

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

    Responsible committee

    Committee on Transport and Tourism

    Contacts

    Gediminas VILKAS

    (+32) 470 89 29 21

    EP_Transport

    Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

    (+32) 470 96 47 35

    You can watch the hearing live.

    Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (EPP, Greece), Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Republic Day 2025: Raksha Rajya Mantri gives away prizes to the winners of National School Band Competition in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    As part of the 76th Republic Day Celebrations (RDC), Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth gave away prizes to the winners of the National School Band Competition in New Delhi on January 25, 2025. The jury appointed by the Ministry of Defence, which included members from each wing of the Armed Forces, selected the winners upon the culmination of the Grand Finale of the Competition which was held on January 24 & 25, 2025. The winners are:

    • Pipe Band Girls:
    • 1st Prize – PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Patamda, East Singhbum, Jharkhand (Eastern Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – Bhonsala Military School Girls, Nasik, Maharashtra (Western Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – Shri Thakurdwara Balika Vidyalaya, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (Northern Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – Monte CBSE School, Kurnool, Pandipadu Village, Kallur Mandal Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh (Southern Zone)
    • Pipe Band Boys:
    • 1st Prize – City Montessori School, Kanpur Road Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (Northern Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – North Sikkim Academy, Nangan, Sikkim (Eastern Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – Rajarambapu Patil Military School & Sports Academy Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra (Western Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Belagavi Cantt. Karnataka (Southern Zone)
    • Brass Band Girls:
    • 1st Prize – Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim (Eastern Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – St. Joseph’s Convent Sr. Sec. School, Idgah hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (Western Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – St Joseph’s Anglo Indian Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode, Kerala (Southern Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – Gayatri Vidyapeeth, Shantikunj, Haridwar, Uttrakhand (Northern Zone)
    • Brass Band Boys:
    • 1st Prize – Prince Lotus Valley Academy, Sikar, Rajasthan (Western Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat, Sepahijala, Tripura (Eastern Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – Pinegrove School, Subathu, District-Solan, Himachal Pradesh (Northern Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – St. Xavier’s English Medium School, Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh (Southern Zone)

    The top three teams in each category were given a cash prize (1st – Rs 21,000/-, 2nd – Rs 16,000/- & 3rd – Rs 11,000/-), a trophy and a certificate. A consolation cash prize of Rs 3,000/- each was given to the remaining team in each category.

    The winner of Pipe Band Girls – PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Patamda, East Singhbum, Jharkhand (Eastern Zone) along with the military band team – will be a star attraction during the RD Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2025 as they will be performing at the rostrum.

    Two other bands – PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Belagavi Cantt. Karnataka (Southern Zone) and Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim (Eastern Zone) – will perform at Vijay Chowk during the Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29, 2025.

    In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri described the winners as well as the participants of the competition as the brand ambassadors of Viksit Bharat, a vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He urged the youth to keep the nation first and strive to make India a developed nation by 2047.

    From RDC 2023 onwards, the National School Band Competition is being jointly conducted by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education. A School Band evokes a feeling of oneness, belonging and pride in school children towards their school and country.

    *****

    SR/KB/SS

    (Release ID: 2096108) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

    Indonesian President Mr Prabowo Subianto to be the Chief Guest

    The ceremony to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development & military prowess; Special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution

    Around 10,000 Special Guests from different walks of life to witness the parade

    31 Tableaux to roll down Kartavya Path on the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’; In a first, a Tri-services tableau to display the spirit of jointness & integration among the Armed Forces

    Cultural performance by 5,000 artists to cover entire Kartavya Path for the first time

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 2:58PM by PIB Delhi

    President Smt Droupadi Murmu will lead the Nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. With special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, the celebrations this year will be a unique blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest.

    Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance. These Special Guests from different walks of life are the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’. They include best performers in various fields and those who have made best use of the schemes of the Government.

    The parade

    The Republic Day parade will start at 1030 hrs and run for a duration of approx. 90 minutes. The ceremony will commence with the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

    The arrival of the President of India and her Indonesian counterpart will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior most Regiment of the Indian Army. The two Presidents will arrive in the ‘Traditional Buggy’, the practice which made a comeback in 2024 after a gap of 40 years.

    As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system. 

    The parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with musical instruments of different parts of the country. This indigenous mix of instruments would resonate with the melody, beat and hopes of a billion Indians hearts. The ensemble of instruments includes Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, Mashak Been, Ransingha – Rajasthan, Flute, Karadi Majalu, Mohuri, Sankha, Tutari, Dhol, Gong, Nishan, Chang, Tasha, Sambal, Chenda, Idakka, Lezim, Thavil, Gudum Baza, Talam and Monbah.

    Showering of flower petals will be carried out by Mi-17 1V helicopters from 129 Helicopter Unit in the Dhwaj Formation. Trooping the National Flag, this formation of helicopters will be led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

    The parade will then begin with the President taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

    The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow. They include Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) & Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), and Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd). The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.

     

    Indonesian Contingent

    Kartavya Path will be witness to a march past by the Marching Contingent of Indonesian National Armed Forces and Military Band of Indonesia’s Military Academy. The marching contingent will consist of 152 members, with 190 members in the military band.

     

    Indian Army Contingent

    The first Army contingent leading the Mounted Column will be of 61 Cavalry, led by Lt Ahaan Kumar. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world, with the amalgamation of all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’. It will be followed by nine Mechanised Columns and nine marching contingents.

    Tank T-90 (Bhishma); NAG Missile System along with BMP-2 Sarath; BrahMos; Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher; Akash Weapon System; Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System; All-Terrain Vehicle (Chetak), Light Specialist Vehicle (Bajrang), Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (Airawat), Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (Nandighosh & Tripurantak) and Short-Span Bridging System will also be on display at the Kartavya Path.

    Marching down the Kartavya Path will be the contingents of Brigade of the Guards, The Jat Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, The Mahar Regiment, The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, the Corps of Signals, among others.

     

    Tri-Services Tableau

    For the first time, a Tri-services tableau will roll down on Kartavya Path, displaying the spirit of jointness and integration. With the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’, the tableau will depict a Joint Operations Room facilitating networking and communication among the  three Services. It would display a battlefield scenario demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam & a Remotely Piloted Aircraft, reflecting the Tri-services synergy in multi-domain operations. These platforms exemplify the vision to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

     

    Veterans’ Tableau

    Another highlight would be the Veterans’ Tableau on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’, a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit of our veterans, who are the symbols of discipline, resilience, and unyielding dedication.

    Adding to the display of honor will be the esteemed veterans who have brought glory to India in sports. Among them are Padma Shri awardees Subedar Murlikant Petkar, whose story inspired the Bollywood film Chandu Champion, and Honorary Captain Jitu Rai. Arjuna and Khel Ratna awardees Colonel Balbir Singh Kular, Captain (IN) Homi Motivala, Master Chief Petty Officer Tajinder Toor, Master Warrant Officer Ram Mehar Singh, and Wing Commander Gurmeet Sandhu will also be present.

    Representing Nari Shakti will be veteran women officers from all three services – Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha, showcasing the pivotal role of women in shaping our armed forces.

     

    Indian Navy Contingent

    The Indian Navy contingent will consist of 144 personnel, led by Lt Cdr Sahil Ahluwalia as Contingent Commander and Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary, Lt Cdr Kajal Anil Bharani & Lt Devender as Platoon Commanders. It will be followed by the Naval Tableau, depicting a strong ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Navy capable of protecting India’s maritime interests.

    The tableau showcases the newly-commissioned indigenous frontline state-of-the-art combatants including the Destroyer INS Surat, Frigate INS Nilgiri and Submarine INS Vaghsheer, highlighting India’s rapid progress in indigenous warship design and construction and reinforcing Indian Navy’s commitment to build a robust and self-sufficient defence eco system.

     

    Indian Air Force Contingent

    The Indian Air Force contingent will comprise four officers and 144 personnel, led by Sqn Ldr Mahender Singh Garati, with Flt Lt Nepo Moirangthem, Flt Lt Damini Deshmukh & Fg Offr Abhinav Gorsi being supernumerary officers. It will be followed by a fly-past by three MiG-29 aircraft in ‘Baaz Formation’.

     

    Indian Coast Guard

    The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) contingent will be led by Deputy Commandant Navita Thakran followed by three officers of the guard – Deputy Commandant Sumit Kumar, Deputy Commandant Pankaj Saini and Assistant Commandant Priya Balurkar.

    It will be followed by a tableau of ICG focussing on coastal security and maritime search and rescue. The theme is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Progress’.

     

    DRDO Tableau & Equipment

    DRDO will display some path-breaking innovations for national security during the parade. The DRDO Tableau, with the theme ‘Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats’ will feature Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile; Airborne Early Warning & Control System; 155 mm/52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System; Drone Detect, Deter & Destroy; Satellite-Based Surveillance System; Medium Power Radar – Arudhra; Advanced Light Weight Torpedo; Electronic Warfare System – Dharashakti; Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon; Very Short Range Air Defence System; Indigenous Unmanned Aerial System; V/UHF Manpack Software Defined Radio for Land Forces; Indigenous Secure Satellite Phone and UGRAM Assault Rifle.

    Apart from this, DRDO’s major landmarks of 2024 will also be showcased in the tableau posters namely Long Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile; Light Weight Bullet Proof Jacket ‘ABHED’; Divyastra – Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle; ‘Zorawar’ Light Tank and the Dornier Mid-Life Upgrade with radar, Electronic Warfare System, Software Defined Radio etc.

     

    Contingents of paramilitary & other auxiliary civil forces

    Among the contingents marching down the Kartavya Path will be a 148-member all-women marching contingent of Central Reserve Police Force, led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. The marching contingent of Railway Protection Force will be led by Divisional Security Commissioner Aditya.

    The Assam Rifles contingent will be led by Captain Karanveer Singh Kumbhavat of 29 Assam Rifles. It will comprise soldiers recruited from all over the country.

    The Delhi Police marching contingent will be led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Kumar Singh. The Delhi Police all-women band will be participating for the second time, led by Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense.

    The Camel contingent of Border Security Force will be under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.

    The all-girls marching contingent of NCC – SW (Girls) – will be led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate. The all-boys marching contingent – SD (Boys) – will be led by Senior Under Officer Prasad Prakash Waikul of Maharashtra Directorate. The National Service Scheme (NSS) marching contingent of 148 volunteers will be led by Mr Deepak from Punjab.

     

    Tableaux

    Tableaux from 16 State Government/Union Territories and 10 Ministries/Departments of the Central Government highlighting ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, will participate in the parade this year. These tableaux would showcase India’s diverse strengths and its constantly-evolving cultural inclusiveness marching into a glorious future. The details of the participating tableaux of States/UTs are as follows:

    States/UTs

    Cultural Heritage of Goa

    Uttarakhand

     

    Uttarakhand: Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports

    Haryana

     

    Showcasing Bhagwad Gita

    Jharkhand

     

    Swarnim Jharkhand: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress

    Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas

    Andhra Pradesh
     

    Etikoppaka Bommalu- Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys

    Punjab as the land of knowledge and wisdom

    Uttar Pradesh

    Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas

    Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas (Nalanda Vishwavidyalya)

    Madhya Pradesh
     

    Madhya Pradesh’s Glory: Kuno National park- The land of CHeetahs

    Tripura

     

    Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja

    Karnataka

     

    Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft

    West Bengal

    The ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ & ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ – Empowering Lives and Fostering Self-Reliance in Bengal

    Chandigarh

    Chandigarh: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage, Innovation and Sustainability

    Quality Education

    Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    Daman Aviary Bird Park along with Kukri Memorial- a tribute to the valiant sailors of the Indian Navy

    The details of tableaux of Ministries/Departments are as follows:

    Departments/Ministries

    Department of Social Justice and Empowerment

    The Constitution of India, a cornerstone of our Virasat (Heritage), Vikas and Path-Pradarshak

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs

    Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh

    Ministry of Women & Child Development

    Multifaceted journey of women and children nurtured under the Ministry’s comprehensive schemes

    Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

    Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development

    Ministry of Rural Development

    Lakhpati Didi

    Department of Financial Services

    India’s remarkable journey in financial evolution

    Ministry of Earth Sciences (IMD)

    Modern Science forecasting extreme weather conditioning- saving lives and livelihood

    Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

    Golden India Heritage and Development Honouring India’s Indigenous Bovine Breeds as Icons of Sustainable Rural Growth

    Ministry of Culture

    Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development

    75 Years of Constitution of India through flower tableau

             

    Cultural Performance

    This year, 5,000 artists in a title of ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam’ will perform over 45 dance forms from different part of the country in a 11-minute cultural performance. For the first time, the performance will cover the entire Kartavya Path – from Vijay Chowk to C hexagon – to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.

     

    Motorcycle Display

    The Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, famously known as ‘The Dare Devils’, will carry out breath-taking stunts during the motorcycle display. The team will showcase their bravery and determination through a number of formations, including Bullet Salute, Tank Top, Double Jimmy, Devils Down, Ladder Salute, Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, Mercury Peak, Info Warriors, Lotus and Human Pyramid.

     

    Fly-past

    One of the most eagerly-awaited events of the parade, the ‘Fly-past’ will witness a breath-taking air show by 40 aircraft/helicopters – 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters – of IAF. These include Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 & An-32 aircraft and Apache & Mi-17 helicopters. They will display a variety of formations including Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, Trishul and Vijay. The concluding Vertical Charlie maneuver will be performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft.

    The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and the release of balloons carrying banners with the official logo depicting 75 years of enactment of the Constitution in both English and Hindi.

    A number of unique activities have been carried out as part of the celebrations. These include:

     

    Rashtraparv Portal & Mobile App

    ‘Rashtraparv Portal’ portal and mobile App (Apple play and Msewa) have been launched to facilitate access to information related to national events such as Republic Day, Beating Retreat Ceremony, Independence Day; live streaming, purchase of tickets, provide information related to seating arrangements & route-maps of events etc.

     

    Ease of Access

     

    • Metro Services: Free Metro ride will be provided to Invitees/Ticket holders of RDP-2025 at entry point of the Metro Stations across Delhi. Delhi Metro operations will begin at 4:00 AM on January 26, 2025 across Delhi. Parking spaces of Delhi Metro in Across Delhi will be opened on chargeable basis at regular rates.
    • Park and Ride Scheme: Park and Ride Scheme will be available. Under this scheme, invitees will park their vehicle at Palika Parking, Connaught Place and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium’s parking area (Gate -14 & 15). From there, they can avail the ferry services (pick and drop) through the hired DTC buses. The ferry services will start at 6:00 AM and stop at 8:30 AM.
    • All enclosures are accessible and Divyang friendly with ramp facility. There will also be youth volunteers from NCC with wheelchairs for assistance.
    • Although the list of prohibited items are communicated well in advance, a cloak room facility will also be available.

     

    Special Guests

    Approximately 10,000 Special Guests in 34 categories, including the Sarpanches from villages excelling in key government schemes, have been invited as Special Guests to witness the parade this year. Details are as follows:

     

    S No

    Category

    No of Guests
    1.  

    Sarpanches

    500
    1.  

    Sarpanches from top performing village

    200
    1.  

    Disaster Relief Workers

    300
    1.  

    Guests from Vibrant Villages

    300
    1.  

    Best performing Water Warriors

    400
    1.  

    Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies

    200
    1.  

    Pani Samitee

    400
    1.  

    Community Resource Person (Krishi Sakhi, Udhyog Sakhi etc.)

    400

     
    1.  

    SHG members

    200
    1.  

    Trainees of DGT got training under National Skill Development Corporation

    200
    1.  

    PM YASASVI Scheme

    400
    1.  

    Forest & Wildlife conservation volunteers/workers

    200
    1.  

    Handloom Artisans

    200
    1.  

    Handicraft Artisans

    200
    1.  

    Special Achievers and Tribal beneficiaries of various schemes

    500

     
    1.  

    ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)

    500
    1.  

    Mann Ki Baat Participants

    400
    1.  

    My Bharat Volunteers

    400
    1.  

    Paralympic Contingent & winners of International Sports events

    200
    1.  

    Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme, Farmers Producing Organisation, Padma Awardee Farmers, PMKISAN, PMFBY, PMKSY

    800
    1.  

    PM Surya Ghar Yojna

    400
    1.  

    Renewable Energy workers

    200
    1.  

    Beneficiaries of PM KUSUM scheme

    200
    1.  

    Anganwadi Workers

    400

    		  
    1.  

    Road Construction Workers

    300
    1.  

    Best Start-Ups

    100
    1.  

    Best Patent Holders

    100
    1.  

    PM-VISHWAKARMA yojana Beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    PM Matasya Sampada Yojana Beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    Rashtriya Gokul Mission beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    Guests from North Eastern States

    200
    1.  

    Foreign Cadets of Youth Exchange Programme/NCC

    250

    		  
    1.  

    Finalist of the National School Band Competition

    600

    		  
    1.  

    Winners of Veer Gatha 4.0

    100

    		  

     

    Beating Retreat Ceremony

    RDC comes to a close with the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’, which is held every year on the 29th January at Vijay Chowk. It marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags lowered. During the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2025, only Indian Tunes will be played by all the participating bands.

     

    Bharat Parv

    ‘Bharat Parv’ will be organised at the Red Fort, Delhi from January 26-31, 2025 by the Ministry of Tourism. It will showcase Republic Day Tableaux, performances by the Military Bands (Static), cultural performances, Food Courts serving pan India cuisines and Crafts Bazaar.

     

    PM’s NCC Rally

    PM’s NCC rally, with the theme of ‘Yuva Shakti-Viksit Bharat’ is scheduled to be organised at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt. on January 27, 2025. During the event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will review the multifarious activities of the NCC.

    ****

    VK/SR/Savvy/KB

    (Release ID: 2096097) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RakshaMantri& Minister of Education felicitate Super-100 winners of Veer Gatha 4.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    RakshaMantri& Minister of Education felicitate Super-100 winners of Veer Gatha 4.0

    Girls steal the show as 66 are among the Super-100 winners

    Youth are India’s future heroes, will play a major role in making India ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047: Shri Rajnath Singh

    Veer Gatha instils values of patriotism, grit & national pride, inspiring students to contribute to the nation’s progress: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

    RakshaMantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan felicitated the Super-100 winners of Veer Gatha 4.0 in New Delhi on January 25, 2025. Among the 100 winners, 66 are girls from different parts of the country. During the felicitation ceremony, each winner was presented with a cash prize of Rs. 10,000, a medal and a certificate. These Super-100 are among the approx. 10,000 Special Guests, who will be witnessing the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2025.

    In his address, RakshaMantri congratulated the winners and appreciated the joint efforts of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education towards achieving Veer Gatha’s objective of connecting the youth with the glorious history of the country’s bravehearts. He acknowledged the pan-India participation of over 1.76 crore students in this fourth edition of the Project, stating that it is providing recognition to the bravehearts through education. He commended the intelligence, enthusiasm and patriotism of the students who participated in the competition.

    Expressing delight over the fact that 2/3rd of the Super-100 winners of Veer Gatha 4.0 are girls, Shri Rajnath Singh made special mention of a Class 10 student named ‘Nemneineng’ from Manipur, who had lost her parents when she was a child. RakshaMantri commended her perseverance for not giving up her studies despite numerous difficulties and securing a place among the winners.

     

     

    Explaining the true meaning of a ‘hero’ to the students present on the occasion, RakshaMantri asserted that a hero works for the upliftment of the nation; whose work gives a new direction to the society. He added that the youth are future heroes of India and they will play a major role in making India ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, as envisioned by the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    “India’s stature has grown on the global stage due to the Prime Minister’s dynamic leadership. Today, when we speak on any international forum, the whole world listens. This has been made possible due to the hard work of every Indian, including our brave soldiers, scientists and young ignited minds. We have a major young population of about 50 crore youth. How can a country with such creative minds not develop?,” Shri Rajnath Singh asked the students.

    RakshaMantri exhorted them to continue taking inspiration from bravehearts such as freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan and courageous soldiers, whose bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. He termed the sense of national pride as the most crucial aspect for the development of any country.

    Shri Rajnath Singh encouraged students to not feel afraid in the face of challenges and continue moving forward towards their goals with confidence & good intent. He urged them to never allow the feeling of ego creep into their hearts, even when they touch greater heights. Always remaining polite and modest is the key, he said.

    Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that initiatives like Veer Gatha educate school students about the valour and sacrifices of the brave gallantry award winners while nurturing the creativity of young minds. He highlighted the record-breaking participation of 1.76 crore students from over 2.5 lakh schools who engaged in activities such as drawing, painting, and essay writing, paying heartfelt tributes to the heroes for their immense service and sacrifice to the nation.

    The Minister of Education also noted that this initiative would help instil values of patriotism, grit, and national pride, inspiring students to contribute to the nation’s progress. Congratulating every student who participated with enthusiasm and respect for the gallantry award winners, he lauded the Super-100 awardees for their success. Wishing them a bright future, he remarked that their enthusiasm and creativity would serve them well in life.

    During the event, ParamVir Chakra Awardee Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar shared his inspiring experience from the 1999 Kargil War, urging students to embody the values of bravery, selflessness and integrity in their lives. “True bravery lies not only in combat but in standing up for what is right in everyday life,” he said, inspiring the young participants.

    RakshaRajyaMantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and other senior officials attended the event.

    *****

    MV/AK

    MOE/DoSEL/25 January 2025/5

    (Release ID: 2096168) Visitor Counter : 85

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English translation of Prime Minister’s statement at the Joint Press Conference with the President of Indonesia

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, President and my brother Prabowo Subianto,
    Delegates from both countries,
    Friends from the media,
    Namaskar!

    Indonesia was our Chief Guest for India’s very first Republic Day. And it is a matter of great pride for us that, as we celebrate our 75th Republic Day, once again, Indonesia has gracefully accepted to be a part of this momentous occasion. On this occasion, I warmly welcome President Prabowo to India.

    Friends,

    During my visit to Indonesia in 2018, we took our partnership forward to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Today, we held extensive discussions with President Prabowo on various aspects of mutual cooperation. To strengthen our cooperation in the Defence sector, we have decided to work together in the areas of Defence Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

    We’ve also emphasized on cooperation in Maritime Security, Cyber Security, Counter-Terrorism and De-radicalisation. The agreement signed today on Maritime Safety and Security will strengthen our cooperation in the areas of Crime Prevention, Search and Rescue, and Capacity Building. Over the past few years, our bilateral trade has grown rapidly, and last year, this exceeded USD 30 billion.

    To take this a step further, we’ve also held discussions on diversifying market access and the trade basket. The private sector is also an equal partner in these efforts. We welcome the CEO Forum meeting held today and the agreements finalised in the private sector. We have also decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in areas like FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Digital Public Infrastructure.

    In the sectors of Health and Food Security, India is sharing its learnings and experience from the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Public Distribution System with Indonesia. We have also decided that we will work together in sectors of Energy, Critical Minerals, Science & Technology, Space and STEM Education. The Disaster Management Authorities of both countries shall also come together to perform Joint Exercises.

    Friends,

    The relationship between India and Indonesia dates back thousands of years. Tales inspired from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and the ‘Bali Jatra’ are living testaments of the age-old cultural and historical ties between our two great nations. It gives me great pleasure that, after the Buddhist Borobudur Temple, India will now also contribute towards the conservation efforts of the Prambanan Hindu Temple.

    Additionally, the year 2025 shall be celebrated as the Indo-ASEAN Year of Tourism. This shall also promote cultural exchanges and tourism between India and Indonesia.

    Friends,

    Indonesia is our important partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. Both countries are committed towards maintaining peace, security, prosperity and rules-based order in this entire region. We agree that Freedom of Navigation must be ensured in accordance with International Laws.

    In our Act Easy Policy, emphasis has been given to ASEAN unity and centrality. We continue to work together on platforms like G-20, ASEAN and Indian Ocean Rim Association.

    Now we are also welcoming the membership of Indonesia in BRICS. At all these forums, we will work in coordination and cooperation for the interests and priorities of the nations in the Global South.

    Excellency,

    Your visit to India as Chief Guest for our Republic Day tomorrow is a matter of immense pride for us. We are all eager to witness the Indonesian marching squad for the very first time at the event. Once again, I extend a warm welcome to you and your delegation to India.

    Thank you very much.

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE EVE OF REPUBLIC DAY 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

    My Dear Fellow Citizens,

    Namaskar!

    I am happy to be addressing you on this historic occasion. On the eve of Republic Day, I offer you my heartiest congratulations! On January 26, 75 years ago, our founding document, the Constitution of India, came into effect.

    The Constituent Assembly, after nearly three years of debates, adopted the Constitution on 26th of November in 1949. That day, 26th November, has been celebrated as Samvidhan Divas, that is, Constitution Day, since 2015.

    Republic Day is indeed a matter of collective joy and pride for all citizens. Seventy-five years, someone might say, is only the blink of an eye in the life of a nation. No, I will say, not these past 75 years. This has been the time when the long-dormant soul of India has awakened again, taking strides to regain its rightful place in the comity of nations. Among the oldest civilizations, India was once known as a source of knowledge and wisdom. There, however, came a dark phase, and inhuman exploitation under colonial rule led to utter poverty.

    Today, we should first recall the brave souls who made great sacrifices to free the motherland from the shackles of foreign rule. Some were well known, while some remained little known till recently. We are celebrating this year the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who stands as a representative of the freedom fighters whose role in the national history is now being recognised in true proportions.

    In the early decades of the twentieth century, their struggles consolidated in an organized nationwide independence movement. It was the nation’s good fortune to have the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who helped it rediscover its democratic ethos. Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are not theoretical concepts that we came to learn in modern times; they have always been part of our civilisational heritage. It also explains why the critics who were cynical about the future of the Constitution and the Republic when India had newly become independent were proven so thoroughly wrong.

    The composition of our Constituent Assembly was also a testimony to our republican values. It had representatives from all parts and all communities of the country. Most notably, it had 15 women among its members, including stalwarts such as Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kripalani, Hansaben Mehta and Malati Choudhury. When women’s equality was only a distant ideal in many parts of the world, in India women were actively contributing in shaping the destiny of the nation.

    The Constitution has become a living document because civic virtues have been part of our moral compass for millennia. The Constitution provides the ultimate foundation of our collective identity as Indians; it binds us together as a family. For 75 years now, it has guided the path of our progress. Today, let us humbly express our gratitude to Dr. Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee, other distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly, various officers associated with and others who worked hard and bequeathed us this most wonderful document.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    The 75 years of the Constitution are marked by an all-round progress of a young republic. At the time of Independence and even later, large parts of the country had faced extreme poverty and also hunger. But one thing we were not deprived of was our belief in ourselves. We set down to create the right conditions in which everyone would have the opportunity to flourish. Our farmers toiled hard and made our country self-sufficient in food production. Our labourers worked relentlessly to transform our infrastructure and manufacturing sector. Thanks to their sterling efforts, India’s economy today influences the global economic trends. Today, India is taking leadership positions in international forums. This transformation would not have been possible without the blueprint laid down by our Constitution.

    In recent years, the economic growth rate has remained persistently high, creating job opportunities for our youth, putting more money in the hands of farmers and labourers, and also lifting more people out of poverty. The bold and far-sighted economic reforms will sustain this trend in the years to come. Inclusion is the cornerstone of our growth saga, distributing the fruits of developments as widely as possible.

    As the Government continues to assign top priority to financial inclusion, initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, MUDRA, Stand-Up India and Atal Pension Yojana have been expanded to provide more people access to a variety of financial support schemes.

    Equally importantly, the government has redefined the notion of welfare, making basic necessities such as housing and access to drinking water a matter of entitlement. Every effort is being made to extend a helping hand to the marginalized communities, particularly of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. For example, there have been pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, national fellowships, overseas scholarships, hostels and coaching facilities for the youth from the SC communities. The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana is making progress in reducing poverty among the SC communities by adding employment and income generation opportunities. There have been dedicated schemes for aiming for the socio-economic development of ST communities, including Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). A Development and Welfare Board has been constituted for the De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities.

    Meanwhile, the focus on physical infrastructure development, including roads and railways, ports and logistics hubs, over the past decade has created a platform that will support growth for decades to come.

    The way the government has used technology in the field of finance has been exemplary. A variety of digital payment options as well as the system of direct benefit transfer have promoted inclusion, bringing a significant number of people within the formal system. It has also brought unprecedented transparency in the system. In the process, within a few years we have created a robust Digital Public Infrastructure that is among the best in the world.

    The banking system has been in a healthy condition after a series of bold measures such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, effecting a substantial reduction in the Non-Performing Assets of Scheduled Commercial Banks.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    We won freedom in 1947, but many relics of a colonial mindset persisted among us for long. Of late, we have been witnessing concerted efforts to change that mindset. Among the most noteworthy of such efforts was the decision to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Based also on Indian traditions of jurisprudence, the new criminal laws place the delivery of justice instead of punishment at the centre of the criminal justice system. Moreover, the new laws grant top priority to countering crimes against women and children.

    Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision. Another measure that promises to redefine the terms of good governance is the Bill introduced in Parliament to synchronise election schedules in the country. The ‘One Nation One Election’ plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, apart from offering many other benefits.

    There has also been a fresh engagement with our civilisational heritage. The ongoing Mahakumbh can be seen as an expression of the richness of that heritage. An exciting array of initiatives is underway in the domain of culture to preserve and revitalise our traditions and customs.

    India is a hub of great linguistic diversity. In order to conserve as well as celebrate this richness, the Government has recognised Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit as classical languages. This category already includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. The Government is proactively promoting research in 11 classical languages now.

    I look forward to the completion of India’s first Archaeological Experiential Museum in Vadnagar of Gujarat, being developed next to an excavation site that shows evidence of human settlement from around 800 BCE. The museum will bring together in one place a wide range of arts, crafts and cultural elements from different eras.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    It is, after all, our young generation that is going to shape the India of tomorrow. Education, in turn, shapes these young minds. Therefore, the Government has increased its investment in education and made every effort to improve every parameter related to this sector. The results so far are more than encouraging. The last decade has transformed education, in terms of quality of learning and physical infrastructure and digital inclusion. For the medium of instruction, the regional languages are promoted at more levels. It is not surprising that there has been a notable improvement in students’ performance. I am glad to learn that women teachers have played a crucial role in this transformation, since more than 60 percent of those who became teachers in the last decade are women.

    The expansion and mainstreaming of vocational and skill education is a welcome development. This is also supplemented now by the scheme to provide our youth internship opportunities in the corporate sector.

    With a stronger foundation of the school-level education, India has been scaling new heights in various branches of knowledge, particularly in science, along with technology. For example, India stands sixth in terms of intellectual property filings in the world. We have consistently improved our ranking in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 48th position in 2020 to 39th in 2024.

    With rising self-assurance, we are increasing our participation in cutting-edge research with a series of initiatives. The National Quantum Mission aims to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in this new frontier of technology. Another noteworthy beginning is with the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical System, which plans to focus on several advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and cyber security. These technologies were called futuristic till recently, but they are fast becoming part of our daily lives.

    The Genome India Project has been not only an exciting venture in exploring nature; it is also a veritable defining moment in the history of science in India. Under its flagship programme, the genome sequencing of 10,000 Indians have been made available for further research only this month. This pathbreaking project will open new vistas in biotechnology research and also give a fillip to the public healthcare system.

    The Indian Space Research Organisation has been taking giant leaps in space in recent years. This month, the ISRO once again made the nation proud with its successful Space Docking Experiment. India has now become the fourth country in the world to have this capability.

    Our increasing confidence levels as a nation are also reflected in the arena of sports and games where our players have scripted thrilling success stories. Last year, our athletes made a mark in the Olympic Games. In the Paralympic Games, we sent our largest-ever contingent, who came back with our best-ever performance. Our chess champions impressed the world, as our men and women won the gold at the FIDE Chess Olympiad. The achievements in the sports during the year 2024 were capped by D. Gukesh, who became the youngest World Chess Champion.

    Supported by a great improvement in training facilities at the ground level, these sportspersons have made us proud with their winning drive and inspired the next generation to aim higher and higher.

    Our brothers and sisters living abroad have taken the best of our culture and civilisation to different parts of the globe and have made us proud with their achievements in diverse fields. They have always considered themselves to be a part of the India Story. As I said at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas earlier this month, I am confident of their proactive and enthusiastic participation in the making of a Viksit Bharat, a developed India, by the year 2047.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    Thanks to substantial and concrete progress in a wide range of areas, we are marching towards the future, holding our heads high. The key to our future is our youth and especially the young women. Their dreams are moulding the India of tomorrow, when we will be celebrating the centenary of our Independence. And when today’s children will salute the tricolour on 26th January of 2050, they will tell their next generation that this great quest would not have been possible without our incomparable Constitution guiding them along the way.

    Our future generations will also keep in mind the mission of Independent India in the world. In the words of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi [and I quote]

    “If Swaraj was not meant to civilize us, and to purify and stabilize our civilization, it would be nothing worth. The very essence of our civilization is that we give a paramount place to morality in all our affairs, public or private.” [unquote]

    Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji’s dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin – indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too – compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.

    Each of us must contribute to the efforts to counter the global threat of climate change. There have been two exemplary initiatives in this regard. At the global level, India is leading a mass movement, called Mission Lifestyle for Environment, to inspire individuals and communities to be more pro-active in protecting and preserving the environment. Last year, on World Environment Day, we launched a unique campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, paying tribute to the nurturing power of our mothers as well as of Mother Nature. Its target of planting 80 crore seedlings was achieved ahead of the deadline. The world can learn from such innovative moves that people can adopt as their own movements.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    Let me once again congratulate you all on the occasion of Republic Day. My congratulations to the soldiers guarding our borders as well as police and paramilitary personnel keeping it safe within the borders. My congratulations also to the members of the judiciary, the bureaucracy and our missions abroad. My best wishes to you in all your endeavours.

    Thank you.

    Jai Hind!

    Jai Bharat!

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 1.25.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 25, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Bret Ladine, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). Ladine has been General Counsel at the California State Transportation Agency since 2022. He was General Counsel at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation from 2020 to 2022, where he was previously Assistant General Counsel from 2016 to 2020. Ladine was a Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells US LLP from 2012 to 2016. He was an Associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC from 2008 to 2012. Ladine was Communications Director for the Office of Congressman Dennis Cardoza from 2003 to 2005. He is a member of Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court. Ladine earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Yale University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $218,376. Ladine is a Democrat.

    Alicia Fowler, of Sacramento, has been appointed General Counsel at the California State Transportation Agency. Fowler has been Chief Counsel at the California High-Speed Rail Authority since 2019. She was Deputy Secretary and General Counsel at the California State Transportation Agency from 2015 to 2019. Fowler was Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General from 2008 to 2015, where she was previously Supervising Deputy Attorney General from 2001 to 2008. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $224,364. Fowler is a Democrat.

    Basem Muallem, of Chino Hills, has been appointed Statewide Regional Director at the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Muallem has been Vice President at HNTB since 2023. He was Vice President at RailPros from 2019 to 2023. Muallem was Vice President at WSP USA from 2016 to 2019. He was Senior Program Manager at Parsons Corporation from 2015 to 2016. Muallem held several positions at the California Department of Transportation from 1983 to 2015, including District 8 Director, Deputy District 8 Director of Program Management and Right-of-Way, and Deputy District 8 Director of Maintenance. He is a member of the Arab-American Association of Engineers and Architects. Muallem earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State University, Long Beach. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $355,008. Muallem is registered without party preference.

    Christy Bouma, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (F.A.I.R) Plan Governing Committee. Bouma has served on the State Compensation Insurance Fund since 2024. She was Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2022 to 2024. Bouma was a Principal at Capitol Connection from 2000 to 2022. She was a Teacher for the Hesperia Unified School District from 1989 to 1999. Bouma earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Point Loma Nazarene College. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Bouma is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Jan 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom welcomed President Trump to Los Angeles and pledged to work together to support survivors and secure federal assistance.  LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom met with President Trump on the tarmac at Los Angeles…

    Jan 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today met with firefighters who have been on the frontlines battling ongoing flames from the initial Los Angeles firestorm. Los Angeles, California – Taking a moment to reflect on the profound response effort to…

    Jan 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: Alongside community, city, county, and legislative leaders, Governor Newsom signed special session legislation to provide over $2.5 billion for Los Angeles to bolster ongoing response efforts and jumpstart recovery and rebuilding. LOS…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Proud Moment for Doordarshan: Bestowed with ECI Media Award for voter awareness in Electronic Media (TV) category

    Source: Government of India

    Proud Moment for Doordarshan: Bestowed with ECI Media Award for voter awareness in Electronic Media (TV) category

    Recognised for its impactful coverage, including “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv” series during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 for promoting informed and responsible voting

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 7:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Doordarshan is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious award in the Electronic Media category for its 360-degree comprehensive campaign on Voter Awareness and Education. Doordarshan has been recognised for its impactful coverage, including the “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv” series during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, which highlighted the importance of informed and responsible voting.

    DG Doordarshan, Ms. Kanchan Prasad receiving the honour from the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu

     

    The campaign, conducted across the nation during the Parliamentary Elections 2024, showcased Doordarshan’s commitment to fostering an informed and active citizenry. It encompassed:

    • Innovative Programming: Development and broadcast of 30 voter education short films.
    • Multilingual Outreach: Extensive dissemination across DD National, DD India, and DD News Channels, ensuring messages reached every corner of the country.
    • Engaging Advertisments: Engaging L-band advertisement, Mug Branding and Advertisements (45 sec/spots) aimed at motivating millions to participate in democracy.

    Through its creative and inclusive approach, Doordarshan successfully empowered voters throughout the country, especially first-time participants, to contribute to the democratic process.

    On receiving this honor, Doordarshan reaffirms its dedication to nation-building by continuing to be the trusted voice of the people.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASAVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASAVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    400 Students, selected from 21 States, invited as Special Guests for Republic Day Parade 2025

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:48PM by PIB Delhi

    On the eve of the Republic Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized a special programme to honor 400 students from 21 states across the country. These students are beneficiaries of the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI) Scheme. It was launched to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. These students have been invited as special guests for the Republic Day Parade 2025.

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, addressed the event at the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM), in New Delhi today. Praising the PM Yashasvi Scheme, the Minister described it as a significant step toward social justice and inclusivity. He emphasized that the scheme would inspire the nation’s talented and promising students to achieve a bright future.

    Interacting with students from various States, the Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, without any caste or religious discrimination. He expressed his pride that these students would have the opportunity to witness the Republic Day Parade live and stated, “Nothing can stop talent from progressing. The youth of the country is talented and energetic, and the world recognizes this.”

    Objectives and Benefits of PM YASAVI Scheme:

    The primary goal of the PM YASASVI Scheme is to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. The benefits provided under the scheme include:

    1. Pre-Matric Scholarship: Annual scholarship of ₹1.25 lakh for students from classes 9 to 12.

    2. Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial assistance worth ₹12.75 crore for college-level education.

    3. Top-Class School and College Education: Special support for high-quality education.

    4. Hostel Construction for OBC Students: Providing better residential facilities for students.

    The event was attended by Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Yadav; Additional Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh; and other senior officials and staff of the Department.

     

    *****

    VM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth gives away Prizes for National School Band Competition 6.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth gives away Prizes for National School Band Competition 6.0

    Encourages students to become brand ambassadors of Viksit Bharat of 2047

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth, gave away prizes for the National School Band Competition 6.0. Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Shri Sanjay Kumar and Additional Secretary,DoSEL, Shri Anandrao V. Patilwere also present at the event.

    Shri Sanjay Seth, while addressing the audience, praised the exceptional performance of the young participants, describing the event as a mini replica of the nation. Highlighting the individual performances of several teams, he urged students to reduce their reliance on mobile devices, as advised by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and to engage in outdoor activities and creative pursuits. He encouraged the students to become brand ambassadors of the Viksit Bharat of 2047.

    Shri Anandrao V. Patil, in his address, encouraged students to carry forward the message of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and to contribute to nation-building with a nation-first approach.

     

     

     

    In the Brass Band – Girls category, Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim, secured the First Prize. St. Joseph’s Convent Sr. Sec. School, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, received the Second Prize, while St. Joseph’s Anglo-Indian Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode, Kerala, earned the Third Prize. The team from GayatriVidyapeeth, Shantikunj, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, received the Consolation Prize.

    In the Brass Band – Boys category, the First Prize went to Prince Lotus Valley, Sikar, Rajasthan. St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliyaghat, Sepahijala, Tripura, won the Second Prize, and Pinegrove School, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, secured the Third Prize. The team from St. Xavier’s English Medium School, Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh, received the Consolation Prize.

    In the Pipe Band – Girls category, the First Prize was awarded to PM SHRI KGBV Patamda, PurbiSinghbhum, Jharkhand. Bhonsala Military School Girls, Nasik, Maharashtra, secured the Second Prize, and Shri ThakurdwaraBalikaVidyalaya, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, earned the Third Prize. The team from Monte CBSE School, Pandipadu Village, KallurMandal, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, received the Consolation Prize.

    In the Pipe Band – Boys category, City Montessori School, Kanpur Road Campus, Sec DLDA Colony, Kanpur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the First Prize. North Sikkim Academy, Nangan, Sikkim, secured the Second Prize, while RBP Military School Sports Academy, Sangli, Maharashtra, won the Third Prize. PM SHRI KendriyaVidyalaya No. 2, BelagaviCantt., Karnataka, received the Consolation Prize in this category.

    The First Prize-winning teams will receive ₹21,000, while the Second Prize-winning teams will be awarded ₹16,000, and the Third Prize-winning teams will receive ₹11,000. Teams receiving the Consolation Prize will be awarded ₹3,000. In addition to the cash prizes, all winning teams will be presented with a trophy and certificates.

    Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, organised the grand finale of National School Band Competition 6.0 on 24-25 January 2025 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. This year 16 band teams from 13 States with 463 children were shortlisted for the finale (list annexed) through State- and Zonal-level competitions. At the State-Level Competitions, 568 teams comprising 13,999 children participated; while at the Zonal Level, 84 teams comprising 2,337 children took part.

    For the first time:

    1.   Band Teams from three government schools have got the opportunity to participate in the Republic Day Parade.

    2.   PM SHRI KGBV Patamda, PurbiSinghbum, Jharkhand school students will be giving their performance at the rostrum in front of the Presidential stage.

    3.   Two band teams (KendriyaVidyalaya and Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Sikkim) will be performing at Vijay Chowk in the Republic Day Parade.

    4.   In tandem with the “whole of Government approach”, initiative has been taken for training of PM SHRI school band teams by the band instructors/teams of Army Regimental Centres. Training has begun in 11 States/UTs and will commence shortly in the rest of the States/UTs. This is a step towards imparting holistic education to students of PM SHRI schools and developing them into well-rounded personalities.

    The National Education Policy 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century and aims at large-scale transformational reforms in the education sector. In that direction, this program will not only instil a sense of patriotism and national pride but will also enhance the musical skills of the students and inculcate discipline among them. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of patriotism and unity amongst school students throughout the country and help in the furtherance of holistic education.

    Joint Secretary, DoSEL, Dr.AmarpreetDuggaland other dignitaries from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence

    *****

    MV/AK

    MOE/DoSEL/24 January 2025/6

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Padma Awards 2025 announced

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

    2.              These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at RashtrapatiBhawan usually around March/ April every year. For the year 2025, the President has approved conferment of 139Padma Awards including1 duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below. The list comprises 7Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 23of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and13Posthumous awardees.

     

    Padma Vibhushan(7)

     

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy

    Medicine

    Telangana
    1.  

    Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar

    Public Affairs

    Chandigarh
    1.  

    Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri LakshminarayanaSubramaniam

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)

    Trade and Industry

    Japan
    1.  

    Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)

    Art

    Bihar

    Padma Bhushan(19)

     

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri A Surya Prakash

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Anant Nag

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Bibek Debroy(Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Jatin Goswami

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram

    Medicine

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit

    Others-Archaeology

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Manohar Joshi(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti

    Trade and Industry

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna

    Art

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri P R Sreejesh

    Sports

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Pankaj Patel

    Trade and Industry

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Pankaj Udhas(Posthumous)

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Rambahadur Rai

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Sadhvi Ritambhara

    Social Work

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri S Ajith Kumar

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Shekhar Kapur

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Sushil Kumar Modi(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Vinod Dham

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America

     

    Padma Shri (113)

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak

    Art

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Achyut Ramchandra Palav

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ajay V Bhatt

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Anil Kumar Boro

    Literature and Education

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Arijit Singh

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Arundhati Bhattacharya

    Trade and Industry

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Arunoday Saha

    Literature and Education

    Tripura
    1.  

    Shri Arvind Sharma

    Literature and Education

    Canada
    1.  

    Shri Ashok Kumar Mahapatra

    Medicine

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Ashok Laxman Saraf

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ashutosh Sharma

    Science and Engineering

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Baijnath Maharaj

    Others-Spiritualism

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Barry Godfray John

    Art

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Smt. Begam Batool

    Art

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Bharat Gupt

    Art

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan

    Art

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh

    Social Work

    Bihar
    1.  

    Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Budhendra Kumar Jain

    Medicine

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri C S Vaidyanathan

    Public Affairs

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar

    Social Work

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Chandrakant Sheth(Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Chandrakant Sompura

    Others-Architecture

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Chetan E Chitnis

    Science and Engineering

    France
    1.  

    Shri David R Syiemlieh

    Literature and Education

    Meghalaya
    1.  

    Shri Durga Charan Ranbir

    Art

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Farooq Ahmad Mir

    Art

    Jammu And Kashmir
    1.  

    Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Gita Upadhyay

    Literature and Education

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Gokul Chandra Das

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Guruvayur Dorai

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Harchandan Singh Bhatty

    Art

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Hariman Sharma

    Others-Agriculture

    Himachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale

    Art

    Punjab
    1.  

    Shri Harvinder Singh

    Sports

    Haryana
    1.  

    Shri Hassan Raghu

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Hemant Kumar

    Medicine

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Hugh and Colleen Gantzer(Posthumous)(Duo)*

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan

    Sports

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Jagadish Joshila

    Literature and Education

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Jaspinder Narula

    Art

     

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Jonas Masetti

    Others-Spiritualism

    Brazil
    1.  

    Shri Joynacharan Bathari

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Smt. Jumde Yomgam Gamlin

    Social Work

    Arunachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri K. Damodaran

    Others-Culinary

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri K L Krishna

    Literature and Education

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. K Omanakutty Amma

    Art

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Kishore Kunal(Posthumous)

    Civil Service

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri L Hangthing

    Others-Agriculture

    Nagaland
    1.  

    Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Lalit Kumar Mangotra

    Literature and Education

    Jammu And Kashmir
    1.  

    Shri Lama Lobzang(Posthumous)

    Others-Spiritualism

    Ladakh
    1.  

    Smt. Libia Lobo Sardesai

    Social Work

    Goa
    1.  

    Shri M D Srinivas

    Science and Engineering

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma

    Art

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Mahabir Nayak

    Art

    Jharkhand
    1.  

    Smt. Mamata Shankar

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Manda Krishna Madiga

    Public Affairs

    Telangana
    1.  

    Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli

    Literature and Education

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Miriyala Apparao(Posthumous)

    Art

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Nagendra Nath Roy

    Literature and Education

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai)(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Naren Gurung

    Art

    Sikkim
    1.  

    Smt. Neerja Bhatla

    Medicine

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Smt. Nirmala Devi

    Art

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Nitin Nohria

    Literature and Education

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa

    Trade and Industry

    Punjab
    1.  

    Shri P Datchanamoorthy

    Art

    Puducherry
    1.  

    Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi

    Art

    Chhattisgarh
    1.  

    Shri Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Pawan Goenka

    Trade and Industry

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Prashanth Prakash

    Trade and Industry

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Smt. Pratibha Satpathy

    Literature and Education

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri R Ashwin

    Sports

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri R G Chandramogan

    Trade and Industry

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Smt. Radha Bahin Bhatt

    Social Work

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Ramdarash Mishra

    Literature and Education

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ratan Kumar Parimoo

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Renthlei Lalrawna

    Literature and Education

    Mizoram
    1.  

    Shri Ricky Gyan Kej

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Sajjan Bhajanka

    Trade and Industry

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Sally Holkar

    Trade and Industry

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Sant Ram Deswal

    Literature and Education

    Haryana
    1.  

    Shri Satyapal Singh

    Sports

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Seeni Viswanathan

    Literature and Education

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Sethuraman Panchanathan

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America
    1.  

    Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

    Medicine

    Kuwait
    1.  

    Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa)

    Literature and Education

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Shyam Bihari Agrawal

    Art

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Soniya Nityanand

    Medicine

     

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Stephen Knapp

    Literature and Education

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Subhash Khetulal Sharma

    Others-Agriculture

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Suresh Harilal Soni

    Social Work

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Surinder Kumar Vasal

    Science and Engineering

    Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj)

    Others-Spiritualism

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Syed Ainul Hasan

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi

    Art

    Manipur
    1.  

    Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla

    Literature and Education

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi

    Literature and Education

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Vasudeo Kamath

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Velu Aasaan

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj

    Others-Spiritualism

    Bihar
    1.  

    Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane

    Medicine

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Vilas Dangre

    Medicine

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Vinayak Lohani

    Social Work

    West Bengal

     

    Note: * In Duo case, the Award is counted as one.

     

    *****

    Raj Kumar/Vivek/Ashutosh/Rajeev/Priyabhanshu/Pankaj

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASASVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASASVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    400 Students, selected from 21 States, invited as Special Guests for Republic Day Parade 2025

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:48PM by PIB Delhi

    On the eve of the Republic Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized a special programme to honor 400 students from 21 states across the country. These students are beneficiaries of the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI) Scheme. It was launched to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. These students have been invited as special guests for the Republic Day Parade 2025.

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, addressed the event at the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM), in New Delhi today. Praising the PM YASASVI Scheme, the Minister described it as a significant step toward social justice and inclusivity. He emphasized that the scheme would inspire the nation’s talented and promising students to achieve a bright future.

    Interacting with students from various States, the Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, without any caste or religious discrimination. He expressed his pride that these students would have the opportunity to witness the Republic Day Parade live and stated, “Nothing can stop talent from progressing. The youth of the country is talented and energetic, and the world recognizes this.”

    Objectives and Benefits of PM YASASVI Scheme:

    The primary goal of the PM YASASVI Scheme is to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. The benefits provided under the scheme include:

    1. Pre-Matric Scholarship: Annual scholarship of ₹1.25 lakh for students from classes 9 to 12.

    2. Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial assistance worth ₹12.75 crore for college-level education.

    3. Top-Class School and College Education: Special support for high-quality education.

    4. Hostel Construction for OBC Students: Providing better residential facilities for students.

    The event was attended by Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Yadav; Additional Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh; and other senior officials and staff of the Department.

     

    *****

    VM

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  • MIL-OSI China: 48 punished for negligence in Henan University auditorium fire

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Dozens of individuals involved in a fire at Henan University in central China’s Henan province, which engulfed its century-old grand auditorium in May, have faced punishments, local authorities announced on Saturday.
    The blaze occurred on May 2 while the building was undergoing repairs. The auditorium, situated in the university’s oldest campus in Kaifeng, Henan, was constructed in 1934 and stood as a significant landmark building.
    The local fire rescue department recently released an investigation report, revealing that the fire covered an area of 3,410 square meters, resulting in a direct economic loss of 27.438 million yuan ($3.79 million).
    According to the investigation, it was caused by safety management deficiencies at the construction site. The construction unit engaged in illegal open flame operations, the supervisory unit neglected its duties, the design unit violated regulations, and local Party committees, governments, relevant functional departments, and units failed to fulfill their responsibilities properly.
    The accident investigation team determined that the direct cause of the incident was the improper use of a liquefied petroleum gas spray gun by construction workers during the roof waterproofing operation of the auditorium renovation project. The high-temperature flame ignited the wooden roof below the waterproofing material, leading to the fire.
    Sixteen individuals, including personnel from the construction and supervision teams, are suspected of committing crimes and have been investigated and transferred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings by the public security organs. Administrative penalties have been imposed by relevant departments on Henan University, the design, construction, supervision, and testing units involved in the auditorium renovation project for their illegal actions, according to authorities.
    The disciplinary and supervisory authorities have taken serious measures against 32 officials from local Party committees, governments, relevant functional departments, and units for their dereliction of duty in the accident.
    Among them, a warning was given for Song Zhenghui, deputy governor of Henan; 26 people including Mao Jie, director of the Provincial Department of Education, received disciplinary punishments; and five individuals, including Qi Tao, deputy general manager of the Henan University’s logistics group, suspected of committing crime, have been handed over to judicial authorities for legal processing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SAIL signs MoU with ASCI Hyderabad for academic collaboration

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 3:43PM by PIB Delhi

    An MoU has been signed between Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad for academic collaboration on 04th November, 2024 at the company’s Corporate Office in New Delhi.

    This MoU would facilitate the conduct of customized Management Development Programmes for the newly promoted executives of SAIL, among others. Collaboration with reputed institutions is part of the overall Learning & Development (L&D) strategy of SAIL to provide further academic exposure to the company’s executives facilitating them to grow in their leadership positions.

    The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri KK Singh, Director (Personnel), SAIL and Dr Nirmalya Bagchi, Director, ASCI, Hyderabad.

    ****

    MG/SK

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Modi Govt’s Education Revamp Puts India on Track to be ‘Viswa Guru’: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Source: Government of India

    Modi Govt’s Education Revamp Puts India on Track to be ‘Viswa Guru’: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Doctor’s Role Essential to Build Scientific Temper in the Society: Shri Sonowal

    Assam Medical College a leading force of India’s Clinical Excellence; to support AMC Capacity Expansion: Shri Sonowal

    Dibru College’s Legacy Tapped for Growth; Local Talent Poised to Drive Regional Development: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Posted On: 03 NOV 2024 3:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal widely interacted with students community as he attended the 78th Foundation Day of Assam Medical College & Hospital as well as at the 62nd Foundation Day of Dibru College as the Chief Guest in Dibrugarh, Assam today. Shri Sonowal highlighted the role that the PM Shri Narendra Modi led Government played to revamp the education sector of the country, which has put India on track to be ‘Viswa Guru.’

    Speaking to the young minds of Assam Medical College, the Union Minister, said, “The role played by any doctor is crucial to build scientific temperament in the society. It is a matter of immense pride that the rich legacy of the Assam Medical College is in safe hands of all of you to further this temperament while enriching the lives of people, both physically as well as mentally. The prowess of doctor’s community as well as that of our scientists proved essential to thwart the threat that COVID posed. While the vaccination healed people, the selfless service by doctor’s community proved crucial to heal the community. Today, the talent of doctors of India is top notch when it comes to clinical excellence. The rapid growth of medical tourism is a testament to this. While we excel at the contemporary medicine practice, our age old traditional medicinal systems has proven effects on healing the health and mind. India’s biggest soft power export to the world is Yoga which has been healing the health and mind of all of humanity. Today, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are integrating the best of traditional medicine with that of modern medicine in order to provide a holistic treatment and provide for a complete wellbeing. The legacy of Assam Medical College must be honed to support our talent pool to become world class doctors and researchers. Apart from the Government of Assam’s commitment of ₹300 crores to improve the infrastructure, as a MP of Dibrugarh LSC, I shall definitely add to this in order to elevate prowess of AMC as leading centre of care and healing in the region. AMC is the pride of Dibrugarh, the pride of Assam and the pride of the Northeast. You shall continue to inspire generations and heal humanity.”

    The event at AMC was also attended by Bimal Borah, Minister, Govt of Assam;  Rameswar Teli, MP of Rajya Sabha; Bolin Chetia, MLA of Sadiya LAC; Dr Saikat Patra, Mayor, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC); Prof Sanjeev Kakati, Principal, AMC; Dr Reema Nath, Vice Principal, AMC along with Arun Jyoti, CEM of Moran Autonomus Council; Indra Gogoi, Vice Chairman, Assam Gas Company Limited; Ujjwal Kashyap, District President, BJP Dibrugarh and other dignitaries.

    Shri Sonowal also attended the 62nd Foundation Day Celebration of Dibru College in Dibrugarh, Assam today. It was founded with the support from public and eventually it became as a pioneering college of the region, receiving top honours from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Shri Sonowal also offered floral tributes to the founding Principal of the college Bharat Narayan Jamowar as well as Vice Principal Nanda Lal Borgohain here today.

    Speaking at this event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The 21st century is one of competition, and we must participate to reach success with dignity. Dibru College is here to prepare you for that challenge. Students from across the Northeast are studying here, and it has been training & honing the human resources contributing handsomely to the cause of nation building. You all should be thankful for that. My appeal to students today is to focus on building yourselves. There is no shortcut to success—you must work hard on your character and discipline. Our dynamic PM, Shri Narendra Modi ji, works tirelessly for the nation, not just as a leader but as someone fully immersed in serving the country. May you find a role model in his life!”

    The event was also attended by Rameswar Teli, ex Union Minister of State and MP of Rajya Sabha; Dr Saikat Patra, Mayor, DMC; Prof Jiten Hazarika, Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University; Pradeep Kumar Baruah; President of Governing Council of Dibru College; Aditi Baruah, Principal, Dibru College as well as other dignitaries.

    *****

    NKK/AK

    (Release ID: 2070435) Visitor Counter : 38

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Panchayati Raj successfully accomplishes targets set under Special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Panchayati Raj successfully accomplishes targets set under Special Campaign 4.0

    100% Targets Achieved in Redressal of Public Grievances and Appeals

    Adopted Onsite Verification of Public Grievances strategy for Disposal of Pending Matters

    Posted On: 03 NOV 2024 10:33AM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has successfully concluded the Special Campaign 4.0, conducted between  2nd to 31st October, 2024 aimed at resolving public grievances, conducting cleanliness drives, record management etc. while successfully accomplishing targets set across major parameters. It has achieved 100% target set on the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM) Portal 4.0 in addressing the Public Grievances and Public Grievance Appeals.

    During the Special Campaign 4.0, a total of 823 Public Grievances and 155 Public Grievance Appeals were disposed off, achieving complete target fulfillment. To streamline file management, 1525 e-files were identified for review, with 650 e-files thoroughly reviewed and 124 e-files closed, with the process continuing efficiently through the e-office system.

    Taking proactive steps in grievance redressal, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj intensified its follow-up/ engagement with States/UTs during the Special Campaign 4.0, by deputing teams of officials for onsite verification of public grievances. This approach has proven to be  highly effective, with numerous grievance petitioners expressing satisfaction over the amicable and appropriate resolution of their concerns.

    The progress of Special Campaign 4.0 was continuously monitored with Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, conducting a review of the campaign’s progress on 15th October 2024. In this period,  Panchayat Sammelan on “Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots” was also organised in Hyderabad, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to citizen-centric governance. The Special Campaign 4.0 also coincided with two important initiatives – the Swachhata Pakhwada (16 – 31 October 2024) and the National Learning Week (Karmayogi Saptah) (19 – 25 October 2024, extended up to 27 October 2024). This synchronization provided enhanced momentum to individual and organizational efforts in improving skillsets and maintaining cleanliness. During this campaign, comprehensive cleanliness drives were conducted across the Ministry’s three office premises at Krishi Bhawan, Jeevan Bharati Building and Jeevan Prakash Building in New Delhi, fostering a productive and healthy work environment.

    The Ministry also renewed it’s  commitment to maintaining the momentum of the Special Campaign throughout the year in order to  enhance administrative efficiency and focus on  citizen service delivery.

     

    ***

     

    AA

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Melodic Prelude Sets the Stage for MysuruSangeethaSugandha Festival 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Melodic Prelude Sets the Stage for MysuruSangeethaSugandha Festival 2024

    Successful Completion of Prequel Events for the MysuruSangeethaSugandha Festival 2024

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 11:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism today successfully completed the prequel events leading up to the prestigious MysuruSangeethaSugandha Festival 2024. These prequel events, held on 2nd November 2024 at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bengaluru; Ramamandiram, Rudrapatna; and Arpreyaswami Temple, Doddamallur, celebrated Karnataka’s rich musical heritage and set the stage for the main festival in Mysuru.

    At NGMA Bengaluru, the event featured an enthralling Carnatic vocal performance by Smt. R.A. Ramamani, whose soulful rendition captivated the audience. The event was graced by Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, Director of NGMA, as the chief guest. Her presence emphasized the importance of blending art and culture to promote Karnataka’s musical traditions.

     

    In Rudrapatna, known as the cradle of Carnatic music, the Ramamandiram hosted an inspiring flute concert by Vid. AmithNadig and Party, drawing an enthusiastic response from the local community. Ganakalabhushana Vid. Dr. R.K. Padmanabha was the esteemed chief guest, honoring the tradition of music in Rudrapatna and encouraging the continuation of its rich legacy.

     

    At Arpreyaswami Temple, Doddamallur, the day concluded with a divine and spiritually uplifting Carnatic vocal concert by Shri T.V. Ramprasadh ,whose performance resonated with the audience, blending sacredness and melody seamlessly.

    The prequel events have paved the way for the main MysuruSangeethaSugandha Festival, which will be held from 8th to 10th November 2024 at the Karnataka State Open University Convocation Hall, Mysuru. The festival promises an array of captivating performances by acclaimed artists, celebrating Karnataka’s musical heritage and enriching the cultural landscape of Mysuru.

    The Ministry of Tourism invites all music enthusiasts to join in this celebration of tradition and harmony, further showcasing Mysuru as a premier destination for cultural excellence.

     

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari/

    (Release ID: 2070389) Visitor Counter : 27

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vigilance awareness week-2024 valedictory function held at RINL

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 6:50PM by PIB Delhi

    RINL Visakhapatnam Steel Plant held a grand valedictory function, marking the successful conclusion of the Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW-2024) as per the guidelines set forth by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) under the able leadership of Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) Dr. S. Karuna Raju, IAS at the L&DC Auditorium of RINL, today.

    The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome extended to the esteemed guests, including the Chief Guest, Dr. Abraham Varughese, Director, NSTL Visakhapatnam, along with RINL Directors, CISF Commandant, and representatives from various associations, RINL employees, school children, and their parents.

    The Chief Guest, Dr. Abraham Varughese, Director NSTL, Visakhapatnam, along with Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) Dr. S. Karuna Raju, IAS and RINL Directors inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Following this, students from Chinmaya Bal Vihar School presented a heartfelt prayer song, setting a reflective tone for the event.

     

    Messages from the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and the CVC were read aloud, reinforcing the importance of integrity in governance.

    In his address, Dr. S. Karuna Raju, Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), RINL delivered an impactful speech emphasizing the critical need to foster a culture of integrity within government organizations. Dr. S Karuna Raju articulated the importance of commitment to integrity, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential for building public trust. He addressed the profound effects on organizations when integrity is compromised, highlighting the necessity for ethical behaviour among leaders and integrity in public procurement processes. Dr. S Karuna Raju, IAS declared anti-corruption a national imperative and urged everyone to be vigilant in every sphere of life.

    Addressing the senior officials of RINL, the Chief Guest Dr. Abraham Varughese, Director NSTL, highlighted on this year’s theme “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity.” He emphasized the profound connection between integrity, personal ethics, and moral behaviour, illustrating how these elements contribute to effective governance and sustainable economic growth.

    Dr. Varughese affirmed that nurturing a culture of integrity is a shared responsibility. He expressed his belief that through such commitment, the nation can truly thrive and prosper. His speech resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring a renewed dedication to fostering integrity in all facets of public and private life.

    The Chief Guest Dr. Abraham Varughese was honoured at today’s VAW-2024 Valedictory Function by Dr. S. Karuna Raju, IAS, CVO RINL along with Sri Ch SRVGK Ganesh, Director (finance) and Sri GVN Prasad, Director (Commercial),

    The highlight of the function was the prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the winners of various competitions held during VAW-2024.

    The Prizes were awarded by the Chief Guest, CVO, RINL Directors celebrating the achievements of participants who showcased their understanding of vigilance and integrity.

     

    Earlier, through a power point presentation, the vigilance department provided an overview of various programs conducted during the three-month Vigilance awareness campaign aimed at promoting the theme, “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity” which highlighted activities included sensitization programs, Gram Sabha, Road show, competitions for students, employees and their dependants, walkathon, social media outreach, and workshops focused on Dynamic digital presence. The initiatives were designed to build awareness and engage participants in discussions about integrity and anti-corruption.

     

    The vote of thanks was presented by Sri Dipankar Das, HOD of the Vigilance Department, RINL.

    The valedictory function not only marked the end of VAW-2024 but also served as a reaffirmation of RINL’s commitment to transparency and ethical governance, setting a precedent for future initiatives.

    *****

     

    MG/SK

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Government initiates enquiry into the death of Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Union Government initiates enquiry into the death of Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh

    MP Government also constitutes five-member State level Committee, comprising members from civil society, scientist and veterinarian, to independently inquire into the matter

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has constituted a team to enquire into the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. The team is conducting an independent enquiry in the matter.

    Further, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh has also constituted a five-member State level committee, to enquire into the matter and submit a report to the Government. The five-member committee is headed by APCCF (Wildlife). The committee has members from civil society, scientist and veterinarian. The matter is also being enquired into by the Head of State Tiger Strike Force (STSF). The STSF has combed the forests and the adjoining villages and is conducting an in-depth enquiry about the incident.

    The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh is camping in Bandhavgarh and supervising the enquiry and actions being taken in the matter. On the other hand, Additional Director General of Forests (Project Tiger & Elephant) & Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, along with AIG NTCA, Nagpur, have visited the sites and held discussions with the State officials on the various related issues and probable cause of the deaths of elephants.

    As per the preliminary information shared by the concerned officers from the State of Madhya Pradesh, the death of the elephants may be because of poisoning. The final cause of death shall only be ascertained after through enquiry, detailed Postmortem reports, results of histopathological and toxicological reports and other corroborative evidences. Further, preventive measures are being taken to avoid possibilities of such incidents by the State officials and monitoring of other elephant herds in and around Bandhavgarh reserve has been enhanced as informed by the officials.

    Background

    The patrolling staff of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve detected the death of four elephants in Salkhania beats of Pataur and Khiatuli range of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh on 29.10.24. On further combing of the adjoining areas, six more elephants were found sick or unconscious in the vicinity. The field staff and local veterinary officers started medication of the sick elephants, which was supported by a team of veterinarians from the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health (SWFH). The services of Dr. A. B. Srivastava, Retired Head of SWFH was also taken. The opinion of veterinarian and faculty at Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun was also taken.

    However, four sick elephants succumbed to death on 30.10.24. Further, even after continuous medication and treatment, remaining two sick and unconscious elephants lost their lives on 31.10.24. Out of those dead ten elephants, one was male and nine were female. Further, amongst the ten dead elephants, six were juvenile/subadults and four were adults. The information revealed that the herd of thirteen elephants had raided the Kodo millet crop in the vicinity of the forest.

    The postmortem of the ten elephants was done by a team of 14 veterinarians/wildlife veterinarian. The viscera after the postmortem have been sent to IVRI Izzatnagar, Bareilly and FSL, Sagar for toxicological and histopathological investigations on 01.11.24. However, the blood and other samples were sent to SWFH on 30.10.24, while treatment of the sick elephants, have prima facie indicated the presence of toxins in the samples sent.

     

    *****

    VM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Develop high-end tech indigenously to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat: Raksha Mantri to youth at 65th Foundation Day of IIT Kanpur

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Develop high-end tech indigenously to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat: Raksha Mantri to youth at 65th Foundation Day of IIT Kanpur

    “Cutting-edge tech must to establish an edge in modern-day warfare”

    “Defence exports will touch Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30”: Raksha Mantri

    MoUs exchanged between IIT Kanpur, DPSUs and other stakeholders at the Foundation Day

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 5:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called upon Indian youth to indigenously develop high-end technologies, which the country imports, to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat. He was addressing the 65thFoundation Day celebrations at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur on November 02, 2024.

     

    Raksha Mantri described ‘technology’ as the biggest factor behind the rapid changes taking place in every field today, with countries competing to master niche tech, such as Artificial Intelligence, to establish an edge in the current geopolitical scenario. Explaining it further, he pointed out that based on technological developments, there are three groups of countries – the first are at the pinnacle in advanced tech; the second have reached a stagnant state and third are at a stage of technological take-off.

    Placing India in the third group, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the nation is today surging towards the top position in technological advancements. He stressed on the need to get a hold on high-end technology, urging the young ignited minds to realise their potential and contribute to the country’s progress. He termed institutions like IIT Kanpur as academic engines, which can provide a dynamism to India in the present competitive environment, and place it among the first set of countries.

    Highlighting the increasing role of technology in the defence ecosystem across the globe amidst ongoing conflicts, Raksha Mantri said that the use of drones, laser warfare, cyber ​​warfare, precision guided missiles and hypersonic missiles has transformed warfare into a technology-oriented one. “The biggest hurdle in achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence is that we are compelled to import some high-end technologies necessary for our items. There is a need to focus on defence application of modern cutting-edge technologies in view of the changing nature of warfare,” he added.

     

    Shri Rajnath Singh assured the Government’s full support in this endeavour and reiterated the commitment to take all stakeholders, including the private sector and academia, together to make India self-reliant in defence. “India has dreamed of becoming a developed nation by 2047 on the strength of our youth. We must put in all our power to realise that dream. There is a proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’. We need to walk together to achieve our target,” he said.

    Enumerating the steps taken by the Government to promote self-reliance and innovation in defence, Raksha Mantri spoke about the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative which provides a grant of Rs 1.5 crore to innovators and start-ups. He added that Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme was launched to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, wherein start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology.

    Shri Rajnath Singh added that the Government’s efforts of achieve self-reliance are yielding desired results as the defence exports, which were around just Rs 600 crore ten years ago, crossed a record number of Rs 21,000 crore in Financial Year 2023-24. He exuded confidence that the progress will continue and defence exports will reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30.

    Raksha Mantri pointed out that manufacturing of a technology involves three major steps – ideation, application & production – and institutions like IIT Kanpur can play a big role from incubating ideas to creation of products. He underscored the importance of coming out with products and technologies, which become a necessity for the Armed Forces once they are developed.

    As part of the celebrations, IIT Kanpur hosted a special event on defence innovation, aligning with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Shri Rajnath Singh visited a Defence Research, Product, and Incubation Showcase organised by the Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, which highlighted pioneering solutions from 23 SIIC-incubated start-ups, presenting advancements in defence technology such as autonomous systems, AI-driven surveillance, and next-generation communication tools. Raksha Mantri engaged with Start-up founders and research teams at the exhibition stalls, commending their contributions to enhance national security.

    Several MoUs were also signed to strengthen partnerships, including IIT Kanpur’s collaborations with BEML and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to drive advancements in military logistics & defence innovation, and a partnership with Kanpur University to strengthen incubation efforts. Secretary of DDR&D and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat presented sanction letters for six transformative DRDO projects, while SIDBI’s Matching Offer for iDEX-funded start-ups further boosted essential funding support.

     

    The event also included key discussions on the country’s latest defence initiatives, such as iDEX’s Defence India Start-up Challenge 12 and ADITI 2.0 Challenges, which provided attendees with valuable insights into the defence innovation landscape. A commemorative tree plantation, led by Shri Rajnath Singh, symbolised IIT Kanpur’s enduring legacy in technological and defence advancement and commitment to sustainability.

    Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Director of IIT Kanpur Prof Manindra Agrawal, Professor-in-Charge of SIIC Prof Deepu Philip, students and distinguished alumni of the institute attended the event.

     

    SR/SPS/Savvy/KB

    (Release ID: 2070338) Visitor Counter : 79

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways Undertakes Massive Cleanliness Drive, Covering 45.20 crore of Square Meters of area during this year Swachhata pakhwada

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Indian Railways Undertakes Massive Cleanliness Drive, Covering 45.20 crore  of Square Meters of area during this year Swachhata pakhwada

     Over 450,000 People Participate in Swachhata Initiatives Across Indian Railways

    Indian Railways Plants Over 263,000 Saplings in Swachhata Pakhwada Drive

    2259 anti littering drives were launched where 12,609 persons were penalized and 177133 persons were counseled for not littering across Railway premises

    This year special focus was kept on cleanliness of Railway track located in station adjacent areas and areas around tracks falling in urban/semi urban areas

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways has always been a key participant of Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) with theme ‘Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat’ and with extensive initiatives to ensure a cleaner and more hygienic travel experience for passengers.

    During Pakhwada period, Indian Railways’ Units undertook day wise plan/ activities like plantation drive, Swachh Samwaad, Swachh Railgaadi, Swachh Station, Swachh Parisar, Swachh Aahar, Swachh Parsadhan etc. This year special focus was kept on cleanliness of Railway track located in station adjacent areas and areas around tracks falling in urban/semi urban areas, cleanliness of drains & toilets, cleaning of railway colonies, Railway buildings/establishments etc

    During Swachhata Pakhwada 2024, Indian Railway has performed a remarkable exercise w.r.t. cleanliness Details are as under:-

    • 7285 number of stations, 2754 trains and 18331 offices were covered for extensive cleanliness during the Pakhwada.
    • 45.20 crore square meter area was cleaned up.
    • A total length of 20,182 kms of tracks were cleaned.
    • 465723 persons took part in Swachhata Pleade/Shramdan activities.
    • 1,17,56,611 meter of drains were cleaned up during the campaign.
    • On 821 locations, Nukkad Nataks were organized for the awareness of passengers.
    • 2259 anti littering drives were launched over Indian Railways where 12,609 persons were penalized and 177133 persons were counseled for not littering the Railway premises.
    • 1541 Swachhata awareness webinars/seminars were organized which were attended by 66,188 persons.
    • During the drive, 2,63,643 number of saplings were planted.
    • At Railway Workshops, 5400 tons of scrap was collected during the Pakhwada.
    • Overall, 4619 tons of waste was collected during Pakhwada.
    • 710 tons of plastic waste was removed.
    • 19,759 number of Dust bins were installed.
    • As a part of feedback mechanism, 50,276 SMS/feedbacks were obtained from passengers regarding cleanliness levels.
    • Swachh Aahar drives were launched at around 2597 locations and around 6960 number of food stalls were deeply cleaned. Similarly, Swachh Neer drives were launched at around 4478 locations and around 17579 number of water booths were cleaned.
    • ‘Waste to Art’ selfie points were created at 452 stations.

    Every Railway personal took part the campaign whole heartedly, with around 2100 action plans & 3250 nos. of different kind of cleanliness activities under aforesaid day wise plans like swachhata pakhwada logo & banners have been posted on Railways’ website, announcement in trains/stations for proper disposals of waste in trains/stations for passenger awareness, Prabhat Pheris taken out with the slogan “Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat” to raise awareness, Nukkad Nataks organized with the help of NGOs, Religious bodies and School children at railway stations for awareness of passengers, people are encouraged to desist from open defecation in areas approaching stations, on track, in yard or depot premises through IEC, Do/Don’t posters displayed for passengers on cleanliness, Intensive cleaning of Railway premises (Stations, Trains, Railway Colonies, Retiring/Waiting Rooms, Running Rooms, Rest House and Dormitories canteens, food stalls in and around station premises).

    Like every year, since inception of swachhata pakhwada, Indian Railways has been observing Swachhata Pakhwada every year with true spirit. This year, IR has observed swachhata pakhwada from 1st October to 15th October 2024.

    Chairman & CEO,Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar launched the Swachhata Pakhwada programme on 01st Oct, 2024, from conference hall of Rail Bhawan by administrating Swachhata Pledge.Shri Kumar encouraged the Railway officials to keep their ambient clean and urged that we should not constraint cleanliness practices only during this fort night campaign but all time through the year. A skit performance was also organized by Railway Board’s officials for spreading awareness for cleanliness among people. Under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, around 2,000 saplings were distributed among Railway officials at Rail Bhawan, in inaugural function. Winner of essay competition on subject Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachata were awarded by Chairman & CEO, Railway Board. A health camp for personals of Railway Board engaged in cleanliness activates was also organized wherein around 120 personals were covered.

    Indian Railway always endeavor to carry such campaigns in a ‘Whole of Society Approach’ with emphasis on people’s participation making ‘sanitation everyone’s business’. Indian Railways remains committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The initiatives undertaken during Swachhata Pakhwada will continue to be implemented to ensure a cleaner, greener and more sustainable travel experience for all.

    ***

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2070317) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: “RESCUE: HI-SURF” EPISODE DIRECTED BY NATIVE HAWAIIAN FILMMAKER ERIN LAU TO AIR NOVEMBER 4 ON FOX

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: “RESCUE: HI-SURF” EPISODE DIRECTED BY NATIVE HAWAIIAN FILMMAKER ERIN LAU TO AIR NOVEMBER 4 ON FOX

    Posted on Nov 1, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

     

     CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    GEORJA SKINNER

    CHIEF OFFICER, CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DIVISION

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 1, 2024

    “RESCUE: HI-SURF” EPISODE DIRECTED BY NATIVE HAWAIIAN FILMMAKER ERIN LAU TO AIR NOVEMBER 4 ON FOX 

    Hawai‘i hires for the hit series earned more than $31 million in total wages; workforce training also provided to local interns 

     

    HONOLULU – The pulse-pounding new drama “Rescue: HI-Surf,” a co-production of John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment, continues to further opportunities for Hawai‘i’s creative talent. Native Hawaiian filmmaker Erin Lau directs the seventh episode of the North Shore O‘ahu-set series as it follows the personal and professional lives of local lifeguards. Airing on FOX November 4, 2024, the episode marks Lau’s directorial debut in the network television space, furthering her impressive writer/director/producer credits across high-profile branded content and award-winning short films.

    Exploring themes of redemption, legacy and identity, Erin Lau’s dynamic body of work is known for empathetic storytelling. Since graduating from Chapman University’s MFA program, she has honed her craft through opportunities with the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Studios and Women in Film among others. Lau’s work has screened at more than 50 film festivals globally. Her Chapman thesis, “The Moon and the Night,” received support from the Sundance Native Lab and the Criterion Channel. Her short film, “Inheritance,” premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and won the Oscar-qualifying Best Hawai‘i Short Award at the 42nd Hawai‘i International Film Festival. Through Jubilee Media, Lau has directed content for global brands such as Google. 

    “I am incredibly grateful for the support from our local film community and the collective of organizations and advocates that have helped me grow as a filmmaker and are empowering even more voices,” shares Lau. “Opportunities like this are essential for our emerging artists, and I’m thrilled to be part of ʻRescue: HI-Surf’ as it celebrates Hawai‘i’s creatives and stories.”

    Lau joins over 2,100 local cast and crew that have been part of the first season of “Rescue: HI-Surf,” collectively earning more than $31.75 million in wages. The series inspired by the water men and women of Hawai‘i has additionally invested more than $33.85 million in the local economy through food purchases, lodging, equipment and office rentals and goods and services from local vendors. Production is also championing the next generation of creative workers, bringing on local interns across various departments and offering hands-on experience in roles as production assistants.

    Said Georja Skinner, chief officer, Creative Industries Division (CID) at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), “’Rescue: HI-Surf’ has made a significant step in providing Erin this opportunity to direct television. Already an accomplished, award-winning filmmaker, she is committed to her community to see others realize their dreams. The series not only authentically captures the courage and care of Hawai‘i’s lifeguard community but is also creating valuable workforce opportunities for local creatives on a network series.”

    “Rescue: HI-Surf” airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. in Hawai‘i on FOX affiliate KHON-TV. 

    The teaser trailer of the new “Rescue: HI-Surf” episode and photos of Erin Lau’s journey as a filmmaker in Hawai‘i are available here.

    About Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) 

    DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation sector job growth.

    About Creative Industries Division (CID)  

    CID, a division within DBEDT, is the state’s lead agency dedicated to advocating for and accelerating the growth of Hawai‘i’s creative economy. Through initiatives, program development and strategic partnerships, the division and its branches implement activities to expand the business development, global export and investment capacity of Hawai‘i’s arts, culture, music, film, literary, publishing, digital and new media industries. As a major branch of CID, the Hawai‘i Film Office (HFO) was established as the one-stop central coordinator for film and photographic use of state-administered parks, beaches, highways, and facilities and is committed to developing Hawai‘i’s film industry, which provides desirable jobs for residents, as well as opportunities to build the creative and technical skillsets of the local workforce.    

    # # # 

    Media Contacts: 

    Laci Goshi
    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
    808-518-5480 

    [email protected]

    Georja Skinner

    Chief Officer, Creative Industries Division
    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    808-586-2590 
     [email protected]

    Susan Wright 

    Becker Communications 

    808-799-4293 

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council pledge to improve public transport means more buses on the road

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 4th November 2024

    Seven new bus routes have been introduced in Stoke-on-Trent to make it easier for residents to get around the city.

    Some of the additional services are completely new and some are existing routes which will now run into the evenings and at weekends. They are in addition to the service improvements which were introduced by the city council in May.

    The new routes are:

    • Service 6A (Blythe Bridge – Meir Park – Meir – Longton – City Centre) – additional early morning buses on weekdays, operated by First Potteries.
    • Service 9A (Tunstall – Mill Hill – Bradeley – City Centre) – a new service operating every 30 minutes during the daytime Monday to Saturday, operated by D&G Bus, starting on 11 November. 
    • Service 11 (Longton – Stoke – Newcastle) – later evening buses on the Longton to Newcastle section of route on Mondays to Saturdays, operated by D&G Bus.
    • Service 19/19A (City Centre – Sneyd Green) – new routes serving Cobridge Health Centre, providing a direct link along Leek New Road to and from the Sneyd Green area, operated by Stanton’s of Stoke.
    • Service 21 (City Centre – Stoke – Trentham) – new hourly Sunday service operated by First Potteries.
    • Service 22 (Longton – Blurton – Trentham – Royal Stoke University Hospital – Newcastle) – a new hourly Sunday service, operated by First Potteries, and further buses operating later into the evenings on Mondays to Saturdays, operated by D&G Bus.
    • Service 43 (City Centre – Milton – Baddeley Green) – new hourly Sunday service operated by First Potteries.

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: “Improving the city’s transport links is a key priority for Stoke-on-Trent City Council and is part of our wider vision of creating a healthier, wealthier and greener city for all.

    “Now we want to build on our commitment to improving public transport in the city by putting on even more new services which will make it easier for residents to get to work, college, their jobs and our city centre.”

    Cllr Gordon-McCusker added: “Earlier this year, we announced new routes which run more frequently and operate at the weekends. We also recently helped to introduce routes like the number 42 bus in Norton after listening to residents who say they have been cut off for many years.

    “We want to see these services continue for as long as possible, so I encourage all residents across the city to make use of our buses and ensure that these routes are sustainable for the long term.”

    David Brookes, managing director of D&G Bus, said: “The bus operators of Stoke-on-Trent, in collaboration with the city council, have worked together as part of the Enhanced Partnership to introduce these new routes, funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

    “The partnership has been a tremendous success, and we are proud to have been part of it. The introduction of these routes, alongside the Affordable Fares scheme and other improvements, such as enhanced bus stop infrastructure, are all positive outcomes from the partnership that will further elevate and improve public transport in Stoke-on-Trent.”

    The new bus routes are part of the city council’s Bus Service Enhancement Scheme, part of the wider Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is being funded by £31.6 million from the Department for Transport (DfT).

    Already, BSIP has seen the launch of the incredibly successful Affordable Fares scheme, which offers discounted bus tickets to adults and young people, and improvements to more than 180 bus stops around the city.

    The next phase of the Bus Service Enhancement Scheme will see a tender produced for more new bus routes in the city, including proposals for daytime buses to the Middleport area and later, evening buses for Abbey Hulton, Blurton, Chell and Norton.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –