NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI USA: Humanities Fellow Studying Literature from Black Power Era and its Reception in France

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    When Grégory Pierrot talks about growing up in northeastern France near Luxembourg and Germany, he uses the word “American” at least a half dozen times.

    “I’ve had a long personal relationship with American culture,” he says, describing how as a boy he’d listen to American music and write down as many words as he could catch to translate into French, so he could figure out what was being said.

    Now an associate professor of English at UConn Stamford who teaches African American literature, Pierrot says he’s been a student of American culture – its literature, music, and history – since he was a teenager, even as his methods have turned more intellectual.

    His latest project for Rot Bo Krik, “It was Nation Time: Fictions of African American Revolution,” which looks at African American literature during the Black Power era and how readers of French translations received the works, might be the best way to encapsulate all that has intrigued him since his youth.

    “I’m very interested in the way literature, music, and film – all those things that may seem less serious than politics or unrelated to it – actually convey most of what people think they know about a given moment or given political period,” Pierrot says. “Ideas are conveyed in those texts, in those songs, and in those films, and they have much more of an impact on us than scholarly studies or political speeches even.”

    Pierrot says the French, even though an ocean away, are fascinated by what happened in America in the mid-1960s to 1970s, those volatile years after Jackie Robinson and Rosa Parks when the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts took effect, the Black Panthers took rise, and Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath.

    Writers including John A. Williams, best known for “The Man Who Cried I Am”; Chester Himes, who wrote a series of “Harlem Detective” novels; and Sam Greenlee, author of “The Spook Who Sat by the Door” told fictionalized but compelling accounts of what being Black in the United States was like.

    “This is such a fraught moment in American history, with fraught ideas in American politics,” Pierrot says. “This idea of a ‘Black Revolution,’ while it wasn’t greatly popular, it was in the air. So, when novels like these came out everybody would be talking about them.”

    Through the years, for instance, Williams’ novel “Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light,” which imagined the outset of such a revolution, and his “Captain Blackman,” which traces Black soldiers’ contributions to the Army, have been forgotten – along with so many other works, even as those stories echo in the events of today.

    “It’s shocking just how much the plots in these novels often sound like they could have been written yesterday,” Pierrot says. “In quite a few of these, either the premise or one of the important events in the plot has to do with young African American boys being shot by police for no reason. Others have to do with the rise of extreme right-wing politics. To that extent, they are very much of this moment.”

    Of course, France and the U.S. have been connected since long before the American Revolution gave this country its independence from Britain, and France gifted the Statue of Liberty to celebrate a century of liberty.

    France has been the place where African Americans, particularly artists, have fled when wanting or needing to escape racism in North America, Pierrot explains, as France, perhaps infamously, prides itself as being a place where racism doesn’t exist.

    “Racism in France was different enough than what was happening in the U.S. that it felt like relief for African Americans who still get treated very differently than other members of the African diaspora in France,” Pierrot says. “Historically, to put it simply, it’s often been easier to be African American than to be Black and French in France.”

    In research for the project, funded as part of a year-long fellowship from the UConn Humanities Institute, Pierrot says that even though he’s built a career absorbed in the literature of this period, he found himself fascinated recently by Malcolm X’s connection to France, which remains largely unknown among citizens there despite pop culture references to him.

    In the 10 years before the Black activist was assassinated in 1965, despite his growth in the U.S. as a name known around the dinner table, he was mentioned only a handful of times in the French newspaper of record.

    Malcolm X traveled to Paris in November 1964 to deliver a speech and attempted to visit a second time in February 1965 but was stopped by French customs at the border and blocked from entry, Pierrot says. Three weeks later he was killed and only then did the French public start hearing about him.

    “The novels from this time, even though they’re works of fiction, are historical artifacts. They give us a view of that moment that we may have forgotten,” he explains.

    “We all have a sense of the 1960s based on the media – films, books, and music – that we consume,” he continues. “There was flower power and Woodstock, but that’s not all the 1960s were. It was a violent time. There were assassinations left and right and wars around the world. The texts I study offer elements of American history that many people do not know or do not quite remember.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading omnichannel money remittance services company, will release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 earnings before the start of trading on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The Intermex management team will be hosting a conference call on the same day at 9:00 AM ET.

    Interested parties are invited to join the conference and gain firsthand knowledge about Intermex’s financial performance and operational achievements through the following channels:

    • A live broadcast of the conference call may be accessed via the Investor Relations section of Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.
    • To participate in the live conference call via telephone, please register HERE. Upon registering, a dial-in number and unique PIN will be provided to join the conference call.
    • Following the conference call, an archived webcast of the call will be available for one year on Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.

    Investor Day Event

    On the same day, Intermex will host an Investor Day at The Westin New York at Times Square, beginning at 1:00 PM ET. Management will provide strategic updates, insights into key business areas, and future growth opportunities.

    The in-person event is open to institutional investors and research analysts. A live stream and supporting materials will be available for those unable to attend the live event at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5ymy6w9u. Please note that remote attendees will have listen-only access, as the Q&A session will be reserved for in-person attendees.

    To register for in-person attendance, contact Laurie Berman of PondelWilkinson at lberman@pondel.com or 310-279-5980.

    As part of its ongoing commitment to maximizing shareholder value, Intermex continues to evaluate strategic alternatives. This review may include, among other options, a potential sale, spin-off, or other strategic transaction. The process is ongoing, with no set deadline or definitive timeline for completion. There is no assurance that this review will result in any specific transaction or outcome.

    About International Money Express, Inc.
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology enabling consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany to more than 60 countries. The Company provides the digital movement of money through the Company’s website and mobile app, as well as through its network of agent retailers in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany, and its Company-operated stores. Transactions are fulfilled and paid through thousands of retail locations and banks around the world. Intermex is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with international offices in Puebla, Mexico, Guatemala City, Guatemala, London, England, and Madrid, Spain. For more information about Intermex, please visit www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    tel. 305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Holiday Activity and Food Programme agreed in Preston for 2025/2026

    Source: City of Preston

    Following the Full Council meeting on 30 January, Preston City Council agreed to accept funding of up to £600,000 to deliver the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) in Preston.

    The HAF programme is an initiative funded by the Department for Education for the delivery of food, along with activities for children aged between 5 – 19 years, during the school holidays.

    A competitive grant application process for providers wishing to deliver elements of the programme from April 2025 will now be put into place.

    The programme provides healthy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families, benefiting their health, wellbeing and learning. It is primarily aimed at children in receipt of benefits related free school meals but is not exclusively for them and successful providers will be able to use up to 15% of their funding to provide free or subsidised holiday club places for children who are not in receipt of benefits, but those who the local authority believe could benefit from the initiative.

    Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

    “As a result of this programme, the children attending the activities and accessing the food programme will benefit from being active and eating healthily during the school holidays and will have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition to help them in the future.

    “This is a very important initiative, and I hope the children and young people who take part in the engaging and enriching activities take advantage of the support available in developing resilience, character and wellbeing.”

    More information

    • The expansion of the programme year-on-year has meant a total of 5.4 million HAF days provided between Christmas 2022, Easter and Summer 2023. For several years, local authority areas across Lancashire have been allocated Department of Education funding from Lancashire County Council to provide a funded HAF programme. Since 2022, the HAF programme has provided 10.7 million HAF days to children and young people in this country.
    • With a new contract period under negotiation to start in April 2025, there is an opportunity for Preston City Council to manage the HAF programme in-house to build on the work done previously by an external agency. This would enable the provision of further opportunities for providers due to an increase in capacity and skills at the Council. Lancashire County Council would now prefer a direct award to Preston City Council for simplicity.
    • This funding is for one year only and ends on 31 March 2026.
    • Full details on this funding can be found in the Council HAF report – January 2025
    • Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU Law Clinic in the running for major legal award

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Sarah Calder, Director of ARU’s Law Clinic

    The Law Clinic at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has been recognised for its commercial impact by being shortlisted for a highly prestigious national legal award.

    The service, which has bases in Chelmsford and Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the University Commercial Impact Award at the 2025 LexisNexis Legal Awards.

    The awards recognise outstanding contributions in various categories, including legal services, technology, and pro bono work, and are considered among the most prestigious awards for the legal profession in the UK.

    The Law Clinic offers a variety of free legal services to people in the community, working with local law firms and providing invaluable opportunities for ARU Law students.

    By working in the Law Clinic with local solicitors, barristers and legal executives, it encourages and develops the students’ commercial awareness and strategic thinking skills.

    “Our Law Clinic is set up to maximise our students’ contact with as many lawyers as possible, so that they can showcase their abilities in a practical environment, one in which they can thrive when given real-life challenges to address and assist in resolving.

    “By working alongside a panel of over 100 volunteer solicitors, barristers and legal executives, our students can start to appreciate how each lawyer and law firm has a slightly different approach to delivering advice and how they can tailor their work to best fit alongside our volunteers.

    “Our students become used to dealing with deadlines and understanding the commercial reasons behind the requirements to turn work around within a set time.”

    Sarah Calder, Director of ARU’s Law Clinic

    The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 13 March at the Park Plaza London Riverbank. In the University Commercial Impact category, ARU will be up against fellow universities Aston, Essex, Reading, Sussex, Sheffield Hallam, Northumbria and Queen Mary.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Council homes completed in Kinross

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The new houses for affordable social rent at Kepitknow Crescent have been bought by the Council at the development built by Persimmon Homes.

    The four 3-bed and two 2-bed homes were handed over to the Council today (February 12th) during a visit by Housing and Social Wellbeing Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan.  

    The properties were purchased ‘off the shelf’ from the developer. They have been built to the highest standard, with energy efficiency measures included which will keep tenants’ bills as low as possible and reduce the carbon footprint of the development.

    All of the houses have spaces included that can be used for a home office, reflecting the requirements of modern living.

    Councillor McEwan said: “As a Council we are committed to increasing the number of homes for affordable social rent right across Perth and Kinross, and we are doing this in a number of ways.

    “Our programme of building new Council homes has provided an additional 500 houses and flats since 2012. Our innovative scheme to buy-back ex-Council properties has seen hundreds of new properties added to our housing stock, and we also work hard to bring empty properties back into use as Council housing.

    “Another way to boost affordable social housing numbers is to buy homes “off the shelf” from developers, like we have done here in Kinross. We have invested £1.4m in the homes on this modern new development and is fantastic to see them completed and keys being handed over to tenants. The houses, built to a very high specification, will provide us with valuable affordable housing for tenants in an area of high demand.”

    James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to be working with Perth and Kinross Council to deliver high-quality, affordable homes for local people.

    “Collaboration is crucial to increasing housing supply and we’re committed to working closely with our partners to deliver the homes that people need.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India takes part in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development at New York

    Source: Government of India

    India takes part in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development at New York

    Smt. Savitri Thakur , Minister of State for Women and Child Development delivers India’s statement at the Ministerial Forum, addressing the priority theme: “Strengthening Solidarity and Social Cohesion”

     India has embraced “Women-led development,” ensuring women are key players in shaping the development trajectory : Smt.Thakur

    India has launched large-scale programs to bridge the gender digital divide, promoting digital and financial literacy, especially in rural areas empowering millions of women entrepreneurs

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 9:25AM by PIB Delhi

    India took part in the 63rdsession of the Commission for Social Development (CSoCD), held from February 10 to 14, 2025 at New York ,USA . This participation was led by Smt. Savitri Thakur, the Minister of  State for the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India (GoI). This session aimed to encourage discussions and collaborations on pressing social development challenges, with an emphasis on advancing inclusive social policies and fostering global social well-being. The session witnessed the participation from 49 Countries including Ministers from 16 countries like France, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, etc.

    India’s involvement includes active participation in key discussions. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Smt. Savitri Thakur delivered India’s statement at the Ministerial Forum, addressing the priority theme: “Strengthening Solidarity and Social Cohesion.”

    India expressed its appreciation to the Commission for its leadership in discussing the importance of strengthening solidarity and social cohesion to ensure no one is left behind. Since the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development, India has made significant progress in addressing poverty, malnutrition, and universal healthcare, while also pioneering digital public infrastructure for sustainable development. By aligning with global best practices and developing indigenous solutions, India has become a model for the Global South.

      

    While addressing the Session, the Minister highlighted that India is driven by the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” (Development for All), with a focus on inclusivity. Through initiatives like the JAM TRINITY (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile), India has achieved financial inclusion for disadvantaged communities, especially women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The country has also embraced “Women-led development,” ensuring women are key players in shaping the development trajectory.

    She said that India has launched large-scale programs to bridge the gender digital divide, promoting digital and financial literacy, especially in rural areas. This has empowered millions of women entrepreneurs, from start-ups to scalable businesses.

    As India works toward accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda for development, increasing women’s workforce participation is a key priority. India’s robust social protection model includes 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, maternity benefits for 37.5 million mothers, a network of One Stop Centres, and an integrated National Women’s Helpline. Additionally, India’s early childhood care, nutrition, and education initiatives benefit over 100 million children, mothers, and adolescent girls.

    India supported the resolution on the priority theme and is progressing with the concept of saturation in social protection to ensure the delivery of essential services to the poorest populations, addressing multidimensional poverty.

    India’s rights-based approach to universal health coverage, including reproductive health, and the provision of clean cooking fuel, safe drinking water, sanitation, and affordable housing has transformed the lives of women and marginalized communities. Over 40 million homes have been built for the poor, with women as either sole or joint owners.

    Nearly 100 million women have been linked with self-help groups (SHGs), contributing to economic transformation and grassroots leadership.

    In conclusion, India is fully committed to accelerating global progress and supporting the Commission’s efforts toward a just world for all.

    **** 

    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2102077) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Lifesaving services at swimming pools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ19: Lifesaving services at swimming pools
    LCQ19: Lifesaving services at swimming pools
    ********************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Fok and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12): Question:      It is learnt that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has installed artificial intelligence (AI) drowning detection systems developed by the University of Hong Kong and France at the Kwun Tong Swimming Pool and the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool respectively to help strengthen lifesaving services at public swimming pools. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether the Government has examined the manpower and financial expenditure (including acquisition costs, installation costs and system maintenance fees) involved since the commissioning of the aforesaid two AI systems and reviewed their effectiveness; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will expeditiously commence the relevant work before the summer swimming season; (2) whether the Government has assessed and compared the actual operation of the aforesaid two systems, including their effectiveness, accuracy, ease of operation and interface with lifeguards and lifesaving mechanisms at swimming pools, with a view to providing a reference point for the retrofitting of such systems at more public swimming pools in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (3) given that according to a report released by the Office of The Ombudsman in March last year on its direct investigation into the regulation of licensed swimming pools by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the FEHD has not put in place an accident notification mechanism for licensed swimming pools, whether the Government will consider mandating private swimming pools to install AI drowning detection systems and establish a real-time notification mechanism to ensure that the FEHD and the relevant government departments can be expeditiously informed of drowning incidents, thereby enhancing regulatory efforts on private swimming pools; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President,      Having consulted relevant government departments, my reply to the questions raised by the Hon Kenneth Fok is as follows: (1) The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has all along prioritised the safety of swimmers in both the facilities as well as the operation of its venues. Apart from providing sufficient lifeguards, the LCSD has put on trial two different sets of artificial intelligence (AI) drowning detection systems at Kwun Tong Swimming Pool and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool respectively to assist lifeguards in monitoring the real-time condition of swimmers and locating drowning victims promptly with a view to further strengthening life-saving services.      The AI drowning detection system developed by the University of Hong Kong Sport AI Laboratory has been on trial at the outdoor secondary pool of Kwun Tong Swimming Pool since August 2023. Through AI detection technology, the system analyses the videos and images captured by cameras installed underwater and calculates the drowning probability of swimmers. If suspected drowning is detected, the system will alert the lifeguards to carry out a rescue. The system was developed with a grant of around $900,000 by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. The LCSD has subsequently installed additional sets of underwater detection devices and upgraded the existing sets of underwater cameras in the secondary pool. The project cost was around $700,000, with an estimated annual expenditure on system maintenance of around $130,000.           The AI drowning detection system developed by a French company was installed at the indoor main pool and training pool of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool in September 2024. The system uses cameras installed above the pools to capture images and performs comprehensive tracking and analysis of swimmers’ motions. If a swimmer is found to remain stationary for over 10 seconds, the system will consider it a case of suspected drowning, trigger the alarm and display the drowning location for lifeguards to carry out a rescue. Relevant installation cost of the system was about $7.9 million, with an annual maintenance cost of approximately $1.1 million. In addition, equipment and devices of the system require a comprehensive inspection every three years to ensure its stability and safety. The estimated cost of such inspection is around $500,000. (2) At present, the two detection systems mentioned above are still in trial phase. The LCSD needs to adjust the systems from time to time based on the actual environment and usage, and observe the operation of the systems in different seasons so as to ensure the stability and reliability of the data collected. Hence, a comprehensive set of data for assessment has yet to be available. Upon completion of tests and data analyses in different seasons, the LCSD will review and compare the cost-effectiveness of the two systems before deciding whether to extend the application of the systems to other public swimming pools. (3) To strengthen the regulation of licensed swimming pools, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has, in response to the recommendations of the Office of the Ombudsman, established a notification mechanism for fatal drowning cases in licensed swimming pools. In May 2024, the FEHD issued a letter to swimming pool licensees imposing new licensing conditions which require the reporting of cases involving casualties within a prescribed period. The FEHD officers will conduct site inspections for fatal drowning cases to ascertain whether the swimming pools concerned have provided sufficient life-saving attendants and appropriate life-saving equipment as required by the law and the licensing conditions. The FEHD will also examine the relevant cases and require the licensed swimming pools to take additional measures to further protect the safety of swimmers as necessary.      The FEHD and the LCSD share experience and exchange information from time to time on the regulation and management of swimming pools, including the application of technology to enhance swimmers’ safety. As the AI drowning detection system is still in the trial stage, the FEHD will maintain contact with the LCSD to understand the application of the system.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 11:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Defence Secretary meets multiple defence delegations at Aero India 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 8:00AM by PIB Delhi

    Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru on February 11, 2025. He held discussions with the Mozambican Defence Secretary Mr Casimiro Augusto Mueio; Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha; Permanent Secretary of Defence, Suriname Mr Jayantkumar Bidesie; State Secretary of Mongolia Brigadier General Gankhayug Degvadorj; Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Nepal Mr Rameshwor Dangal; Permanent Secretary, Mauritius Mr Devendre Gopaul and Permanent Secretary, Democratic Republic of Congo Major General Lukwikila Metikwiza Marcel.

    The meetings focused on reviewing the ongoing defence cooperation and exploring ways to enhance the ties. In particular, the discussions centred on enhancing defence industrial cooperation. Later, the Defence Secretary also met Director of the International Directorate of the Directorate General of Armament, France Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta to discuss various joint projects and defence industrial cooperation.

    ******

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2102070) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Prime Minister’s remarks at the India-France CEO Forum, Paris

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 11:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, President Macron,
    Industry leaders from India and France present here,
    Namaskar, Bonjour!

    I feel a wonderful energy, excitement and dynamism in this room. This isn’t just a normal business event.

    It is a confluence of the best business minds of India and France. The report of the CEO Forum that has just been presented is welcome.

    I see that all of you are moving ahead with the mantra of Innovate, Collaborate and Elevate. You are not just making boardroom connections. You all are also strengthening the Indo-French strategic partnership.

    Friends,

    It is a pleasure for me to join this forum with my friend President Macron. This is our sixth meeting in the last two years. Last year, President Macron was the Chief Guest at our Republic Day.

    This morning we had co-chaired the AI Action Summit together. I heartily congratulate President Macron for this successful summit.

    Friends,

    India and France are not just linked by democratic values. The foundation of our friendship is based on the spirit of deep trust, innovation, and public welfare.

    Our partnership is not limited to just two countries. We are cooperating together to address global problems and challenges. During my last visit, we had outlined the 2047 roadmap for our partnership. Following that, we are pursuing cooperation in a comprehensive manner in every field.

    Friends,

    Most of your companies are already present in India. You are active in different areas like aerospace, ports, defence, electronics, dairy, chemicals and consumer goods.

    I have had the opportunity to meet many CEOs in India as well. You are well aware of the changes that have taken place in India in the last decade. We have established a stable polity, and predictable policy ecosystem.

    Following the path of reform, perform, and transform, today India is the fifth largest economy in the world. It is the fastest growing major economy in the world.

    It will soon become the world’s third largest economy. India’s skilled young talent factory and innovation spirit are our identity on the global stage.

    Today, India is fast becoming a preferred global investment destination.

    We have launched AI, semiconductor and quantum missions in India. In defence, we are promoting Make in India and Make for the World. Many of you are associated with it. We are scaling new heights in space technology. This sector has been opened up for FDI. We are rapidly making India a global biotech powerhouse.

    Infrastructure development is a matter of priority for us. And on this, we are doing public expenditure of more than $114 billion a year. We have laid railway tracks on a massive scale, using technology to modernize and upgrade the railways.

    We are fast moving towards the target of 500 Gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. For this, we have promoted solar cell manufacturing. We have also launched the Critical Mineral Mission.

    We have also taken up the Hydrogen Mission. For this, electrolyser manufacturing is being emphasized. By 2047, we are aiming for 100 gigawatts of nuclear power. I am happy to share that this sector is being opened up to the private sector. We are focusing on SMR and AMR technologies.

    Friends,

    Today India is becoming the biggest center of diversification and de-risking. A few days ago, a new generation of reforms were outlined in our budget.

    New steps have been taken for ease of doing business. In the last few years, we have rationalized more than 40,000 compliances. To promote trust-based economic governance, a high level committee for regulatory reforms has been formed. The custom rate structure has been rationalised.

    To facilitate international trade, “India Trade Net” is being introduced with the help of digital public infrastructure. We are bringing a new simplified income tax code towards Ease of Living.

    The National Manufacturing Mission has been announced. And, new sectors, such as the insurance sector, have been opened for 100 percent FDI. You must study all these initiatives carefully.

    Let me tell you all, this is the right time to come to India. Everyone’s progress is linked to India’s progress. An example of this was seen in the aviation sector, when Indian companies placed large orders for airplanes. And, now, when we are going to open 120 new airports, you can imagine the future possibilities for yourselves.

    Friends,

    The 1.4 billion people of India have resolved to build a developed India by 2047. Be it defence or advanced technology, fintech or pharma, tech or textile, agriculture or aviation, healthcare or highways, space or sustainable development. There are many opputunities for investments and collaborations in all these areas for all of you.

    I welcome you all to join India’s development journey.

    When France’s finesse and India’s scale meet…

    When India’s pace and France’s precision join…

    When France’s technology and India’s talent unite…

    Then, not just business landscape, but global transformation will happen.

    Once again, I thank you all very much for taking your precious time to come here.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market – Subtle turning point for property sellers – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    New Zealand’s property market is showing early signs of a gentle turnaround, giving resellers a glimmer of renewed leverage after a prolonged downturn.

    CoreLogic NZ’s latest Pain & Gain report for Q4 2024 shows the proportion of properties being resold for more than the original purchase price was 91.0%, up from 90.1% in Q3 2024.
    However, that’s still low compared to the post-COVID boom when more than 99% of properties typically sold for a profit.

    CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the small rise suggests resale conditions are gradually improving, aligning with broader signs of a market turnaround.

    “While profits are down from the peak, most property resellers continue to see gains.

    “The latest increase in the frequency of resale profits supports other indicators that the market may have found a floor, largely due to recent mortgage rate falls.

    “However, with property values still about 18% below their peak and the overhang of listings keeping buyers in a strong position, selling conditions remain subdued, he said.

    Regaining ground
    Mr Davidson said while buyers still have the upper hand, resellers may be regaining ground as profits grow.

    “In Q4, the typical size of reseller gains ticked up to $289,500 from $279,000 in the third quarter of last year.

    “While the figure is still low compared to the peak in late 2021 of $440,000, it’ still larger than anything we saw prior to Q4 2020.

    “On the flipside, the median resale loss was unchanged at $55,000 in Q4, remaining within the $50,000–$60,000 range seen over the past two years,” he said.

    Mr Davidson added that although these profits are still significant and losses small, it’s important to acknowledge two extra factors.

    “Hold period plays a key role, and even in a downturn, anybody who has owned property for several years will still tend to make a profit. For owner-occupiers it’s not necessarily a cash windfall either. Indeed, most equity will just need to be recycled back into the next purchase.”

    Holding out
    In Q4 2024, sellers who resold for a gross profit held their properties for a median of 9 years, up from 8.6 years the previous quarter.

    Mr Davidson said this could reflect caution amid softer market conditions, with many choosing to wait for more favourable opportunities.
    “In some cases, particularly for investors, a target return strategy has meant holding properties longer due to the slower housing market over the past 2-3 years.

    “However, it may also reflect weaker housing sentiment and greater caution, with owners opting to ride out the current soft patch before testing the market,” he said.

    Losses ease  
    Mr Davidson said resale performance across property types suggested a turning point, with incurred losses starting to ease.

    “In the fourth quarter of the year apartment resales incurred a loss on 29.5% of deals, compared to 8.3% for standalone houses.”

    “Although the apartment figure clearly remains high, it dropped from 31.8% in the third quarter of last year. Whereas the ‘pain’ percentage of houses fell from 9.1% in Q3,” he said.

    Falling rates to boost confidence
    Looking ahead, Mr Davidson expects that lower mortgage rates will push up house prices to some extent in 2025, which will tend to strengthen the position for property resellers.

    “But any turning point for house prices won’t be sudden or strong, and lingering weakness in the labour market alongside an abundance of listings should mean finance-approved buyers continue to see good opportunities,” he concluded.

    Read CoreLogic’s latest Pain & Gain report at www.corelogic.co.nz/news-research/reports/pain-and-gain-report.

    About CoreLogic
    CoreLogic NZ is a leading, independent provider of property data and analytics. We help people build better lives by providing rich, up-to-the-minute property insights that inform the very best property decisions. Formed in 2014 following the merger of two companies that had strong foundations in New Zealand’s property industry – Terralink Ltd and PropertyIQ NZ Ltd – we have the most comprehensive property database with coverage of 99% of the NZ property market and more than 500 million decision points in our database.
    We provide services across a wide range of industries, including Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Government, Insurance and Construction. Our diverse, innovative solutions help our clients identify and manage growth opportunities, improve performance and mitigate risk. We also operate consumer-facing portal propertyvalue.co.nz – providing important insights for people looking to buy or sell their home or investment property. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of CoreLogic, Inc – one of the largest data and analytics companies in the world with offices in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom. For more information visit corelogic.co.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister and President of France jointly inaugurate the Consulate General of India in Marseille

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

    ​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, today jointly inaugurated the newly opened Consulate General of India in Marseille.

    The inauguration of the Consulate General by Prime Minister and President Macron is a landmark in bilateral relations between India and France. The presence of President Macron at the inauguration was a special gesture and Prime Minister deeply appreciated it. At the Consulate, both the leaders were warmly welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered to witness the historic occasion.

    The decision to open a Consulate General in Marseille was announced during Prime Minister’s visit to France in July 2023. The Consulate General will have consular jurisdiction over four French administrative regions in the South of France, namely – Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

    This region of France is synonymous with trade, industry, energy and luxury tourism and has significant economic, cultural and people to people connections with India. The new Consulate General in the second most populous city in France would further strengthen the multi-faceted India-France Strategic Partnership.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister and President of France visit the Mazargues War Cemetery

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille this morning and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II. Both leaders laid wreaths to honour the sacrifices of the fallen.

    The Mazargues War Cemetery preserves the history of valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought for peace in Europe. Their saga continues to inspire many. The Cemetery commemorates the deep people-to-people links that continue to nurture India-France ties.

     

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2102330) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister and President of France jointly visit ITER facility

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, jointly visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor [ITER] in Cadarache earlier today. The leaders were welcomed by Director General, ITER. This was the first visit by any Head of State or Head of Government to ITER – one of the most ambitious fusion energy projects in the world today.

    During the visit, the leaders appreciated the progress of ITER, including the assembly of the world’s largest Tokamak, where ultimately 500 MW of fusion power will be produced by creating, containing and controlling burning plasma. The leaders also appreciated the dedication of the ITER engineers and scientists working on the project.

    India is among the seven ITER members contributing to the project over the last two decades. Around 200 Indian scientists and associates, as well as notable industry players such as L&T, Inox India, TCS, TCE, HCL Technologies, among others, are engaged in the ITER project.

     

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2102336) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex: Dividend Declaration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per common share. This dividend will be paid on March 17, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2025. Boralex has designated this dividend as an eligible dividend within the meaning of Section 89(14) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and all provisions of provincial laws applicable to eligible dividends.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3 GW. Our pipeline of projects and growth path total over 7.2 GW in wind, solar and electricity storage projects. We develop those projects guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

    For more information

    Source: Boralex inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Libya: Migrants face extreme violence and exclusion from healthcare

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    In 2024, some 787,000 people who are migrants and refugees were present in Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration. While some of them come in search of work, others try from to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

    In Libya, they live in precarious conditions and are subjected to a range of violence and abuse, both inside and outside the country’s detention centres. Abducted, subjected to extortion and trafficking practices, assaulted or sexually abused, their access to healthcare is severely hampered at a time when they desperately need it.

    “I fainted under the blows, and when I woke up, they were still beating me,” says Ahmed*, a young Sudanese boy arrested and thrown into prison while trying to travel to Tunisia. “I was disfigured, I had no teeth, and my friend Saud told me they had hit my head with a brick.”

    Ahmed, a Sudanese boy who was detained I fainted under the blows, and when I woke up, they were still beating me.

    Drawings by Ricardo Sanchez Hernandez, depicting conditions in Libya. January 2025.
    © Ricardo Fernandez Sanchez/MSF

    Taken care of by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams in Zuwara, a coastal town around 100 kilometers from the capital, Tripoli, Ahmed spent a month in hospital.

    “People living undocumented in Libya have no protection, either in law or from the country’s fragile institutions, which prevents them from accessing healthcare,” says Steve Purbrick, MSF’s head of programmes in Libya. “They are exposed to violence on a daily basis. We see people who have been trafficked, others who have been tortured, raped.”

    No protection and no access to healthcare

    Libya is the first country of departure for people attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy. Like Ahmed, undocumented migrants and refugees arriving there are exposed to violence throughout their journey. On the spot, they live in places often overcrowded, dangerous and unhealthy – shared rooms, but also sometimes abandoned sheds or building sites where they are also at risk of contracting diseases.

    In Libya, migrants and refugees live in precarious conditions and are subjected to various forms of violence and abuse, both inside and outside the country’s detention centers. Kidnapped, subjected to extortion and trafficking, assaulted or sexually abused, their access to healthcare is severely hindered despite their desperate need for it.
    MSF

    “Their state of health reflects both their living conditions and the extreme violence they face,” says Issam Abdullah, a doctor and the deputy medical manager for MSF in Libya. “Without protection and access to care, their injuries and traumas are rapidly worsening.”

    MSF teams provide medical support in the cities of Misrata, Tripoli and Zuwara for basic healthcare, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, and sexual violence. The most serious medical cases requiring hospitalisation are referred to the capital. Ahmed’s jaw operation was financed by MSF and carried out in a Tripoli hospital as there was no alternative solution.

    In 2024, MSF teams carried out over 15,000 consultations. The majority of those receiving mental healthcare were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders linked to the violence they had endured.

    “Your destiny can change at any moment in Libya, all it takes is one little thing and your life is turned upside down, you can die, you can end up in prison,” says Nelson, a man from Cameroon who has been under the care of an MSF psychologist since the sinking of the boat he had boarded with his wife and two children to reach Europe. His wife and children did not survive the shipwreck.

    Nelson, a Cameroonian who lost his wife and daughter in a shipwreck Your destiny can change at any moment in Libya, all it takes is one little thing and your life is turned upside down, you can die, you can end up in prison.

    Drawings by Ricardo Sanchez Hernandez, depicting conditions in Libya. January 2025.
    © Ricardo Fernandez Sanchez/MSF

    “To go and see a doctor, for example, or to buy bread, you can take the wrong road and run into police. If it’s your lucky day, they don’t see you; if it’s not your lucky day, they arrest you,” says Nelson.

    Delayed care

    Faced with the risk of abduction and arrest by the police or militia, people are forced underground in isolated places where they are even more vulnerable. They seek medical care only as a last resort when their state of health has already seriously deteriorated.

    In 2024, MSF teams diagnosed and treated more than 250 people with tuberculosis. Sixteen died because they were not treated in time.

    “We receive people suffering from tuberculosis who seek treatment very late, which leads to high mortality and further spread of the disease,” say Dr Abdullah. “Our teams are also seeing the negative impact of interrupted treatment.”

    Salma* is 37 and has diabetes. She fled the war that broke out in Sudan in April 2023. “Diabetes requires regular meals and medication, and in Libya that’s not possible,” says the university professor.

    Salma, a diabetic woman from Sudan Diabetes requires regular meals and medication, and in Libya that’s not possible.

    In 2024, approximately 725,000 migrants were present on Libyan soil, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). While some come seeking work, others attempt to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean. In Libya, migrants and refugees live in precarious conditions and are subjected to various forms of violence and abuse, both inside and outside the country’s detention centers. Kidnapped, subjected to extortion and trafficking, assaulted or sexually abused, their access to healthcare is severely hindered despite their desperate need for it.
    © Ricardo Fernandez Sanchez/MSF

    “When I had to leave, my health deteriorated rapidly as the days went by – I became incapable of doing anything, not cooking, not even getting dressed… I became completely dependent on my daughters,” she says.

    More evacuations from Libya

    “People on the move are an integral part of an economic model set up by militias, with the complicity of the European Union and its member states, with the aim of extorting money from them. They have to pay in exchange for their crossing, in exchange for their release and the continuation of their journey, but always with the risk of falling victim to criminal networks once again,” says Purbrick, MSF’s head of programmes.

    “This is why, in addition to providing access to healthcare in the country, we are also focusing our efforts on opening up safe and legal pathways to evacuate people from Libya, in particular via the humanitarian corridor that exists between Libya and Italy,” he says. “MSF participates in this corridor by identifying vulnerable people to be evacuated and taking charge of some of them in Italy. But these options need to be drastically increased.”

    Since 2021, this corridor has already enabled the evacuation of more than 700 people, around 60 of whom were patients of MSF in Libya. Fourteen people were subsequently cared for by MSF in Palermo, Sicily.

    In April 2023, the United Nations published a report concluding there were grounds to believe a wide array of crimes against humanity have been committed against migrants in Libya. 

    *Names have been changed.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of pupils enjoy free musical extravaganza

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Wolverhampton Music Service provided free tickets to secondary and special schools across the Black Country for 2 concerts at The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

    Students were able to learn about the development of orchestral music through the years, with performances of pieces by Charpentier, Beethoven, Mozart, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Holst, Christopher Tin and John Williams, and there was also an excerpt from Wolverhampton composer Grace-Evangeline Mason’s The Imagined Forest. All participating schools also received a full concert programme and curriculum materials in advance to support the learning experience.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This was the second time that our Music Service has joined forces with Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra to offer this fabulous opportunity to local pupils.”

    Head of Wolverhampton Music Service, Ciaran O’Donnell, added: “We think it is important that every child in Key Stage 3 has the chance to hear a live orchestra during their school days as it is the most authentic way to understand what an orchestra is and what it sounds like. I am immensely proud that Wolverhampton has over 100 musicians to bring to the stage to make it all happen – it is unique to our city that we can do that.”

    More pictures from the event can be found on Flickr. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government completes legislation for infected blood scheme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Completed legislation will widen compensation service to all eligible victims of the Infected Blood Scandal.

    • New draft laws will be debated and approved by Parliament before becoming law in March

    • Over £13.4 million already paid out to infected individuals, and £11.8 billion allocated in the Autumn Budget

    Today the government will deliver on its commitment to complete its legislation underpinning the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, which will widen the compensation service to all eligible victims of the Infected Blood Scandal.  

    This will ensure that parents, partners, children, siblings and some carers of those who contracted illnesses will also be able to apply for compensation, and take another important step towards justice. 

    Existing legislation underpinning the compensation scheme applied to people who contracted illnesses, as a result of the scandal, rather than those who were indirectly affected. 

    This first phase of legislation was established in August 2024, just weeks after the General Election. It gave the Infected Blood Compensation Authority the powers to pay compensation to both living and deceased victims who contracted illnesses. 

    The Government allocated £11.8 billion in the Autumn Budget to compensate victims of the Infected Blood Scandal, with these new laws setting out more detail on how funds will be administered.

    The draft laws will be debated and must be approved by both Houses of Parliament to then formally be established as laws, which the Government hopes will happen by the 31st March 2025.

    Once this happens, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority will have the required powers to pay compensation to all victims who are eligible under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.

    The Infected Blood Compensation Authority is an independent organisation set up by the Cabinet Office on recommendation from the Infected Blood Inquiry. It has already started to provide compensation to victims who contracted illnesses, with over £13.4 million paid by mid-January.

    Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, The Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, said:

    This Government is determined to deliver justice for the victims of the Infected Blood Scandal and is going further than any other before.

    Having met many of the infected blood community, I know the scale of suffering people have endured. These new laws will be vital to delivering compensation to people who did such a huge amount and often suffered so much themselves when caring for their loved ones who contracted life-changing illnesses.

    I hope that completing this legislation and allocating over £11 billion in the budget brings a sense of reassurance to the community of how committed this government is to delivering justice.  

    Ends

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fourth UK-India Energy Dialogue: joint statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    This joint statement was released following the meeting between UK Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband and India’s Minister of Power, Manohar Lal.

    The Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue, co-chaired by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power, India and Mr Ed Miliband, Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero for United Kingdom, was held in, New Delhi on Monday 10th February, 2025.

    The dialogue focused on reviewing progress made in the energy sectors of both nations, including power and renewable energy, and reaffirming the commitment to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy future. including across the breadth of sectors represented. They expressed satisfaction over the progress made to support green and sustainable growth, alongside accelerating the clean energy transition and ensuring energy security. The Ministers underscored the importance of ensuring that the energy transition and economic growth proceed together, while maintaining affordable and clean energy access for all.

    The Ministers underscored the importance of ensuring energy security and sustainable development and emphasised expanding the cooperation in the areas of power distribution, sector reforms, industrial energy efficiency and de-carbonisation, and electric mobility while exploring new opportunities in the emerging fields such as energy storage, green data centres, and offshore wind, with an increased focus on MSMEs.

    The Ministers were pleased to announce the launch of Phase-2 of the India-UK bilateral Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India programme. This phase will aim to provide technical support for ensuring round the clock power supply, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and accelerating industrial energy efficiency and de-carbonisation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power (MOP) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

    The Ministers were pleased to observe the bilateral collaboration between the two sides to promote growth and jobs, through technical assistance cooperation and investment. They also discussed the progress of trade missions focusing on offshore wind and green hydrogen, as well as the cooperation between the UK’s Energy Systems Catapult and India’s Power Trading Corporation.

    Recognising the shared ambition for advancing offshore wind development, the Ministers announced the establishment of a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce, which will focus on advancing offshore wind ecosystem development, supply chains, and financing models in both countries. Mr Miliband commended India’s ambitious initiatives in the renewable energy sector and shown a strong interest in gaining insights from India’s experience in implementing the Solar Rooftop Programme (PM – Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna).

    The Ministers agreed on the importance of power market regulations in driving the energy transition and ensuring greater energy security and access. To support this, they announced the continuation of the Power Sector Reforms programme under the UK Partnering for Accelerating Climate Change (UKPACT). Additionally, a new taskforce has been proposed between the UK’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets and India’s Central Electricity Regulatory Commission to support renewable energy integration and grid transformation in India.

    Both Ministers emphasised the ongoing value of the India-UK Energy Dialogue in advancing mutual energy transition goals, ensuring energy access, and building secure and sustainable clean energy supply chains while aligning these efforts with economic growth.

    The Ministers expressed their intention to further strengthen their collaboration through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and looked forward to the fifth UK-India Energy Dialogue in 2026. The dialogue concluded with the launch of the ‘Best Practices Compendium of Industrial Energy Efficiency/Decarbonisation’ and a ‘Pathways for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation in the Indian Aluminium Sector’.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Probation Service to cut crime by focusing on dangerous offenders

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Probation staff will focus more of their time on prolific offenders and monitoring the most dangerous people

    • More intensive supervision of medium and high-risk offenders
    • 1,300 new probation officers to be recruited next year
    • New tech to increase officers’ face to face time with offenders

    Speaking at a probation office in London (12 February), Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out her vision for the future of a Probation Service that protects the public, reduces reoffending and makes our streets safer as part of the Government’s plan for change.

    To support this work, the Justice Secretary announced that 1,300 new probation officers will be recruited by March 2026. These new hires are in addition to the 1,000 officers to be recruited by this March, previously announced by Shabana Mahmood when she took office in July last year.

    In her speech, the Justice Secretary argued that probation officers have been asked to do too much for too long. They have been burdened with high workloads and a one size fits all approach to managing offenders, regardless of the risk that they present to the public. This has meant officers have been unable to pay enough attention to those offenders who pose the greatest risk to society. This has led, in some cases, to missed warning signs where offenders have gone on to commit serious further offences, including murder.

    With all probation units inspected in 2024 marked as “inadequate” or “requires improvement”, changes will now be made to help staff refocus their efforts where they have the greatest impact – with the offenders who need the most attention.

    The Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood said:

    The Probation Service must focus more time with offenders who are a danger to the public, and the prolific offenders whose repeat offending make life a misery for so many.

    That means for low-risk offenders, we need to change our approach too. We need to tackle the root causes of their reoffending, and end a one-size-fits-all approach that isn’t working.

    The first job of the state is to keep its people safe.  Today, as part of our Plan for Change, I have set out changes to the probation service to protect the public and make our streets safer.

    Greater time with higher risk offenders will be made possible by changing probation’s approach to the management of low risk offenders.  Probation staff will now intervene earlier with these offenders, to understand the support they require and refer them to the services that will tackle the root causes of their reoffending.

    These interventions are crucial as the latest data shows that the reoffending rate for those without stable accommodation is double those who are homeless, offenders employed six weeks after leaving prison had a reoffending rate around half of those out of work, and reoffending amongst those who complete drug treatment are 19 percentage points lower. This will help tackle a pressing issue the Criminal Justice System faces, with around 80 percent% of offenders now reoffenders.

    The Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones said:

    The Probation Service does a vital job; however, our independent inspections highlight the serious challenges it faces- too few staff, with too little experience, managing too many cases to succeed.

    These plans, which rightly focus on increasing probation resources and prioritising the most serious cases, are a positive step towards increasing impact on reoffending and better protecting the public.

    To reduce the administrative burden resting on probation officers’ shoulders, the Justice Secretary will also introduce new technology including:

    • A digital tool that will put all the information a probation officer might need to know about an offender into one place.
    • Trialling a new system for risk assessing offenders, to make it more straightforward for probation officers to make robust decisions.
    • Exploring the potential of AI to be used to automatically record and transcribe supervision conversations by taking notes in real time, which will allow probation staff to focus on building relationships while removing the need to write up notes into a computer afterwards.

    In her speech, the Justice Secretary also exposed one of the inherited workload challenges faced by the probation service, which the Government will now address. Accredited Programmes are rehabilitative courses handed down by the courts to offenders to address the causes of their criminality.

    Over the three years to April 2024, the probation service did not deliver these courses to nearly 14,000 offenders before their sentence expired. To address this issue, the Probation Service must now put in place a process of prioritisation so they will be delivered to offenders at the greatest risk of reoffending or causing serious harm. For those who will now not complete an accredited programme, they remain under the supervision of a probation officer. All the other requirements they face will remain in place.

    Further information:

    • Today’s speech will be published on gov.uk
    • Guidance will be issued to staff in the coming weeks to deliver these crucial changes that will ultimately help to cut crime and keep the public safe.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator to investigate Christian aid charity over unexplained spending

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Total Healing World Outreach over concerns about financial decisions.

    Total Healing World Outreach was established to advance the Christian faith in the UK and overseas, and to prevent and relieve poverty.

    The Charity regulator for England and Wales began engaging with the charity in June 2023 as trustees had failed to supply the charity’s accounts and financial information on time every year since its registration, except for the year ending July 2023.

    The Charity Commission has now escalated its engagement to a statutory inquiry after a financial analysis uncovered so far unexplained payments made to several individuals and companies. The inquiry will examine the charity’s finances in more detail, including whether the loans taken out by the trustees were in the charity’s best interests.

    The investigation will also consider if trustees are complying with their legal duties in respect of the administration, governance and management of the charity, specifically looking at:

    • the charity’s financial management, including the extent of any related party transactions, unauthorised trustee personal benefit and the trustees’ compliance with their legal obligations to file the charity’s accounts and annual returns on time and to an appropriate standard
    • if the trustees are adequately managing the charity in accordance with its governing document and in accordance with their legal duties
    • the extent to which any failings or weaknesses identified in the administration of the charity are a result of misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees

    The Commission may extend the scope of either inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were. 

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Find out more: About us – The Charity Commission – GOV.UK
    2. On 15th January 2025, the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
    3. A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation.
    4. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six arrested in international investment fraud operation

    Source: Europol

    The operation, which took place in the early hours of 27 January 2025, was carried out by law enforcement authorities in France, Spain and Israel, with support from Europol and judicial authorities.International fraud schemeThe investigation began after a French citizen was deceived between April and May 2022, believing he was making substantial investments in renewable energy contracts. The suspects maintained…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Involmo: BaFin warns about website involmo.com

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the services offered on the website involmo.com. According to information available to BaFin, the operator Involmo is providing financial and investment services on this website without the required authorisation. The operator claims to be licensed in the United Kingdom. This is not the case.

    Anyone providing financial and investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Romanian firms as likely as others in EU to tackle impacts of weather and reduce carbon emissions, EIB Investment Survey shows

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Around three in 10 Romanian firms reported innovation activity, in line with EU average.
    • Romanian businesses are also on par with other EU-based companies in use of digital technologies.
    • Romanian firms perform better than counterparts elsewhere in EU in gender balance

    Most Romanian firms – 90% – have acted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with companies elsewhere in Europe, according to a European Investment Bank (EIB) Group survey. Companies in Romania have taken steps such as curbing waste, recycling, saving energy and embracing cleaner technologies, new country results from the EIB Group Investment Survey (EIBIS) show.

    Romanian firms are more likely than other EU-based businesses to have limited waste, recycled and invested in less-polluting technologies but less likely to have pursued energy efficiency, according to the national data.

    EIBIS is an annual report based on polling of approximately 13,000 firms in all EU Member States plus a sample from the United States. Its main results were released in October 2024, showing that EU businesses lead way in investments in climate mitigation and adaptation.

    The detailed country reports for individual member states were released today. Key takeaways for Romania include:

    • Investments stand at 27% above pre-pandemic levels.
    • The share of investing firms is 70%, below an EU average of 87%.
    • The share of innovative firms in Romanian is like the EU average, with three in ten reporting innovation activity.
    • Uncertainty about the future, energy costs and an insufficiency of skilled staff remain key concerns for businesses in Romania.

    “Romanian businesses are demonstrating resilience and optimism, even amid global economic uncertainties,” said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. “The EIB Group remains committed to supporting the country’s investment ambitions, ensuring that local businesses on the ground in Romania have access to the financing they need to thrive in a competitive global landscape.”

    The full country report about Romania is available here.

    Survey results feed into the annual Investment Report, the flagship publication of the EIB Group’s Economics Department, gauging the investment outlook for Europe’s economy. The next Investment Report will be released on 5 March 2025 during the annual EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg.

    The annual Forum brings together key stakeholders from the government, business and finance domains to exchange views on investment priorities that support Europe’s policies, including industrial decarbonisation, artificial intelligence, the Capital Markets Union, security, housing and EU enlargement. The theme of this year’s event is Investing in a more sustainable and secure Europe.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Slovenian businesses among EU’s climate-action leaders, EIB Investment survey shows

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Almost all companies in Slovenia – 97% – have taken steps to cut emissions, according to annual survey commissioned by EIB.
    • Share of Slovenian businesses moving to reduce carbon footprint is second highest in EU.
    • Slovenian firms also have done more than most in EU in embracing digital technologies.

    Nearly all Slovenian companies – 97% – have taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the second-highest share in Europe behind only Finland, according to a European Investment Bank (EIB) Group survey. In addition, four in five Slovenian businesses have embraced advanced digital technologies compared with a European Union average of 74%, new country results from the EIB Group Investment Survey (EIBIS) show.

    EIBIS is an annual report based on polling of approximately 13,000 firms in all EU Member States plus a sample from the United States. Its main results were released in October 2024, showing that EU businesses lead the way in investments in climate mitigation and adaptation.

    The detailed reports for individual EU countries were published today. Key takeaways for Slovenia include:

    • The share of Slovenian companies that have moved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions trails only Finland’s 99% in the EU, where the average is 91%.
    • Slovenian businesses are more likely than counterparts elsewhere in the EU to invest in less-polluting technologies and sustainable practices.
    • Slovenian firms are more likely than EU firms to have adopted automation via robotics, Internet of Things and big data/AI.
    • Green strategies by firms in Slovenia include saving energy, curbing waste and recycling.
    • Regarding investment barriers, Slovenian companies express concerns about political, regulatory and economic factors and an insufficiency of skilled staff is the most common obstacle cited.

    “Slovenian firms are leading the way in green and digital investments, showing strong commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “However, challenges such as regulatory uncertainty and workforce availability must be addressed to unlock further growth. The EIB Group is committed to continue supporting Slovenian businesses to overcome these challenges and boost their competitiveness.” 

    The full country report about Slovenia is available here.

    Survey results feed into the annual Investment Report, the flagship publication of the EIB Group’s Economics Department, gauging the investment outlook for Europe’s economy. The next Investment Report will be released on 5 March 2025 during the annual EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg.  

    The annual Forum brings together key stakeholders from the government, business and finance domains to exchange views on investment priorities that support Europe’s policies, including industrial decarbonisation, artificial intelligence, the Capital Markets Union, security, housing and EU enlargement. The theme of this year’s event is Investing in a more sustainable and secure Europe. 

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Investment Survey shows Belgium investments have returned above pre-COVID levels.

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Investments in Belgium last year were 4% higher than pre-COVID levels.
    • Businesses in Belgium are ahead of overall European levels in terms of innovation and adoption of advanced digital technologies.
    • Share of Belgian firms prioritising development or introduction of new products and services is far above the bloc’s average.

    A very high percentage of Belgian firms (90%) reported having adopted digital technologies, the second highest percentage of all EU-countries and far above the bloc’s average, according to the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Investment Survey country results released today. The survey results for Belgium also show that Belgian businesses are far ahead in using Internet of Things (IoT) in their firms. In this field Belgium is far ahead of other EU countries, with an adoption rate of around 65%.

    The EIB Group Investment Survey (EIBIS), is an annual report based on polling of approximately 13,000 firms across all EU member states, with an additional sample from the United States. Its main results were released in October, showing that EU businesses lead way in investments in climate mitigation and adaptation.

    The detailed country reports for individual member states are released today

     When it comes to Belgium, key takeaways include:

    • Together with the Netherlands, Belgium leads the way in terms of the share of businesses’ investments devoted to intangible assets like software, data and website activities.
    • Belgium shows a strong focus on investments in new products and services (39% vs. EU average of 25%).
    • Around six out of every ten Belgian businesses (58%) invested in energy efficiency improvements.

    “European companies are making significant progress in tackling climate change and embracing digital transformation across the board,” remarked EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella. “However, enhancing EU investment necessitates a more cohesive and integrated single market.”

    The full country report about Belgium is available here.

    Survey results feed into the annual Investment Report, the flagship publication of the EIB Group’s Economics Department, gauging the investment outlook for Europe’s economy. The next Investment Report will be released on 5 March 2025 during the annual EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg.  

    The annual Forum brings together key stakeholders from the government, business and finance domains to exchange views on investment priorities that support Europe’s policies, including industrial decarbonization, artificial intelligence, the Capital Markets Union, security, housing and EU enlargement. The theme of this year’s event is Investing in a more sustainable and secure Europe. 

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    In 2024, the EIB Group reached a funding volume of just over €2 billion in Belgium, focusing on energy, innovation, SMEs and climate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Investment Survey 2024: Investment in Portugal remains strong, yet companies face regulatory and financial challenges above the EU average

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Investment in Portugal continues to grow, standing 14% above pre-pandemic levels.
    • Compliance with new regulations and logistical challenges are the main barriers to business activity.
    • Financial constraints are increasing, with more Portuguese companies facing financing restrictions above the EU average.
    • Regulation and bureaucracy hinder investment, posing greater obstacles in Portugal than in the rest of Europe.

    Investment in Portugal is nearly 14% above pre-pandemic levels in real terms, continuing to grow despite some volatility in the first half of 2024. The percentage of companies planning to increase investment remains stable (20%) and above the EU average.

    The EIB Group Investment Survey (EIBIS), is an annual report based on polling of approximately 13,000 companies across all EU member states, with an additional sample from the United States. Its main results released in October, indicate, among other findings, that many businesses in EU remain optimistic about investment over the past three years.

    The detailed country reports are available today, with key takeaways for Portugal including:

    • Regulatory and logistical challenges weigh on Portuguese businesses – Compliance with new regulations, standards, and certifications, as well as logistical challenges, are the main obstacles to business activity. Compared to EU companies, Portuguese businesses express greater concern over access to raw materials and components.
    • Financial constraints are increasing and exceed the EU average – The percentage of Portuguese companies struggling to access financing has risen significantly and is now above the European average, due to loan rejections, difficulties in securing sufficient financing, and high credit costs.
    • Key barriers to investment – Portuguese companies identify the main obstacles to expansion as uncertainty about the future, lack of skilled labor, regulation, and energy costs. Bureaucracy and business regulations remain more significant challenges in Portugal than in the rest of the EU.

    “Portugal’s strong investment performance, despite financial and regulatory pressures, demonstrates the resilience of its businesses”, said EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella. “While compliance costs, bureaucracy, and financing difficulties remain key challenges, Portuguese companies continue to adapt and innovate. As the EU bank, the EIB will continue to support investments that enhance resilience, sustainability, and long-term growth.”

    The full country report about Portugal is available here.

    Survey results feed into the annual Investment Report, the flagship publication of the EIB Group’s Economics Department, gauging the investment outlook for Europe’s economy. The next Investment Report will be released on 5 March 2025 during the annual EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg. 

    The annual Forum brings together key stakeholders from the government, business and finance domains to exchange views on investment priorities that support Europe’s policies, including industrial decarbonisation, artificial intelligence, the Capital Markets Union, security, housing and EU enlargement. The theme of this year’s event is Investing in a more sustainable and secure Europe.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    In 2024, the EIB Group reached a funding volume of €2.1 billion in Portugal, focusing on energy transition and support for SMEs and midcaps, the backbone of the Portuguese economy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Most Estonian businesses have taken steps to reduce emissions, EIB Investment Survey shows

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Vast majority of Estonian firms has acted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with efforts across the EU.
    • Estonian businesses are generally satisfied with their investment levels over the past three years.
    • Uncertainty about the future, insufficiency of skilled staff and energy costs are top three investment obstacles for companies in Estonia.

    Almost nine in 10 Estonian firms – 87% – have acted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with a 91% average in Europe, according to a European Investment Bank (EIB) Group survey. Estonian businesses are more likely than companies elsewhere in the European Union to promote cleaner technologies and business areas while being less likely to focus on energy efficiency, new country results from the EIB Group Investment Survey (EIBIS) show.

    EIBIS is an annual report based on polling of approximately 13,000 firms across all EU Member States plus a sample from the United States. Its main results were released in October 2024, showing that EU businesses lead way in investments in climate mitigation and adaptation.

    The detailed reports for individual EU countries were published today. Key takeaways for Estonia include:

    • Most Estonian firms –  73% – are satisfied with their investment levels over the past three years.
    • The business environment remains a concern for Estonia-based companies, with uncertainty about the future, an insufficiency of skilled staff and energy costs being the top three investment obstacles.
    • Compared with the EU average, Estonia has a higher share of companies with 40% or more women in senior management and a similar share where 50% or more of the company owners are women.
    • Almost three-quarters of Estonian firms – 74% – are integrated into global trade compared with an average in the EU of 63%.

    “Estonian firms are demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability by taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “Their investments in new, less-polluting technologies highlight Estonia’s proactive approach to addressing climate change and fostering green growth.”

    The full country report about Estonia is available here .

    Survey results feed into the annual Investment Report, the flagship publication of the EIB Group’s Economics Department, gauging the investment outlook for Europe’s economy. The next Investment Report will be released on 5 March 2025 during the annual EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg.  

    The annual Forum brings together key stakeholders from the government, business and finance domains to exchange views on investment priorities that support Europe’s policies, including industrial decarbonisation, artificial intelligence, the Capital Markets Union, security, housing and EU enlargement. The theme of this year’s event is Investing in a more sustainable and secure Europe. 

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.    

    In 2024, Estonia received €498 million in financing from the EIB Group, fuelling business innovation and green growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Season of Drama at The Guild Lounge

    Source: City of Preston

    A line-up of great drama productions to continue the Guild Lounge tradition

    The Guild Lounge is set to captivate audiences with an exciting new season of drama events, featuring a diverse lineup of theatrical performances. This season promises gripping storytelling, offering something for every theatre enthusiast.

    The upcoming programme includes:

    Truly Jack The Ripper

    A thrilling theatrical retelling of the infamous Whitechapel murders, delving deep into the mystery and horror of history’s most notorious serial killer. In this theatrical shocker, award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin plays different characters and explores the murders and the myths of the infamous Jack the Ripper.

    Sherlock Strikes Back

    The world’s greatest detective returns in an original adventure, blending intrigue, wit, and deduction to challenge audiences at every turn. Be puzzled by the mysterious Red-Headed League, then join Holmes as he matches wits with the nefarious Professor Moriarty and Colonel Moran.

    Guy Fawkes’ Mother

    One woman has a story to tell, she’s the mother of the most famous terrorist in England. A dramatic exploration of the Gunpowder Plot through the eyes of Edith Fawkes, shedding new light on one of Britain’s most famous conspiracies.

    The 39 Steps

    A fast-paced and inventive adaptation of the classic spy thriller, bringing humour, suspense, and action to the stage in a uniquely engaging performance.

    The Guild Lounge continues its tradition of hosting high-quality theatrical productions, providing audiences with an intimate and atmospheric venue to enjoy live drama. This season’s lineup showcases a mix of historical and original storytelling, ensuring an exciting experience for all.

    Tickets for upcoming events are now on sale.

    For more information about The Guild Lounge, please visit The Guild Hall – Guild Lounge.

    You can also follow The Guild Hall on their socials at: Facebook – The Guild Hall Preston, Instagram – The Guild Hall Preston, X – The Guild Hall Preston.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – France Joint Statement on the visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to France

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 3:22PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, paid a visit to France on 10-12 February 2025. On 10 and 11 February 2025, France and India co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, gathering Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations, small and large enterprises, representatives of academia, non-governmental organizations, artists and members of civil society, in order to build on the important milestones reached during the Bletchley Park (November 2023) and Seoul (May 2024) summits. They underlined their commitment to take concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector can drive beneficial social, economic and environmental outcomes in the public interest. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Macron on France’s successful organization of AI Action Summit. France welcomed India’s hosting of the next AI Summit.

    This was Prime Minister Modi’s sixth visit to France, and follows President Macron’s visit to India in January 2024 as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron held bilateral discussions on the entire gamut of the exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation and on global and regional matters. Both leaders also went to Marseille where President Macron hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the excellent relationship between the two leaders. They jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille. They also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor facility.

    President Macron and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the Joint Statement issued following President Macron’s State Visit to India in January 2024 and in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap published during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to France in July 2023 as the Chief Guest of the Bastille Day Celebrations on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership. They commended the progress achieved in their bilateral cooperation and committed to accelerating it further across its three pillars.

    The two leaders reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and agreed to coordinate closely in multilateral fora, including on UNSC matters. France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC. The two leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on regulation of use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. They held extensive discussions on long-term global challenges and current international developments and agreed to intensify their global and regional engagement, including through multilateral initiatives and institutions.

    Acknowledging the paramount importance of advancing scientific knowledge, research and innovation, and recalling the long and enduring engagement between India and France in those areas, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi announced the grand inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation in New Delhi in March 2026 by launching its Logo.

    Partnership for Security and Sovereignty

    Recalling the deep and longstanding defence cooperation between France and India as part of the Strategic Partnership, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the continuation of the cooperation of air and maritime assets in line with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed in 2024. Both leaders commended progress in collaboration in construction of Scorpene submarines in India, including indigenization, and in particular the work carried out with a view to the integration of DRDO developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into P75-Scorpene submarines and the analyses conducted regarding the possible integration of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) into the future P75-AS submarines. Both leaders welcomed the commissioning of the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project, INS Vaghsheer, on 15 January 2025.Both sides welcomed the ongoing discussions in missiles, helicopter engines and jet engines. They also welcomed the excellent cooperation between the relevant entities in the Safran group and their Indian counterparts. Prime Minister Modi also invited the French Army to take a closer look at the Pinaka MBLR, emphasizing that an acquisition of this system by France would be another milestone in Indo-French defence ties. In addition, President Macron welcomed the decision to include India as an observer to the Eurodrone MALE programme managed by OCCAR, which is another step forward in the growing strength of our partnership in defence equipment programmes.

    Both leaders appreciated the regular conduct of military exercises in all domains including maritime exercises and joint patrolling by maritime patrol aircraft. They noted the recent visit of the French Carrier Strike Group Charles De Gaulle to India in January 2025, followed by the Indian Navy’s participation in the French multinational exercise La Perouse, and the future conduct of the Varuna exercise in March 2025.

    They welcomed the launch of FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence) in Paris on 5-6 December 2024, involving the DGA and the Defence Innovation Agency, in line with the vision enshrined in HORIZON 2047 and the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap. This collaborative platform brings together key stakeholders across both defence ecosystems, including defence startups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and academia, fostering a new era of defence innovation and partnership.

    In order to deepen the research and development partnerships in defence, both leaders stressed on the early launch of an R&D framework through a Technical Arrangement for cooperation in defence technologies between DGA and DRDO. Inaddition, both leaders welcomed the ongoing discussions between L’Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to identify technologies for R&D partnerships. Further, India welcomes the participation of Indian students, alongside French students, in the challenge on distributed intelligencelaunched recently by Interdisciplinary Center for Defence and Security from the Institut Polytechnique de Parisand encourages organizing of more joint challenges in the future to evoke the interest of students in defence.

    Both leaders had a detailed conversation on international issues, including on the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine. They agreed to pursue their efforts to coordinate and remain closely engaged on a regular basis.

    The two leaders recalled the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) on the margins of the G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023 and agreed to work together more closely on implementing the initiative. Both leaders stressed the importance of IMEC to foster connectivity, sustainable growth trajectories and access to clean energy across these regions. In this regard, they acknowledged the strategic location of Marseille in the Mediterranean Sea.

    They underlined the key importance of strengthening EU-India relations, in view of the upcoming India-EU summit at the earliest possible in New Delhi.

    They appreciated the growing cooperation in trilateral format with Australia and with the United Arab Emirates. They commended the joint military exercises that took place between France, India and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the participation of India, France and Australia in each others’ multilateral military exercises. At the invitation of the United Arab Emirates and India, France joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate. They directed their concerned officials to work together with officials from the Governments of United Arab Emirates and Australia, towards identifying concrete projects of trilateral cooperation in the field of economy, innovation, health, renewable energy, education, culture, and the maritime domain, including under the IPOI and IORA as identified during the focal points meeting held virtually last year for both the trilateral dialogues.

    The two leaders underlined their common commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

    They reiterated their desire to continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in the space sector. Taking note of the substantial contribution of the first two sessions of the India-France Strategic Space Dialogue to furthering this objective, they agreed to hold its third session in 2025. They commended the strength of the partnership between CNES and ISRO and supported the development of collaborations and synergies between their space industries.

    The two leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for the disruption of terrorism financing networks and safe havens. They further agreed that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts. The leaders also called for concerted action against all terrorists, including through designations of individuals affiliated with groups that are listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The two sides emphasized the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with Financial Action Task Force recommendations. Both countries reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF, No Money For Terror (NMFT) and other multilateral platforms.

    They commended the cooperation between the National Security Guard (NSG) of India and the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) for agency-level cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism. The two leaders welcomed the outcomes of the counter-terrorism dialogue held in April 2024, reflecting the growing India – France counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation. The two leaders also looked forward to the successful organization of Milipol 2025 in New Delhi.

    They welcomed the ongoing discussions to create a comprehensive framework for an enhanced bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector, which are at advanced stages.

    Prime Minister Modi and President Macron launched an India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence (AI), rooted in the philosophical convergence in their approaches focusing on the development of safe, open, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence. They welcomed the inclusion of Indian startups at the French Startup Incubator Station F. They also welcomed the expanded possibilities for using India’s real-time payment system – Unified Payments Interface (UPI) – in France. The two leaders reiterated the strategic significance of cyberspace and their wish to strengthen their coordination at the United Nations regarding the application of international law and the implementation of the framework for responsible State behaviour in cyberspace, as well as the need to address issues arising from the proliferation of malicious cyber tools and practices. They looked forward to the next India-France Strategic Cybersecurity and Cyberdiplomacy Dialogues to be held in 2025.

    Partnership for the Planet

    Prime Minister Modi and President Macron stressed that nuclear energy is an essential part of the energy mix for strengthening energy security and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Both leaders acknowledged the India-France civil nuclear ties and efforts in cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, notably in relation with the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project. They welcomed the first meeting of the Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy, and welcomed the signing of a letter of intent on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) and the Implementing Agreement between India’s GCNEP, DAE and France’s INSTN, CEA for cooperation in training and education of nuclear professionals.

    The two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to jointly address the environmental crises and challenges including climate change and promoting sustainable lifestyles. The leaders welcomed the renewal of bilateral cooperation in the field of environment between the Ministries of Environment. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the principles established by the Paris Pact for People and the Planet for reform of the international financing system towards supporting vulnerable countries in addressing both the eradication of poverty and the preservation of the planet. Both leaders affirmed the significance of United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3) as an important milestone in international efforts towards conservation and sustainable use of oceans. In the context of upcoming UNOC-3 to be held in Nice in June 2025, France and India recognize the importance of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond Areas of Natural Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), as one of the pillars of inclusive and holistic international ocean governance. Having already signed the treaty, they called for its entry into force at the earliest. Prime Minister Modi offered India’s support to France for UNOC-3 in June 2025.

    They lauded the launching of the India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation, aiming to support climate- and SDG-focused projects from third countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders welcome the partnership between Proparco and the concerned Indian microfinance institutions for an equity agreement of 13 million Euros in the areas of financial inclusion and women empowerment. They also commended the strong and fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Franco Indian presidency of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance.

    Noting the record level of bilateral trade in 2024, they acknowledged that there is vast untapped potential for trade and investment between the two countries. Both leaders highlighted the need to maintain strong confidence for companies investing in France and in India. They commended the numerous economic cooperation projects announced in 2024 in the field of urban development. They recalled the participation of India as guest of honor of the 7th Choose France Summit in Versailles in May 2024. The two leaders were delighted with the organization of the bilateral CEOs Forum in November 2024 and February 2025.

    The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the unprecedented momentum initiated for cooperation between the two Ministries of Health, with the first mission in Paris of India’s Ministry for Health and Family Welfare last January. Digital health, anti-microbial resistance and exchange of health professionals have been identified as the main priorities for bilateral cooperation in 2025. The two leaders welcomed the signature of a Letter of Intent between PariSante Campus and the C-CAMP (Centre for Molecular Platforms), and the creation of the Indo-French Life Sciences Sister Innovation Hub.

    Partnership for the People

    Recalling the ambition underpinning the Letter of Intent signed on the occasion of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the signature of the Agreement between the National Museum in Delhi and France Muséums Développement in December 2024. This agreement paves the way for further collaboration as well as broader museum cooperation including training of Indian professionals. France offered to continue consultations on its participation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex.

    To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the first cultural agreement between India and France in 1966, both sides agreed to undertake multiple cultural exchanges and programs in the context of the Year of Innovation 2026 which is a cross-sectoral initiative that includes culture.

    Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Macron on the successful organization of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024 and thanked President Macron’s willingness to share France’s experience and expertise regarding the organization and securing of major international sporting events in the context of India’s bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2036.

    Both Leaders welcomed the launch of a regional edition of the Raisina Dialogue focusing on Mediterranean issues in Marseille in 2025, to foster high-level dialogue involving representatives of governments, industry leaders, experts on trade and connectivity issues and other relevant stakeholders with an aim to enhance trade and connectivity between the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific regions.

    Both leaders welcomed the successful launch in September 2024 of the International Classes Scheme under which Indian students are taught French as a foreign language, and methodology and academic contents in highly reputed French universities in France during one academic year, before entering their chosen curricula in France. It will create conducive conditions to increase student mobility and meet the target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. In that regard, they welcomed the rising number of Indian students in France, with 2025 figures expected to reach an unprecedented 10,000.

    Both leaders also welcomed the operationalization of the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) under India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) which will facilitate two way mobility of youth and professionals, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between people of India and France. Moreover, both leaders stressed on early conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding to foster cooperation in the fields of skill development, vocational education and training which will create opportunities for both countries to strengthen cooperation in this field.

    To foster their dynamic and comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both countries committed to constantly deepen their long-term cooperation following the ambitions expressed in the bilateral Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: List of Outcomes: Visit of the Prime Minister to France

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 3:20PM by PIB Delhi

    S. No. MoUs/ Agreements/ Amendments Areas

    1.

    India France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    Technology & Innovation, S&T

    2.

    Launch of the Logo for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026

    Technology & Innovation, S&T

    3.

    Letter of Intent between Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA) France to establish the Indo-French Center for the Digital Sciences

    Technology & Innovation, S&T

    4.

    Agreement for hosting 10 Indian Startups at the French Start-up incubator Station F

    Technology & Innovation, S&T

    5.

    Declaration of Intent on establishment of partnership on Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors

    Civil Nuclear Energy

    6.

    Renewal of MoU between Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India and Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives of France (CAE), France concerning cooperation with Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP)

    Civil Nuclear Energy

    7.

    Implementing Agreement between DAE of India and CEA of France concerning cooperation between GCNEP India and Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) France

    Civil Nuclear Energy

    8.

    Join Declaration of Intent on Triangular Development Cooperation

    Indo-Pacific/ Sustainable Development

    9.

    Joint Inauguration of India’s Consulate in Marseille

    Culture/ People-to-People

    10.

    Declaration of Intent between The Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Marine Affairs and Fisheries and The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Field of Environment.

    Environment

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    MJPS/SR/SKS

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