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Category: Farming

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump, Putin and Musk all share a leadership style – we’ve figured out what it is

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrei Lux, Lecturer of Leadership and Research Cluster Lead, Edith Cowan University

    Dictatorships would appear to be on the rise. Russian president Vladimir Putin, US president Donald Trump and even un-elected tech entrepreneur, Elon Musk are ruling by decree like “kings”.

    Some might naively call these leaders “authentic” for saying and often doing what they believe. But that’s not the whole story.

    Such unilateral decisions are deeply divisive, and often opposed. In the US, the federal court blocked Trump’s executive order banning workplace diversity, equity and inclusion programs to try to contain the damage.

    Researchers used to think that authenticity was inherently good and moral. But as authentic leadership research gets more sophisticated with robust experimental methods, what we know about this powerful approach is changing quickly.

    Experiments use controlled simulations and real-world field trials to show how leadership behaviour influences followers. These new methods are the gold standard for establishing cause-and-effect relationships, and they’re challenging old ideas.

    Authentic leadership redefined

    After 20 years of research, we’ve redefined authentic leadership as a process of sending leadership “signals”. What leaders say and do sends powerful messages about their values.

    In a digital age where every tweet and public act is scrutinised, understanding these signals is important for employees and voters. And keeping up with this new way of expressing authentic leadership is vital for anyone seeking to lead in today’s volatile world.

    In our latest article, we looked at what authentic leadership involves and why signalling is so important.

    But what exactly is “signalling”?

    Sending leadership ‘signals’

    Everything leaders do or say – how they behave, express themselves, look, and communicate – sends messages to everyone watching. These messages are “signals”. Leaders influence their followers by sending signals that will trigger specific thoughts or emotions.

    But executive life is complex and full of inherent contradictions between personal authenticity and the demands of leadership roles.

    High-profile figures such as Musk and Trump show how leadership signals can be polarising. Just last week Musk used his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to call for an unconstitutional election in Ukraine.

    Musk’s edicts and announcements have prompted demonstrations around the US.
    Rena Schild/Shutterstock

    Signalling authentic leadership

    Demonstrating authentic leadership depends on sending clear, observable signals that reflect the leaders’ principles and ethical convictions.

    Here are some tips for spotting authentic leadership signals in everyday interactions. It is notable that it’s easier to find examples of leaders displaying the complete opposite.

    1. Self-awareness

    Leaders signal self-awareness by regularly seeking honest feedback and reflecting on their own strengths and weaknesses. They openly acknowledge mistakes and share their learning. They value personal growth and continuous improvement.

    Instead, Trump repeatedly ignores his own mistakes, even after they are exposed. His latest claim to be debunked was that Ukrainian President Zelensky’s approval was 4%, while his actual approval is closer to 60%.

    2. Internal moral perspective

    Leaders signal an internal moral perspective by making decisions – even if they are unpopular – firmly rooted in core ethical values. Upholding these values and encouraging open discussions on ethics is a principled approach to leadership.

    Instead, Musk has given federal workers 48 hours to justify their employment. The directive leaves little room for open dialogue on the ethical rationale or moral implications of such a drastic measure. He relies, instead, on top-down command.

    Key federal agencies including the FBI and Pentagon have told employees to ignore the email.

    3. Balanced processing

    Leaders signal balanced processing by seeking different views and considering all options before making a decision. Admitting any biases and using team brainstorming or surveys, ensures fair and informed decision-making.

    Instead, Trump has signed more than 50 executive orders since taking office in January. These include some that are unlawful, as an open display of personal bias and unilateral decision-making.

    4. Relational transparency

    Leaders signal relational transparency by sharing appropriate personal experiences and vulnerabilities with their teams. Being honest about limitations and inviting open dialogue builds trust through genuine and consistent communication.

    Instead social media guru, Mark Zuckerberg, another Trump ally, assured staff his charity the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative would continue its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Then, only weeks later, he dismantled it.

    You can’t just fake it, either

    Leadership signals can convey honest information or be manipulated to send contrived messages.

    Trying to fake it doesn’t work. Leadership behaviour has to align with the leaders’ real values and internal sense of self – otherwise it’s not authentic leadership. It’s just impression management.

    Learning the difference empowers us to understand leaders’ actions and better navigate the post-truth era of global business and politics.

    Andrei Lux works for Edith Cowan University and is a Member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management.

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

    – ref. Trump, Putin and Musk all share a leadership style – we’ve figured out what it is – https://theconversation.com/trump-putin-and-musk-all-share-a-leadership-style-weve-figured-out-what-it-is-250502

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Farmers, investors, miners and parents: how unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xiongzhi Wang, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Environmental Social Science, Australian National University

    Max Acronym/Shutterstock

    When you think about climate advocates, you’ll likely picture left-leaning environmentalists who live in cities. This group has contributed to building public support for climate action worldwide, through protests, petitions, lobbying and so on.

    While a majority of Australians understand that climate change is happening and that humans are the main cause, there are still holdout groups. Acceptance of the fact that climate change is largely caused by humans sits at 60% of Australians, well below other countries.

    Holdout groups in Australia can include people associated with political conservatism, the business sector, farming, the resource sector, some religious groups and some sports fans. For these groups, climate advocacy by left-leaning environmentalists may be limited in its effectiveness.

    How do you reach these groups? Our new research points to one solution: unconventional climate advocates. That is, those not from the stereotypical background and who belong to holdout groups. Think of groups such as Farmers for Climate Action and the Investor Group on Climate Change.

    These individuals and groups can play a crucial role in expanding the base of the climate movement – without necessarily working with mainstream climate groups. Better still, we found these unconventional advocates tend to receive more sympathetic media coverage.

    Who are these unconventional advocates?

    We distinguish two types of unconventional climate advocates –role-based and bridge-builders.

    Role-based advocates come from groups not typically associated with climate advocacy, such as Australian Parents for Climate Action, Doctors for the Environment, Vets for Climate Action and Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance. These advocates broaden our perception of who engages in climate advocacy.

    Bridge-builders come from groups with a history of tension with environmentalists and environmental issues. They can often span the divide between their group and the broader climate movement. These groups include Farmers for Climate Action, Investor Group on Climate Change, Hunter Jobs Alliance and Australian Religious Response to Climate Change.

    Why do they matter?

    Unconventional advocates are vital because they can reach a broader section of the population. This is because we are more likely to listen to insiders: people from groups we identify with who share our values and beliefs. We also pay more attention to messages when they come from a surprising source and when they go against perceived interests.

    A farmer advocating for climate action is more likely to resonate with other farmers than city-based environmentalists, for instance. Similarly, if you expect farmers to be opposed to climate action, you’re more likely to pay attention to their message than if it came from an environmentalist.

    Our research shows these groups are not mainstream environmentalists. They exist on the periphery of the climate movement.

    Using social network analysis, we mapped the connections between more than 3,000 climate advocacy groups in Australia. This showed us unconventional advocates are less connected to traditional environmental groups such as Greenpeace Australia Pacific or the Australian Conservation Foundation.

    This distance may actually be advantageous. By maintaining a degree of independence from the mainstream environmental movement, unconventional advocates can avoid being dismissed as “greenies” – an unpopular group for some people in rural areas. Farmers advocating for climate action may be more effective if they’re not seen as aligned with environmentalists who might be viewed with suspicion in rural communities.

    Does unconventional advocacy work?

    By one metric, unconventional advocacy does work. These individuals and groups broadly receive more sympathetic media coverage.

    In recent research, we analysed more than 17,000 Australian media articles published between 2017 and 2022 mentioning unconventional and more stereotypical environmentalist climate advocacy groups.

    We found Greenpeace Australia Pacific and other established groups received the most media coverage overall. Disruptive groups such as Extinction Rebellion tended to be framed negatively, with a focus on conflict and arrests. The negativity was most pronounced in articles published by News Corp, owned by the conservative media figure Rupert Murdoch.

    Unconventional advocates received less media coverage than other types of advocates. When they did receive coverage, it was generally more sympathetic. Articles tended to focus on their achievements and to use less confrontational language, even from conservative-leaning media outlets.

    This suggests unconventional advocates are well positioned to shift public opinion in holdout groups and build a broader base of support for climate action.

    Unconventional advocates for unprecedented times

    In Australia and in many other countries, climate action has become politicised – often along party lines. Holdout groups are a minority, but a large minority. To actually respond to the increasing threat of climate change will require building a bigger base of support.

    Unconventional advocates offer a way to disrupt hardened divides, expand the range of voices in the movement and engage communities and groups often left out of the conversation.

    Xiongzhi Wang works as a postdoc with his salary coming from the Australian Research Council (project DP220103155) which funds the research related to this article.

    Kelly Fielding received funding from Australian Research Council DP220103155 for the research related to this article. She currently donates to Greenpeace Australia.

    Rebecca Colvin serves on advisory/research committees/panels for: the Australian Museum’s Climate Solutions Centre; The Climate Risk Group; The Blueprint Institute; RE-Alliance; the NSW Environmental Trust. She is a non-executive member of the Board of the NSW Government’s EnergyCo. She receives funding from The Australian Research Council (DP220103155 and DE230101151).

    Robyn Gulliver receives funding from the Climate Social Science Network. She has worked for and volunteers for a range of environmental advocacy groups.

    Winnifred Louis receives funding from the Australian Research Council (project DP220103155) for the research related to this article. She has been a longstanding advocate for environmental and climate action but is not affiliated with any groups mentioned here.

    – ref. Farmers, investors, miners and parents: how unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences – https://theconversation.com/farmers-investors-miners-and-parents-how-unconventional-climate-advocates-can-reach-new-audiences-249949

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Pushes to Permanently Repeal the Federal Death Tax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues in working to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, more commonly known as the death tax or inheritance tax.
    The Death Tax Repeal Act would end this purely punitive tax that has the potential to hit family-run farms and small businesses following the owner’s death. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa).
    “Iowa farming families and entrepreneurs work for generations to establish farms and build small businesses that are essential to our state’s economy and rural communities,” said Senator Ernst. “They should not have to fear the loss of their livelihoods as they grieve a loved one. It’s time to eliminate this crippling tax burden and costly estate planning expenses once and for all.”
    Background:
    Ernst has been a strong opponent of the death tax, recognizing its burden on family-owned businesses, farms, and ranches. During the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), she supported efforts to repeal the tax. While the TCJA did not fully eliminate the death tax, it did double the estate and gift tax exemption to $10 million through 2025, easing the impact on many families. The Death Tax Repeal Actwould provide permanent relief.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Iowa Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Iowa of the March 24, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred June 16-July 23, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cass, Cedar, Cherokee, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Hancock, Harrison, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Muscatine, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, Sac, Scott, Shelby, Sioux, Webster, Woodbury and Wright in Iowa, as well as the county of Rock Island in Illinois, Jackson, Martin, Nobles and Rock counties in Minnesota, Burt, Dakota, Douglas, Sarpy, Thurston and Washington counties in Nebraska, and Lincoln, Minnehaha and Union counties in South Dakota.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 24.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier Leads Delegation of Saskatchewan Industry Leaders to Washington

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 24, 2025

    Today, Premier Scott Moe is leading a mission to Washington, D.C. alongside several Saskatchewan businesses and organizations. The delegation will meet with U.S. decision makers and business leaders to underscore the importance of a strong integrated economy. 

    “Saskatchewan companies play a critical role in North American food and energy security,” Moe said. “I am returning to Washington to continue our efforts in de-escalating the threat of potential tariffs from, our largest trading partner, the U.S. The relationship between our jurisdictions has mutual benefit, and we are working with key stakeholders, industry leaders and government representatives on both sides of the border to build and protect our economies.”

    Saskatchewan’s delegation includes representatives from Cameco, Evraz, Arizona Lithium, Cenovus, Whitecap Resources, Enbridge, North American Helium and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. 

    Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison is also traveling to Washington to attend the 2025 Winter Policy Conference of the National Association of State Department of Agriculture (NASDA) this week. The conference offers a unique opportunity to meet with state secretaries, commissioners and directors of agriculture, industry leaders and federal representatives to talk pressing agriculture and food policy issues.

    “The future of Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector is built on strong international relationships and our trade mission to the U.S. reinforces our commitment to open markets and collaboration,” Harrison said. “Attending NASDA’s Winter Policy Conference allows us to showcase Saskatchewan’s world-class agri-food products and the contribution we make to North American competitiveness and food security, and to strengthen partnerships and advocate for policies that benefit our producers.”

    This advocacy is crucial to strengthening key relationships and emphasizing how highly integrated both economies are.

    “Canada and the United States have a long-standing, positive commercial relationship in the civilian nuclear sector that has spurred economic growth and increased both energy and national security,” Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel said. “The Trump Administration’s pursuit of energy dominance and its support for domestic nuclear power will require Saskatchewan uranium – and Cameco’s expertise and capacity across the nuclear fuel cycle.”

    The U.S. is Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner. About $40 billion worth of imports and exports cross the border every year. Canada and U.S. are much stronger when operating in a tariff-free environment. 

    “Our Chamber colleagues in the United States share our commitment to open and mutually beneficial trade relationships, and today, we reaffirm that shared priority,” Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy said. “Through this mission, we aim to shape perspectives and inform decision-making by highlighting the economic consequences of tariffs on both of our economies.”

    In 2024, Saskatchewan’s top exports to the U.S. were crude oil ($12.5 billion), potash ($4.2 billion), and canola oil ($2.9 billion). Agri-food products represented 21.9 per cent of total exports.

    Saskatchewan exports lower the cost of living for millions of Americans and result in thousands of jobs on both sides of the border.  

    This mission runs from February 24 to 27, 2025.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA extends response deadline for 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties

    Source: US National Agricultural Statistics Service

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will continue to collect the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties through April 18, 2025. Conducted just once every five years, the Census of Horticultural Specialties is the only source of detailed production and sales data for U.S. floriculture, nursery, and specialty crop industries, including greenhouse food crops.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: A fantastic example of AI’s impact on agriculture. Learn more here.

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: A fantastic example of AI’s impact on agriculture. Learn more here.

    Satya Nadella, It is great to learn AI is helping even a small farmer and Deep Seek saves costs to that small farmer. If you want to invest the money saved from Deep Seek, the most strategic move would be to decarbonize your AI data centers—turning cost savings into long-term value creation. We are happy to share unique and practically applicable knowledge on how to cost-efficiently decarbonize AI data centers, maximize water savings, and align your operations with global ESG standards. By integrating Tangible Natural Capital, you can secure your investment with real, asset-backed value, while also unlocking new revenue streams through carbon credits, biodiversity units, and energy efficiency gains. This approach not only ensures financial resilience and sustainability but also strengthens your ESG credibility, enabling you to claim leadership in inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality opportunities. Let’s transform AI data centers into climate-positive assets and position them at the forefront of sustainable AI innovation. Claudia Pinto Irina Duisimbekova Alexandre Katrangi Dr. Hubert Danso Conscious Planet

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lyons Magnus Recalls Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Lyons Magnus is recalling 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall is being coordinated with the products’ manufacturer, Prairie Farms Dairy.

    Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

    Lyons Magnus handled distribution of the recalled products, which were manufactured and supplied to Lyons Magnus by Prairie Farms. The recalled products were distributed primarily to long-term care facilities and were not available for retail sale.

    The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and packed in 4 oz. cartons under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brand names. The top of the carton has printing that identifies the Lot Code and Best By Date for these products. A chart listing all recalled products is available (see below).

    There have been 38 illnesses associated with the strain of Listeria monocytogenes that may have contaminated these products, including 11 deaths. None of these illnesses or fatalities were in Rhode Island.

    Anyone who has a recalled product should discard that product.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: US Military Partners with El Salvador to Combat Animal Health Concerns

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    AHUACHAPAN, El Salvador  –  

    U.S. military personnel joined forces with Salvadoran authorities in two events aimed at tackling animal health and overpopulation in El Salvador. The initiatives saw participation from the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador and Joint Task Force-Bravo’s Army Force Battalion veterinarian team.

    On Feb. 19, a joint effort between the U.S. military and El Salvador’s Ministry of Agriculture saw the administration and distribution of more than 54,000 doses of ivermectin to local livestock. The initiative aims to curb the spread of vector-borne illnesses that threaten animal and human populations.

    “El Salvador has been proactive in confronting the issues presented by vector-borne illnesses,” said Lt. Col. Steven Pelham, Veterinary Preventive Medicine Officer Army Force Battalion. “The opportunity to work with the Ministry of Agriculture has been a true privilege. I am honored to have been able to train together and learn from each other, united by one cause.”

    Following the ivermectin distribution, Joint Task Force-Bravo hosted a veterinary readiness training exercise, or VETRETE, in Ahuachapan, El Salvador. The collaborative effort which included 33 individuals from City Hall, the Instituto de Bienestar Animal, Chivo Pets and Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer provided free spaying and neutering services to approximately 300 animals.

    “This is truly a knowledge exchange where we learn from one another and become better together,” Pelham said. “It’s been a great collaboration where we have been able to pool our resources and pull off a remarkable event where we all benefit and are better for it.”

    The VETRETE provided U.S. military personnel with valuable experience in austere environments while simultaneously addressing the significant issue of animal overpopulation in El Salvador.

    “There is an overpopulation of animals across El Salvador, and this is a great start in addressing the issue head-on,” said Pamela Figueroa, an IBA representative who oversaw event coordination. “Most people can’t afford to pay for these basic procedures, which are essential to ensuring a healthy pet population.”

    U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carl Schreier, commander of Army Forces Battalion, concluded, “This has been a wonderful experience for JTF-Bravo and our personnel, who have not only become better at their jobs but have been able to fill a gap in a meaningful way. I look forward to the next one and the progress we make as a team.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Roman society integrated people who altered their bodies and defied gender norms

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tom Sapsford, Assistant professor of Classical Studies, Boston College

    A relief showing a gallus making sacrifices to the goddess Cybele and Attis. Sailko via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    A few weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders restricting the rights of trans workers in the federal government. The first was a renewal of the ban on transgender people joining the U.S. military – initially signed in 2017 and later repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The second was a more sweeping memo that recognizes only two sexes in federal records and policies.

    In the ancient Roman world, which I study, biological sex and gender expression did not always line up as neatly as the president is demanding to see in today’s government.

    In antiquity, there were masculine women, feminine men and people who altered their bodies to match their gender expression more closely. In particular, two figures – the cinaedus and the gallus – provide examples of men whose effeminate behavior and modified anatomies were striking yet still integrated into Roman society.

    The cinaedus and the commander in chief

    In ancient Rome, some men who did not fit neatly within gender categories were called “cinaedi.” They were usually adult males singled out for their extreme effeminacy and nonnormative sexual desires.

    The cinaedus was already a recognizable figure in ancient Greece and was first mentioned in the fourth century B.C. by Plato. He says little more than that a cinaedus’ life was terrible, base and miserable. Later Roman authors provide more detail.

    Martial, a Roman poet writing in the first century A.D., for instance, describes a cinaedus’ dysfunctional penis as like a “soggy leather strap” in one epigram. In the same century, the Roman novelist Petronius has a cinaedus suggest that both he and his fellows have had their genitals removed.

    In a fable by Phaedrus, also written in the first century A.D., a barbarian is threatening the troops of the military leader, Pompey the Great. All are afraid to challenge this fierce opponent until a “cinaedus” volunteers to fight.

    The cinaedus is described as a soldier of great size but with a cracked voice and mincing walk. After pleading permission in a stereotypically lisping manner from Pompey the Great, his commander in chief, the cinaedus steps into battle. He quickly severs the barbarian’s head and, with army agog, is summarily rewarded by Pompey.

    In Phaedrus’ fable, the cinaedus is untrustworthy. He is described as having stolen valuables from Pompey early on in the tale and then later swears on oath that he hasn’t.

    Yet the moral of Phaedrus’ fable of the soldier-cinaedus is that such deceptive appearances and actions might actually be strategically successful in military matters. The cinaedus has an edge over Pompey’s other soldiers precisely due to his disarming effeminacy. In the tale, this doesn’t at all diminish his skills as a lethal fighter. Rather, the cinaedus’ effeminacy combined with his martial valor ultimately lead to the barbarian’s defeat.

    Trans priests and the safety of the Roman state

    The galli, another group that lived in the heart of the city of Rome, also blurred gender roles. They were males who had castrated their genitalia in dedication to the Great Mother goddess Cybele, who was their protector.

    As reported by several ancient sources, including Cicero and Livy, in 204 B.C. the Roman state consulted a set of prophetic scrolls called the Sibylline Oracles on how best to respond to the pressures it faced as a result of the Second Punic War – Rome’s prolonged conflict with Carthage and its fierce military general, Hannibal.

    The oracles’ answer – and Rome’s subsequent action – was to import a strange and foreign religious order from Asia Minor into the heart of Rome, where it would remain for the next several hundred years.

    The temple of Cybele was located on the Palatine Hill, next to several important shrines, monuments and later even the residence of the Emperor Augustus. As the poet Ovid tells us, each year during Cybele’s festival the galli would proceed through the streets of Rome carrying a statue of the goddess, while ululating wildly in time with the sound of wailing pipes, banging drums and crashing cymbals.

    More so than the figure of the cinaedus, ancient literary sources present the galli’s gender difference similarly to modern-day trans women, often using feminine pronouns when describing them.

    For instance, the poet Catullus details the origin story of the galli’s founder figure, Attis, who was Cybele’s mythical consort and chief priest. Notably, Catullus switches from using masculine adjectives to feminine ones at the very moment of Attis’ self-castration.

    Attis.

    Similarly, in his novel, “The Golden Ass,” the second century A.D. writer Apuleius has one gallus address his fellow devotees as “girls.”

    While several ancient sources mock these figures for their gender-nonconforming appearance and behaviors, it is nevertheless evident that the galli held a sacred place within the Roman state. They were viewed as being important to Rome’s continued safety and prominence.

    For example, Plutarch in his “Life of Marius” relates that a priest of the Great Mother came to Rome in 103 B.C. to convey an oracle that the Romans would be triumphant in war. Though believed by the Senate, this priest, Bataces, was mocked mercilessly in the plebian assembly. However, when the individual who had insulted Bataces swiftly died of a terrible fever, the plebians too gave this oracle and the goddess’s prophetic powers their backing.

    Today’s trans issues

    Behind Trump’s executive orders are two assertions: first, that transgender identity is a form of ideology: a modern invention created to justify deviance from one’s sex as assigned at birth; second, that transgender identity is both a form of disease and of dishonesty.

    The reissued military ban doubles down on the perceived dishonesty of trans folk, contrasting it with the ideals and principles needed for combat. The order states that the “adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individual’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.”

    Taking a long view of gender diversity across millennia has shown me that many individuals in antiquity certainly lived lives outside of the clear-cut formula that the Trump administration has stated, namely that “women are biologically female and men are biologically male.”

    Gender diversity is not simply a late 20th- or early 21st-century phenomenon. However, the fear that gender-diverse people are diseased and devious likewise arises in several ancient sources. In the classical world, these fears seem limited to the realms of satire and fantasy; in our current time, we are seeing these fears being harnessed for government policy.

    This article incorporates material from a story originally published on Aug. 1, 2017.

    Tom Sapsford is affiliated with the Lambda Classical Caucus.

    – ref. How Roman society integrated people who altered their bodies and defied gender norms – https://theconversation.com/how-roman-society-integrated-people-who-altered-their-bodies-and-defied-gender-norms-248726

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Silynxcom Announces Successful Delivery of Enhanced Systems with Innovative New Tactical Communication Capability to Elite IDF Special Forces Unit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Successful field validation of Silynxcom’s enhanced tactical communication systems by elite special forces unit marks significant milestone as the Company enhances its offering; initial customer interest in the new feature demonstrates potential market demand, following exceptional positive feedback from operational use

    Netanya, Israel, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (“Silynxcom” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, today announced the successful delivery of advanced tactical communication systems to an elite special forces unit of the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”). This delivery includes an innovative secure communication capability as part of a paid pilot program, marking a significant advancement in the Company’s tactical communications technology.

    The delivered systems, for which the Company has already received payment, showcases  Silynxcom’s latest innovation, a new secure communication capability seamlessly integrated into the Company’s proven tactical communication platform. This enhancement enables advanced communication capabilities that are critical for sensitive operational environments. The systems have already been used by the elite special forces unit in the field, generating strong positive feedback based on their operational effectiveness and performance.

    “This delivery, which includes our innovative new tactical communication capability as a paid pilot, represents a significant milestone in Silynxcom’s growth trajectory,” said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. “We believe that the positive feedback from actual field deployment by this elite special forces unit validates the substantial operational value and market potential that this new feature adds to our existing platform.”

    The successful operational validation has already generated multiple queries from international military and law enforcement organizations and the Company is actively exploring how to satisfy the new demand for the enhanced system.

    About Silynxcom Ltd.

    Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company’s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company’s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360° situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company’s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers “in the field.” The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company uses forward-looking statements when it discusses: the belief that the delivered technology enables advanced communication capabilities that are critical for sensitive operational environments; that the delivery of these systems represents a significant milestone in the Company’s growth trajectory; the belief that positive feedback for these systems validate the substantial operational value and market potential of the systems; and the prospective exploration of satisfying new demand for the enhanced system. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 30, 2024, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Capital Markets & IR Contact

    ARX | Capital Market Advisors
    North American Equities Desk
    ir@silynxcom.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Guntur District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Andhra Pradesh

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) on The Guntur District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Andhra Pradesh (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 31 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to publish its accounts and balance-sheet for the Financial Year 2022-23 and also to furnish the copies thereof to RBI / NABARD within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2246

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Gulbarga and Yadgir District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty thousand only) on The Gulbarga and Yadgir District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in exercise of powers conferred under Section 27(3) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) on ‘Offsite Surveillance System-Revision of Due dates for Submission of OSS/FMS Returns’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by NABARD with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with NABARD directions issued under statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to submit the statutory returns to NABARD within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2247

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Study Shows Tagatose May Combat Antibiotic-Resistant C. difficile Infections

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A new UConn study reveals that tagatose, a plant-based sugar alternative, shows promise in mitigating Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection, particularly those resistant to antibiotics. A pilot study conducted in a mouse model suggests that tagatose could offer a novel nutraceutical approach to combat this growing public health threat.

    C. difficile is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, with strains increasingly exhibiting antibiotic resistance. Current treatments often involve broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can further disrupt the gut microbiome, exacerbating the infection cycle. This has created an urgent need for alternative strategies.

    The UConn study, led by Kumar Venkitanarayanan, PhD, associate dean for research and graduate studies at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), investigated the effect of tagatose supplementation on C. difficile infection in mice. The results demonstrated that tagatose consumption not only proved safe for animals but also significantly reduced infection symptoms and severity.

    “Our research indicates that tagatose has the potential to reduce C. difficile infection through multiple mechanisms,” says Venkitanarayanan. “Its prebiotic properties appear to promote a healthier gut microbiome, while preliminary evidence suggests it may also inhibit the production of bacterial toxins. This dual action could be particularly valuable in addressing antibiotic-resistant strains.”

    Tagatose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide found in small quantities in some fruits and grains. It is approximately 92% as sweet as sucrose but with a significantly lower caloric value and glycemic index. Tagatose has been FDA approved for over 20 years and is used as a low-calorie sweetener in various food products. It also has NutraStrong™ prebiotic verified certification.

    Bonumose, Inc., an enzyme solutions company with a scalable process for producing high-purity, plant-based tagatose, is collaborating with UConn and exploring the commercial potential of UConn’s research.

    The study was conducted under a sponsored research agreement, which was successfully negotiated with the support of UConn’s Technology Commercialization Services. As a result of this collaboration, Bonumose currently holds an option license to the technology.

    “We are very excited about the outcomes of this sponsored research,” says Amit Kumar, PhD. “We believe these results will play a crucial role in advancing the development of this technology, bringing it closer to real-world impact.”

    The UConn study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the prebiotic and health-promoting properties of tagatose.

    “The data from this UConn study supports what we already know about tagatose and gut health. Tagatose has the rare ability to not only feed good bacteria in the gut but to also inhibit the toxins produced by harmful bacteria,” says Karen Weikel, PhD, vice president of regulatory & nutrition at Bonumose.

    Further research is planned to investigate the specific mechanisms of action and to evaluate its efficacy in clinical trials.

    “The affordability and accessibility of tagatose make it a promising candidate for a nutraceutical intervention. We are committed to exploring tagatose’s full potential in addressing C. difficile and other related health challenges. UConn’s research reinforces the significance of tagatose not only as a benign and delicious replacement for sugar in food production, but also as an ingredient with beneficial health effects,” Ed Rogers, Bonumose CEO.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) commits to enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to tackle influenza threat

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    Following an alert of a highly pathogenic avian Influenza (H5N1) outbreak in poultry, commonly known as bird flu, in Kano state,  the World Health Organization ( WHO) has stepped up its support to the Government of Nigeria to prevent transmission of the virus to humans. While the virus spreads rapidly among birds, it also has the potential to infect mammals, including humans. It poses a significant threat to both animal and public health.

    Overview of the outbreak 

    The virus primarily affects poultry but can also infect humans who come in direct contact with the infected live or dead birds or contaminated environments, such as saliva, nasal discharges, and faeces, which contain high toxins.

    Preventive measures against bird flu include biosecurity measures in poultry farms and live bird markets, avoiding contact with sick birds, proper hygiene, surveillance, and early reporting of outbreaks. Other states aside, Kano has reported cases of bird flu among poultry.

    At the time of writing this report, there has been no human infection from the disease. 

    WHO collaborative support to the outbreak

    To prevent transmission to humans, WHO team in Kano state leverage the State One Health Technical Working Group (TWG) and Influenza TWG to coordinate an interagency response to the situation. 

    The One Health and Influenza TWGs comprises inter-agency members, including the Ministries of Health, Veterinary/ Agriculture, and  Environment. 

    The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has supported the establishment of 10 National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites, including Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and nine other hospitals across Nigeria’s six Geopolitical zones. In 2024, 814 samples were collected from these sites and transported to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for respiratory virus testing, in line with the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).

    “To help with the response in Kano State, WHO provided over 100 PPE kits. These kits included 1,000 gloves, 500 aprons, 500 face shields, 20 rain boots, and other items. These kits protect healthcare workers and other personnel on the field from exposure to the virus, ensuring their safety while they manage and contain the outbreak.

    WHO also supplied laboratory materials for collecting samples from people showing symptoms of flu-like illnesses or severe respiratory infections,” explained Dr Mayana Abubakar, WHO  Kano State Coordinator. 

    Dr Mayana mentioned that in 2024, WHO helped train over 100 health workers from the NISS sites on preparing for and responding to pandemic influenza. This training aimed to improve surveillance, response, and close monitoring of human contacts for early intervention. 

    Dr Ibrahim Aliyu Gano, Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Kano State Ministry of Health, applauding WHO’s support, said, “ We appreciate WHO’s steadfast support in helping us tackle this outbreak. Their donation and timely intervention help protect lives and contain the transmission of the disease.

    As of 25 January 2025, Kano, Nigeria, reported six confirmed  HPAI cases and 4,470 suspected cases of bird flu. So far, there has been no human infection from 15 specimens tested from 20 suspected cases while awaiting the result of five samples. 

    The WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, has assured that with the existing national capacity, which has been built over the period and from the previous bird flu emergencies experience, “we could swiftly scale up the efforts. WHO is committed to working with Nigerian authorities and partners to ensure that measures are in place for effective and rapid actions to mitigate transmission to humans”, he added.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM-KISAN completes 19 successful installments

    Source: Government of India

    PM-KISAN completes 19 successful installments

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi releases installment to 9.8 Crore Farmers amounting to more than ₹22,000 crore

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 19th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 24th February, 2025 in Bhagalpur, Bihar. During the event over 9.8 crore farmers including 2.41 crore female farmers across the country will be benefitted through the 19th instalment release, receiving direct financial assistance exceeding ₹22,000 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) without involvement of any middlemen, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural prosperity.[1] With this installment, the scheme will be supporting farmers nationwide and further reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development and agricultural prosperity.

     

    https://pmkisan.gov.in/Creatives.aspx

    Previously, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 18th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 5th October 2024 in Washim, Maharashtra. This significant event witnessed over 9.4 crore farmers across the country receiving direct financial benefits, amounting to more than ₹20,000 crore.[2]

    The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- per year is transferred in three equal instalments, into the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.[3]

    A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without involvement of any middlemen. Maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr. in 18 instalments since inception, as of February 2025.[4]

    Objectives

    With a view to augment the income of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs), the PM-KISAN scheme aims to:

    • Supplement the financial needs of the SMFs in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
    • This would also protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.[5]

    Technological Advancements

    With an objective to make the scheme more efficient, effective, and transparent, continuous improvements in a farmer-centric digital infrastructure have been made to ensure the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without any middleman involvement.

    The PM-KISAN mobile app was launched on 24th February 2020. This has been developed with an emphasis on greater transparency and to reach more farmers. The PM-KISAN mobile app servers a simple and efficient extension to the PM-KISAN web portal.[6] In 2023, the app was launched with an additional “Face Authentication Feature”. This enabled remote farmers to do e-KYC by scanning their face without OTP or fingerprint.[7]

    The portal and mobile app offer services like self-registration, benefit status tracking, and facial authentication-based e-KYC. Farmers in remote areas can complete e-KYC via face scans, with provisions to assist neighbours.

    Over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been onboarded to facilitate registrations and meet mandatory requirements. Additionally, a robust grievance redressal system was established on the portal, and an AI chatbot, Kisan-eMitra, launched in September 2023, provides instant query resolution in local languages regarding payments, registration, and eligibility. Farmers can also assist 100 other farmers in their neighbourhood to complete e-KYC at their doorstep. In addition, the Government of India has also extended the facility for completing e-KYC of farmers to State Government officials, allowing each official to do e-KYC for 500 farmers.[8]

    PM-KISAN AI CHATBOT

    In 2023, an AI Chatbot was launched for the PM-KISAN scheme, becoming the first AI chatbot integrated with a major flagship scheme of the Union government. The AI Chatbot provides farmers with prompt, clear, and accurate responses to their queries. It has been developed and improved with the support of EKstep foundation and Bhashini. The introduction of the AI chatbot in the PM-KISAN grievance management system is aimed at empowering farmers with a user-friendly and accessible platform.

    https://www.instagram.com/pmkisanofficial/p/DAu8QCsiEoH/?hl=en

    The AI Chatbot, accessible through the PM KISAN mobile app, is integrated with Bhashini, which offers multilingual support, catering to the linguistic and regional diversity of the PM KISAN beneficiaries. ‘Digital India BHASHINI’ seeks to enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including voice-based access, and help the creation of content in Indian languages.[9] This integration of advanced technology will not only enhance transparency but will also empower farmers to make informed decisions.[10]

    Additionally, the Department of Posts offers the facility of linking/updating mobile number with Aadhaar for farmers benefiting from PM KISAN scheme. This is to complete e-KYC, through India Post Payment Bank.[11]

     

    Mandatory information required to enroll in scheme:

    • Farmer’s / Spouse’s name
    • Farmer’s / Spouse’s date of birth
    • Bank account number
    • IFSC/ MICR Code
    • Mobile Number
    • Aadhaar Number
    • Other customer information as available in the passbook which is required for mandate registration

     

    [12]

    Impact and Achievements

    • Since its inception, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr. in 18 installments.
    • A significant saturation drive launched in November 2023 under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra added over 1 crore eligible farmers to the scheme.
    • An additional 25 lakh farmers were included within the first 100 days of the subsequent government in June 2024. As a result, the number of beneficiaries receiving the 18th installment increased to 9.59 crore.
    • The scheme has a wide reach across various states. For instance, during the 18th installment (August 2024 – November 2024), Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of beneficiaries at 2,25,78,654, followed by Bihar with 75,81,009 beneficiaries. [13]

     

    A promising journey

    An independent study conducted by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in 2019, found that PM-KISAN funds boosted rural economic growth, eased farmers’ credit constraints, and increased agricultural input investments. Further, the scheme has enhanced farmers’ risk-taking capacity, leading them to undertake riskier but comparatively productive investments. The funds received by recipients under PM-KISAN are not only helping them with their agricultural needs, but it is also catering to their other expenses such as education, medical, marriage, etc. These are the indicators of the positive impact of the scheme on the farmers of the country. PM KISAN has truly been a game changer for the farming community of our country.[14]

    Conclusion

    In the last five years, the PM-KISAN Scheme has evolved into a transformative initiative for the farming community, achieving significant milestones in financial inclusion and rural empowerment. Its vision of providing direct and timely assistance to millions of farmers has been implemented with remarkable efficiency. The scheme’s seamless digital infrastructure, which enables direct transfers to beneficiaries’ accounts, has set a benchmark for transparency and effective governance. As PM-KISAN continues to expand its reach, it stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and enhancing the livelihoods of India’s farmers.

     

    References:

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105462

    · https://x.com/pmkisanofficial/status/1890710455896670308

    · https://pmkisan.gov.in/Creatives.aspx

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2061928

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100758

    · https://pmkisan.gov.in/Documents/PMKisanSamanNidhi.PDF

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1947889

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1934517

    · https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/266/AU1302_YaVIcH.pdf?source=pqars

    · https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/aug/doc202282696201.pdf

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959461

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1869463

    · https://pmkisan.gov.in/Documents/Note-on-Modes-and-processes-of-ekyc-13th-Nov-English.pdf

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100758

    · https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/1712/AU795.pdf?source=pqals

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2080200

    Click here to see PDF

    *****

    Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2105745) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Two-Day National Startup Festival organised by CSIR-IIIM concludes

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 10:55AM by PIB Delhi

    CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu successfully concluded the National Startup Festival on sunday, showcasing remarkable success stories in startup promotion, innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Jammu & Kashmir.

    The two-day festival, which concluded today, was inaugurated on 22nd February, Saturday  by the Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space; and Vice President of CSIR in presence of Satish Sharma, J&K UT Cabinet Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & training departments, Padma Shri Prof. Vinod K. Singh, Chairperson, Recruitment & Assessment Board (RAB), CSIR and Institute Chair Professor of Chemistry at IIT Kanpur, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Dr. Jatinder Kumar, Managing Director, DBT-BIRAC and Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director General, CCRUM. Recognizing the innovative works of the startup they showcased during the event, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM awarded the certificates to 45 startups.

    The two days mega event held at Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar which on day 2 also attracted huge crowd of students drawn from various degree colleges and schools of Jammu region to provide a platform to the entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, scientists, researchers, bio-incubators, manufacturers, regulators and members of civil society to witness the technologies and innovation showcased during the festival.

    In a press handout, it was stated that an overwhelming response of visitors has been seen today as well, more than 800 visitors visited the exhibition and witnessed the demonstration of innovations driven ideas some startups and the products and technologies developed by few of them.

    Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM who is spearheading the institute’s resolute to
    nurture the startup ecosystem in the region, while addressing the startup and exhibitors during closing ceremony said that besides the institute’s forte in the pre-clinical drug discovery, under the mentoring of Union Minister of S&T and Vice President, Dr. Jitendra Singh, IIIM has equally galvanised agri- entrepreneurship and set up two incubators for incubation support to the startup. To set up a new Incubator at Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua, the Grant-in-aid Letter Agreement (GLA) was also signed yesterday by Director, CSIR-IIIM and MD, BIRAC in the presence of the Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, he added.

    A spokesperson informed that a total of 45 StartUps participated from all over India. Students from various Government Degree Colleges of Jammu district also actively participated in the event.

    Some of the prominent StartUps those took part in the Expo were- M/s Herbal Aura, M/s Gaurico, M/s One Veda, M/s Happico, M/s Gleen Biotech, M/s Himalayan Essential Oils Producer Company Ltd., M/s JK Aroma Ltd. Samast Eco Alternatives Pvt. Ltd. M/s SRANAS POC Pvt Ltd M/s Chenab Valley Zaitoon Tel ltd M/s Katyani Metal works and the farmers led by Dr. Hygina from Meghalaya. The stalls were also put by young innovators of Jammu district school. The event was organised under the overall supervision of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM, assisted by his team of HoDs and Scientists, including Er. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Shashank Singh, Dr. Sumit Gandhi, Dr. Naveed Qazi, Dr. Suphla Gupta, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Dr. Raj Kishore, Vikram Singh, Sr. COA, Ajay Kumar, CoFA, Dilip Gehlot, SPO and Rajesh Gupta, AO.

    ****

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2105703) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: It is a matter of immense satisfaction and pride for me that so far about ₹3.5 lakh crore has reached farmer’s accounts: PM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    It is a matter of immense satisfaction and pride for me that so far about ₹3.5 lakh crore has reached farmer’s accounts: PM

    PM marks 6 years of PM KISAN Yojana 

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 9:53AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to all the farmer brothers and sisters across the nation on the 6th anniversary of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, a landmark initiative dedicated to supporting and uplifting the farmers of India. He expressed satisfaction that so far about ₹3.5 lakh crore has reached their accounts.

    He wrote in a post on X:

    “पीएम-किसान के 6 वर्ष पूरे होने पर देशभर के हमारे किसान भाई-बहनों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। मेरे लिए अत्यंत संतोष और गर्व का विषय है कि अब तक करीब साढ़े तीन लाख करोड़ रुपये उनके खाते में पहुंच चुके हैं। हमारा ये प्रयास अन्नदाताओं को सम्मान, समृद्धि और नई ताकत दे रहा है। 

    #PMKisan”

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2105693) Visitor Counter : 90

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s ‘working for water’ programme is meant to lead to skills and jobs: why it’s failing

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sinazo Ntsonge, PhD Graduate, Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, Rhodes University

    South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Programme is part of its social safety net. It complements the country’s social grants system, which has over 28 million recipients.

    The public works programme helps fill a gap for people who fall outside the grant system, especially those who need work experience and skills training if they’re to get a job. These include unemployed young people, women and people with disabilities.

    One of the programmes under its umbrella is the Working for Water programme, which was launched in 1995. It was intended to control invasive alien plants so as to conserve water resources, and provide short-term employment and training for people not covered by the grants safety net.

    Since its inception, the programme, alongside other interventions targeted at the environment, has created over 200,000 person years of employment – the total number of days people were afforded work. More than half of these employment opportunities have been held by women, and more than 60% by young people under the age of 35 years.

    In my PhD research, I examined one of its flagship projects to assess its impact on the long-term livelihoods of beneficiaries. My aim was to determine whether the programme was achieving its intended role as a social protection mechanism.

    I found that the way the project was designed limited its potential to foster long-term livelihoods for participants. Long-term livelihoods are defined as the ability to achieve lasting economic stability and growth beyond the scope of the project itself.

    One key issue was the inconsistency in the number of workdays participants were assigned, as well as the quality and availability of the skills training they received. Specifically, the training lacked regularity and did not always align with market demands. It left participants without the practical, job-ready skills needed for sustained employment.

    This problem was compounded by budget cuts.

    Based on my findings, I propose key changes to improve the programme’s effectiveness: the provision of consistent funding and training that’s aligned to labour market needs.

    The project

    The project I looked at tackles the clearing of invasive Prosopis mesquite trees in the Northern Cape. This has involved clearing nearly 314,580 hectares of invaded land in that province.

    Spanning from 2004 to 2018, the project supported over 9,000 beneficiaries across three phases. In phase I (2004–2008), 2,411 people participated; in phase II (2009–2013), 2,861; and in phase III (2014–2018), 3,756.

    The project targeted youth, women and people with disabilities. Beneficiaries were spread across various age groups: 36–64 years in phase I, 22–35 and 36–64 years in phase II, and 18–35 years in phase III.

    Participants were paid monthly stipends which ranged from R2,900 to R5,000, which is equivalent to approximately US$157 to US$271 – higher than most South African social grants. For comparison, the disability social grant is R2,180 (US$118), the older person’s grant is R2,200 (US$119), the foster child grant is R1,180 (US$64), and the child support grant is R530 (US$28).

    I developed an evaluation framework to assess the programme’s impact on the long-term livelihoods of beneficiaries.

    The study was carried out over 14 days in 2020, coinciding with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With health restrictions in place, the research had to pivot from planned in-person interviews and focus groups to virtual interviews with key stakeholders and an online survey of beneficiaries. The survey gathered data from 33 beneficiaries, while interviews provided valuable insights from project managers overseeing the clearing initiative.

    The gaps

    I found that the project faced a number of challenges.

    Firstly, there was inconsistency in the number of workdays participants were assigned. Given that public works projects aim to alleviate poverty – primarily through stipends – budget cuts forced managers to focus on retaining beneficiaries to ensure they could at least feed themselves. This often meant reducing the number of workdays (from the required 230 days to just 100 days) and scaling back skills training.

    Secondly, there were shortcomings in the quality and availability of the skills training they received. Many of the courses offered were short-term or specific to invasive plant clearing, including herbicide application, brush cutter operation and firefighting. This meant it wasn’t relevant to the labour market.

    In the Northern Cape, the economy hinges on industries like mining, agriculture, manufacturing and construction. In mining, for example, knowledge of machinery operation, safety protocols and mine supervision is vital. Agriculture needs workers skilled in sustainable farming, irrigation techniques and equipment operation. Manufacturing needs expertise in production line management, welding and machinery operation. Construction projects require workers proficient in project management, site safety and heavy machinery operation.

    Given the region’s tourism potential, customer service and tour guiding are valuable. Finally, fostering entrepreneurship through business management and financial literacy can empower individuals to create small businesses. In addition, soft skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork are essential across all sectors for long-term employability.

    Many beneficiaries reported cycling through the Prosopis mesquite clearing project repeatedly, without gaining the work experience or skills needed to move into more sustainable jobs in the wider labour market.

    Thirdly, budget cuts restricted the availability of resources for both training and work opportunities.

    As a result, the initiative fell short of providing participants with the tools necessary for long-term economic success. Their prospects were limited after the project’s conclusion.

    Given the findings of my research study, the programme requires a shift in focus and changes need to be made.

    What needs to be done

    Firstly, funding for projects needs to be consistent. Secondly, training needs to be aligned with labour market needs. And thirdly, there needs to be a structured system for tracking long-term outcomes on the beneficiaries’ livelihoods following their participation.

    Without a system to track outcomes, it’s difficult to assess whether the project is equipping participants with skills for employment in the sectors that are driving the local economy.

    With these changes the programme can transition from a short-term employment solution to a sustainable intervention that equips beneficiaries with useful, transferable skills that are applicable to a range of sectors. This would ultimately improve their prospects for stable employment and long-term economic security, provided those jobs are available.

    Sinazo Ntsonge received funding from the NRM WfW programme, which was administered by the Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB) at Stellenbosch University.

    – ref. South Africa’s ‘working for water’ programme is meant to lead to skills and jobs: why it’s failing – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-working-for-water-programme-is-meant-to-lead-to-skills-and-jobs-why-its-failing-248694

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s ‘working for water’ programme is meant to lead to skills and jobs: why it’s failing

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sinazo Ntsonge, PhD Graduate, Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, Rhodes University

    South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Programme is part of its social safety net. It complements the country’s social grants system, which has over 28 million recipients.

    The public works programme helps fill a gap for people who fall outside the grant system, especially those who need work experience and skills training if they’re to get a job. These include unemployed young people, women and people with disabilities.

    One of the programmes under its umbrella is the Working for Water programme, which was launched in 1995. It was intended to control invasive alien plants so as to conserve water resources, and provide short-term employment and training for people not covered by the grants safety net.

    Since its inception, the programme, alongside other interventions targeted at the environment, has created over 200,000 person years of employment – the total number of days people were afforded work. More than half of these employment opportunities have been held by women, and more than 60% by young people under the age of 35 years.

    In my PhD research, I examined one of its flagship projects to assess its impact on the long-term livelihoods of beneficiaries. My aim was to determine whether the programme was achieving its intended role as a social protection mechanism.

    I found that the way the project was designed limited its potential to foster long-term livelihoods for participants. Long-term livelihoods are defined as the ability to achieve lasting economic stability and growth beyond the scope of the project itself.

    One key issue was the inconsistency in the number of workdays participants were assigned, as well as the quality and availability of the skills training they received. Specifically, the training lacked regularity and did not always align with market demands. It left participants without the practical, job-ready skills needed for sustained employment.

    This problem was compounded by budget cuts.

    Based on my findings, I propose key changes to improve the programme’s effectiveness: the provision of consistent funding and training that’s aligned to labour market needs.

    The project

    The project I looked at tackles the clearing of invasive Prosopis mesquite trees in the Northern Cape. This has involved clearing nearly 314,580 hectares of invaded land in that province.

    Spanning from 2004 to 2018, the project supported over 9,000 beneficiaries across three phases. In phase I (2004–2008), 2,411 people participated; in phase II (2009–2013), 2,861; and in phase III (2014–2018), 3,756.

    The project targeted youth, women and people with disabilities. Beneficiaries were spread across various age groups: 36–64 years in phase I, 22–35 and 36–64 years in phase II, and 18–35 years in phase III.

    Participants were paid monthly stipends which ranged from R2,900 to R5,000, which is equivalent to approximately US$157 to US$271 – higher than most South African social grants. For comparison, the disability social grant is R2,180 (US$118), the older person’s grant is R2,200 (US$119), the foster child grant is R1,180 (US$64), and the child support grant is R530 (US$28).

    I developed an evaluation framework to assess the programme’s impact on the long-term livelihoods of beneficiaries.

    The study was carried out over 14 days in 2020, coinciding with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With health restrictions in place, the research had to pivot from planned in-person interviews and focus groups to virtual interviews with key stakeholders and an online survey of beneficiaries. The survey gathered data from 33 beneficiaries, while interviews provided valuable insights from project managers overseeing the clearing initiative.

    The gaps

    I found that the project faced a number of challenges.

    Firstly, there was inconsistency in the number of workdays participants were assigned. Given that public works projects aim to alleviate poverty – primarily through stipends – budget cuts forced managers to focus on retaining beneficiaries to ensure they could at least feed themselves. This often meant reducing the number of workdays (from the required 230 days to just 100 days) and scaling back skills training.

    Secondly, there were shortcomings in the quality and availability of the skills training they received. Many of the courses offered were short-term or specific to invasive plant clearing, including herbicide application, brush cutter operation and firefighting. This meant it wasn’t relevant to the labour market.

    In the Northern Cape, the economy hinges on industries like mining, agriculture, manufacturing and construction. In mining, for example, knowledge of machinery operation, safety protocols and mine supervision is vital. Agriculture needs workers skilled in sustainable farming, irrigation techniques and equipment operation. Manufacturing needs expertise in production line management, welding and machinery operation. Construction projects require workers proficient in project management, site safety and heavy machinery operation.

    Given the region’s tourism potential, customer service and tour guiding are valuable. Finally, fostering entrepreneurship through business management and financial literacy can empower individuals to create small businesses. In addition, soft skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork are essential across all sectors for long-term employability.

    Many beneficiaries reported cycling through the Prosopis mesquite clearing project repeatedly, without gaining the work experience or skills needed to move into more sustainable jobs in the wider labour market.

    Thirdly, budget cuts restricted the availability of resources for both training and work opportunities.

    As a result, the initiative fell short of providing participants with the tools necessary for long-term economic success. Their prospects were limited after the project’s conclusion.

    Given the findings of my research study, the programme requires a shift in focus and changes need to be made.

    What needs to be done

    Firstly, funding for projects needs to be consistent. Secondly, training needs to be aligned with labour market needs. And thirdly, there needs to be a structured system for tracking long-term outcomes on the beneficiaries’ livelihoods following their participation.

    Without a system to track outcomes, it’s difficult to assess whether the project is equipping participants with skills for employment in the sectors that are driving the local economy.

    With these changes the programme can transition from a short-term employment solution to a sustainable intervention that equips beneficiaries with useful, transferable skills that are applicable to a range of sectors. This would ultimately improve their prospects for stable employment and long-term economic security, provided those jobs are available.

    – South Africa’s ‘working for water’ programme is meant to lead to skills and jobs: why it’s failing
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-working-for-water-programme-is-meant-to-lead-to-skills-and-jobs-why-its-failing-248694

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 50-2025: Scheduled Outage: Saturday 01 March to Sunday 02 March 2025 – BICON

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    24 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients required to use the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned outage.

    Information

    To support system maintenance, BICON will be unavailable from 23:00 Saturday 01 March to 01:00 Sunday 02 March 2025 (AEDT).

    Following the system maintenance, BICON account holders will have greater visibility on the status of their permit applications that are underway. This improved…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 49-2025: Scheduled Outage: Saturday 01 March to Sunday 02 March 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    24 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients required to use the Export / Next Export Documentation (EXDOC/NEXDOC) systems during this planned maintenance period.

    All clients who will be required to make an online payment during this planned maintenance period.

    All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment during this planned maintenance period.

    All…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tech to play growing role in agriculture

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has issued new guidelines outlining 10 key areas for agricultural technology innovation from 2024 to 2028, focusing on breeding new crop varieties, improving arable land quality, developing green and low-carbon agriculture and promoting rural development.

    The guidelines call for the development of rapid soil testing technologies to support smart agriculture, alongside a digital soil information system, a multidimensional soil monitoring network, and farmland evaluation and early warning platforms.

    Innovation in green and low-carbon agriculture should focus on controlling agricultural non-point source pollution, advancing climate-adaptive farming and promoting ecological circular agriculture, the document states.

    “The overall level of China’s agricultural science and technology innovation has advanced to the global forefront, with the contribution rate of agricultural science and technology progress surpassing 63 percent,” Zhang Xingwang, vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said at a news conference in January.

    To improve farmland quality and safeguard food security, efforts will focus on building a robust technology system for farmland conservation and restoring degraded land, including black soil and saline-alkali land.

    “In 2024, over 400 million mu (26.67 million hectares) of black soil was restored, and a nationwide ‘physical examination’ of soil was conducted, with 3.11 million samples collected from 2.87 million sites,” Zhang said.

    Chen Bangxun, director of the ministry’s development and planning department, said China will strengthen the protection and use of arable land and water resources, promote clean agricultural production, launch pilot projects in green and circular farming, and integrate ecological practices into agricultural industries.

    The guidelines also call for more technology-driven solutions to improve rural living conditions, develop sustainable rural industries and enhance rural governance.

    Modern agricultural and rural development models should be tailored to regional economic conditions in the eastern, central, western and northeastern parts of the country, the document states.

    Key digital technologies should be developed to improve rural governance, expand healthcare access and extend agricultural industrial chains. The integration and sharing of information and data should be promoted to accelerate rural digital transformation.

    “The key to agricultural modernization lies in the modernization of agricultural science and technology,” Zhang said.

    “Next, we will enhance the agricultural science and technology innovation system, nurture leading and fast-growing agricultural technology enterprises, accelerate the application of scientific achievements and provide strong technological support for building a strong agricultural nation,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 48-2025: Scheduled Outage: Friday 28 February 2025 – AAMP

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    24 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view and/or update details of their Approved Arrangement via the Approved Arrangement Management Product (AAMP).

    Information

    Due to scheduled system maintenance, AAMP will be unavailable between 20:00 to 23:30 Friday 28 February 2025 (AEDT).

    Action

    Clients are advised to await the completion of this maintenance period before attempting to access this…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China exerts efforts to build diversified food supply system

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Feb. 23 — The wide variety of dishes served at gatherings during traditional Chinese festivals reflects the country’s commitment to establishing a diversified food supply system, Wang Jinchen, an official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said on the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

    This year’s “No. 1 central document,” released on Sunday, stresses that work must be done to build a diversified food supply system and adopt an all-encompassing approach to agriculture and food.

    It says that efforts will be made to expand food resources through multiple channels, such as by promoting the high-quality development of fisheries, increasing the supply of food from forests, and enhancing the development of the edible mushroom industry.

    Last September, China issued a document on accelerating the establishment of a diversified food supply system to guarantee grain security and build up the country’s strength in agriculture.

    To implement the directives of these documents, it is necessary to ensure and enhance national food security, Wang said, stressing that a diversified food supply system cannot be achieved without the support of all kinds of resource factors.

    Next, the ministry will work with other relevant authorities to enhance collaboration, facilitating the convergence of various food resources to work toward the development of a diversified food system, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – EPA approves new crop protection tool

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a new insecticide to control pests on key crops such as beets for livestock, and brassicas.
    Bayer New Zealand applied to import or manufacture Sivanto Prime, an insecticide containing 200 g/L of flupyradifurone, a chemical new to New Zealand.
    Bayer says Sivanto Prime has a new way of working that targets sucking pests such as aphids, nysius fly and springtails, providing growers with an alternative to older, broad-spectrum insecticides.
    “This decision will help farmers protect crops that are essential to New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager.
    Insect pests can cause significant damage to feed crops, making them less palatable to stock and reducing yields.
    Bayer says Sivanto Prime may be considered compatible with newer, lighter-touch farming practices because it works in a more targeted way.
    The decision to approve Sivanto Prime was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process, says Dr Fleury.
    “As this product contains an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand, we assessed the scientific data and evidence, as well as economic and local information, to help enable new chemistry while continuing to protect people’s health and our unique environment.”
    Flupyradifurone is approved for use in other countries, including Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the United States of America.
    The substance can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, and users must comply with specific controls.
    As an agricultural compound, Sivanto Prime must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it can be used in New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address at the layIng of foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical & Science Research Institute

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 FEB 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Present at the event, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel; Chief Minister Bhai Mohan Yadav Ji; Jagatguru Pujya Rambhadracharya Ji; Peethadheeswar of Bageshwar Dham, Shri Dhirendra Shastri Ji; Sadhvi Ritambhara Ji; Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji; Mahant Shri Balak Yogeshchardas Ji; the Member of Parliament from this region, Vishnudev Sharma Ji; along with other dignitaries and my dear brothers and sisters!

    This marks only the second occasion in a very long time that I have had the privilege of visiting Bundelkhand, the land of heroes. And this time, it is Balaji who has summoned me. By the grace of Lord Hanuman, this revered religious centre is now set to transform into a centre of healthcare as well. I have just performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Shri Bageshwar Dham Medical Science and Research Institute. This institute will be established on a 10-acre site, and in its first phase, a 100-bed facility will be completed. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shri Dhirendra Shastri Ji for undertaking this noble endeavour and also convey my best wishes to the people of Bundelkhand.

    Friends,

    In the present times, we observe a certain section of leaders who mock religion, deride it, and engage in divisive tactics. On numerous occasions, foreign powers also attempt to weaken our nation and its spiritual foundations by lending support to such individuals. Those who harbour animosity towards the Hindu faith have, in some form or another, existed for centuries. Those who remain trapped in a colonial mindset persistently attack our beliefs, our temples, our saints, our culture, and our values. They show utter disrespect towards our festivals, traditions, and customs. They even dare to cast aspersions upon a religion and culture that are inherently progressive. Their agenda is to fragment our society and disrupt its unity.

    In these circumstances, my younger brother, Dhirendra Shastri Ji, has long been enlightening people with the mantra of unity across the nation. Now, he has taken yet another noble resolution in the service of society and humanity—he has resolved to establish this cancer institute. Thus, here in Bageshwar Dham, not only will bhajans and prasad be offered, but the gift of a healthy life will also be bestowed.

    Friends,

    Our temples, mutts, and sacred sites have always served as centres of both worship and meditation. At the same time, they have also been hubs of scientific inquiry, social thought, and collective consciousness. It was our sages who bestowed upon us the science of Ayurveda, as well as the discipline of yoga—both of which are now celebrated across the world. Our belief is simple: There is no greater religion than selfless service, my friends. In other words, to serve others, to alleviate their suffering, is the essence of true religion. Hence, it has been our long-standing tradition to serve all living beings with the conviction that divinity resides in every human—Narayan in man, Shiva in every being. 

    At present, discussions about the Maha Kumbh are resonating everywhere. The grand event is now drawing to a close, with crores having already gathered, taken the sacred dip, and sought blessings from the saints. When we observe this Maha Kumbh, a profound realisation dawns upon us—it is truly a Maha Kumbh of unity (Ekta Ka Mahakumbh). Held after an astonishing 144 years, this Maha Kumbh will continue to inspire generations to come as a symbol of unity, strengthening the collective spirit of our nation like an eternal stream of nectar. A remarkable sense of service prevails among the people. Every visitor to Kumbh has undoubtedly witnessed this unity firsthand. However, there are two common sentiments echoed by everyone I have met, from every corner of India, who have attended the Maha Kumbh. First, they wholeheartedly praise the sanitation workers. Their dedication and tireless efforts in maintaining cleanliness around the clock in this Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh are truly commendable. Today, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all these sanitation workers for their unwavering spirit of service. 

    The second remarkable aspect—one that is rarely acknowledged in our country—is the extraordinary contribution of our police personnel. This time, I have observed that every pilgrim returning from the Maha Kumbh speaks of how the policemen, with utmost humility and dedication, have cared for crores of devotees as if they were seekers themselves—true sevavartis (selfless servers). These policemen, who have won the hearts of the people through their exemplary service, also deserve our heartfelt congratulations.

    But, brothers and sisters,

    In this Maha Kumbh of Prayagraj, numerous social service initiatives are being carried out with the spirit of selfless service. Unfortunately, it is difficult for the media to focus on them, and as a result, they have not received much attention. If I were to discuss all these service projects in detail, it might disrupt my next programme. However, I wish to highlight one remarkable initiative—the Maha Kumbh of Netra—which is taking place within this Ekta ka Maha Kumbh.

    At this Netra Maha Kumbh, pilgrims from across the country, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, are receiving free eye check-ups. For the past two months, esteemed ophthalmologists from across the nation have been volunteering their services. So far, the eyes of more than two lakh of my brothers and sisters have been examined. Additionally, approximately 1.5 lakh individuals have received free medicines and spectacles. Those diagnosed with cataract—about 16,000 people—were referred to Chitrakoot and nearby hospitals with advanced eye care facilities, where they underwent cataract surgery completely free of charge. Numerous such noble initiatives are being carried out within this Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh.

    Brothers and sisters,

    Who is behind these efforts? Under the guidance of our revered saints and sages, thousands of doctors and volunteers have selflessly dedicated themselves to this cause, working with unwavering commitment and a deep sense of service. Those visiting this Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh are truly appreciating these efforts.

    Brothers and sisters,

    Similarly, many of Bharat’s largest hospitals are being operated by our religious institutions. Several research institutes dedicated to health and science are also being run by religious trusts. These institutions provide medical care to crores of underprivileged individuals, offering them vital treatment and support. My ‘Didi Maa’ is present here. Her devotion to serving orphaned girls is truly inspiring. She has dedicated her entire life to the welfare of these daughters.

    Friends,

    Chitrakoot, the sacred land of Bundelkhand, closely associated with Lord Rama, has long been a major centre for serving the sick and the divyang (Differently-abled). I am pleased that another glorious chapter is being added to this noble tradition through Bageshwar Dham. Now, Bageshwar Dham will not only be a place of faith & spirituality but also a centre for healing, where the blessings of good health will be bestowed.

    I have been informed that in just two days, on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, a mass marriage ceremony for 251 daughters will also be organised here. I deeply appreciate Bageshwar Dham for undertaking this sacred initiative. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the newly-wed couples and bless my daughters in advance, wishing them a life filled with joy and prosperity.

    Friends,

    Our scriptures say: शरीर-माद्यं खलु धर्म-साधनम्। —which means that our body and our health are the foremost instruments for practising our duties, achieving happiness, and attaining success. That is why, when the nation entrusted me with the opportunity to serve, I made Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas the guiding principle of our government. And a crucial foundation of this resolution is Sabka Ilaaj, Sabka Arogya (Healthcare for All, Wellness for All).

    To fulfil this vision, we are working on multiple levels, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention. Let me ask you—under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, have toilets been built in every village or not? Have they been beneficial to you or not? You may be aware that building toilets brings another major advantage—reducing diseases caused by poor sanitation. Studies have shown that households with proper toilets save thousands of rupees that would otherwise be spent on medical expenses.

    Friends,

    Before our government came to power in 2014, the situation in the country was such that the poor feared the cost of treatment more than the disease itself. If even one family member fell seriously ill, the entire household would face severe financial distress. I, too, come from a humble background, just like many of you. I have witnessed these struggles firsthand. That is why I have made a solemn pledge—to reduce the burden of medical expenses and ensure that you save as much of your hard-earned money as possible.

    I frequently share information about our government’s welfare schemes because I want to ensure that no deserving person is left out. Today, I am reiterating some crucial details once again, and I hope you will not only remember them but also share them with your acquaintances. Will you do that for me? I am sure you will—because spreading awareness is also an act of service. Shouldn’t we reduce the burden of medical expenses?

    That is why I have introduced a provision for free treatment for every underprivileged individual—medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh at no cost! No son will have to worry about spending ₹5 lakh on his parents’ treatment—your son sitting in Delhi will take care of it for you. However, to avail of this benefit, you must obtain an Ayushman Card. I am certain that many among you have already secured your Ayushman Card. Those who haven’t should do so at the earliest. Additionally, I urge the Chief Minister to ensure that any gaps in implementation in this region are swiftly addressed.

    Friends,

    There is one more important thing you must remember. Now, Ayushman Cards are being issued to provide free medical treatment to all elderly individuals above 70 years of age—regardless of whether they are poor, middle-class, or wealthy. These cards will be generated online, and no payment is required. If anyone demands money for it, you must write to me directly—I will take care of the rest. So, if someone asks for money, what will you do? You will write to me! I also urge our revered saints and spiritual leaders to ensure they have their Ayushman Cards, so that if they ever fall ill, I get the privilege of serving them. Of course, I hope you all remain in good health, but should the need ever arise, this facility must be readily available.

    Brothers and sisters,

    In many cases, hospitalisation is not necessary—patients only need to take prescribed medication at home. To make medicines more affordable, we have established over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. These centres offer medicines at significantly lower prices—where a medicine might cost Rs 100 in the market, the same can be obtained for just Rs 15, Rs 20, or Rs 25 at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Now, tell me—won’t this help you save money? Shouldn’t you purchase your medicines from Jan Aushadhi Kendras?

    I also want to highlight another concern. Reports indicate that kidney disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in villages. When kidney ailments worsen, patients require regular dialysis, which often involves travelling long distances and incurring high expenses. To address this issue, we have established over 1,500 dialysis centres across more than 700 districts in the country, providing free dialysis facilities.

    It is essential that you not only take advantage of these government schemes but also spread awareness among others. Will you do this for me? Raise your hands and tell me—will you do it? This is an act of service, a noble deed that will earn you punya.

    Friends,

    A major hospital for cancer patients is soon to be established in Bageshwar Dham. As cancer is rapidly becoming a serious concern everywhere, the government, society, and spiritual leaders are all making collective efforts to combat this disease.

    Brothers and sisters,

    I understand how challenging it is to fight cancer, especially in villages. In many cases, people remain unaware for days, even months, that they have cancer. Initially, they resort to home remedies for fever and pain, some turn to prayers and rituals, while others fall into the hands of fraudulent healers. It is only when the pain intensifies or a lump becomes visible that they seek medical attention, only to receive the devastating diagnosis of cancer. The mere mention of the disease fills an entire household with grief and fear, shattering dreams and leaving families unsure of where to turn for treatment. For most, Delhi and Mumbai are the only known options.

    This is precisely why our government is actively addressing these challenges. In this year’s budget, several key announcements have been made to strengthen the fight against cancer. Modi has committed to making cancer medications more affordable. Over the next three years, Cancer Day Care Centres will be established in every district across the country, providing testing and rest facilities. Additionally, cancer clinics are being set up in district hospitals and medical centres within your vicinity to ensure better accessibility to treatment.

    But, brothers and sisters,

    There is something I must say—it may not be pleasant to hear, but it is essential for all of us to act upon it, remember it, and integrate it into our lives. You must be vigilant and proactive in protecting yourself from cancer. The first and foremost step is early detection. Once cancer spreads, it becomes incredibly difficult to treat. That is why we are conducting a nationwide screening campaign for individuals above the age of 30. I urge each one of you to take full advantage of this initiative—do not ignore it. If there is even the slightest suspicion, seek a cancer screening immediately. Another crucial aspect is awareness. Cancer is not a contagious disease—it does not spread through physical contact. However, certain lifestyle habits significantly increase the risk. Smoking bidis and cigarettes, consuming gutkha, tobacco, and heavily spiced foods are major contributors to cancer. I can already see that the mothers and sisters among us are especially pleased to hear this. Therefore, I implore you—stay away from these harmful substances and encourage others to do the same. Prioritise your health and well-being. If we take preventive measures, we can reduce the burden on hospitals like the one being built in Bageshwar Dham. Wouldn’t it be better if you never had to come here as a patient? You will take precautions, won’t you? You will not be careless, right?

    Friends,

    Modi is devoted to serving you as your humble servant. During my last visit to Chhatarpur, I had the privilege of inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for projects worth thousands of crores, which the Chief Minister has just outlined. You may recall that among them was the Ken-Betwa Link Project, worth Rs 45,000 crore. This project had been stalled for decades—so many governments came and went, leaders from every political party visited Bundelkhand, yet the water crisis here only deepened. Tell me, did any of the previous governments fulfil their promises? This long-pending project only saw progress when you bestowed your blessings upon Modi.

    Efforts are also being made at an accelerated pace to address the drinking water crisis. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission—the Har Ghar Jal project—water is now being supplied to every village in Bundelkhand through pipelines. We are working tirelessly to ensure that water reaches rural areas, easing the struggles of our farmer brothers and sisters and ultimately increasing their income.

    Brothers and sisters,

    For Bundelkhand to truly prosper, it is essential that our mothers and sisters become equally empowered. To achieve this, we have launched initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi. Our goal is to transform three crore sisters into Lakhpati Didis, enabling them to achieve financial independence. Women are also being trained to operate drones. Imagine—irrigation water flowing to Bundelkhand, our sisters spraying crops with drones, actively participating in agriculture. This will propel Bundelkhand rapidly on the path of prosperity.

    Brothers and sisters,

    Another significant transformation is underway in our villages through drone technology. Under the Swamitva Yojana, drones are being used to conduct precise land surveys, and proper ownership documents are being issued. Here in Madhya Pradesh, remarkable progress has been made in this regard. People are now able to secure bank loans easily using these legal documents, which are being utilised to start businesses and create employment opportunities, ultimately increasing incomes.

    Friends,

    The double-engine government is working relentlessly to elevate this sacred land of Bundelkhand to new heights of development. Today, at Bageshwar Dham, I pray that Bundelkhand continues to advance along the path of prosperity and progress. When I arrived at the feet of Hanuman Dada, a thought crossed my mind—will Dhirendra Shastri alone draw the divine slip today, or will I have the honour of drawing one as well? I wanted to see whether Hanuman Dada Ji would bless me. And indeed, with his divine grace, today I drew the first slip—his mother’s slip—and Shastri Ji has already shared its significance with you.

    Well, my comrades,

    This is a grand occasion, a monumental mission. When the resolution is strong, when saints’ blessings and divine grace are with us, every goal is achieved within its destined timeframe. Some of you have asked me to come for the inauguration, while others have invited me to attend their wedding processions. Today, I make a public promise—I will fulfil both commitments!

    Once again, my heartfelt best wishes to all of you. Thank you very much. Har Har Mahadev!

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute

    Our temples, our monasteries, our holy places have been centres of worship and resources on one hand and on the other they have also been centres of science and social consciousness: PM

    It was our sages who gave us the science of Ayurveda, the science of yoga, which has been acclaimed worldwide today: PM

    When the country gave me the opportunity to serve, I made the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ the resolution of the government, and this resolve of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ is based on – treatment for all, health for all: PM

    Posted On: 23 FEB 2025 4:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh today. Remarking that it was his good fortune to be back in Bundelkhand for the second time in a short span, Shri Modi said that the spiritual center Bageshwar Dham would soon be a health center too. He added that the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute would be built in an area of 10 acres and a 100 bed facility would be ready in the first phase. He congratulated Shri Dhirendra Shastri for the noble work and extended his greetings to the people of Bundelkhand.

    The Prime Minister remarked that these days there was a class of political leaders who ridiculed religion and were involved in separating people. He added that at times, there was support to such individuals from foreign entities as well to weaken the nation and religion. He further said that the people who abhor Hindu religion have existed since a long time in various forms. The Prime Minister highlighted the persistent attacks on our beliefs, traditions, and temples and remarked that these elements attack our saints, culture, and principles. They target our festivals, customs, and rituals, and even dare to defame the inherently progressive nature of our religion and culture. Shri Modi underscored their agenda to divide our society and break its unity. In this context, he highlighted the efforts of Shri Dhirendra Shastri, who has been raising awareness about the mantra of unity in the country for a long time. Shri Modi announced that Shri Dhirendra Shastri had taken another pledge for the welfare of society and humanity in the form of establishing a cancer institute. Consequently, in Bageshwar Dham, the blessings of devotion, nourishment, and a healthy life will now be available, he added.

    “Our temples, monasteries, and sacred sites have had dual roles as both centers of worship and hubs for scientific and social thought”, said the Prime Minister, remarking that our sages have provided us with the science of Ayurveda and Yoga, which is now globally recognized. He emphasized the belief that service to others and alleviating their suffering is true religion. He highlighted our tradition of serving all living beings with the sentiments of “Nara in Narayan” and “Shiva in all beings.” Noting the widespread discussions about the Maha Kumbh, which is nearing completion with crores of people having participated, taken a holy dip, and received blessings from saints, Shri Modi hailed it as a “Maha Kumbh of Unity” and thanked all the sanitation workers and police officers for their dedicated service. He pointed out that amidst the Maha Kumbh, a ‘Netra Maha Kumbh’ was  also being held, though it hasn’t garnered as much attention, where over two lakh eye check-ups have been conducted, around one and a half lakh people have received free medicine and glasses, and about sixteen thousand patients have been referred to various hospitals for cataract and other surgeries. The Prime Minister acknowledged the numerous health and service-related initiatives taking place during the Maha Kumbh under the guidance of our sages, with thousands of doctors and volunteers participating selflessly. The attendees of the Kumbh have appreciated these efforts, he said.

    The Prime Minister underlined the role of religious institutions in running large hospitals across India. He remarked that many health and science research institutes are managed by religious trusts, providing treatment and service to crores of poor people. He noted that the sacred pilgrimage site of Chitrakoot in Bundelkhand, associated with Lord Rama, was a major center for serving the differently-abled and patients. He also expressed happiness that Bageshwar Dham was adding a new chapter to this glorious tradition by offering blessings of health. He announced that two days later, on Mahashivaratri, there will be a mass wedding ceremony for 251 daughters. The Prime Minister praised Bageshwar Dham for this noble initiative and extended his heartfelt congratulations and blessings to all the newlywed couples and daughters for a beautiful life ahead.

    Quoting the scripture, “Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam,” emphasizing that our body and health are the primary means for achieving our religion, happiness, and success, the Prime Minister remarked that when the country entrusted him with the opportunity to serve, he made the mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ as the Government’s resolution. He highlighted that a major foundation of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ was ‘Sabka Ilaaj, Sabko Aarogya’ meaning Healthcare for all and underscored the focus on disease prevention at various levels.  Acknowledging that toilets had been constructed under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Shri Modi pointed out that the construction of toilets had reduced diseases caused by unhygienic conditions. He cited a study indicating that households with toilets have saved thousands of rupees on medical expenses.

    The Prime Minister remarked that before their Government came to power in 2014, the poor in the country feared the cost of treatment more than the illness itself and pointed out that a serious illness in a family would put the entire family in crisis. He shared that he also comes from a poor family and has witnessed such hardships and had resolved to reduce the cost of treatment and save more money for the people. Reiterating his commitment to ensuring that no needy person is left out of Government schemes, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of reducing the burden of medical expenses and highlighted the provision of free treatment for every poor person, up to Rs. 5 lakh, through the Ayushman Card. He urged those who have not to get it made as soon as possible.

    Informing that Ayushman Cards were now being issued for free treatment to elderly individuals above 70 years of age, irrespective of whether the family is poor, middle-class, or wealthy,  Shri Modi said these cards can be obtained online without any cost and urged that no one should pay for the Ayushman Card and asked people to report if someone demands money. The Prime Minister remarked that many treatments do not require hospital admission, as prescribed medicines can be taken at home. To reduce the cost of medicines, over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers have been opened across the country, providing affordable medicines, he added. He also pointed out that kidney disease is another significant health issue requiring continuous dialysis and over 1,500 dialysis centers have been opened in more than 700 districts, offering free dialysis services. The Prime Minister urged everyone to spread awareness about these Government schemes among their acquaintances and ensure no one misses out on the benefits.

    “Cancer has become a significant issue everywhere; the Government, society, and saints are all united in the fight against cancer”, highlighted Shri Modi. He remarked on the difficulties faced by villagers when someone is diagnosed with cancer. He highlighted the lack of early detection and the tendency to rely on home remedies for fever and pain, resulting in late diagnosis when the situation worsens. The Prime Minister noted the fear and confusion that grips families upon hearing the diagnosis of cancer, with many only knowing about treatment centers in Delhi and Mumbai. He emphasized the Government’s efforts to address these challenges, including several announcements in this year’s budget to combat cancer. He added that he was committed to making cancer medications more affordable and announced the opening of cancer daycare centers in every district over the next three years. These centers will provide both diagnostic and respite care services. Shri Modi also highlighted the opening of cancer clinics in district hospitals and medical centers in local neighborhoods to ensure easier access to treatment.

    Emphasising the importance of being cautious and aware to protect against cancer, the Prime Minister remarked that early detection is crucial, as cancer becomes harder to combat once it spreads. He highlighted the ongoing campaign to screen all individuals above 30 years of age and urged everyone to participate and avoid negligence. He stressed the need for immediate cancer screening if there is any doubt. Underscoring the importance of accurate information about cancer, stating that it is not a contagious disease and does not spread through touch, Shri Modi pointed out that the risk of cancer increases with the use of bidi, cigarettes, gutka, tobacco, and spices, and advised staying away from these substances. He urged everyone to take care of their body and health and to adopt these precautions diligently to avoid any negligence.

    Stressing his dedication to serving the people, the Prime Minister remarked on his previous visit to Chhatarpur, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth thousands of crores. He highlighted the inclusion of the Rs. 45,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, which had been pending for decades despite multiple governments and leaders visiting Bundelkhand. Shri Modi noted the persistent water scarcity in the region and questioned whether any previous government had fulfilled its promises. He emphasized that the work commenced only after receiving the people’s blessings. He underlined the rapid progress in addressing the drinking water crisis. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, or the Har Ghar Jal Project, piped water is being supplied to villages across Bundelkhand, he added. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to alleviate the difficulties faced by farmers and increase their income, stating that the government is working tirelessly day and night.

    Emphasizing the importance of empowering women for the prosperity of Bundelkhand, Shri Modi remarked on the introduction of initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi and announced the goal of making 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis. He highlighted that women are being trained to operate drones, which will be used for crop spraying and assisting in agriculture once irrigation water reaches Bundelkhand. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these efforts will propel Bundelkhand rapidly towards prosperity.

    The Prime Minister highlighted the significant use of drone technology in villages under the Swamitva Yojana for accurate land measurement and providing solid land records. He noted the successful implementation of this initiative in Madhya Pradesh, where people are now using these documents to easily obtain loans from banks, which are being utilized for businesses, thereby increasing people’s income.

    Concluding the address, the Prime Minister emphasized the relentless efforts of the Governments at Center and state in making  Bundelkhand achieve new heights of development. He expressed hope that Bundelkhand continues on the path of prosperity and development and extended his best wishes to everyone.

    The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh is being built to ensure better healthcare services for people from all walks of life. The Cancer hospital worth over Rs 200 crore will offer free treatment to underprivileged cancer patients and will be equipped with state-of-the-art machines and have specialist doctors.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chairs 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune, Maharashtra

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chairs 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune, Maharashtra

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Whole of Government approach is not just a mantra but a culture

    In the Modi government, Zonal Councils have been established as a strategic decision-making platform, surpassing their traditional role as formal institutions

    The government’s goal is to ensure bank branches or postal banking facilities are available within a three-kilometer radius in every village across the country

    Home Minister urges states to take the issues of malnutrition and stunting in children very seriously and implement all possible measures to address them

    All states should launch a large-scale awareness campaign to connect farmers with the app designed to facilitate the sale of pulses to the Government of India at MSP

    Topics of digital infrastructure and cyber crime will also be included in the purview of the Inter State Council

    Posted On: 22 FEB 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune, Maharashtra today. The meeting was attended by several dignitaries including Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The Union Home Secretary, Secretary, Inter State Council Secretariat, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Chief Secretaries of States of Western Region, and other senior officials of State and Union Ministries and Departments also attended the meeting.

     

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah stated that while the role of zonal councils are advisory in nature, in recent years, these meetings have evolved into a platform for sharing best practices adopted by various states and showcasing significant national-level achievements. He emphasized that through zonal council meetings, the country has successfully fostered inclusive solutions and holistic development, driven by dialogue, engagement, and collaboration.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Whole of Government approach has transformed from a mantra into a guiding culture. He emphasized that the Zonal Councils have been established as a strategic decision-making platform, surpassing their traditional role as a formal institutions. Through this platform, several significant and transformative decisions have been made, particularly in the meetings of the Eastern Zonal Council. He further highlighted that these meetings have facilitated the exchange of innovative solutions and efforts to resolve long-standing issues in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

    The Home Minister emphasized the Western region’s critical role in the country’s economy, noting that it accounts for more than half of India’s trade with the world. He highlighted that the Northern and Central regions also rely on the Western region for global trade. Shri Amit Shah pointed out that key infrastructure, including ports and urban development facilities in the Western region, serves not only its states but also others like Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. He further stated that the Western region contributes 25% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is home to industries where 80 to 90% of operations take place. Given its economic significance, he described the Western region as a benchmark for balanced and holistic development across the country.

    Shri Amit Shah underlined that since Shri Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the Zonal Councils have evolved from mere formal institutions into dynamic platforms driving meaningful change. He highlighted a significant increase in their activity, noting that from 2004 to 2014, only 25 meetings were held, whereas from 2014 to February 2025, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, a total of 61 meetings took place—an increase of 140%. Similarly, he pointed out that while 469 topics were discussed between 2004 and 2014, the number rose to 1,541 from 2014 to February 2025, reflecting a 170% surge. In terms of issue resolution, only 448 cases were settled in the earlier decade, compared to 1,280 in the last ten years.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the government is steadily moving towards achieving 100% targets in subject areas mentioned in the puview of Zonal Council meetings. He highlighted significant progress in expanding financial access, noting that the goal of establishing bank branches or postal banking facilities within 05 kilometers of every village has almost been accomplished. In today’s meeting, a new target was set to further reduce this distance to 03 kilometers, ensuring even greater accessibility. He emphasized that this achievement, made possible through the cooperation of all states, is a significant milestone and a source of collective satisfaction.

    Shri Amit Shah acknowledged that the states in the western zone are among the most prosperous in the country. However, he expressed concern over the prevalence of Malnutrition and Stunting among children and citizens in these states. He urged the Chief Ministers, Ministers, and Chief Secretaries of the western zone to prioritize eliminating malnutrition to improve overall health. He emphasized that good health is not solely dependent on medicines and hospitals; rather, efforts should be made to ensure that children and citizens do not require them in the first place. The Home Minister stressed the need for serious attention to the problem of stunting in children and called for all possible measures to resolve it. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of reducing school dropout rates and enhancing the quality of education.

    Union Home Minister expressed concern over the import of pulses and emphasized the need to boost domestic production. He noted that while farmers previously faced difficulties in getting fair prices for pulses, the government has now developed a mobile app that enables the direct purchase of 100% of their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He urged the western states to actively promote this app and encourage farmer registrations, ensuring fair pricing and contributing to the country’s self-sufficiency in pulse production.

    Highlighting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’, Shri Amit Shah emphasized that cooperation is the key to achieving 100% employment in the country. He stressed the importance of strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), making them multi-dimensional, and effectively implementing more than 56 initiatives designed to realize the full potential of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’. He urged Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa to take all necessary steps to build a robust cooperative infrastructure at the grassroots level.

    Referring to the implementation of three new criminal laws, the Union Home Minister emphasized that it is now time to ensure that citizens receive 100% of the constitutional rights granted to them. He further stated that in the coming days, issues related to digital infrastructure and cybercrime will also be brought under the purview of the Inter State Council. He urged the states to proactively prepare for these developments.

    Shri Amit Shah emphasized the importance of leveraging current efforts and a well-defined roadmap to drive the long-term economic development of both the country and individual states. He stressed the need to maximize growth potential by utilizing the strategic platform of regional councils to achieve 100% development objectives.

    A total of 18 issues were discussed in the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council. In the meeting, some important issues related to the member states and the country as a whole was discussed in detail. These include land transfer, mining, speedy investigation of rape cases against women and children, implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) scheme for speedy disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases, implementation of Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), bank branches/postal banking facility in every village, issues related to railway project and food security norms etc.

    Apart from these, 6 issues of national importance were also discussed, which include – urban master plan and affordable housing, electricity operation/supply, eliminating malnutrition in children through Poshan Abhiyan, reducing drop-out rate of school children, participation of government hospitals in Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Best practices adopted by Member States/UTs were also shared in the meeting.

    In his address during the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation described Pune as the cultural capital not just of Maharashtra but of the entire country. He highlighted Pune’s historical significance, noting that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Peshwas, and Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s direction across various fields. He also expressed gratitude to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, for successfully organizing the meeting and ensuring excellent arrangements.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from 23rd to 25th February

    Source: Government of India (2)

    PM to visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from 23rd to 25th February

    PM to lay the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Chattarpur, MP

    PM to inaugurate the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, MP

    PM to inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects and release the 19th instalment of PM KISAN in Bhagalpur, Bihar

    PM to inaugurate Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, Assam

    PM to attend the Jhumoir Binandini (Mega Jhumoir) 2025 programme in Guwahati, Assam

    Posted On: 22 FEB 2025 2:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from 23rd to 25th February. On 23rd February, he will travel to Chhatarpur District in Madhya Pradesh and at around 2 PM, he will lay the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute. On 24th February, at around 10 AM, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal. Thereafter, he will travel to Bhagalpur in Bihar and at around 2:15 PM, he will release the 19th instalment of PM KISAN scheme and also inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects in Bihar. Further he will travel to Guwahati and at around 6 PM, he will attend the Jhumoir Binandini (Mega Jhumoir) 2025 programme. On 25th February, at around 10:45 AM, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati.

    PM in Madhya Pradesh

    Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district. Ensuring better healthcare services for people from all walks of life, the Cancer hospital, worth over Rs 200 crore will offer free treatment to underprivileged cancer patients and will be equipped with state-of-the-art machines and have specialist doctors.

    Prime Minister will also inaugurate the two-day Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal. Serving as an important platform to establish Madhya Pradesh as a global investment hub, the GIS will include departmental summits; specialized sessions on Pharma and Medical Devices, Transport and Logistics, Industry, Skill Development, Tourism and MSMEs among others. It will also include international sessions like the Global South countries conference, Latin America and Caribbean session and special sessions for key partner countries.

    Three major industrial exhibitions will be held during the Summit. The Auto Show will showcase Madhya Pradesh’s automotive capabilities and future mobility solutions. The Textile and Fashion Expo will highlight the state’s expertise in both traditional and modern textile manufacturing. The “One District-One Product” (ODOP) Village will showcase the state’s unique craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

    Representatives from over 60 countries, officials from various international organizations, over 300 prominent Industry leaders from India and policymakers among others will participate in the Summit.

    PM in Bihar

    Prime Minister has been committed towards ensuring farmer welfare. In line with this, several key initiatives will be undertaken by him at Bhagalpur. He will release the 19th instalment of PM KISAN at Bhagalpur. Over 9.7 crore farmers across the country will receive direct financial benefits amounting to more than Rs 21,500 crore.

    A significant focus of the Prime Minister has been on ensuring that farmers are able to get better remuneration for their produce. With this in mind, on 29th February, 2020, he launched the Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), which help farmers collectively market and produce their agricultural products. Within five years, this commitment of Prime Minister to the farmers has been fulfilled, with him marking the milestone of the formation of the 10,000th FPO in the country during the programme.

    Prime Minister will inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Breeds in Motihari, built under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Its major objectives include introduction of cutting edge IVF technology, production of elite animals of indigenous breeds for further propagation, and training of farmers and professionals in modern reproductive technology. He will also inaugurate the Milk Product Plant in Barauni that aims to create an organized market for 3 lakh milk producers.

    In line with his commitment to boost connectivity and infrastructure, Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the doubling of Warisaliganj – Nawada – Tilaiya rail section worth over Rs 526 crore and Ismailpur – Rafiganj Road Over Bridge.

    PM in Assam

    Prime Minister will attend the Jhumoir Binandini (Mega Jhumoir) 2025, a spectacular cultural extravaganza with 8,000 performers participating in the Jhumoir dance, a folk dance of Assam Tea Tribe and Adivasi Communities of Assam that embodies the spirit of inclusivity, unity and cultural pride, and symbolises Assam’s syncretic cultural mélange. The Mega Jhumoir event symbolises 200 years of the tea industry, and also 200 years of industrialisation in Assam.

    PM will also inaugurate the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, to be held from 25th to 26th February. It will include an inaugural Session, seven ministerial sessions and 14 thematic sessions. It will also include a comprehensive exhibition illustrating the state’s economic landscape, with a focus on its industrial evolution, global trade partnerships, booming industries, and the vibrant MSME sector, featuring over 240 exhibitors.

    Various international organisations, global leaders and investors, policymakers, industry experts, startups, and students among others will participate in the Summit.

     

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