Category: Fisheries

MIL-OSI Europe: RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde – A10-0004/2025

Source: European Parliament

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

(11267/2024 – C10‑0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE))

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the draft Council decision (11267/2024),

– having regard to the draft agreement (11026/2024),

– having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43(2) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0087/2024),

– having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

– having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4), and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Development,

– having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Fisheries (A10-0004/2025),

1. Gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;

2. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Cabo Verde.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (FPA) offers fishing opportunities for 56 EU vessels for tuna and related species in Cabo Verde’s waters.

The new agreement covers a period of five years and will offer EU vessels the possibility to fish 7 000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species in Cabo Verde’s waters. In return, the EU will pay Cabo Verde a financial contribution of 780 000€ per year (EUR 3 900 000 for the entire duration of the Protocol), from which 350 000€ is related to a reference tonnage of 7 000 tonnes, and 430 000€ to support for developing Cabo Verde’s sectoral fisheries policy.

The rapporteur highlights the strategic importance of Cabo Verde, as a relevant player in the Atlantic Ocean, remembering that the EU and Cabo Verde have developed a cooperative relationship for more than four decades, with respect and political dialogue. Currently, Cabo Verde and the EU share common values such as democracy, respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, the promotion of multilateralism, and Cabo Verde is part of a regional group, called Macaronesia, which includes the Azores, Madeira, Canaries and Cabo Verde. The evolution of relations in these fields led to the creation of the EU-Cabo Verde Special Partnership in 2007, which continues to evolve.

The rapporteur stresses the importance of the EU-Cabo Verde SFPA for the EU fleet fishing for tuna and related species in the Atlantic Ocean, following strict EU criteria with regard to fisheries management, resource conservation and environmental sustainability, while at the same time strictly respecting the human rights and contributing for local socioeconomic development.

The rapporteur considers that this is a balanced Agreement, in which the remuneration for the fishing opportunities is lower than the EU contribution to support the development of Cabo Verde fisheries sector. This Protocol puts special emphasis on promoting decent working conditions for fishing activity, scientific capacity building, observation and management of the marine environment and marine protected areas. It promotes sustainable fisheries management, fisheries control and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). It also contains new provisions to improve vessel monitoring, the management of fishing authorizations and enhanced management measures for shark stocks. The Protocol responds to Cabo Verde’s desire to strengthen the industrialization and competitiveness of its fishing sector.

In accordance with Article 218(6) TFEU, the consent of the European Parliament is required in order for the Council to adopt a decision on the conclusion of the Agreement.

In the light of the above, the Rapporteur recommends to Parliament to give its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS (22.11.2024)

for the Committee on Fisheries

on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

(COM(2024)0236 – C10‑0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE))

Rapporteur for budgetary assessment: Hélder Sousa Silva

The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

– having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union [1],

– having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources [2], and in particular point 20 thereof,

A. whereas the financial contribution for the entire duration of the Protocol is EUR 3 900 000 (i.e. EUR 780 000 per year), based on:

(a) a reference tonnage of 7 000 tonnes, for which an annual amount linked to access has been set at EUR 350 000;

(b) support for developing Cabo Verde’s sectoral fisheries policy, amounting to EUR 430 000 per year;

B. whereas the implementation of the Protocol requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below:

EUR million (to three decimal places)

DG MARE			Year 2024	Year 2025	Year 2026	Year 2027	Year 2028	TOTAL
□ Operational appropriations
Budget line 08.05.01	Commitments	(1a)	0.780	0.780	0.780	0.780	0.780	3.900
Budget line 08.05.01	Payments	(2 a)	0.780	0.780	0.780	0.780	0.780	3.900

C. whereas the annual amount for commitment and payment appropriations is established during the annual budgetary procedure, including for the reserve line for protocols not yet having entered into force at the beginning of the year;

1. Notes that the support allocated to the Protocol should meet the objectives of cooperation in the fields of sustainable exploitation of fishery resources, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, protection of the marine environment, and the blue economy; considers that this should be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that this is done effectively during the implementation of the Protocol; notes that the support has a direct link to the principles of the Samoa Agreement [3] reinforcing the Union’s external action towards African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and taking account, in particular, of the Union’s objectives with regard to democratic principles and human rights, strengthening EU presence in the region and the cooperation with an important strategic partner;

2. Recommends that, for future agreements, an impact assessment of the added value and socio-economic benefits derived from the previous agreement be taken into account; considers that this assessment should guide the negotiation and renewal of subsequent agreements to ensure that they align with the objectives of sustainable development and efficient use of the EU’s financial resources;

3. Notes that the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Cabo Verde had not yet entered into force at the beginning of this year;

4. Recalls that the IIA requires that amounts provided for in the budget for the renewal of fisheries agreements that enter into force after 1 January of the financial year concerned be put in the reserve;

5. Recalls that the use of the appropriations in the reserve requires a transfer in accordance with Article 31 of the Financial Regulation for the amount concerned from reserve line 30 02 02 to operational line 08 05 01;

6. Recalls that the Financial Regulation requires the Commission to only sign a protocol with financial implications when appropriations are available on the operational line;

7. Notes that the Protocol with Cabo Verde was signed on 23 July 2024;

8. Expresses its concern that no request for a transfer was submitted to the Committee on Budgets before the signing of the Protocol;

9. Takes note of the information from the Commission that for 2024 part of the unused appropriations for the implementation of the fisheries agreement with Greenland was available on operational line 08 05 01 and would be used for the implementation of the Protocol with Cabo Verde;

10. Considers that this practice does not respect the provisions of the IIA; furthermore, maintains that appropriations are to be used for the purpose for which they have been entered into the budget;

11. Notes the relatively small amount linked to the implementation of the Protocol with Cabo Verde, which might explain why the Commission has deviated from the required procedure; considers this to be a special situation that can be accepted by way of an exception;

12. Demands that the Commission act in compliance with the provisions of the IIA for any future fisheries agreement regardless of the amount involved;

13. Stresses that the financial programming of line 08 05 01 needs to be enough to cater for the financial obligations for 2025-2027, subject to the decision of the budgetary authority in the annual budgetary procedures; in this regard, notes that line 08 05 01 in the 2025 Draft Budget and in the Council Position on the 2025 Draft Budget includes an amount of EUR 150 560 000 in commitment appropriations and EUR 135 275 000 in payment appropriations; calls for scrutiny regarding the financial programming of line 08 05 01 in the annual budgets of 2026 and 2027;

14. Concludes that the Committee on Budgets is in a position to advise the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur for budgetary assessment declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

Title	Conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde
References	11267/2024 – C10-0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE)
Committee(s) responsible	PECH
Date announced in plenary	BUDG 19.9.2024
Rapporteur for budgetary assessment Date appointed	Hélder Sousa Silva 16.9.2024
Discussed in committee	14.10.2024
Date adopted	21.11.2024
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	26 5 0
Members present for the final vote	Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Tomasz Buczek, Tamás Deutsch, Angéline Furet, Thomas Geisel, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Fabienne Keller, Janusz Lewandowski, Giuseppe Lupo, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Fernando Navarrete Rojas, Matjaž Nemec, Danuše Nerudová, Ruggero Razza, Bogdan Rzońca, Hélder Sousa Silva, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Joachim Streit, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs, Auke Zijlstra
Substitutes present for the final vote	Moritz Körner, Tiago Moreira de Sá
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Christophe Bay, Udo Bullmann, Andrzej Buła, Gheorghe Falcă, Ştefan Muşoiu, Jan-Christoph Oetjen

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

26	+
ECR	Ruggero Razza, Bogdan Rzońca
NI	Thomas Geisel
PPE	Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Andrzej Buła, Gheorghe Falcă, Janusz Lewandowski, Fernando Navarrete Rojas, Danuše Nerudová, Hélder Sousa Silva
PfE	Tiago Moreira de Sá
Renew	Fabienne Keller, Moritz Körner, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Joachim Streit
S&D	Udo Bullmann, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Giuseppe Lupo, Ştefan Muşoiu, Matjaž Nemec, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs
Verts/ALE	Ignazio Roberto Marino, Nicolae Ştefănuță

5	–
PfE	Christophe Bay, Tomasz Buczek, Tamás Deutsch, Angéline Furet, Auke Zijlstra

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT (5.12.2024)

for the Committee on Fisheries

(11267/2024 – C10‑0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE))

Rapporteur for opinion: Rosa Estaràs Ferragut

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (FPA) entered into force on 30 March 2007 for a period of 5 years, being tacitly renewable. A previous 5-year Protocol to the FPA entered into force on 20 May 2019 and expired on 19 May 2024.

With a view to adopt a new Protocol to the FPA, the European Commission conducted negotiations with the Republic of Cabo Verde. Following these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialled on 15 April 2024. This new Protocol covers a period of five years, allowing Union vessels to access Cabo Verde’s fishing zone and to fish for tuna and associated species there, in compliance with the measures adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The aim is also to enhance cooperation between the EU and Cabo Verde, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in Cabo Verde’s waters, in the interest of both Parties.

The EU’s financial contribution allocated to the Protocol is EUR 780 000 per year. This total is broken down into an annual amount of EUR 350 000 for access to fishery resources and another EUR 430 000 for the development of Cabo Verde’s sectoral fisheries policy, which represents an increase for sectoral support in comparison with the previous protocol.

Cabo Verde’s economy heavily relies on fisheries, which plays a crucial role in food security and employment for local communities. Artisanal fishing is vital for the livelihoods of many coastal communities. However, commercial fishing operations are also prominent targeting high-value species like tuna, which can affect local resources. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing and climate change pose significant threats to fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on fishing. Furthermore, while women play a vital role in the fisheries sector of Cabo Verde, social norms and institutional barriers reinforce their marginalisation especially in rural areas. Overall, fisheries in Cabo Verde are a vital part of the economy and culture, and, therefore, there is a pressing need for sustainable management to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Your rapporteur takes the view that the Protocol promotes the responsible and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources and the development of the national fisheries policy in Cabo Verde and is in the interest of both Parties. For this reason, your rapporteur is proposing that the protocol be approved.

*******

The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (2024-2029).

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur for the opinion declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde
References	11267/2024 – C10-0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE)
Committee(s) responsible	PECH
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	DEVE 19.9.2024
Rapporteur for the opinion Date appointed	Rosa Estaràs Ferragut 15.10.2024
Date adopted	4.12.2024
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	15 0 0
Members present for the final vote	Barry Andrews, Robert Biedroń, Udo Bullmann, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Niels Geuking, Charles Goerens, György Hölvényi, Murielle Laurent, Reinhold Lopatka, Isabella Lövin, Lukas Mandl, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Kristoffer Storm, Marco Tarquinio
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Monika Hohlmeier

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

15	+
ECR	Kristoffer Storm
PPE	Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Niels Geuking, Monika Hohlmeier, Reinhold Lopatka, Lukas Mandl
PfE	György Hölvényi, Tiago Moreira de Sá
Renew	Barry Andrews, Charles Goerens
S&D	Robert Biedroń, Udo Bullmann, Murielle Laurent, Marco Tarquinio
Verts/ALE	Isabella Lövin

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title	Conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde
References	11267/2024 – C10-0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE)
Date of consultation or request for consent	26.7.2024
Committee(s) responsible	PECH
Committees asked for opinions Date announced in plenary	DEVE 19.9.2024
Rapporteurs Date appointed	Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral 19.9.2024
Discussed in committee	4.9.2024	4.12.2024
Date adopted	28.1.2025
	BUDG 21.11.2024
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	22 4 0
Members present for the final vote	Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Thomas Bajada, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Asger Christensen, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Ton Diepeveen, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Siegbert Frank Droese, Nicolás González Casares, Anja Hazekamp, France Jamet, Isabelle Le Callennec, Isabella Lövin, Giuseppe Milazzo, Francisco José Millán Mon, Jessica Polfjärd, André Rodrigues, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Sander Smit, António Tânger Corrêa, Emma Wiesner
Substitutes present for the final vote	Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Mélissa Camara, Sofie Eriksson, Sebastian Everding
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Kinga Kollár
Date tabled	30.1.2025

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

22	+
ECR	Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Giuseppe Milazzo, Bert-Jan Ruissen
PPE	Carmen Crespo Díaz, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Kinga Kollár, Isabelle Le Callennec, Francisco José Millán Mon, Jessica Polfjärd, Sander Smit
PfE	Ton Diepeveen, António Tânger Corrêa
Renew	Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Asger Christensen, Emma Wiesner
S&D	Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Thomas Bajada, Sofie Eriksson, Nicolás González Casares, André Rodrigues
Verts/ALE	Mélissa Camara, Isabella Lövin

4	–
ESN	Siegbert Frank Droese
PfE	France Jamet
The Left	Sebastian Everding, Anja Hazekamp

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

– : against

0 : abstention

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 4, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: Banning wildlife trade can increase trade of other threatened species

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Takahiro Kubo, Senior Researcher in National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) & Visiting Researcher in ICCS, University of Oxford

Governments often use bans to protect wildlife that’s most threatened by trade. However, in our recent study we ask the question: could banning wildlife trade in one threatened species increase the trade in other threatened species?

The expansion of online markets has made it easier for people to buy and sell wildlife. This potential for larger-scale commercial trade creates a potential threat to wildlife, particular when populations are small, which is often the case for species that inhabit islands.

To deal with the risk of overexploitation, the government of Japan, one of the world’s largest wildlife markets, banned the trade of three threatened species: the giant water bug, the Tokyo salamander and the golden venus chub.

While the ban successfully halted legal sales of the policy-targeted species, it had an unintended consequence: an increase in the sales of similar, non-banned species, some of which are threatened.

This pattern, known as the “spillover effect”, suggests that when a species is no longer available, demand often moves to alternative species rather than disappearing entirely. However, these effects affected different species in different ways, with the spillover lasting for more than a year for water bugs, but disappearing over the same period for the salamanders and freshwater fish.

These spillovers can be problematic as they can drive buyers to seek exotic pet species from other countries or even continents. Based on past experience in Japan and elsewhere, we know that these are often then released into nature by those that can no longer keep them. This increases the pressure on native fauna through competition and the spread of disease which may threaten not only native wildlife but also human health. Our findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to wildlife trade regulations – one that considers both direct conservation efforts and indirect global impacts.

Balancing bans

While wildlife trade bans can play an important step, their ability to address overexploitation on their own is limited. To conserve species, we need complementary strategies that can manage demand and monitor supply.

Prior to a ban, it is key to work to reduce the demand for the species to be targeted or redirect it to species that are well managed and not of conservation concern. This would be likely to minimise the effects of any unintended spillover after the trade ban comes into effect. If buyers understand why a species is at risk and are offered sustainable alternatives, they may be less likely to shift their interest to other vulnerable wildlife.

Governments also need to enforce stronger monitoring to be able to track which species are traded and in what amount. This may be hard to implement across all trade but is feasible when we talk about online legal trade, which represents a large part of the global wildlife trade. Instead of focusing only on banned species, authorities should keep an eye on similar species that could become the next target for trade.

For this to be effective, international cooperation, in the form of data sharing, for example, is critical since wildlife trade crosses borders. Countries need to work together to track and regulate trade so that bans don’t simply push demand to other regions.

Finally, promoting legal, ethical and sustainable alternatives – such as responsible captive breeding programs or well-managed wild source populations – can help meet consumer demand without harming wild species.

Our study serves as an important reminder: conservation has no silver bullets and we must be willing to embrace a multitude of tools if we are to deal with the different sides of an issue as complex as the wildlife trade. If we only focus on banning species without considering how the market will react, we risk simply moving the risk of extinction from one species to the next. A well-rounded approach – one that includes consumer behaviour change, improved monitoring and sustainable alternatives – offers the best chance of protecting wildlife for the long term.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Takahiro Kubo receives funding from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). He is a member of the IUCN SSC CEC Behaviour Change Taskforce.

Diogo Veríssimo is the Chair of the IUCN SSC CEC Behaviour Change Taskforce.

Taro Mieno 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. Banning wildlife trade can increase trade of other threatened species – https://theconversation.com/banning-wildlife-trade-can-increase-trade-of-other-threatened-species-247148

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: $15.8M to Help Dairy Farmers Protect Water Quality
Source: US State of New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 22 farms have been awarded over $15.8 million in funding through the first round of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program (CAFO ENMP). Funding from the program will go toward projects that help farmers protect water quality and mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Funding for this program was announced as part of the Governor’s 2024 State of the State and builds on the commitment that Governor Hochul has made to support dairy farm modernization and sustainability.

“The dairy industry is a cornerstone of New York’s economy, thanks to the dedication of dairy farmers and manufacturers across the state whose work has made this commodity New York’s largest agricultural sector,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to help our farmers reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to put world-class products on the tables of New Yorkers for generations to come.”

Through the first round of funding, the program will help CAFO-permitted farmers implement projects that enhance manure management systems that sequester carbon and conserve manure nutrients applied to fields and soil to protect water quality. The program also supports advancements in precision feed management to balance nutrients and reduce methane emissions. The estimated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction for all projects is 122,833 MTCO2e a year, the equivalent of taking 28,651 gas powered vehicles off the road for one year.

A total of 22 projects have been awarded through the State’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts via two funding tracks. Seventeen projects were awarded in Track A, which will go toward Nutrient and GHG Management Best Management Practices Systems. Five projects were awarded in Track B, which will go toward Manure Storage Cover and Flare Projects and associated practices. The awards are as follows:

Capital Region
- $11,414.38 awarded to the Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Hudson-Hoosic Watershed.
Central New York
- $1,025,759.00 awarded to the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with two farms in the Chenango Watershed.
- $293,850.00 awarded to the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Oneida Lake Watershed.
Finger Lakes
- $3,192,578.00 awarded to the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with three farms in the Seneca Watershed.
- $2,167,334.00 awarded to the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Chemung Watershed.
- $1,248,588.05 awarded to the Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with three farms in the Upper Genesee Watershed.
- $608,987.20 awarded to the Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Lower Genesee Watershed.
- $246,900.00 awarded to the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Oak Orchard – Twelve Mile Creek Watershed.
Mohawk Valley
- $942,162.50 awarded to the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Mohawk Watershed.
- $741,861.35 awarded to Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Mohawk Watershed.
- $98,483.68 awarded to the Oneida County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Mohawk Watershed.
- $54,611.89 awarded to Oneida County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Oneida Lake Watershed.
North Country
- $810,571.00 awarded to the Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Lake Champlain Watershed.
- $526,926.21 awarded to the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the St. Lawrence Watershed.
- $457,056.00 awarded to the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the St. Lawrence Watershed.
Western New York
- $1,909,650.00 awarded to the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Cattaraugus Watershed.
- $1,470,815.00 awarded to the Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Chautauqua-Conneaut Watershed.
Full project descriptions are available here.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said, “New York State is home to some of the most passionate dairy farmers who are not only producing and processing some of the very best dairy products in the world, but also working hard to leave the industry better for future generations. This funding is a true testament to the value of helping our farmers transition to climate-safe practices that preserve our natural resources while continuing to protect their businesses and nourish our communities. I want to thank our Soil and Water Districts and our farmers for the work they’re doing, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “DEC applauds Governor Hochul’s continued investments to bolster the sustainability of New York’s agricultural industry and provide resources to farmers who serve as crucial partners in the conservation of land and other natural resources. DEC’s requirements play an important role in protecting water quality and this funding will help ensure best management practices are in place and nutrient management plans implemented on livestock farms.”

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair Matt Brower said, “The requirements for the CAFO General Permit can result in significant financial and management challenges for farm operations in New York. Having these funds available to farmers is important to help them meet those challenges, while also improving water quality and addressing climate change concerns. We are fortunate to have such a great partnership between the farmers and the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which makes the planning and implementation of the projects possible. The State Soil and Water Conservation Committee greatly appreciates the efforts of the Districts.”

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York dairy is a pillar of our state’s economy, as our largest agricultural sector and a critical job creator in rural communities and beyond. Clean air, water, and healthy soil are fundamental to thriving farm businesses and, therefore, a reliable food supply. Our state has a major stake in providing direct financial support to dairy farmers who are pioneering climate-forward practices that protect our environment and reduce emissions. The CAFO Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program we established last year is helping make that happen and we congratulate the farmers across New York State whose projects have received funding in this first round.”

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “As a major producer of safe and nutritious food, the dairy industry is a critical part of New York’s agricultural economy. I’m glad to see 22 farms benefit from funding that will help them reduce their carbon footprint and assist with milk storage technologies. For both our climate and our food supply, it’s important that we continue to support our dairy producers through initiatives like these.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “As the fifth-largest dairy producer in the United States, New York is a powerhouse in the industry, ranking number one in cottage cheese, sour cream and yogurt production. And, as stewards of the land, dairy farmers have a vested interest in protecting soil and water quality, reducing their carbon footprint and implementing modern technology to preserve farming for future generations. By awarding CAFO ENMP funding to soil and water conservation districts across the state, Gov. Hochul is sending a strong message that dairy farmers are trusted partners in sustainability and environmental health.”

Under the Governor’s leadership, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget included additional funding to help boost the dairy industry, including $34 million in capital funding over two years to expand on-farm milk storage capacity, improve efficiencies, invest in milk transfer systems, cooling technologies, and other projects to further opportunities for dairy farmers to transport or store their products.

The FY 2025 Budget also included a nearly $82 investment in agricultural stewardship programs and initiatives, such as the Climate Resilient Farming grant program, that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change. In her 2025 State of the State Address, Governor Hochul proposed additional funding to research and implement climate-resilient practices on dairy farms.

About the Dairy Industry in New York State

New York State is home to nearly 3,000 dairy producers that produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state. With dairy farming accounting for half of the state’s agricultural economy, New York’s unique and talented dairy producers and processors provide significant contributions to New York’s agriculture industry, the economy, and to the health of our communities.

MIL OSI USA News –
February 4, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Books of mana: 10 essential reads for Waitangi Day

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angela Wanhalla, Professor of History, University of Otago

In the 185 years since te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed between Māori rangatira and the British Crown, Māori have been writing about its meaning, sharing their stories and seeking justice.

For some years, we have been reading and thinking about this mass of written work by Māori. While we know and love these titles, we were aware many New Zealanders have little idea that Māori scholarship stretches back to the earliest books published in this country.

So, in 2018 we collaborated with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (the Māori Centre of Research Excellence) and Te Apārangi Royal Society of New Zealand to curate a list of Māori non-fiction publications. Our list formed the inspiration for Books of Mana: 180 Māori-Authored Books of Significance, published this week by Otago University Press.

Co-edited with Jeanette Wikaira, and featuring short essays by leading Māori writers about their relationship to books, mātauranga Māori and the written word, it showcases 180 Māori-authored books published between 1815 and 2022.

For generations our ancestors created sense, meaning, stories and histories from the mountains, rivers and coastlines, and recited generations of history and knowledge through whakapapa, karanga, whaikōrero, mōteatea and pūrākau.

With the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th-century, Māori adopted new tools for recording and passing on knowledge. Pen and paper were rapidly added to the kete and used to weave stories, to engage in creative expression, and as a way to connect and resist.

Much of this writing holds prestige, authority, power, influence, status and even charisma. The word that we think best describes these books is mana.

We encourage all New Zealanders to know more about these remarkable books. At a time when Māori language, culture, identity and te Tiriti are politically threatened, Māori writing is essential for anyone serious about understanding the past, present and future of Aotearoa New Zealand from a Māori perspective.

This Waitangi Day, consider reading any one of these 180 books. But to help make the selection even easier, here are ten that are accessible in bookstores or local libraries.

These titles address language revitalisation, leadership, politics and history. They are also relevant to the world we find ourselves in today.

Ngā Pepa a Ranginui, The Walker Papers – Ranginui Walker

To understand contemporary political debates it is worth looking to the past. Ranginui Walker was one of New Zealand’s leading intellectuals. His collection of opinion pieces, originally published in the Listener magazine between 1973 and 1990, are collated in Ngā Pepa a Ranginui, The Walker Papers.

All of these opinion pieces remain relevant today. As a communicator between the worldviews of Māori and Pākehā, the range of topics he wrote about was extraordinary, from fishing rights, to Māori ideas about health, to critiques of government policies.

Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohooho – Chris Winitana

Ranginui Walker said te reo Māori is a taonga. In Tōku Reo Tōku Ohooho, Chris Winitana tells the story of the people who fought for its retention and revitalisation from the 1970s – and why this kaupapa remains so vitally important today. The book is available either in English or te reo Māori and will be of interest to many as we strive to keep te reo Māori alive.

Huia Histories of Māori: Ngā Tāhuhu Kōrero – Danny Keenan

A stellar lineup of Māori writers will help deepen your knowledge of custom, the natural world, language, health, politics and cultural expression in editor Danny Keenan’s recently republished book Huia Histories of Māori. It covers a vast array of topics, from waka migration traditions, to the introduction of Christianity, to the New Zealand Wars and much more.

Navigating the Stars: Maori Creation Myths – Witi Ihimaera

In Navigating the Stars: Māori creation myths Witi Ihimaera shows how we have always been storytellers, intellectuals and knowledge makers. Pūrākau (legends) are retold for the 21st-century by this pioneer of the Māori novel and short story.

We are in awe of the way the author honours this storytelling tradition and strengthens it for the future. This is a big book that starts our national history with Māori creation narratives, and challenges us to think differently about our past.

Te Kōparapara: An introduction to the Māori world – Michael Reilly & others

If you are looking to build your knowledge of te ao Māori (the Māori world), but don’t know where to begin, we recommend Te Kōparapara. It’s a really accessible introduction to Māori culture, tikanga, history and contemporary society.

Wayfinding Leadership – Chellie Spiller, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr & John Panoho

Our tūpuna (ancestors) guide us into the future. Chellie Spiller, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr and John Panoho look to waka navigators in Wayfinding Leadership. It’s part practical guide about how to lead for the collective good, but also part introduction to Māori philosophy. And it’s all cleverly told through the boldness, radical vision and skill of those who laid the foundations for Māori to flourish in these islands.

Imagining Decolonisation – Bianca Elkington, Moana Jackson & others

The bestselling Imagining Decolonisation explains what decolonisation looks like for Māori and Pākehā in an accessible way, and sets out what is required for our country to become a just society.

A particular highlight is the contribution of the late Moana Jackson. A lawyer who was passionate about the transformative possibilities of te Tiriti for Aotearoa, his writings about justice reform and constitutional change will continue to shape generations to come.

A Fire in the Belly of Hineāmaru – Melinda Webber & Te Kapua O’Connor

A Fire in the Belly of Hineāmaru: A collection of narratives about Te Tai Tokerau, translated into te reo Māori by Quinton Hita, is an invitation into Te Tai Tokerau histories, lands and esteemed ancestors, told through the lives of peacemakers, strategists, explorers and entrepreneurs (available in both English and te reo Māori editions).

Mokorua – Ariana Tikao

Mokorua is an inspiring account of the author “re-indigenising” through receiving her moko kauae. We love how she weaves that story into a personal reclaiming of language and identity. Matt Calman’s photographs are particularly striking, too.

From the Centre: A writer’s life – Patricia Grace

A favourite book is From the Centre: a writer’s life, an uplifting memoir by one of our most gifted fiction writers. It stresses the power of reading for cultivating imagination, anchoring identity and deepening a sense of belonging.

We treasured reading about Grace’s life growing up, how she responded to instances of injustice and unfairness, and how she had the courage to write about everyday Māori families. The gentle weight of this beautiful work, in both a physical and emotional sense, will live with us for a long time.

These books enrich our scholarship and our everyday life. We hope you take some time this Waitangi week to engage with Māori writing, and that you come to love these taonga as much as we do.

Angela Wanhalla has received previous funding from Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga for this book project.

Jacinta Ruru has received previous funding from Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga for this book project.

– ref. Books of mana: 10 essential reads for Waitangi Day – https://theconversation.com/books-of-mana-10-essential-reads-for-waitangi-day-248521

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More: Goethe adaptation feels more American Pie than high literature

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sofia Nilsson Warkander, PhD Candidate, 17th-Century Literature, Stockholm University

José Lourenço’s film adaptation of German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther opens with a line on screen stating it is “based on the smash hit 1774 novel of tragic romance”. Set in contemporary Canada, it revolves around Werther (Douglas Booth), who falls tragically in love with Charlotte (Alison Pill), who is already engaged to Albert (Patrick J. Adams).

Goethe’s “smash hit” was written in a new literary landscape, where both readers and writers increasingly belonged to the growing middle class. It was one of the most influential works of the Sturm und Drang movement, also called Geniezeit (the age of genius), which cultivated individual emotion and expression, rejecting antiquated class structures in favour of an “aristocracy of feeling”.

The movement’s interest in the individual’s inner life was revolutionary at the time. Today, it has become an integral part of western ideology and culture, and is arguably part of the reason that romantic comedy is such a popular genre.

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In recent years, movie adaptations of early modern works have been made with a tongue-in-cheek style far removed from BBC adaptations of the 1990s. One notable example is Carrie Cracknell’s 2022 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, where much of the original novel’s tone was changed for a strong flavour of the television series Fleabag. But still, successful reworkings generally show a director’s appreciation for the original.

Lourenço’s comedy, however, strips away much of the complexity of Goethe’s masterpiece. In I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More, the literary genius of The Sorrows of Young Werther is metamorphosed into tropes so contemporary that they already seem dated.

The jovial movie Werther is a trust-fund baby who loves gelato and bespoke tailoring. Instead of an artist, here he is an aspiring science-fiction writer. And although they share an enthusiasm for J.D. Salinger, the film’s Werther and Charlotte generally find more joy in sample sales and smoking joints than poetry.

The trailer for I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More.

The film also has a bizarre penis fixation. Werther’s confidant, Paul, has an obsession with semen, and his uncle repeatedly urges him to avoid condoms. In the moment of their greatest confrontation, Charlotte’s fiancé Albert and Werther agree that linden trees (a passing reference to the ones the literary Werther is buried between) smell like semen.

Apparently, after a fistfight, this is all two romantic rivals have to talk about. As the seminal male bond prevails, I can’t help feeling that the film would have been more credible without trying to be American Pie.

Adapting Goethe

Beyond passion, Goethe’s novel also depicts different social dilemmas. In the book, Werther leaves a promising bureaucratic career because he cannot overcome a sense of disgust at having to navigate social hierarchies with flattery and falseness. In fact, it often seems that it is this social order that he cannot survive, rather than his infatuation with Charlotte.

Unlike Werther, in the novel Charlotte can’t give in to her feelings, because of the expectations of female modesty of the time as well as her duty to provide for her younger siblings by marrying the well-to-do Albert.

In the film version, Charlotte is despondent about how much of her own life she has had to sacrifice to care for her family. The film’s exploration of this sacrifice, and her loneliness as Albert neglects her in favour of his work, shows the potential for a more nuanced characterisation of the heroine.

Unfortunately, I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More is typical of much contemporary screenwriting in its over-explanation of actions and desires, telling rather than showing.

Lourenço often appears inspired by Whit Stillman’s deftly crafted romantic comedies. Love and Friendship (2016), Stillman’s brilliantly funny adaptation of Jane Austen’s novella Lady Susan, could be a model for any attempt to rework centuries-old prose. However, I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More lacks the light touch and meticulous writing that made that adaptation glimmer, exposing original genius alongside the new version’s appeal.

Instead, the film turns both social analysis and tragedy into pat, moral lessons. The literary Werther’s reluctance to partake in a society still ruled by arbitrary privilege is excised from the movie. After being chastised by a friend for being unhappy instead of recognising the advantages he already possesses, Werther instead helps Albert and Charlotte improve their marital relationship.

This therapy speak seems oddly in touch with contemporary pop psychology touting the benefits of gratitude. Instead of suicide, in the film Werther’s despair is transmuted into an artistic breakthrough and an exultant trip to Berlin with Paul, as Charlotte and Albert settle into wedded bliss.

Touching on the novel’s social critique would have made for a more complex and satisfying adaptation. It also has its own interest in times of increasing income disparity and the eradication of the middle class. Keeping more such characteristic marks could have made this reworking stand out among blander cinematic fare.

I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More’s problem is that it cannot decide whether to be burlesque or emotional, whether it’s adapting a novel or its Sparknotes summary. Again, differences between model and adaptation might not be a work’s most important quality. But if the director wants to deviate so consistently, why choose a literary model at all?

Sofia Nilsson Warkander 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. I’ve Never Wanted Anyone More: Goethe adaptation feels more American Pie than high literature – https://theconversation.com/ive-never-wanted-anyone-more-goethe-adaptation-feels-more-american-pie-than-high-literature-248460

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reducing Gun Violence in New York Communities
Source: US State of New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $20.7 million to support SNUG Street Outreach programs that work to reduce gun violence and save lives in 14 communities across New York State. These grants to community-based organizations and hospitals fund outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers and case managers who are credible messengers and work with individuals at risk of gun violence, connecting them with support and services to change behavior and increase opportunities. Last week, Governor Hochul announced that shooting incidents with injury reported in communities participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence initiative reached record lows in 2024 with 588 incidents reported compared to 817 in 2023, a 28 percent reduction. The Governor’s FY26 Executive Budget continues unprecedented support for SNUG, Gun Involved Violence and other initiatives in communities that report 90 percent of violent crimes with firearms and 85 percent of violent crimes outside of New York City.

“Public safety is my number one priority — that’s why my Budget invests in proven initiatives like the SNUG program to drive down gun violence, save lives and keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Outreach teams across the State are working alongside law enforcement and local partners to target gun violence anywhere it occurs, and to engage stakeholders in a comprehensive approach that makes our communities safer for all.”

New York State’s SNUG program uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission and treating individuals, families and communities affected by the violence. Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, SNUG, Gun Involved Violence (GIVE) initiative, the State’s nationally recognized Crime Analysis Centers Network and Project RISE (Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower) are key components of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to address the causes and consequences of gun violence and other crimes.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Our SNUG Street Outreach teams are a critical component of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive crime reduction and public safety plan. These dedicated individuals work in communities disproportionately affected by gun violence. They mediate and defuse conflicts and provide access to programs and support, including counseling and case management, so youth and families can thrive, and communities can heal. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued support of this work and for her leadership on public safety.”

The $20.7 million will fund staff, programs, services, equipment and technology for the SNUG locations during the 2025 calendar year. Community-based organizations and hospitals receive the funding, which supports 181 full-time and 39 part-time employees who work in specific neighborhoods in Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch and Yonkers. DCJS tracks shooting data in these “SNUG zones” and last year, those zones collectively reported significant, double-digit decreases in shooting victims, individuals killed by gun violence and shooting incidents with injury when compared to 2023.

SNUG outreach workers, social workers, case managers and hospital responders work in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by gun violence, and the program also embeds social workers and hospital responders at Level One trauma centers in Albany, Buffalo, the Bronx, Rochester and Syracuse. These professionals work with individuals and families in the aftermath of a violent incident to offer support, services and connect them to the SNUG program in their communities for additional assistance.

SNUG staff are credible messengers who live in the communities in which they work, and some have been involved with the criminal justice system or lost loved ones to violence. They work with teens and young adults to detect and defuse disputes before they escalate; respond to shootings to prevent retaliation through mediation and assist family members of those who have been injured or killed; and mentor youth involved with the program to set goals and connect them with educational and job opportunities as well as other services. The programs also engage the community, religious organizations and clergy, and local businesses by sponsoring anti-violence marches, job fairs, block parties, sporting events and other community gatherings.

The following organizations and hospitals will receive funding and support from DCJS to administer SNUG:

New York City and Long Island
- Bronx – Jacobi Medical Center: $2,702,617
- Hempstead – Family and Children’s Association: $1,164,397
- Wyandanch – Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk: $746,522
Hudson Valley
- Mt. Vernon – Family Services of Westchester: $1,088,391
- Newburgh – Regional Economic Community Action Plan: $896,799
- Poughkeepsie – Family Services Inc.: $1,076,245
- Yonkers – Yonkers YMCA: $1,010,259
Capital Region
- Albany – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $1,820,329 and Albany Medical Center: $262,310
- Troy – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $860,134
Central New York
- Syracuse – Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility: $1,820,189 and SUNY Upstate Medical Center: $464,374
Mohawk Valley
- Utica – Integrated Community Alternatives Network: $792,673
Finger Lakes
- Rochester – PathStone Corp.: $1,949,426 and Rochester General Hospital: $571,002
Western New York
- Buffalo – Erie County Medical Center: $2,800,915
- Niagara Falls – Community Missions of Niagara Frontier: $ 677,170
Comprehensive training, site visits and support from DCJS set SNUG apart from other community-based violence interruption programs across the state and country. New staff must complete 40 hours of training and new supervisors complete 32 hours of management training. All staff must also complete 40 hours of professional development training annually. This ongoing training and support help ensure that the program operates consistently across all SNUG sites despite being operated by different community-based organizations and hospitals.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “As a State Senator, I was proud to advocate for the first SNUG investments in Yonkers and New York State because I knew that real community-driven solutions were key to reducing gun violence and keeping our neighborhoods safe. We’ve seen firsthand how SNUG has changed lives—interrupting cycles of violence, providing critical support, and helping young people find a better path. I’m so proud that Yonkers is receiving more than $1 million in new funding to support this lifesaving program. As Majority Leader, I remain committed to continuing smart, effective investments like SNUG across Westchester and New York. I thank Governor Hochul, my Westchester Delegation and Majority Senators, as well as our partners in the Assembly for their continued leadership and partnership in the fight against gun violence. I look forward to building on this progress together to keep our communities safe.”

State Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “Investing $20.7 million in SNUG to enhance efforts such as preventing gun violence, supporting at-risk individuals, and strengthening communities across New York State is essential. SNUG has been a pivotal partner in preventing gun violence and an organization that has significantly impacted my district, and will continue to do so as Mt. Vernon – Family Services of Westchester is receiving $1,088,391. By funding outreach workers, social workers, and hospital responders, future conflicts can de-escalate and create safer neighborhoods and brighter futures for all of us. Thank you to Governor Hochul for your leadership and prioritizing the safety of our community.”

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “This funding for SNUG, is about more than just intervention—it’s about changing the conditions that lead to violence in the first place. Jacobi Hospital’s Standing Up to Violence program has done just that in its years in service. By supporting credible messengers, outreach workers, and trauma responders, we’re making sure the right people are in place to mediate conflicts, connect at-risk individuals with opportunities, and prevent the next tragedy before it happens. I commend Governor Hochul for investing in real solutions, because every neighborhood, every family, every child in the Bronx deserves to grow up safe from gun violence.”

State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “Every member of our community deserves to feel safe, wherever they may be. Over $20 million dollars in funding to reduce gun violence across New York State will build upon the tremendous impact that programs such as GIVE have already had on communities like Rochester. I applaud Governor Hochul for addressing the root causes of violence and supporting working solutions to protect our fellow New Yorkers.”

State Senator Sean Ryan said, “Promoting public safety in Buffalo and across our state is a top priority. It’s why we have passed the toughest gun safety laws in the nation and continue to fund initiatives that reduce crime and strengthen communities. I am thankful for Governor Hochul’s support for these outreach programs, which have a proven track record of reducing gun violence.”

State Senator Monica Martinez said, “Gun violence is taking the lives of New Yorkers and instilling fear within our communities. The SNUG Street Outreach program is a proven tool that preempts these devastating tragedies by engaging at-risk individuals and providing them with the support needed to choose a different path. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for enshrining our shared commitment to ending gun violence in New York State in this year’s executive budget.”

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, “Investing in evidence-based programming and on-the-ground resources is exactly how we combat the scourge of gun violence. Partnering with law enforcement, community-based interrupters in cycles of violence like the Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region and increasing the state’s commitment to funding these initiatives is why we’re seeing gun violence rates drop in communities across the state. Thank you to Governor Hochul and my legislative colleagues for continuing to work to ensure that New Yorkers everywhere feel safe on our streets, and to ending the epidemic of gun violence here in New York State.”

State Senator Siela Bynoe said, “The epidemic of gun violence that has taken the lives of too many people across Long Island, and the nation, must end. Addressing the root causes of gun violence through programs that offer outreach where it’s most needed, is both necessary and impactful. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s support of community-based solutions in the district.”

State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “It is imperative that we continue to look for ways to address and reduce gun violence in the state. This funding will strengthen the SNUG program in Utica by supporting a variety of important services and resources that will enhance public safety in the city and region.”

State Senator Rachel May said, “The state has demonstrated real progress in reducing gun violence rates, and this is our opportunity to continue that success. By increasing funding for the Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility and SUNY Upstate Medical Center, we can make a meaningful impact on our communities where the scourge of gun violence is widespread. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her leadership, as well as to my colleagues in the legislature for their commitment to curb gun violence in New York State.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “We know that outreach works. When people in the community are supporting efforts to combat gun violence, lives get saved. I support the GIVE Initiative and other anti-violence initiatives as well as the work SNUG continues to do in our communities. The Response Teams at Erie County Medical Center continue to be top of the line.”

Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow said, “As we continue to combat gun violence in our communities, investing in programs like SNUG is not just necessary—it’s life-saving. This funding from Governor Hochul ensures that we can provide resources, mentorship, and intervention to those most at risk, creating safer neighborhoods for everyone. I am proud to support SNUG and the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence in Mount Vernon and beyond.”

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “Reducing gun violence is a priority in protecting our communities. By working with organizations in the community, together we can reinforce safety measures and prevention methods to decrease gun violence.”

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, “As one of the original supporters of SNUG which started here in the Capital Region, I have worked closely with Trinity Alliance and those who are part of SNUG and have seen the positive impact of the program. That is why I am appreciative of the Governor’s support to continue to grow the program, including in the City of Troy where the program has taken roots and is welcomed by the public safety team. The data validates the critical need and impact of the program which is making our communities safer.”

Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter said, “I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to reducing gun violence in our communities. The $20.7 million investment in SNUG Street Outreach programs, including critical funding for Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility and SUNY Upstate Medical Center, will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of people in the 128th Assembly District. By supporting outreach workers, hospital responders, and case managers, this initiative provides life-changing resources to those most at risk, helping to break cycles of violence and create safer neighborhoods. I look forward to seeing the continued progress of these evidence-based efforts to protect and uplift our communities.”

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson said, “Unfortunately, gun violence plagues the cities of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie as it does too many areas of the State and the Nation. Gun violence must be addressed in three ways: ending gun trafficking from outside of New York State; enforcing our gun laws including full application of our red flags laws; and engaging the community through community-based organizations to discourage and stop gun violence before it starts. I wish to applaud Governor Hochul for her commitment to stopping gun violence using all three avenues and for the investment in this year’s budget in anti-gun violence initiatives with community-based organizations.”

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “We unfortunately continue to see our youth negatively impacted by gun violence and this program works to reduce the violence. I appreciate the Governor providing additional funding to SNUG Programs.”

Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “Community-based programs like SNUG and GIVE are making a real difference in the fight against gun violence. By focusing on mediation, mentorship, and support, they’re helping to change behaviors and address the root causes of this complex issue. The data is clear: these programs are strengthening our neighborhoods and saving lives. I commend Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to investing in these vital resources that directly support communities disproportionately impacted by crime.”

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford said, “Tangible investments in grassroots organizations working to stop gun violence in our community have paid dividends over the past year. We can see crime trending down in nearly every gun-related category thanks to this kind of targeted delivery of resources. This announcement from the Governor of large scale funding for gun violence prevention will help us continue to reduce violence and bring peace and stability to our neighborhoods.”

Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. said, “Far too many families in the Bronx and across our communities in New York have felt the devastating effects of gun violence. The SNUG program will strengthen intervention efforts and connect at-risk individuals with critical resources. By addressing the root causes of violence and providing meaningful intervention, we are not only preventing tragedies but also creating pathways to brighter futures for individuals and families. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to investing in proven violence prevention programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Kwani B. O’Pharrow said, “Investing in community outreach and support programs like SNUG is crucial for reducing gun violence and fostering safer environments. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your commitment to transforming lives and creating lasting change in our communities.”

Assemblymember Gabriella Romero said, “With a partner like Governor Kathy Hochul investing in our communities that need it most, we are making real strides in reducing gun violence and saving lives. I want to thank the Governor for her continued commitment to evidence-based, community-driven solutions like SNUG. This $20.7 million investment—including over $2 million for Albany’s Trinity Alliance and Albany Medical Center—will ensure that outreach workers, hospital responders, and social service professionals can continue their critical work to proactively reduce gun violence. These initiatives are making a difference, and I remain committed to securing the resources Albany needs to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Assemblymember Noah Burroughs said, “SNUG has been doing excellent work in the community within my district. Gun-related crimes are down and we would like to see those numbers decrease more. This is a great opportunity for the 14 communities in New York State that Snug services to continue doing good work throughout all of its communities. Thank you Governor Hochul for this investment in Hempstead.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “SNUG Street Outreach is impactful because it empowers community-based organizations to leverage their existing relationships and partnerships to reduce gun violence in the areas where they serve. Since implementing SNUG, Rochester has seen a significant and marked decrease in violence, at all levels. But we still have work to do. The funding the Governor is providing to Rochester General Hospital and Pathstone will enable them to bring on the staff, programming and services they need to expand this successful public safety initiative.”

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Investing in SNUG programs helps to build safer communities and reduce gun violence. This grant award will help provide the ongoing training and support that is critical to SNUG and I thank Governor Hochul for her partnership in helping to keep our citizens safe.”

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “I want to thank and applaud Governor Kathy Hochul and DCJS for their continued investments for SNUG & GIVE initiatives. I have said it many times before, that this Governor isn’t just talk, but action. The investments in these programs allow cities like Albany to wisely make strategic choices to get resources on the ground, establish connections with our neighbors and allow alternative approaches to focusing on public safety. Just this week at my State of the City we highlighted a reduction of crime of 3% compared to the 5-year average & a reduction of 21% since I assumed office. Today’s announcement of an additional $2 million dollars to keep these programs going is something celebrated by every resident in the City of Albany. Thank you Governor!”

Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued investment in violence prevention efforts here in Buffalo. The $2.8 million awarded to Erie County Medical Center for the SNUG Street Outreach program will provide critical resources to community organizations and trauma responders who work tirelessly to prevent gun violence and save lives. In recent years, we’ve seen firsthand how these initiatives make a real difference in our neighborhoods and this funding will allow us to continue that progress—connecting at-risk individuals with the support they need and ensuring a safer, healthier, stronger Buffalo for all.”

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “With New York State’s strong support, teamwork with community partners and effective intervention by Syracuse Police, gun violence is down significantly in the City of Syracuse. In 2024, gun violence dropped more than 26% across all of the major categories and the most serious violence – shooting victims injured or deceased dropped 39%. This funding for outreach programs shows Governor Hochul knows reducing gun violence requires the full community working together which is the focus of our Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence. I’m deeply grateful for the Governor’s help and for the caring and effective work the SNUG Street Outreach team does every day in Syracuse.”

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership and continued investments in programs like GIVE and Project RISE have played a major role in helping us reduce gun violence in Rochester by more than 50 percent from the peak years of the pandemic. This investment in SNUG outreach workers is yet another example of her commitment and resolve on this critical issue and the city of Rochester is fortunate for the governor’s partnership.”

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “We appreciate the continued investment by Governor Hochul in programs that help keep our communities safe. We know that our community benefits from the various initiatives advanced by the Governor. These additional resources will help continue our efforts to keep our City safe.”

Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne D. Flowers said, “Governor Hochul continues to deliver for the City of Poughkeepsie, and we are grateful for her commitment to our community. Investing in vital outreach programs like SNUG strengthens our city by expanding our ability to engage and support our youth, guiding them toward positive opportunities. With the TRAC Program no longer in operation, I encourage Family Services Inc. and SNUG to use this funding to develop additional gun violence prevention initiatives and create safe spaces for our children after school. Congratulations to SNUG and I look forward to collaborating with them as we work together to unite our community in the fight against gun violence.”

Utica Mayor Michael Galime said, “To truly be proactive with the issues of Gun Violence we must make sure to approach it from every angle. Good policing will always be at the forefront but additional resources like SNUG are essential to providing additional boots on the ground to raise awareness and prevention. In Utica we are grateful for this funding and will continue to support SNUG however possible.”

Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said, “A huge thank you goes out to Governor Hochul for allocating more funds for anti-violence initiatives in the city of Newburgh! This funding is a significant step toward fostering safer communities and reducing violence. Thank you again, Governor Hochul, for your commitment to making Newburgh a safer place!”

Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. said, “Thank you Governor Hochul for supporting our village through programs such as SNUG that have successful results in our community.”

Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello said, “I commend Governor Hochul for her continued investment in SNUG and the critical work of violence prevention programs across New York State. In Troy, we have seen firsthand the positive impact of SNUG in engaging our communities, de-escalating conflicts, and providing essential support to those at risk. This funding will help strengthen these efforts and help make our neighborhoods safer.”

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state’s criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

MIL OSI USA News –
February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New evidence following appeal for information

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the death of 48-year-old Ian Airlie have received new evidence following a media appeal for information.

On Wednesday, 22 January, officers were alerted to additional CCTV footage.

Having viewed the clip, investigating officers are satisfied the footage shows Mr Airlie accidently falling down the escalator at Waterloo Station. There is no evidence he was pushed.

Detective Inspector Chris Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said:

“This new evidence means we have been able to rule out that Mr Airlie was pushed. His fall down the escalator was a very sad and unfortunate accident.

“His death, however, remains unexplained and we will continue to investigate all avenues until we can build a full picture.

“We continue to offer support to Mr Airlie’s family. They have been updated by officers and we request that they receive privacy at this difficult time.”

A post-mortem examination on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 was inconclusive and officers await the result of further tests.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via 101 – quoting 01/942310/24.

MIL Security OSI –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A new sensory room for children and adults with disabilities has opened at Elemore Country Park

Source: City of Sunderland

The sensory room, which is part of the country park’s ongoing transformation and commitment to accessibility, is free to use 7 days a week with no pre-booking required.

Inside the room is sensory equipment such as touch tag bean bags, tactile bubble mirrors, sensory puzzle play mats, interactive bubble fish tube, fibre optic lights and sensory mood lighting shapes and soothing music. There are also outdoor soft play shapes and a magic carpet to build on sunny days.

This complements a new Changing Places facility with toilets designed for people with disabilities and complex needs who require extra facilities that are not offered by standard accessible toilets. The toilets have room for one or two carers and include equipment and support that is needed by people who may have limited mobility, such as a hoist, privacy screens and an adult-sized changing bench.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, who Chairs the Elemore Park Steering Group said: “Opening the sensory room is about creating a safe and accessible space for members of the community as part of our ongoing commitment to making the country park accessible for all. I hope with its growing popularity that more people living with disabilities can use this facility to feel welcome and included.”

“The sensory room and the Changing Places facility, which we opened last year, are both great additions to the fantastic attractions already on offer at Elemore Country Park that bring families coming back time after time.”

Work transforming the former golf club into a country park started in 2022. This has included opening a café and garden centre which is run by Bishopwearmouth Co-operative Community Interest Company, which also runs the popular Bishopwearmouth Garden Centre and cafe in Chester Road in Sunderland city centre. Elemore’s team of employees also includes adults with disabilities as part of the country park’s commitment to accessibility.

A children’s play area opened near the café in March 2024, has also proved popular. Ongoing improvements to the natural habitats in the park are increasing the biodiversity and ecological value of the park, with more planned over the next year. There are further plans to the install more seating and signage explaining the heritage and wildlife within the park and further improve pathways across the site to enable residents to easily move around, as well as providing access from local housing estates.

Elemore Park’s sensory room and Changing Places facilities are open during the garden centre and cafe opening times (Monday to Saturday 9am to 4:30pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm).

Cafe open hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 4:30pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

To find out more about the transformation of Elemore Country Park, visit: Elemore Park – MySunderland

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov: It is necessary to legally prohibit the acquisition of foreign equipment in the presence of Russian equipment

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov held a meeting on the development of the machine tool industry as part of a working trip to Krasnodar Krai and visited the production facilities of the Southern Heavy Machine Tool Plant (YuZTS).

Over the past ten years, the Russian machine tool industry has demonstrated continuous growth. By the end of 2024, machine tool production increased by 40% in value terms, and tool production by more than 10%. The First Deputy Prime Minister noted the high workload of Russian manufacturers and the mass order generated by the defense industry. At the same time, according to him, the peak of the defense industry production capacity modernization program has already passed and the influence of this factor will gradually decrease.

“The main support for the further development of the industry is the new national project, which is already being implemented. Its priorities are well known to you. Budget financing of 52 billion rubles is provided for this year. And now the key point is prompt contracting. I ask that no delays be allowed in this area. Let me remind you that the first results of the national project should be reported to the President in June,” Denis Manturov said.

In his speech, the First Deputy Prime Minister noted that in order to achieve planned indicators, it is necessary to synchronize the efforts of science, the state, regions, development institutions and the production sector.

“In particular, plants, using the national project measures, need to focus on maximizing the development of a new product line and technical re-equipment of their own facilities. Customers need to formulate technical specifications ahead of time, provide technical support for contracts, and give unconditional priority in purchases to Russian machines. Unfortunately, there are still many cases of purchasing imports when there are analogues on the market. Anton Andreevich, I believe that it is necessary to legally prohibit the purchase of foreign equipment when there is Russian equipment,” said Denis Manturov.

In turn, it is important for regions where the main enterprises of the industry are concentrated to ensure control over the execution of work and consider the possibility of expanding support measures for machine tool builders. In terms of state support, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia must monitor the balance of supply and demand for machine tools and, if necessary, expand protective mechanisms.

“This is especially relevant for critical machine tool components. We must fully ensure technological sovereignty for them by 2030,” Denis Manturov emphasized.

The head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov spoke about the measures of state support for machine tool manufacturing that are being developed.

“Together with the Innovation Assistance Fund, we are currently preparing a third program with grants of up to 50 million rubles to facilitate the commercialization of R&D results. This year, together with the SME Corporation, we want to launch a mechanism for preferential lending to small and medium-sized machine tool manufacturers. In terms of non-financial support measures, the Federal Competence Center in Productivity will consult companies on improving production efficiency. Today, a list of 25 companies that will be the first to take part in this event has already been developed,” shared Anton Alikhanov.

“Thanks to the support of the Russian Government, we have managed to make industry one of the key sectors of the economy of our traditionally agricultural and resort region. This year, we plan to increase the capitalization of the regional Industrial Development Fund to 10 billion rubles. We continue to develop a network of industrial parks. There are already 8 industrial parks and 2 industrial technology parks operating in the region,” said Veniamin Kondratyev, Governor of Krasnodar Krai.

Together with the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia and the governor of the region, the First Deputy Prime Minister got acquainted with the current activities of the Southern Heavy Engineering Plant, whose main production buildings are located on the territory of the former machine-tool plant named after G.M. Sedin. In 2024, a new branch of YUZTS was also put into operation on the territory of the industrial park “VB Kuban”. Modern machines and machining centers were purchased, which expanded the company’s technological capabilities, increased productivity and significantly improved the quality of finished products.

The First Deputy Prime Minister was presented with the entire product line developed and manufactured by YUZTS in 2023. In particular, a horizontal milling and boring machining center and a five-axis milling machining center. All machines are equipped with a CNC system developed by the domestic company Mechatronika.

Denis Manturov was also shown 3D metal printers developed by YUZTS. The equipment operates using selective laser melting technology. These systems are fully ready for serial production with minimal delivery times — up to 4 months. Multi-laser systems with large processing zones are also under development. These printers use stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium and copper alloys in their work.

Over the last year of operation, YUZTS has increased its production area from 16 to 90 thousand square meters. Production volumes are also growing: from 2021 to 2025, taking into account current plans, they have increased 14 times.

The company’s immediate plans include launching a new modern foundry to provide its own production with parts that include operations requiring casting as part of the production technology. Another priority area is the launch of contract manufacturing, within the framework of which YUZTS will offer the market services for major repairs and reconstruction of heavy machine tools.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: While plastic dominates human consumption, the global economy will remain hooked on fossil fuels

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Hanieh, Professor of Political Economy and Global Development, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter

Plastic waste in the Maldives. MOHAMED ABDULRAHEEM/Shutterstock

In early December 2024, hopes for a landmark global treaty to curb plastic pollution were dashed as negotiations in South Korea stalled. Leading the campaign against the deal were major oil-producing nations, especially Saudi Arabia and Russia, who argued for a more flexible approach to any legally binding limits on plastic manufacturing.

The collapse of any agreement came despite scientific research delivering ever more alarming warnings about the dangers of plastic pollution. Over the last two years, an avalanche of studies have revealed the pervasive presence of tiny plastic particles in human blood, brains, and even placental tissue.

These particles, which stem from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, have been linked to everything from inflammation to hormonal disruption, and potential long-term health risks such as cancer. Aside from their effects on human health, plastics are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, with microplastics now found in Arctic ice and in the bodies of fish and birds.

Behind these alarming studies stands a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of plastic production. The annual global production of plastics reportedly grew nearly two hundredfold between 1950 (two million tonnes) and 2015 (381 million tonnes), and the pace of growth is accelerating.

Over half of all plastics ever made were produced in the past 25 years, and production levels are estimated to double or triple again by 2050. And more production brings more waste.

Less than 10% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled. And the volume of “mismanaged plastics” – those which are not recycled, incinerated, or sealed in landfills – is also estimated to double by 2050.

It seems as if humans have become the organic detritus within a plastic world of our own creation.

Plastic elephants

But despite growing awareness around the problems associated with plastic, there is a fundamental flaw in how we tend to think about it as a product.

For there is a tendency to frame plastic as a problem of pollution and recycling, rather than as an integral part of our fossil fuel-driven world. This narrative is also promoted by major oil companies, such as the American giant, ExxonMobil, which stated in the lead up to the South Korean summit: “The issue is pollution. The issue is not plastic.”

The problem with this perspective is that it obscures the fact that plastics are petrochemical products: substances which are ultimately derived from oil and gas.

Indeed, the future of fossil fuels is increasingly tied to the future of plastics. It has been estimated that by 2040, plastics will account for as much as 95% of net growth in oil demand.

This is perhaps why 220 fossil fuel lobbyists attended those recent treaty discussions, outnumbering all other delegations. It could also explain why Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies, led the opposition to any global limits on plastic production.

At the core of capitalism

The problem we confront is not simply the presence of an oil lobby, it is the systemic role that plastics play within capitalism.

Plastics, and the wider petrochemical industry, played a crucial part in the transformation of global capitalism from the mid-20th century onwards.

As I explore in my book, Crude Capitalism, the things we used to need to build and make things previously relied on sourcing naturally occurring, labour-intensive goods like timber, cotton or metals. But the invention of plastics and other synthetic materials separated commodity production from nature.

More plastic in the pipeline.
Kodda/Shutterstock

Oil became more than a fuel – it was the substance that came to dominate our lives. A petrochemical shift to the rise of an oil-dominated world. With capitalism untethered from natural cycles, there was a radical reduction in the time taken to produce commodities and an end to any limits on the quantity and diversity of goods produced.

Along with this, consumption habits became centred around notions of disposability and obsolescence. Plastics made the essential features of contemporary capitalism possible: a drive to limitless growth, continual acceleration of production and consumption, and the frenzied expansion of markets.

The emergence of fast fashion is just one example. Alongside poorly paid garment workers in countries such as Bangladesh, really cheap clothing was only made possible through the massive expansion of polyester production (a kind of plastic), which freed the industry from its dependence on supplies of wool and cotton.

The consumption of plastics looms large in today’s ecological crisis. And having become so accustomed to thinking about oil and gas as primarily an issue of energy and fuel choice, perhaps we have lost sight of how much of our lives depend upon the products of petroleum.

These synthetic materials drove a post-war revolution in productivity, bringing labour-saving technology and mass consumption. It is now almost impossible to identify an area of life that has not been radically transformed by the presence of plastics and other petrochemicals.

Plastic products have become normalised as natural parts of our daily existence. And it is this paradox which must be fully confronted if we are to move beyond fossil fuels.

Adam Hanieh’s research into petrochemicals has been supported by a Political Economy Fellowship from the Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF).

– ref. While plastic dominates human consumption, the global economy will remain hooked on fossil fuels – https://theconversation.com/while-plastic-dominates-human-consumption-the-global-economy-will-remain-hooked-on-fossil-fuels-247393

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why drying clothes indoors could put your health at risk

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca A. Drummond, Associate Professor, Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham

Magic Lens/Shutterstock

Hanging the washing out to dry in the garden has been a rare sight these last few months, with winter storms bringing freezing temperatures and 100mph gusts of wind. But does the way we dry our clothes indoors actually matter?

Drying wet clothing on racks in poorly ventilated spaces could increase the amount of mould growing in your home, which is associated with poor health and, in some cases, even death.

When mould grows in your home, it can form black or green coloured patches on the walls, and usually creates an unpleasant musty smell. It shouldn’t be ignored, because being exposed to mould over long periods of time can have serious health implications.

Mould is a broad term for a group of fungi that produce tiny particles called spores. Fungi produce spores when conditions are right for their growth, which can include cooler temperatures and high humidity. This is why you’re more likely to find mould growing on bathroom ceilings or damp walls, where there is more water for fungal spores to settle and grow.

There are many different species of mould. The most common ones to cause problems in damp homes are penicillium and aspergillus. It’s estimated that we breathe in small numbers of spores from these fungi on a daily basis.

Luckily, our immune system is very good at spotting and killing fungal spores, which limits the number of fungal lung infections in humans even though we’re constantly exposed. Immune cells called macrophages sit inside the air spaces of the lungs (called alveoli), and these cells eat anything you inhale that could be considered harmful, including fungal spores.

Risks for compromised immune systems

However, there are many people whose immune systems are not able to remove fungal spores, and in these cases the fungi can cause dangerous infections or make underlying health conditions (such as asthma) much worse.

People who have damaged or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from fungal infections. Moulds like aspergillus cause infections in patients with limited immune function, or who have lung damage from diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with heavy smoking.

In people with asthma, the immune system overreacts to triggers (including fungal spores) causing inflammation in the lung. This inflammation makes it more difficult to breathe by reducing the size of the airways. The same type of immune response is responsible for the symptoms of asthma and allergic responses, and fungal spores can also trigger these same types of immune responses. This means that fungal spores can be a particularly powerful trigger for some people.

In very extreme cases, the fungal spores don’t just cause inflammation but can invade the airways and block them leading to bleeding within the lung. This happens when spores germinate and form long spiderweb-like projections called mycelium which create sticky lumps that block airways and damage the delicate tissues of the lung.

Growing resistance

Aspergillus infections are treated with antifungal drugs called azoles, which prevent the fungal cells from forming properly. Azoles are very effective, but there are increasing rates of resistance to azoles reported in aspergillus which is a significant cause for concern.

We have a limited range of antifungal drugs available to treat mould infections – and when resistance develops this can severely reduce the options a patient has for treatment.

Resistance to drugs such as azoles can develop in patients who take these drugs for long periods of time, but recent research has indicated that resistance is more commonly developing in the environment, where most fungi are found. This means that even before a patient is diagnosed with an aspergillus infection, it may already be too late for the antifungal drugs to be effective.

Development of drug resistance in environmental fungi has been linked to use of azoles and other antifungal drugs in farming. Fungal infections are a big problem for crops, and plants need protection from these infections the same way we do. Unfortunately, the same drugs we use in the clinic are the same types that are being used in agriculture.

Climate change may also be driving drug resistance in environmental fungi. Exposure to high temperatures was recently found to help moulds develop resistance to commonly prescribed antifungal drugs. There have also been reports of patients becoming ill from species of mould that were not thought to cause human disease, in part because they could not grow at the human body temperature.

More mould species could therefore be picking up the ability to cause infections, as well as becoming drug resistant. Research programs and healthcare initiatives that monitor for these changes are vital to help us become prepared for potential increases in mould infections.

While a healthy immune system means that typical exposure to fungal spores is not likely to cause you any health problems, being exposed to very large amounts of fungal spores can prove to be fatal even for people who don’t have underlying health issues.

In 2020, toddler Awaab Ishak died as a direct result of high exposure to fungal spores, caused by excessive damp and mould in his home.

His death led to a change in UK law (Awaab’s Law) which requires landlords to respond promptly to damp in homes they manage, to ensure that tenants are not exposed to excessive levels of fungal spores which can affect their physical and mental health.

It’s important, then, to help keep your home free of mould. The best way to do this is ensure you have good ventilation and take other measures to reduce damp, such as using a dehumidifier or investing in a heated clothes rack to dry your clothes indoors in the winter.

Rebecca A. Drummond receives funding from the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust and the Lister Institute.

– ref. Why drying clothes indoors could put your health at risk – https://theconversation.com/why-drying-clothes-indoors-could-put-your-health-at-risk-248467

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Will multinational companies flock to Syria? Maybe, if foreign aid arrives first

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ana Carolina Garriga, Professor of Political Science, University of Essex

hanohiki / Shutterstock

Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, recently appeared at the World Economic Forum’s annual conference in the Swiss resort of Davos. He announced that his country is open for business and seeking foreign investment.

After more than 13 years of civil war and decades of dictatorship that saw Syria become a pariah state, the country needs all the financial support it can get. But will foreign firms set up shop in Syria?

Countries like Syria, emerging from conflict, face the challenge of convincing investors they are a safe environment for investment. Our research suggests companies look at what governments are doing in terms of aid when considering whether to invest. In general, post-war countries that receive more foreign aid subsequently receive more foreign investment.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) typically involves multinational companies building factories, opening stores or investing capital in businesses abroad. It can be highly beneficial for developing countries.

FDI is the most stable source of international financing, and generally has positive long-term effects on economic growth and poverty reduction. More importantly for incumbent governments, FDI has positive short-term effects on domestic employment, government financing and spending, and foreign exchange reserves.

It also has a potential positive effect on government approval ratings, as attracting inward FDI signifies political competence to voters. These reasons are why almost all governments compete to receive these financial flows.

FDI is especially important in post-conflict countries. Civil wars typically destroy or seriously harm the productive capacity of countries. In Syria, the conflict destroyed tens of billions of US dollars worth of infrastructure, and incapacitated more than half its electrical grid.

After 13 years of civil war, Syria needs all the financial support it can get.
Vagabjorn / Shutterstock

War often disrupts a country’s access to the international economic exchanges that help economic growth. Since the beginning of its conflict in March 2011, Syria’s annual exports have dropped from US$8.8 billion (£7.1 billion) to US$1 billion, due to the war and war-related sanctions. Its economy has shrunk by 54%.

Foreign investment can contribute substantially to rebuilding the economy. But post-conflict countries might seem risky to investors.

Foreign firms sometimes avoid countries plagued by violence, political instability, or political risk. Conflict could reemerge in Syria, and multinational corporations probably do not want their business in a place where factories could be bombed or customers killed.

Post-conflict situations are also relatively information-poor environments. Conflict often hampers data collection efforts, and governments, in desperate need of capital, may be incentivised to misrepresent the actual state of the economy or strength of the political system.

In the case of Syria, foreign observers do not know what to make of the new ruling coalition, which is led by a designated terrorist organisation in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. While the international community seems to want to support Syria – the UK, for example, has been clear about its intention to help the country – observers are unsure about the environment and how it might change in the coming years.

In these kinds of situation, international investors look at a variety of signals. In our research, we show that one key signal is whether other governments have sent official development aid to post-conflict countries.

Following the aid

We argue that the decision to send aid to a country signals the donors’ trust of local authorities. What matters is this presence of aid, whether or not the aid achieves its intended purpose.

Examining decades of global data, we have found a robust relationship between foreign aid and subsequent investment in post-conflict countries – with one striking exception.

There does not seem to be a relationship between aid from the US and foreign investment. Because so much of US foreign aid is geostrategic – to shore up alliances or secure access to particular areas – investors do not seem to view it as a valuable signal about the recipient country.

So, Syria should perhaps not worry too much about the new US president Donald Trump’s plan to cut American foreign aid. If aid from other government donors can still flow in, this could encourage investment to follow.

Fortunately for Syria, some countries and international organisations have already pledged aid – including the UK, which has announced £50 million in humanitarian aid for the country and its refugees. This seems like a good sign for Syria’s future – even more so because of the signal it sends to foreign investors.

Specific domestic policies that encourage FDI and build stronger institutions will be necessary to secure investment in the longer term. Syria will need to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and property rights, while creating a stable environment for investment.

However, if the pledged aid materialises – and if more countries chip in – this could lead to substantial economic benefits for Syria.

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

– ref. Will multinational companies flock to Syria? Maybe, if foreign aid arrives first – https://theconversation.com/will-multinational-companies-flock-to-syria-maybe-if-foreign-aid-arrives-first-248406

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How The Sims accidentally invented the cosy game genre

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Jerrett, Lecturer, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth

Ooboo Vroose Baa Dooo! That’s “happy birthday” in Simlish, the delightfully nonsensical language of The Sims. The life simulation video game franchise turns 25 this year, making me feel officially old.

Like many others, I grew up playing The Sims, oscillating between designing dream homes and orchestrating ideal careers, and trapping my Sim characters in a tiny block room, removing all the doors and watching the chaos ensue. For the more benevolent among us, The Sims was an endlessly rewarding digital dollhouse.

Game designer Sid Meier (creator of the Civilisation series) defines a video game as “a series of interesting decisions”. In most games, interesting decisions are about which gun to use or which party member to heal. The Sims’ interesting decisions, however, were far more mundane. “What clothes should I make my simulated human (typically a digital avatar of myself or my friends) wear?”; “Who should they date?”; and, most importantly: “Should I use the ‘rosebud’ cheat to give myself infinite money?”

The Sims went on to become one of the bestselling franchises of all time, with myriad sequels, expansions and an obsessed player base. While similar titles at the time, such as Black and White, had you playing as an omnipotent god, they were primarily strategy games based around controlling territory. What made The Sims special was its focus on emergent narratives – player-driven experiences where players could create their own stories.

Sul Sul! This article is part of a mini series from The Conversation marking 25 years of The Sims franchise.

Much of this focus is also present in what is now called the “cosy game” genre. These are games that focus not on conflict or challenges, but rather on creativity, exploration and personal expression.

Before Stardew Valley let us befriend a moody fisherman, Animal Crossing allowed us to be financially terrorised by a raccoon, and Unpacking made us cry over a box of kitchen utensils, The Sims showed us a new way to play. One where the biggest challenge was forgetting to pay your bills, and the most rewarding accomplishment was finally affording a pool (whose exit ladder may or may not just have mysteriously disappeared).

This normalised the idea that games didn’t need to be won to be fun. It was a shift in design philosophy that paved the way for later games that let players tend a farm, manage a café, or befriend ghosts without a game-defined goal.

A trailer for one of the more recent expansion packs, Cottage Living.

The Sims was less about victory than it was about making your own fun – whether that meant imagining your future family life with your crush, or seeing how well you could build your Sim’s career from the ground up before succumbing to late-stage capitalism.

Copying The Sims’ homework

Many features that define the cosy game genre today trace directly back to The Sims. It popularised meticulous environment building and customisation tools, for example, from house layouts to outfit choices and suspiciously elaborate hedge mazes. This DNA is the bedrock of many modern cosy games, like Tiny Glade’s whimsical castle-building or pandemic hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ island growing.

The Sims was free from combat or major stressors (unless you count fire hazards and rogue Grim Reapers). No timers, no pressure – just vibes (unless you forgot to build a toilet, in which case the vibes would be bad). You could play at your own pace, which came to define other self-paced games like A Short Hike.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

Much of The Sims was about the relationships between the Sims themselves. They could get married, have children, make friends and even enemies. Instead of fighting for survival, Sims were fighting for their relationships.

This was augmented by a growing “machinima” fan culture, where players made short films and movies using in-game footage. These forms of emergent, social storytelling are a mainstay of modern gaming and meme culture, made even more prevalent by social media and the “share” buttons now on many game controllers.

In this work of machinima, a Sims player has made a sitcom trailer using footage from their gameplay.

Over the years, The Sims franchise has become a bastion for diversity, equity and inclusion. Most recently, that’s meant allowing players to create disabled and transgender Sims.

This provides more representation to players, and showcases the importance of cosy games for exploring an array of identities, values and stories. The move has even inspired copycats like the upcoming Inzoi, which provides even more realistic graphics and complex life simulation, building on the formula introduced by Sims creator Will Wright all those years ago.

For 25 years, The Sims has proven that games can be different. They don’t need conflict, challenge or even victory to be engaging. Sometimes, the real joy comes from designing an entire town, crafting a chaotic soap opera – or simply watching a Sim pace around a door-less room, gradually descending into madness.

Adam Jerrett 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. How The Sims accidentally invented the cosy game genre – https://theconversation.com/how-the-sims-accidentally-invented-the-cosy-game-genre-248702

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Essential work to improve Lendal starts Monday 3 February

Source: City of York

Published Friday, 31 January 2025

Two urgent improvement works are due to begin on Lendal. To ensure the safety of public and workers on site, Lendal will have daily and temporary closures to vehicles.

Northern Gas Networks will carry out essential work to the roadway on weekdays from Monday 3 February until Friday 14 February 2025. The road will be open for deliveries and access before 10.30am and will be closed to vehicles from 10:30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Saturday.

Outside those times, metal plates will be laid over the workings, so vehicles can drive along Lendal. Pedestrian access will remain open throughout to ensure access to businesses.

City of York Council will resurface and improve footways from Monday 24 February for three months until late May 2025, weather permitting. The road will be open before 10.30am and closed to vehicles from 10.30am until 4.00pm each weekday.

Outside those times, works will be barriered off but access will be maintained. Pedestrian access will remain open throughout. Pathways and cyclist routes will be maintained, where possible, to allow access to any properties and businesses safely. Emergency services will be permitted through the works at all times.

Work will pause during the busy Easter holiday period from the end of Friday 4 April 2025 and start again on the morning of Tuesday 22 April 2025. Access will be open during that period and the Blake Street barriers will be staffed as usual.

Blue Badge parking will be suspended on Blake Street, Lendal and St Helen’s Square during the closure periods.

During these two closures, access for Blue Badge holders will be via Goodramgate, which is used by the vast majority of Blue Badge holders. Blue Badge holders will be able to access and park along Goodramgate, Church Street and Colliergate as usual.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:

The decision to pause Blue Badge vehicle access along the Lendal loop has not been taken lightly, but the forthcoming roadworks are essential and the footway repairs will improve accessibility for everyone.

“We have checked to see if these two periods of work could run alongside each other to minimise disruption. Unfortunately, the access needed for staff and vehicles couldn’t be safely operated.

“We’re notifying Blue Badge holders, taxi drivers and affected businesses ahead of these temporary closures.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 4, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – IHC welcomes new Chief Executive Andrew Crisp

Source: IHC

IHC welcomed its new IHC Group Chief Executive Andrew Crisp at a pōwhiri in Wellington on Monday morning.

More than 200 people gathered to welcome Andrew Crisp, who joins IHC from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

“I was fortunate to meet with some people with intellectual disabilities before I started and I heard their request for me to step up for people with intellectual disabilities and for IHC,” Andrew says. “I will answer that call.”

Andrew joins the IHC Group at a key moment amid changes in disability funding, opportunities in social and community housing, a continued need to advocate for people’s rights and an ongoing determination for people with intellectual disabilities to have their say.

He says he has three key initial priorities. “I want to listen, first and foremost, to learn and understand the whakapapa of the organisation, I want to connect inside and outside the organisation to gather a range of perspectives and I want to work with everyone to prioritise the resources on things that will have the most positive impact on the people we support.”

IDEA Services Board Chair, and IHC New Zealand Board Member Suzanne Win formally welcomed Andrew emphasising the importance of the new role in the lives of many thousands of people looking to him to lead and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

She reminded everyone that just three people have held this esteemed role and have each made an impact for people with intellectual disabilities – which is our mission and calling.

“Last year IHC turned 75 and in the early years much change occurred as people with intellectual disabilities moved out of institutions and into communities,” said Suzanne. “There have been battles for equity in every policy area since – education, health, housing, employment, rights and more. It’s great to reflect on achievements, but only as we acknowledge how much more needs to be done.

“We are proud to be a rights-based organisation. People have the right to good health care and education, a good home, equitable access to services and participation, autonomy and social connection.”

Suzanne said that the organisation is excited to welcome a new champion to our sector and there are many challenges laid at his feet.

“This is more than a job,” said Suzanne. “It is history and future thinking, advocacy and consistent quality delivery, disability and housing, community connection and individual support. Much expectation and hope is resting on your shoulders,” she said.

“But you are not on your own. You join a team of thousands.

“Some of us are vocal and some of us are quiet,” she said. “Sometimes we’re excited, sometimes we’re angry, sometimes we’re worn out and sometimes we’re energised – but we’re all unwaveringly and doggedly committed to our mission and we’re proud to be here.”

Andrew already has visits to services and the wider organisation booked in the diary including to Waikato and Canterbury and he’ll be starting by visiting services and staff in Lower Hutt later this week.

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Science – Golden elegant enigma seeks ‘2025 Bug of the Year’ crown

Source: NIWA

2025 Bug of the Year: Yellow Mayfly nomination

Golden elegant enigma seeks ‘2025 Bug of the Year’ crown

A short-lived, strikingly stunning native mayfly known to fly-fishers and aquatic admirers yet seldom seen by the public may have its time in the spotlight this month as a nominee for the 2025 New Zealand Bug of the Year. While the adult yellow mayfly or piriwai only dances on this earth for a short while, the aquatic insect has a prehistoric past, with mayflies one of the oldest surviving winged insect orders on the planet, alongside dragonflies and damselflies.

“The yellow mayfly should be celebrated as perhaps the most beautiful mayfly in Aotearoa New Zealand, if not the world,” says NIWA Freshwater Ecologist Brian Smith, who has put forward the piriwai for the coveted crown for both its looks and rather interesting personality and lifestyle. As one of New Zealand’s leading freshwater invertebrate taxonomists, Smith believes the unheralded yellow mayfly deserves more recognition.

Part of the scientific name for the insect, Ameletopsis perscitus, means ‘very clever’ or ‘exceedingly sharp’, with the yellow mayfly living up to its name. “Draped in vibrant yellow, the sexually immature adult stands out in stunning contrast against the muted greens of its native forest surroundings. But this piriwai’s uniqueness extends beyond its alluring appearance. It is the sole species in its genus, and the only representative of the exclusively Gondwanan family Ameletopsidae in Aotearoa. Piriwai really does represent.”

The life story of the yellow mayfly can only really be understood by appreciating how it overcomes the many challenges to its survival, Smith says. “Adults lead a very short life. They are unable to eat, and the female only has a few days to find a mate and deposit her impressive clutch of up to 8,000 eggs back into the stream.”

He admits that beneath the adult yellow mayfly’s elegant and ephemeral beauty, lies a darker side, a very rare predilection among mayflies. “In its aquatic nymph stage, piriwai is a formidable predator. With lightning speed, the nymph ambushes and devours unsuspecting aquatic insects, employing powerful jaws concealed beneath a comically oversized head.”

Smith is hoping that the enigmatic insect will capture the attention of the public in the 2025 New Zealand Bug of the Year, who have until midnight 17 February to vote for the yellow mayfly at New Zealand Bug of the Year. So far more than 8,000 votes have been cast. “This striking duality between the delicate, transient beauty of the adult and the predatory ferocity of the juvenile presents a fascinating paradox: a creature that is both a fleeting symbol of elegance and yet was a ruthless hunter.”

This rather uncommon mayfly is distributed throughout the country from the Southland and Fiordland streams and up the West Coast and as far as the upper North Island’s rivers.

There is the bigger picture too, about these insects that spent most of their lives as nymphs in freshwater, before emerging in spring and summer for their short adult lives. “Our waterways boast an extraordinary legacy of uniqueness with species of mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly found nowhere else on earth. These insects are indicators of waterway wellbeing, vital to the health and balance of freshwater ecosystems, and the first to disappear as water quality degrades.”

He says while the increasing pressures of pollution, habitat loss, and deforestation often shift attention to more visible and charismatic species like native freshwater fish, it’s equally crucial to highlight the plight of lesser known yet essential insects like Ameletopsis perscitus. “This nomination aims to shine a light on these overlooked gems, celebrating their beauty and raising awareness about their indispensable role in maintaining ecological health. Let’s champion the tiny, the vital, and the irreplaceable.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Tammy Duckworth Seek to Protect IVF Coverage in Final NDAA
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

October 24, 2024

Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) continued their push to ensure the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) preserves the requirement contained in both the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of NDAA that requires TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). In a letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership, the lawmakers – who authored and successfully secured inclusion of the IVF coverage provisions in the House and Senate bills, respectively – called for service members and military families to receive the same level of IVF coverage that’s accessible to Members of Congress and Federal employees next year.

Two-thirds of service members, who often spend their prime reproductive years in hazardous conditions and away from their partners, have reported experiencing family-building challenges after returning home. As a result, many TRICARE beneficiaries pay tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment. Expanding IVF coverage would strengthen recruitment, retention, and readiness efforts – all while supporting those who have sacrificed greatly for the United States.

Read Rep. Sara Jacobs’ and Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s Letter Here

The lawmakers wrote:

“Because of hard work conducted under your respective leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and House Armed Services Committee (HASC), Congress is poised to ensure the final legislative text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA) preserves language contained in both the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the NDAA that require TRICARE cover fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

“Accordingly, we write to request that in negotiating the final conference report to accompany the NDAA, you ensure U.S. servicemembers and military families receive IVF coverage in 2025 that is on par with the IVF coverage Members of Congress and Federal employees will be provided access to in 2025 by taking one of these courses of action:
- House recedes regarding Section 701 of H.R. 8070, and the final bill includes Section 705 of S. 4638;
- Senate recedes regarding Section 705 of S. 4638 and the final bill includes Section 701 of H.R. 8070; or
- The final bill merges and harmonizes Sections 701 and 705.
“Since HASC added the provisions (sec. 701) requiring TRICARE cover fertility services, including IVF, by voice vote without controversy; and then House Republicans chose to preserve these Democratic-authored provisions in the version of the NDAA that the House narrowly passed along party-lines; we are hopeful that achieving fertility benefit parity between Members of Congress, Federal employees and members of the U.S. Armed Forces can avoid controversy and be preserved in the final NDAA that President Joe Biden signs into law.

“In the coming months, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and United States Senators will have the opportunity to select health insurance from 2025 marketplace plans that all include high quality, affordable fertility benefit coverage—including excellent IVF coverage that, absent action by Congress, will be far superior to the restrictive fertility benefit coverage offered to U.S. servicemembers and military families under current law. Under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, Federal employees will also receive high quality fertility benefit coverage, including IVF, in 2025.

“Importantly, every Member of Congress will be able to enroll in a 2025 marketplace plan that covers IVF services provided in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards of care and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) professional guidelines—which includes coverage of at least three complete oocyte retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers from those oocyte retrievals, and standard fertility preservation services.

“We strongly believe U.S. servicemembers and military families deserve fertility benefit coverage in 2025 that is at least comparable to what Members of Congress will receive.

“It would be hypocritical for Members of Congress to enjoy high quality fertility benefit coverage next year, right on the heels of denying such IVF coverage to brave Americans willing to defend our country in uniform, and the dedicated military families that sacrifice to support their loved ones’ service to our great country. That is why we strongly agree with the position taken by a broad coalition of Military Service Organizations (MSOs) and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that these MSOs and VSOs expressed to you in their October 10, 2024, joint letter:

‘The health care benefit is an earned benefit and an essential part of military compensation. Coverage should not be contingent on a service member’s willingness or ability to accept an additional service commitment. For that reason, we caution Congress against adopting Section 627 of S. 4638, which would require a service member benefiting from expanded reproductive health coverage to accept an additional service commitment of four years. Again, military members deserve coverage that is on par with civilian plans, and civilian plans make no such demands of their beneficiaries [emphasis added].’

“We share the opposition of MSOs and VSOs to including Section 627 of S. 4638 in the final bill text because it falls woefully short of providing servicemembers and their families with comparable coverage to the coverage Members of Congress receive. Unfortunately, Section 627 goes beyond TRICARE fertility coverage requirements and injects controversial and divisive language relating to abortion services and embryonic personhood, which are contrary to the bipartisan tradition of the NDAA and distract from what should be our overriding priority: making sure that in 2025, U.S. servicemembers and military families receive high quality and affordable fertility services coverage that is on par with fertility benefits that Members of Congress and Federal employees will receive in the coming year.

“Servicemembers are disproportionately impacted by infertility and face unique challenges in trying to start and build their families. Two-thirds of servicemembers, who often spend their prime reproductive years in hazardous conditions and away from their partners, have reported family-building challenges due to military service. Most TRICARE beneficiaries must pay out of pocket for fertility treatment, costing tens of thousands of dollars, all while navigating challenging duty station moves and a complex healthcare system bureaucracy.

“Failing to provide high-quality IVF coverage through TRICARE would perpetuate an unfair system that forces military families to confront an impossible and unjust choice between serving their country in uniform or starting a family without the risk of financial ruin. We are gravely concerned that this will inevitably deter recruitment and retention efforts and ultimately decrease our Nation’s military readiness. Providing U.S. servicemembers and military families with robust IVF coverage is the least we can do for those Americans who have sacrificed so much for us.

“We thank you in advance for your consideration of our request to make sure that we complete the mission of ensuring members of the U.S. Armed Forces achieve parity with Members of Congress and the civil service by finalizing a conference report and passing a NDAA that, for the first time in history, requires TRICARE cover fertility services, including IVF, without harmful and onerous restrictions that violate widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards of care and fail to comport with ASRM professional guidance.”

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MIL OSI USA News –
February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Bush, Labor Caucus Urge Amazon to Respect its Employees’ Rights; Requests Information About Anti-Union Activities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01)

October 21, 2024

Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2024) — Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) joined Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Caucus members Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), and 126 other members of Congress in calling on Amazon to respect its employees’ rights and requesting information from the company about its anti-union activities.

“Workers have a constitutional right to organize and advocate for improvements in their wages and working conditions, as well as statutory rights to engage in protected concerted activity under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA),” the members wrote in a letter to Amazon Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy.

“We have heard concerns from our constituents who are scared to exercise these rights due to fear of reprisal from their employer, and anti-union activities from an employer as prominent as Amazon exacerbate those concerns,” the Members continued. “Therefore, in accordance with the NLRA, we urge Amazon to refrain from engaging in intimidation, retaliation, and other forms of illegal interference and to allow workers to decide on their own, whether they should join a union.”

Unfortunately Amazon has been found to have violated federal labor law on numerous occasions, including public anti-union comments from CEO Andy Jassy. This letter comes amidst a recent wave of worker organizing activity at Amazon locations around the county. To ensure that workers rights are respected going forward, the Members requested information from Amazon and asked if it will commit to following applicable federal and state labor laws.

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

The letter was signed by 132 Members of Congress, including: Reps. Alma Adams; Gabe Amo; Becca Balint; Nanette Barragán; Joyce Beatty; Jamaal Bowman; Julia Brownley; Shontel Brown; Nikki Budzinski; Salud Carbajal; André Carson; Greg Casar; Sean Casten; Joaquin Castro; Judy Chu; Steve Cohen; Lou Correa; Joe Courtney; Jason Crow; Danny Davis; Madeleine Dean; Rosa DeLauro; Christopher Deluzio; Mark DeSaulnier; Debbie Dingell; Lloyd Doggett; Adriano Espaillat; Dwight Evans; Bill Foster; Lois Frankel; Maxwell Frost; Ruben Gallego; John Garamendi; Jesús García; Sylvia Garcia; Jared Golden; Daniel Goldman; Jimmy Gomez; Al Green; Raúl Grijalva; Chrissy Houlahan; Val Hoyle; Jared Huffman; Jonathan Jackson; Sara Jacobs; Henry Johnson; Marcy Kaptur; William Keating; Timothy Kennedy; Ro Khanna; Daniel Kildee; Andy Kim; Raja Krishnamoorthi; Greg Landsman; John Larson; Barbara Lee; Summer Lee; Teresa Leger Fernandez; Stephen Lynch; Seth Magaziner; Betty McCollum; Morgan McGarvey; James McGovern; Robert Menendez; Grace Meng; Kevin Mullin; Jerrold Nadler; Grace Napolitano; Wiley Nickel; Donald Norcross; Elanor Norton; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Ilhan Omar; Frank Pallone; Chris Pappas; Mary Peltola; Chellie Pingree; Mark Pocan; Katie Porter; Ayanna Pressley; Delia Ramirez; Jamie Raskin; Raul Ruiz; Patrick Ryan; Linda Sánchez; Mary Scanlon; Janice Schakowsky; Adam Schiff; Hillary Scholten; Brad Sherman; Mikie Sherrill; Elissa Slotkin; Adam Smith; Eric Sorensen; Darren Soto; Melanie Stansbury; Greg Stanton; Haley Stevens; Thomas Suozzi; Emilia Sykes; Mark Takano; Shri Thanedar; Bennie Thompson; Dina Titus; Rashida Tlaib; Paul Tonko; Ritchie Torres; Lori Trahan; David Trone; Lauren Underwood; Juan Vargas; Nydia Velázquez; Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Maxine Waters; Bonnie Watson Coleman; and Susan Wild.

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: EPA Issues Advance Notice To Protect Salmon From Toxic Chemicals
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to gather information on the potential risks associated with the chemical 6PPD and its transformation product, 6PPD-quinone or 6PPD-Q.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Yurok Tribe, and the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe submitted a petition asking EPA to establish regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, processing, use and distribution of 6PPD in tires. EPA granted this petition in November 2023 and committed to publishing an ANPRM by Fall 2024 in order to gather more information that could be used to inform a subsequent regulatory action.

“Salmon are a keystone species and research shows that the 6PPD-Q chemical which runs off from vehicle tires into our waterways is lethal to their survival, and our marine ecosystem,” said Strickland. “As co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, I have secured funding to find solutions to this problem, and the U.S. EPA is taking an important step forward to help us.”

“Toxic stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats facing Puget Sound salmon recovery,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06). “I am grateful that the EPA has been responsive to the petition filed by Tribes from across our region who are helping to lead the effort to better understand how 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone get into our waterways, how they impact our environment and our health, and how we can get these chemicals out of local ecosystems. We have an obligation to protect salmon in the Pacific Northwest in order to honor the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribes in the region. I am excited that the EPA is moving forward with this rulemaking as an important step toward salmon recovery.”

“Today, we’re following through on the commitment we made to our Tribal partners to gather more information about this chemical used in rubber products to help protect coho salmon,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “We’ll use the information we get on the health and environmental risks to determine next steps to protect people and the planet.”

The chemical 6PPD has been used in motor vehicle tires for more than six decades to make them more durable and can also be found in other rubber products such as footwear, synthetic turf infill and playgrounds. 6PPD reacts with pollution in the air to form a transformation product called 6PPD-Q, which may be present in stormwater runoff that may be washed into streams and other bodies of water during rain events. As a result, aquatic organisms can be exposed to the chemicals. Concentrations of 6PPD-Q in stormwater in the Pacific Northwest were found to be lethal to coho salmon after only a few hours of exposure.

EPA is soliciting the following information regarding the chemicals:
1. Environmental effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,
2. Potential human health effects,
3. Environmental fate and transport,
4. Exposure pathways,
5. Persistence and bioaccumulation,
6. Additional uses of 6PPD and potential releases from consumer products such as sneakers, playgrounds, rubber-modified asphalt, reused tire or other rubber products.
EPA is also seeking comment and information related to alternatives to 6PPD, as well as potential chemical transformation products associated with potential alternatives.

For example, there are data showing that 6PPD-Q is toxic to fish, with coho salmon being the most sensitive species studied to date. However, there are still uncertainties about the potential impacts of 6PPD-Q on human health, as well as the potential for exposure from other sources of 6PPD-Q.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is whip for the Congressional Black Caucus, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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MIL OSI USA News –
February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

Source: Minister of Infrastructure

BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement?

ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic.

LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake?

CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time.

LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational?

CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community.

LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs?

CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities.

LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore?

CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland. We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment.

LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place?

CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well.

LONG: Do we have a timeline yet?

CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government.

LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues?

CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner.

LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or?

CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice.

LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible?

CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this.

LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people?

CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time.

HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

MIL OSI News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement?

ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic.

LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake?

CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time.

LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational?

CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community.

LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs?

CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities.

LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore?

CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland. We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment.

LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place?

CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well.

LONG: Do we have a timeline yet?

CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government.

LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues?

CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner.

LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or?

CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice.

LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible?

CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this.

LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people?

CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time.

HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

MIL OSI News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Country Hour Queensland

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement?

ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic.

LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake?

CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time.

LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational?

CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community.

LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs?

CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities.

LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore?

CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland. We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment.

LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place?

CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well.

LONG: Do we have a timeline yet?

CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government.

LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues?

CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner.

LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or?

CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice.

LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible?

CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this.

LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people?

CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time.

HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

MIL OSI News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Source: Government of India (2)

UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODS

EXEMPTION TO 36 MORE LIFE SAVING MEDICINES FOR CANCER AND OTHER RARE DISEASES FROM BASIC CUSTOMS DUTY

BOOST TO E-MOBILITY: 35 ADDITIONAL CAPITAL GOODS FOR EV BATTERY MANUFACTURING EXEMPTED FROM BCD

PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING AND VALUE ADDITION WHILE PROMOTING EXPORTS, FACILITATING TRADE AND PROVIDING RELIEF TO COMMON PEOPLE

Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in parliament today, focuses its customs proposals on rationalizing tariff structure and addressing duty inversion. The Minister said that the proposals will also support domestic manufacturing and value addition while promoting exports, facilitating trade and providing relief to common people.

Delivering on the promise to review customs rate structure announced in July 2024, the Budget proposes to remove seven customs tariff rates for industrial goods over and above the seven tariff rates removed in Budget 2023-24. This will leave only eight tariff rates, including ‘zero’ rate. The Budget also proposes to levy not more than one cess or surcharge. This will exempt Social Welfare Surcharge on 82 tariff lines that are subject to a cess.

Relief on import of Drugs/Medicines

In sector specific proposals, the Budget comes as a big relief to patients, particularly to those suffering from cancer, rare diseases and other severe chronic diseases. The Budget proposes to add 36 life saving drugs and medicines to the list of medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty. The Budget also proposes to add 6 life saving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5%. Full exemption and concessional duty will also respectively apply on the bulk drugs for manufacture of the above.

Specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies are fully exempt from Basic Customs Duty, provided the medicines are supplied free of cost to patients. The Budget proposes to add 37 more medicines along with 13 new patient assistance programmes to the list.

Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Value addition

The Budget proposes to add 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing to the list of exempted capital goods. “This will boost domestic manufacture of lithium-ion battery, both for mobile phones and electric vehicles”, FM stated in her speech.

The Budget also proposes to fully exempt Basic Customs Duty on cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals. Finance Minister said that this will help secure their availability for manufacturing in India and promote more jobs for our youth. This is in addition to the 25 critical minerals fully exempted of BCD in July 2024 Budget.

To promote domestic production of technical textile products such as agro-textiles, medical textiles and geo textiles at competitive prices, the Budget proposes to add two more types of shuttle-less looms to the list of fully exempted textile machinery. “I also propose to revise the BCD rate on knitted fabrics covered by nine tariff lines from “10% or 20%” to “20% or Rs.115 per kg, whichever is higher”, said Finance Minister in her speech.

In line with the ‘Make in India’ policy, the Budget proposes to increase the BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) from 10% to 20% and reduce the BCD to 5% on Open Cell and other components. The Minister informed that it will rectify the inverted duty structure.

Considering the long gestation period of shipbuilding, the Budget proposes to continue the exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships for another ten years. The Budget also proposes the same dispensation for ship breaking to make it more competitive.

The Budget also proposes to reduce the BCD from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches to make it at par with Non-Carrier Grade ethernet switches. Finance Minister said that that this will prevent classification disputes.

Export Promotion

The Budget also contains certain tax proposals to promote exports. To facilitate exports of handicrafts, it proposes to extend the time period for export from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required. The Budget also proposes to add nine handicraft items to the list of duty-free inputs.

The Budget also proposes to exempt crust leather from 20% export duty to facilitate exports by small tanners, while fully exempting BCD on Wet Blue leather to facilitate imports for domestic value addition and employment.

To enhance India’s competitiveness in the global seafood market, the Budget proposes to reduce BCD from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) for manufacture and export of its analogue products. It also proposes to reduce BCD from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.

To promote development of domestic MROs for aircraft and ships, the July 2024 Budget extended the time limit for export of foreign origin goods that were imported for repairs, from 6 months to one year and further extendable by one year. The Budget 2025-26 proposes to extend the same dispensation for railway goods.

Trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business

Presently, the Customs Act, 1962 does not provide any time limit to finalize Provisional Assessments leading to uncertainty and cost to trade. As a measure of promoting ease of doing business, the Budget proposes to fix a time-limit of two years, extendable by a year, for finalizing the provisional assessment.

The Budget also proposes to introduce a new provision that will enable importers or exporters, after clearance of goods, to voluntarily declare material facts and pay duty with interest but without penalty. “This will incentivize voluntary compliance. However, this will not apply in cases where department has already initiated audit or investigation proceedings”, said Smt Sitharaman.

The Budget proposes to extend the time limit for the end-use of imported inputs in the relevant rules, from six months to one year. This will not only allow industry to better plan their imports, but also provide operational flexibility in view of cost and uncertainty of supply. Further, such importers will now have to file only quarterly statements instead of a monthly statement.

****

NB/VM/ST

(Release ID: 2098364) Visitor Counter : 71

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HIGHLIGHTS OF UNION BUDGET 2025-26

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:42PM by PIB Delhi

PART A

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament today. The highlights of the budget are as follows:

Budget Estimates 2025-26

The total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹ 34.96 lakh crore and ₹ 50.65 lakh crore respectively.
The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹ 28.37 lakh crore.
The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.
The gross market borrowings are estimated at ₹ 14.82 lakh crore.
Capex Expenditure of ₹11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) earmarked in FY2025-26.

AGRICULTURE AS THE 1^ST ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – Developing Agri Districts Programme

The programme to be launched in partnership with the states, covering 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters, to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.

Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience

A comprehensive multi-sectoral programme to be launched in partnership with states to address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy.
Phase-1 to cover 100 developing agri-districts.

Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Government to launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor.
NAFED and NCCF to procure these pulses from farmers during the next 4 years.

Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits

A comprehensive programme to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers to be launched in partnership with states.

Makhana Board in Bihar

A Makhana Board to be established to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.

National Mission on High Yielding Seeds

A National Mission on High Yielding Seeds to be launched aiming at strengthening the research ecosystem, targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, and commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties.

Fisheries

Government to bring a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

Mission for Cotton Productivity

A 5-year mission announced to facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties.

Enhanced Credit through KCC

The loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme to be enhanced from ₹ 3 lakh to ₹ 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

Urea Plant in Assam

A plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons to be set up at Namrup, Assam.

MSMEs AS THE 2^ND ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

Revision in classification criteria for MSMEs

The investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs to be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively.

Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises

Customized Credit Cards with ₹ 5 lakh limit for micro enterprises registered on Udyam portal, 10 lakh cards to be issued in the first year.

Fund of Funds for Startups

A new Fund of Funds, with expanded scope and a fresh contribution of ₹ 10,000 crore to be set up.

Scheme for First-time Entrepreneurs

A new scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs to provide term-loans upto ₹ 2 crore in the next 5 years announced.

Focus Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sectors

To enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector, a focus product scheme announced to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of ₹ 4 lakh crore and exports of over ₹ 1.1 lakh crore.

Measures for the Toy Sector

A scheme to create high-quality, unique, innovative, and sustainable toys, making India a global hub for toys announced.

Support for Food Processing

A National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management to be set up in Bihar.

Manufacturing Mission – Furthering “Make in India”

A National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India” announced.

INVESTMENT AS THE 3^RD ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

Investing in People

Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

The cost norms for the nutritional support to be enhanced appropriately.

Atal Tinkering Labs

50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.

Broadband Connectivity to Government Secondary Schools and PHCs

Broadband connectivity to be provided to all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.

Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme announced to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.

National Centres of Excellence for Skilling

5 National Centres of Excellence for skilling to be set up with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth with the skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.

Expansion of Capacity in IITs

Additional infrastructure to be created in the 5 IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students.

Centre of Excellence in AI for Education

A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education to be set up with a total outlay of ₹ 500 crore.

Expansion of medical education

10,000 additional seats to be added in medical colleges and hospitals next year, adding to 75000 seats in the next 5 years.

Day Care Cancer Centres in all District Hospitals

Government to set up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years, 200 Centres in 2025-26.

Strengthening urban livelihoods

A scheme for socio-economic upliftment of urban workers to help them improve their incomes and have sustainable livelihoods announced.

PM SVANidhi

Scheme to be revamped with enhanced loans from banks, UPI linked credit cards with ₹ 30,000 limit, and capacity building support.

Social Security Scheme for Welfare of Online Platform Workers

Government to arrange for identity cards, registration on e-Shram portal and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojna, for gig-workers.

Investing in the Economy

Public Private Partnership in Infrastructure

Infrastructure-related ministries to come up with a 3-year pipeline of projects in PPP mode, States also encouraged.

Support to States for Infrastructure

An outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore proposed for the 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure and incentives for reforms.

Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30

Second Plan for 2025-30 to plough back capital of ₹ 10 lakh crore in new projects announced.

Jal Jeevan Mission

Mission to be extended until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.

Urban Challenge Fund

An Urban Challenge Fund of ₹ 1 lakh crore announced to implement the proposals for ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’, allocation of ₹ 10,000 crore proposed for 2025-26.

Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat

Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to be taken up.
Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of ₹20,000 crore to be set up, 5 indigenously developed SMRs to be operational by 2033.

Shipbuilding

The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy to be revamped.
Large ships above a specified size to be included in the infrastructure harmonized master list (HML).

Maritime Development Fund

A Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of ₹ 25,000 crore to be set up, with up to 49 per cent contribution by the Government, and the balance from ports and private sector.

UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme

A modified UDAN scheme announced to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.
Also to support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts.

Greenfield Airport in Bihar

Greenfield airports announced in Bihar, in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta.

Western Koshi Canal Project in Mithilanchal

Financial support for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project in Bihar.

Mining Sector Reforms

A policy for recovery of critical minerals from tailings to be brought out.

SWAMIH Fund 2

A fund of ₹ 15,000 crore aimed at expeditious completion of another 1 lakh dwelling units, with contribution from the Government, banks and private investors announced.

Tourism for employment-led growth

Top 50 tourist destination sites in the country to be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode.

Investing in Innovation

Research, Development and Innovation

₹20,000 crore to be allocated to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative announced in the July Budget.

Deep Tech Fund of Funds

Deep Tech Fund of Funds to be explored to catalyze the next generation startups.

PM Research Fellowship

10,000 fellowships for technological research in IITs and IISc with enhanced financial support.

Gene Bank for Crops Germplasm

2^nd Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines to be set up for future food and nutritional security.

National Geospatial Mission

A National Geospatial Mission announced to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data.

Gyan Bharatam Mission

A Gyan Bharatam Mission for survey, documentation and conservation of our manuscript heritage with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors to be undertaken to cover more than 1 crore manuscripts announced.

EXPORTS AS THE 4^TH ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

Export Promotion Mission

An Export Promotion Mission, with sectoral and ministerial targets, driven jointly by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance to be set up.

BharatTradeNet

‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade to be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

National Framework for GCC

A national framework to be formulated as guidance to states for promoting Global Capability Centres in emerging tier 2 cities.

REFORMS AS FUEL: FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS AND DEVELOPMENT

FDI in Insurance Sector

The FDI limit for the insurance sector to be raised from 74 to 100 per cent, for those companies which invest the entire premium in India.

Credit Enhancement Facility by NaBFID

NaBFID to set up a ‘Partial Credit Enhancement Facility’ for corporate bonds for infrastructure.

Grameen Credit Score

Public Sector Banks to develop ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of SHG members and people in rural areas.

Pension Sector

A forum for regulatory coordination and development of pension products to be set up.

High Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms

A High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms to be set up for a review of all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions.

Investment Friendliness Index of States

An Investment Friendliness Index of States to be launched in 2025 to further the spirit of competitive cooperative federalism anounced.

Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0

The Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to decriminalize more than 100 provisions in various laws.

PART B

DIRECT TAX

No personal income tax payable upto income of Rs 12 lakh (i.e. average income of Rs 1 lakh per month other than special rate income such as capital gains) under the new regime.
This limit will be Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried tax payers, due to standard deduction of Rs 75,000.
The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings and investment.
The new Income-Tax Bill to be clear and direct in text so as to make it simple to understand for taxpayers and tax administration, leading to tax certainty and reduced litigation.
Revenue of about ₹ 1 lakh crore in direct taxes will be forgone.

Revised tax rate structure

In the new tax regime, the revised tax rate structure will stand as follows:

0-4 lakh rupees	Nil
4-8 lakh rupees	5 percent
8-12 lakh rupees	10 percent
12-16 lakh rupees	15 percent
16-20 lakh rupees	20 percent
20- 24 lakh rupees	25 percent
Above 24 lakh rupees	30 percent

TDS/TCS rationalization for easing difficulties

Rationalization of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) by reducing number of rates and thresholds above which TDS is deducted.
The limit for tax deduction on interest for senior citizens doubled from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
The annual limit of Rs 2.40 lakh for TDS on rent increased to Rs 6 lakh.
The threshold to collect tax at source (TCS) on remittances under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) increased from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
The provisions of the higher TDS deduction will apply only in non-PAN cases.
Decriminalization for the cases of delay of payment of TCS up to the due date of filing statement.

Reducing Compliance Burden

Reduction of compliance burden for small charitable trusts/institutions by increasing their period of registration from 5 years to 10 years.

The benefit of claiming the annual value of self-occupied properties as nil will be extended for two such self-occupied properties without any condition.

Ease of Doing Business

Introduction of a scheme for determining arm’s length price of international transaction for a block period of three years.
Expansion of the scope of safe harbour rules to reduce litigation and provide certainty in international taxation.
Exemption of withdrawals made from National Savings Scheme (NSS) by individuals on or after the 29th of August, 2024.
Similar treatment to NPS Vatsalya accounts as is available to normal NPS accounts, subject to overall limits.

Employment and Investment

Tax certainty for electronics manufacturing Schemes

Presumptive taxation regime for non-residents who provide services to a resident company that is establishing or operating an electronics manufacturing facility.
Introduction of a safe harbour for tax certainty for non-residents who store components for supply to specified electronics manufacturing units.

Tonnage Tax Scheme for Inland Vessels

The benefits of existing tonnage tax scheme to be extended to inland vessels registered under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021 to promote inland water transport in the country.

Extension for incorporation of Start-Ups

Extension of the period of incorporation by 5 years to allow the benefit available to start-ups incorporated before 1.4.2030.

Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs)

Certainty of taxation on the gains from securities to Category I and Category II AIFs which are undertaking investments in infrastructure and other such sectors.

Extension of investment date for Sovereign and Pension Funds

Extension of the date of making investments in Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds by five more years, to 31st March, 2030, to promote funding from them to the infrastructure sector.

INDIRECT TAX

Rationalisation of Customs Tariff Structure for Industrial Goods

Union Budget 2025-26 proposes to:

Remove seven tariff rates. This is over and above the seven tariff rates removed in 2023-24 budget. After this, there will be only eight remaining tariff rates including ‘zero’ rate.
Apply appropriate cess to broadly maintain effective duty incidence except on a few items, where such incidence will reduce marginally.
Levy not more than one cess or surcharge. Therefore Social Welfare Surcharge on 82 tariff lines that are subject to a cess, exempted.

Revenue of about ₹ 2600 crore in indirect taxes will be forgone.

Relief on import of Drugs/Medicines

36 lifesaving drugs and medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
6 lifesaving medicines to attract concessional customs duty of 5%.
Specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies fully exempted from BCD; 37 more medicines added along with 13 new patient assistance programmes.

Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Value addition

Critical Minerals :
- Cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals fully exempted from BCD.

Textiles:
- Two more types of shuttle-less looms fully exempted textile machinery.
- BCD rate on knitted fabrics revised from “10% or 20%” to “20% or ` 115 per kg, whichever is higher.
Electronic Goods:
- BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) increased from 10% to 20% .
- BCD reduced to 5% on Open Cell and other components.
- BCD on parts of Open Cells exempted.
Lithium Ion Battery:
- 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing exempted.
Shipping Sector:
- Exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships extended for another ten years.
- The same dispensation to continue for ship breaking.
Telecommunication:
- BCD reduced from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches.

Export Promotion

Handicraft Goods:
- Time period for export extended from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required.
- Nine items added to list of duty-free inputs.

Leather sector:
- BCD on Wet Blue leather fully exempted.
- Crust leather exempted from 20% export duty.
Marine products:
- BCD reduced from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) for manufacture and export of its analogue products.
- BCD reduced from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.
Domestic MROs for Railway Goods:
- Railways MROs to benefit similar to the aircraft and ships MROs in terms of import of repair items.
- Time limit extended for export of such items from 6 months to one year and made further extendable by one year.

Trade facilitation

Time limit for Provisional Assessment:
- For finalising the provisional assessment, time-limit of two years fixed, extendable by a year.
Voluntary Compliance:
- A new provision introduced to enable importers or exporters, after clearance of goods, to voluntarily declare material facts and pay duty with interest but without penalty.
Extended Time for End Use:
- Time limit for the end-use of imported inputs in the relevant rules extended from six months to one year.
- Such importers to file only quarterly statements instead of a monthly statement.

*****

NB/RC/VV/KS/CNAN/GS/SC/AG/NJ

(Release ID: 2098353) Visitor Counter : 643

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SUMMARY OF UNION BUDGET 2025-26

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:36PM by PIB Delhi

NO INCOME TAX ON AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME OF UPTO RS 1 LAKH; TO BOOST MIDDLE CLASS HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS & CONSUMPTION

SALARIED CLASS TO PAY NIL INCOME TAX UPTO ₹ 12.75 LAKH PER ANNUM IN NEW TAX REGIME

UNION BUDGET RECOGNISES 4 ENGINES OF DEVELOPMENT – AGRICULTURE, MSME, INVESTMENT AND EXPORTS

BENEFITTING 1.7 CRORE FARMERS, ‘PRIME MINISTER DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA’ TO COVER 100 LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY DISTRICTS

“MISSION FOR AATMANIRBHARTA IN PULSES” WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON TUR, URAD AND MASOOR TO BE LAUNCHED

LOANS UPTO Rs. 5 LAKHS THROUGH KCC UNDER MODIFIED INTEREST SUBVENTION SCHEME

FY-25 ESTIMATED TO END WITH FISCAL DEFICIT OF 4.8%, TARGET TO BRING IT DOWN TO 4.4% IN FY-26

SIGNIFICANT ENHANCEMENT OF CREDIT WITH GUARANTEE COVER TO MSMEs FROM ₹ 5 CR TO ₹ 10 CR

A NATIONAL MANUFACTURING MISSION COVERING SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES FOR FURTHERING “MAKE IN INDIA”

50,000 ATAL TINKERING LABS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN NEXT 5 YEARS

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR EDUCATION, WITH A TOTAL OUTLAY OF ₹ 500 CRORE

PM SVANIDHI WITH ENHANCED LOANS FROM BANKS, AND UPI LINKED CREDIT CARDS WITH ₹ 30,000 LIMIT

GIG WORKERS TO GET IDENTITY CARDS, REGISTRATION ON E-SHRAM PORTAL & HEALTHCARE UNDER PM JAN AROGYA YOJANA

₹ 1 LAKH CRORE URBAN CHALLENGE FUND FOR ‘CITIES AS GROWTH HUBS’

NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR R&D OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS WITH AN OUTLAY OF ₹ 20,000 CRORE

MODIFIED UDAN SCHEME TO ENHANCE REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY TO 120 NEW DESTINATIONS

₹ 15,000 CRORE SWAMIH FUND TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR EXPEDITIOUS COMPLETION OF ANOTHER 1 LAKH STRESSED HOUSING UNITS

₹ 20,000 CRORE ALLOCATED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION INITIATIVES

GYAN BHARATAM MISSION FOR SURVEYAND CONSERVATION OF MANUSCRIPTS TO COVER MORE THAN ONE CRORE MANUSCRIPTS

FDI LIMIT ENHANCED FOR INSURANCE FROM 74 TO 100 PER CENT

JAN VISHWAS BILL 2.0 TO BE INTRODUCED FOR DECRIMINALISING MORE THAN 100 PROVISIONS IN VARIOUS LAWS

UPDATED INCOME TAX RETURNS TIME LIMIT INCREASED FROM TWO TO FOUR YEARS

DELAY IN TCS PAYMENT DECRIMINALISED

TDS ON RENT INCREASED FROM ₹ 2.4 LAKH TO ₹ 6 LAKH

BCD EXEMPTED ON 36 LIFESAVING DRUGS AND MEDICINES FOR TREATING CANCER, RARE AND CHRONIC DISEASES

BCD ON IFPD INCREASED TO 20% AND ON OPEN CELLS REDUCED TO 5%

BCD ON PARTS OF OPEN CELLS EXEMPTED TO PROMOTE DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING

TO BOOST BATTERY PRODUCTION, ADDITIONAL CAPITAL GOODS FOR EV AND MOBILE BATTERY MANUFACTURING EXEMPTED

BCD EXEMPTED FOR 10 YEARS ON RAW MATERIALS & COMPONENTS USED FOR SHIP BUILDING

BCD REDUCED FROM 30% TO 5% ON FROZEN FISH PASTE AND 15% TO 5% ON FISH HYDROLYSATE

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today. Here is the summary of her budget speech;

PART A

Quoting Telugu poet and playwright Shri Gurajada Appa Rao’s famous saying, ‘A country is not just its soil; a country is its people.’ – the Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2025-26 with the theme “Sabka Vikas” stimulating balanced growth of all regions.

In line with this theme, the Finance Minister outlined the broad Principles of Viksit Bharat to encompass the following:

a) Zero-poverty;

b) Hundred per cent good quality school education;

c) Access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare;

d) Hundred per cent skilled labour with meaningful employment;

e) Seventy per cent women in economic activities; and

f) Farmers making our country the ‘food basket of the world’.

The Union Budget 2025-2026 promises to continue Government’s efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investments, uplift household sentiments, and enhance spending power of India’s rising middle class. The Budget proposes development measures focusing on poor (Garib), Youth, farmer (Annadata) and women (Nari).

The Budget aims to initiate transformative reforms in Taxation, Power Sector, Urban Development, Mining, Financial Sector, and Regulatory Reforms to augment India’s growth potential and global competitiveness.

Union Budget highlights that Agriculture, MSME, Investment, and Exports are engines in the journey to Viksit Bharat using reforms as fuel, guided by the spirit of inclusivity.

1^st Engine: Agriculture

Budget announced ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states covering 100 districts to increase productivity, adopt crop diversification, augment post-harvest storage, improve irrigation facilities, and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit.

A comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in partnership with states to address underemployment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy. The goal is to generate ample opportunities in rural areas, with focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families.

Union Finance Minister announced that Government will launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor. Central agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will be ready to procure these 3 pulses, as much as offered during the next 4 years from farmers.

The Budget has outlined measures to Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits, National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, and a five year Mission for Cotton Productivity amongst other measures to promote agriculture and allied activities in a major way.

Smt. Sitharaman announced the increase in loan limits from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through Kisan Credit Cards under modified interest subvention scheme.

2^nd Engine: MSMEs

Finance Minister described MSMEs as the second power engine for development as they constitute for 45% of our exports. To help MSMEs achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital, the investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times, respectively. Further, steps to enhance credit availability with guarantee cover have also been announced.

The Finance Minister also announced the launch of a new scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs. This will provide term loans up to Rs. 2 crore during the next 5 years.

Smt. Sitharaman announced that the Government will also implement a scheme to make India a global hub for toys representing the ‘Made in India’ brand. She added that the Government will set up a National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India”.

3^rd Engine: Investment

Defining Investment as the third engine of growth, the Union Minister prioritized investment in people, economy and innovation.

Under the investment in people, she announced that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that broadband connectivity will be provided to all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.

She said Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme will be implemented to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.

Five National Centres of Excellence for skilling will be set up with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth with the skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.

A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education will be set up with a total outlay of 500 crore.

Budget announced that Government will arrange for Gig workers’ identity cards, their registration on the e-Shram portal and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

Under the investment in Economy, Smt Sitharaman said Infrastructure-related ministries will come up with a 3-year pipeline of projects in PPP mode.

She added that an outlay of Rs 1.5 lakh crore was proposed for the 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure and incentives for reforms.

She also announced the second Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 to plough back capital of Rs 10 lakh crore in new projects.

The Jal Jeevan Mission was extended till 2028 with focus on the quality of infrastructure and Operation & Maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes through “Jan Bhagidhari”.

Government will set up an Urban Challenge Fund of Rs.1 lakh crore to implement the proposals for ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’.

Under the investment in Innovation, an allocation of ₹20,000 crore is announced to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative.

Finance Minister proposed National Geospatial Mission to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data which will benefit urban planning.

Budget proposes Gyan Bharatam Mission, for survey, documentation and conservation of more than 1 crore manuscripts with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors. A National Digital Repository of Indian knowledge systems for knowledge sharing is also proposed.

4^th Engine: Exports

Smt. Sitharaman defined Exports as the fourth engine of growth and said that jointly driven by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance; Export Promotion Mission will help MSMEs tap into the export market. She added that a digital public infrastructure, ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade was proposed as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

The Finance Minister mentioned that support will be provided to develop domestic manufacturing capacities for our economy’s integration with global supply chains. She also announced that government will support the domestic electronic equipment industry for leveraging the opportunities related to Industry 4.0. A National Framework has also been proposed for promoting Global Capability Centres in emerging tier 2 cities.

The government will facilitate upgradation of infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo including high value perishable horticulture produce.

Reforms as the Fuel

Defining Reforms as the fuel to the engine, Smt. Sitharaman said that over the past 10 years, the Government had implemented several reforms for convenience of tax payers, such as faceless assessment, tax payers charter, faster returns, almost 99 per cent returns being on self-assessment, and Vivad se Vishwas scheme. Continuing with these efforts, she reaffirmed the commitment of the tax department to “trust first, scrutinize later”.

Financial Sector Reforms and Development

In a demonstrated steadfast commitment of the Government towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’, the Union Finance Minister proposed changes across the length and breadth of the financial landscape in India to ease compliance, expand services, build strong regulatory environment, promote international and domestic investment, and decriminalisation of archaic legal provisions.

The Union Finance Minister proposed to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit for the insurance from 74 to 100 per cent, to be available for those companies that invest the entire premium in India.

Smt. Sitharaman proposed a light-touch regulatory framework based on principles and trust to unleash productivity and employment. She proposed four specific measures to develop this modern, flexible, people-friendly, and trust-based regulatory framework for the 21^st first century, viz.:

High Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms

To review all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions.
To strengthen trust-based economic governance and take transformational measures to enhance ‘ease of doing business’, especially in matters of inspections and compliances
To make recommendations within a year
States will be encouraged to be onboarded

Investment Friendliness Index of States

An Investment Friendliness Index of States will be launched in 2025 to further the spirit of competitive cooperative federalism.

Mechanism under the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)

Mechanism to evaluate impact of the current financial regulations and subsidiary instructions.
Formulate a framework to enhance their responsiveness and development of the financial sector.

Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0

To decriminalise more than 100 provisions in various laws.

Fiscal Consolidation

Reiterating the commitment to stay the course for fiscal consolidation, the Union Finance Minister stated that the Government endeavours to keep the fiscal deficit each year such that the Central Government debt remains on a declining path as a percentage of the GDP and the detailed roadmap for the next 6 years has been detailed in the FRBM statement. Smt. Sitharaman stated that the Revised Estimate 2024-25 of fiscal deficit is 4.8 per cent of GDP, while the Budget Estimates 2025-26 is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.

Revised Estimates 2024-25

The Minister said that the Revised Estimate of the total receipts other than borrowings is ₹31.47 lakh crore, of which the net tax receipts are ₹25.57 lakh crore. She added that the Revised Estimate of the total expenditure is ₹47.16 lakh crore, of which the capital expenditure is about ₹10.18 lakh crore.

Budget Estimates 2025-26

For FY 2025-26, the Union Finance Minister stated that the total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹34.96 lakh crore and ₹50.65 lakh crore respectively. The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹28.37 lakh crore.

PART B

Reposing faith on middle class in nation building, the Union Budget 2025-26 proposes new direct tax slabs and rates under the new income tax regime so that no income tax is needed to be paid for total income upto ₹ 12 Lakh per annum, i.e. average income of Rs 1 Lakh per month, other than special rate income such as Capital Gain. Salaried individuals earning upto ₹ 12.75 Lakh per annum will pay NIL tax, due to standard deduction of ₹ 75,000. Towards the new tax structure and other direct tax proposals, Government is set to lose revenue of about ₹ 1 lakh crore.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has taken steps to understand the needs voiced by the people. The direct tax proposals include personal income tax reform with special focus on middle class, TDS/TCS rationalization, encouragement to voluntary compliances along with reduction of compliance burden, ease of doing business and incentivizing employment and investment.

The Budget proposes revised tax rate structure under the new tax regime as follows;

Total Income per annum	Rate of Tax
₹ 0 – 4 Lakh	NIL
₹ 4 – 8 Lakh	5%
₹ 8 – 12 Lakh	10%
₹ 12 – 16 Lakh	15%
₹ 16 – 20 Lakh	20%
₹ 20 – 24 Lakh	25%
Above ₹ 24 Lakh	30%

To rationalize TDS/TCS, Budget doubles limit for tax deduction on interest earned by senior citizens from the present ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1 Lakh. Further, TDS threshold on rent has been increased to ₹ 6 Lakh from ₹ 2.4 Lakh per annum. Other measures include, increasing of threshold to collect TCS to ₹ 10 Lakh and continuing with higher TDS deductions only in non-PAN cases. After the decriminalization of delay in payment of TDS, delay in TCS payments has now been decriminalized.

Encouraging voluntary compliance, Budget extends time-limit to file updated returns for any assessment year, from the current limit of two years, to four years. Over 90 Lakh taxpayers paid additional tax to update their income. Small charitable trusts/institutions have been given the benefit by increasing their period of registration from 5 to 10 years, reducing compliance burden. Further, tax payers can now claim annual value of two self-occupied properties as NIL, without any condition. Last budget’s Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme has received a great response, with nearly 33,000 tax payers having availed the scheme to settle their disputes. Giving benefits to senior and very senior citizens, withdrawals made from National Savings Scheme Accounts on or after 29th of August, 2024 have been exempted. NPS Vatsalya accounts also to get similar benefits.

For ease of doing business, Budget introduces a scheme for determining arm’s length price of international transaction for a block period of three years. This is in line with global best practices. Further, self harbor rules are being expanded to provide certainty in international taxation.

To promote employment and investment, a presumptive taxation regime is envisaged for non-residents who provide services to a resident company that is establishing or operating an electronics manufacturing facility. Further, benefits of existing tonnage tax scheme are proposed to be extended to inland vessels. To promote start-up ecosystem, period of incorporation has been extended for a period of 5 years. To promote investment in the infrastructure sector, Budget extends the date of making investment in Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds by five more years, to 31st March, 2030.

As part of rationalization of Customs tariffs of industrial goods, Budget proposes to; (i) Remove seven tariffs, (ii) apply appropriate cess to maintain effective duty incidence, and (iii) levy not more than one cess or surcharge.

As relief on import of Drugs/Medicines, 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines for treating cancer, rare diseases and chronic diseases have been fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD). Further, 37 medicines along with 13 new drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes have been exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), if supplied free to patients.

To support Domestic Manufacturing and Value Addition, BCD on 25 critical minerals, that were not domestically available, were exempted in July 2024. The Budget 2025-26 fully exempts cobalt powder and waste, scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals. To promote domestic textile production, two more types of shuttle-less looms added to fully exempted textile machinery. Further, BCD on knitted fabrics covering nine tariff lines from “10% to 20%” revised to “20% or ₹ 115 kg, whichever is higher”.

To rectify inverted duty structure and promote “Make in India”, BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) increased to 20% and on Open cells reduced to 5%. Further to promote manufacture of Open cells, BCD on parts of Open Cells stands exempted.

To boost manufacturing of Lithion-ion battery in the country, 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing added to the list of exempted capital goods. Union Budget 2025-26 also continues exemption on BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for ship building for another ten years. Budget also reduced BCD from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches to make it at par with Non-Carrier Grade ethernet switches.

For export promotion, Budget 2025-26 facilitates exports of handicrafts, fully exempts BCD on Wet Blue leather for value addition and employment, reduce BCD from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste and reduce BCD from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that Democracy, Demography and Demand are key pillars of Viksit Bharat journey. She said that the middle class gives strength of India’s growth and the Government has periodically hiked the ‘Nil tax’ slab in recognition to their contribution. She said the proposed new tax structure will substantially boost consumption, savings and investment, by putting more money in the hands of the middle class.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Strengthening India’s Agricultural Backbone

Source: Government of India (2)

Strengthening India’s Agricultural Backbone

Key Achievements and Government Initiatives

Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 2:06PM by PIB Delhi

Synopsis

The Government of India has significantly increased budget allocations, rising from ₹11,915.22 crore in 2008-09 to ₹1,22,528.77 crore in 2024-25, demonstrating its commitment to the sector.
Food grain production has surged from 204.6 million tonnes (2004-05) to an estimated 332.3 million tonnes (2023-24), with enhanced productivity and Minimum Support Price (MSP) revisions ensuring better farmer incomes.
The MSP for paddy and wheat has grown from ₹850 and ₹1,080 per quintal in 2008-09 to ₹2,300 and ₹2,425 per quintal in 2023-24 respectively. Additionally, the total MSP paid to farmers for paddy and wheat has surged from ₹4.40 lakh crore and ₹2.27 lakh crore in 2004-13 to ₹12.51 lakh crore and ₹5.44 lakh crore in 2014-24 respectively.
Key farmer-centric initiatives include PM-KISAN (₹3.46 lakh crore disbursed), PMFBY (₹1.65 lakh crore in claims), and e-NAM, which has integrated 1,400+ mandis for better market access. The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has sanctioned ₹52,738 crore for over 87,500 projects to improve post-harvest management.
The government’s millet promotion efforts have boosted production, while institutional credit expansion, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) growth, and agricultural R&D investments continue to transform the sector.

Agriculture serves as the backbone of India’s economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, providing employment, and contributing to overall economic development. It supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population and remains vital to India’s socio-economic fabric. Recognizing its importance, the Government of India has implemented various initiatives and significantly increased budget allocations to strengthen the sector.

Enhanced Budget Allocation

The budget estimates for the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare was ₹11,915.22 Crore in 2008-09. The budget forDepartment of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare increased to ₹21,933.50 Crore in 2013-14 and further advanced to ₹1,22,528.77 Crore in 2024-25, reflecting the government’s commitment to agricultural development.

Increased Food Grain Production

India’s foodgrain production has seen a steady rise over the years, reflecting improvements in agricultural productivity and policy support. In 2004-05, total foodgrain production stood at 204.6 million tonnes. (4^th advance estimates) This increased to 252 million tonnes in 2014-15 and further surged to an estimated 332.3 million tonnes in 2023-24.

Gross Area Under Major Crops

In 2004-05, the total area under foodgrain crops was 120.2 million hectares ( 4^th advance estimates). This expanded to 124.3 million hectares in 2014-15 and reached 132.1 hectares in 2023-24

Annual Growth Rate of Real Gross Value Added (GVA) at Basic Prices

The annual growth rate of real GVA in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector has shown fluctuations over the years. In 2004-05, it was recorded at 1.4%, slightly declining to 1.2% in 2014-15. However, the sector has gained momentum in recent years, with the growth rate rising to an estimated 2.1% in 2023-24. This reflects improved efficiency, mechanization, and diversification in agricultural activities.

Real Gross Value Added (GVA) in Agriculture (₹ Crore at Constant Prices)

The real GVA for agriculture, forestry, and fishing has demonstrated substantial growth, showcasing the sector’s increasing contribution to the economy. In 2004-05, the GVA stood at ₹13.85 lakh crore, which rose to ₹18.94 lakh crore in 2014-15 and further increased to an estimated ₹26.42 lakh crore in 2023-24( PE). This consistent rise highlights the sector’s resilience and its vital role in India’s economic development.

Increase in productivity

Comparison of yield between 2013-14 and 2023-24 (Kg/ha) reflects a substantial increase in productivity.

Crop	2013-14	2023-24	Absolute Difference (2023-24 over 2013-14)	Difference (%)
Rice	2416	2882	466	19.29
Wheat	3145	3559	414	13.16
Maize	2676	3351	675	25.22
Coarse Cereals	1717	2945	1228	71.52
Total Pulses	763	881	118	15.47
Total Foodgrains	2120	2515	395	18.63
Total Oilseeds	1167	1314	147	12.60
Sugarcane	70522	78953	8431	11.96
Jute	2639	2783	144	5.46

Food Grain Procurement

The decade from 2014-15 to 2023-24 witnessed an impressive 6900 LMT of paddy procurement, a substantial increase from the 4590 LMT procured in the preceding ten years (2004-05 to 2013-14).

Similarly, wheat procurement has seen a substantial surge, thanks to proactive planning and meticulous execution. The procurement increased from 2140 LMT in 2004-05 to 2013-14 to 3072 LMT in 2014-23.

Minimum Support Price (MSP) Enhancements

Government has increased the MSP for all mandated Kharif, Rabi and other commercial crops with a return of at least 50 per cent over all India weighted average cost of production from 2018-19.
The MSP for paddy (common) has risen from ₹850 per quintal in 2008-09 (with an additional incentive of ₹50 per quintal) to ₹1,310 per quintal in 2013-14, and further to ₹2,300 per quintal in 2023-24.

MSP for wheat has also seen consistent growth, rising from ₹1,080 per quintal in 2008-09 to ₹1,400 per quintal in 2013-14, and reaching ₹2,425 per quintal in 2023-24.

The MSP paid to farmers for paddy also saw a threefold increase, from ₹4.40 lakh crore in 2004-13 to a staggering ₹12.51 lakh crore in 2014-24.
The MSP paid to farmers for wheat procurement also saw a steep rise from ₹2.27 lakh crore in 2004-13 to ₹5.44 lakh crore in 2014-24, ensuring greater financial stability for wheat farmers across the country

Income Support through PM-KISAN

Launch of PM-KISAN in 2019 an income support scheme providing ₹ 6000 per year in 3 equal instalments. So far, more than ₹ 3.46 lakh Crore has been disbursed to over 11 Crore farmers through 18 instalments.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana

PMKMY is a central sector scheme, is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for the entry age group of 18 to 40 years with a provision of ₹ 3000/- monthly pension on attaining the age of 60 years, subject to exclusion criteria. Since the inception of the scheme, over 24.67 lacs small and marginal farmers have joined the PMKMY scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

was launched in 2016 addressing problems of high premium rates for farmers and reduction in sum insured due to capping. In past 8 Years of implementation. In past 8 Years of implementation, 63.11 Crore farmer applications have been enrolled and over 18.52 Crore (Provisional) farmer applicants have received claims of over ₹ 1,65,149 Crore. During this period nearly ₹ 32,482 Crore were paid by farmers as their share of premium against which claims over ₹ 1,65,149 Crore (Provisional) have been paid to them. Thus, for every ₹100 of premium paid by farmers, they have received about ₹ 508 as claims.

Institutional credit for agriculture sector

Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 1,285.37 lakh KCCs had been issued till 2012-13, which increased to 1,895.81 lakh by March 31, 2019 (PE).

In the last 10 years, Rs 1.44 lakh Crore of Interest Subsidy has been released on Kisan Credit Card loans. It has risen nearly 2.4 times, from ₹6,000 Crore in 2014-15 to ₹14,252 crore in 2023-24.

Institutional credit flow to agriculture has risen nearly three times since 2014-15, rising from ₹ 8.5 lakh Crore to ₹ 25.48 lakh Crore in 2023-24. Short-term agriculture credit has more than doubled, increasing from ₹ 6.4 lakh Crore in 2014-15 to ₹ 15.07 lakh Crore in 2023-24.

The proportion of Small and Marginal Farmers accessing agriculture loans grew from 57% in 2014-15 to 76% in 2023-24.

e-NAM

The Department has integrated 1410 mandis with e-NAM since inception across 23 States & 4 UTs. As on 31st December 2024, 1.79 Crore farmers & 2.63 lakh traders have been registered on e-NAM portal. Total volume of 11.02 Crore MT & 42.89 Crore numbers (bamboo, betel leaves, coconut, lemon & sweet corn) collectively worth approximately Rs. 4.01 lakh Crore of trade has been recorded on e-NAM platform.

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund

A One Lakh Crore, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme was launched with an objective to mobilize a medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets through incentives and financial support in order to improve agriculture infrastructure in the country. As on 27.12.2024, ₹ 52,738 Crore have been sanctioned for 87,548 projects under AIF, out of this total sanctioned amount 39,959 Crore are covered under scheme benefits. These sanctioned projects have mobilized an investment of ₹ 86,798 Crore in agriculture sector.

Millets: Superfood of India

During the budget Announcement 2023-24, a “Global R&D Hub for millets in India” was announced with a total budget outlay of ₹ 250 Crore during 2023-24 to 2025-26. for making India a Global R&D Hub.

Key Achievements

Millet production has increased in the last 1 year, reaching 175.72 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 (Final Estimate) from 173.21 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
Productivity has increased by 7% from 1248 Kg/ha to 1337 Kg/ha between 2019 and 2024 (Final Estimate).
25 seed hubs have been established in collaboration with ICAR, ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds of improved millet varieties.
Procurement of 7.8 lakh tonnes of millets during the kharif marketing season of 2023-24

These efforts have led to substantial improvements in food grain production, increased income for farmers, enhanced credit facilities, and better crop insurance. As a result, the agriculture sector continues to evolve and thrive, securing India’s position as a global leader in agricultural production and export.

References

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090993

https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/

https://desagri.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MSP-14-06-12.pdf

https://desagri.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pocket-2020-Final-web-file.pdf

Click here to download PDF

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26

Source: Government of India

AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26

MAKHANA BOARD TO BE ESTABLISHED IN BIHAR

NATIONAL MISSION ON HIGH YIELDING SEEDS TO BE LAUNCHED

SECOND GENE BANK WITH 10 LAKH GERMPLASM LINES TO BE SET UP

FIVE- YEAR MISSION FOR COTTON PRODUCTIVITY ANNOUNCED

KISAN CREDIT CARD LOAN LIMIT RAISED FROM Rs. 3 LAKH TO Rs. 5 LAKH

12.7 LAKH METRIC TONS UREA PLANT TO BE SET UP AT NAMRUP, ASSAM

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR AND LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS WILL BE THE SPECIAL FOCUS OF THE NEW FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE HARNESSING OF FISHERIES

Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:27PM by PIB Delhi

Emphasizing ‘Agriculture as the first engine’ for India’s development journey, Union Budget 2025-26 tabled in Parliament today by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a slew of measures to spur Agricultural Growth and Productivity, thereby benefitting the Annadata.

Announcing the Government’s decision to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar, Smt. Sitharaman said it will improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana as well as support the people engaged in these activities to be organized into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). She added that the Board will provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant Government schemes.

The Minister stated that a National Mission on High Yielding Seeds will be launched with an aim to strengthen the research ecosystem, targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, pest resistance and climate resilience, and commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties released since July 2024.

To provide conservation support to both public and private sectors for genetic resources and ensure future food and nutritional security, the Minister said that the second Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines will be set up.

Announcing the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’, Smt. Sitharaman highlighted that the five-year mission will facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties. She said the mission will benefit lakhs of cotton growing farmers as the best of science & technology support will be provided to farmers. Aligned with the Government’s integrated 5F vision for the textile sector, the Minister remarked that the mission will help in increasing incomes of the farmers as well as ensure a steady supply of quality cotton for rejuvenating India’s traditional textile sector.

Noting the importance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) in facilitating short term loans for around 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, the Minister announced the enhancement of loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

Smt. Sitharaman announced the setting up of Urea plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons at Namrup, Assam. This, she said will further augment urea supply and help to achieve Atmanirbharta in urea production, along with the recently reopened three dormant urea plants in the Eastern region.

Highlighting that India ranks second-largest globally in fish production and aquaculture with the Seafood exports valued at Rs. 60 thousand crore, the Union Minister remarked that the Government will bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, which will unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector.

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February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget 2025-26 Proposes Framework For Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries from Indian EEZ and High Seas

Source: Government of India (2)

Budget 2025-26 Proposes Framework For Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries from Indian EEZ and High Seas

Budget Announcement Targets Approx 2.5 Lakh Tonnes of Untapped Fisheries Potential in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands

Basic Custom Duty reduced from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi); 15% to 5% on Fish Hydrolysate

Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

In the Union Budget, tabled today in the Lok Sabha for the year 2025-2026, proposed the highest ever total annual budgetary support of Rs. 2,703.67 crores for the fisheries sector. This overall allocation for the financial year 2025-26 has increased by 3.3% in comparison to the allocation of Rs. 2,616.44 crore (BE) made during last year 2024-25. This includes the allocation of Rs. 2,465 crore for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana during the year 2025-26 that has increased by 4.8% in comparison to the allocation made for the scheme during the year 2024-25 (Rs. 2,352 crore). Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech, highlighted India’s achievement as a leader in aquaculture and seafood exports. The budget announcement strategically focuses on enhancing financial inclusion, reducing financial burden on farmers by reducing custom duties and furthering development of the marine fisheries.

The Budget 2025-26 highlights enabling a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and High Seas with special focus on Lakshadweep and A&N Islands . This will ensure sustainable harnessing of the untapped potential of the marine fish resources in the Indian EEZ and adjacent High Seas for growth in the marine sector. As India has an EEZ of 20 lakh sq. km and a long coastline of 8,118 km with estimated marine potential of 53 lakh tonnes (2018) and dependence of 50 lakh people for their livelihoods on the marine fisheries sector. This offers an enormous scope and potential for harnessing of high valued tuna and tuna like species in the Indian EEZ, especially around the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Government will promote Deep Sea Fishing with capacity development and support acquisition of Resource-Specific Fishing Vessels.

Development of fisheries in Andaman & Nicobar Islands will target harnessing of its EEZ area of 6.60 lakh sq. km (1/3^rd of Indian EEZ) with marine fisheries potential of 1.48 lakh tonnes including potential of 60,000 tons for tuna fisheries. For this purpose, development of Tuna Cluster has been notified and activities such as establishment of on-board processing & freezing facilities in tuna fishing vessels, licensing for deep-sea tuna fishing vessels and single window clearances by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, harnessing opportunities in sea cage culture, seaweed, ornamental and pearl cultivation have been undertaken. The Development of Fisheries in Lakshadweep Islands will target harnessing of its EEZ area of 4 lakh sq. km (17% of Indian EEZ) and lagoon area of 4200 sq mt with potential of 1 lakh tonnes including potential of 4,200 tonnes for tuna fisheries. For this purpose, development of Seaweed Cluster has been notified and activities such as island-wise area allocation and leasing policy with end-to-end value chain by Lakshadweep Administration, formation of women Self Help Group (SHGs) and capacity building through ICAR Institution in collaboration with private entrepreneurs and Lakshadweep Administration, harnessing opportunities in tuna fishing and ornamental fish farming have been undertaken.

In the Union Budget 2025, the Government of India increased the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) lending limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to enhance credit accessibility for fishers, farmers, processors and other fisheries’ stakeholder. This move aims at streamlining the flow of financial resources ensuring that necessary funds are easily accessible for fulfilling working capital requirements of the sector. Enhanced credit availability will support adoption of modern farming techniques and strengthen rural development and economic stability, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making institutional credit more inclusive and accessible.

To enhance Indias competitiveness in global seafood market and to increase the share of value -added products in our export basket, Union Finance Minister proposed to reduce Basic Custom Duty (BCD) on frozen fish paste (surimi) from 30% to 5% for manufacturing and export of value-added seafood products like Imitation Crab Meat Sticks, Surimi Crab Claw Products, Shrimp analogue, lobster analogue and other surimi analogue or Imitation products etc. Further, to strengthen the Indian shrimp farming industry globally, import duty reduction from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate an important input for manufacturing of aquafeed has been announced. This is expected to lower production costs and increase revenue and profit margins for farmers, thereby improving and increasing exports.

Background

Termed as one of the key ‘sunrise sectors’ of the Indian economy, the Indian Fisheries sector continues to make its mark and grow at a very healthy pace registering the highest average annual decadal growth of 9.08% in value of output (FY 2014-15 to 2022-23) amongst allied sectors under Agriculture (Niti Aayog Report 2024). This growth story is marked by India’s global ranking as 2nd largest fish producing country with ~8% share in global fish production and a record high fish production of 184.02 lakh tonnes (2023-24). India also stands 2nd in aquaculture production with 139.07 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 and is one of the top shrimp producing and seafood exporting nations in the world with a total export value of Rs 60,524 crore (2023-24). The sector provides sustainable livelihoods to over 30 million people within the marginalized and vulnerable communities. With the motto of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, Government of India continues to prioritise the development of the fisheries sector as a key driver towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.

▪️India ranks second largest globally in fish production and aquaculture.

▪️Seafood exports are valued at 60,000 Crore Rupees.

▪️To unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector, the government will bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries… pic.twitter.com/bAXVxjDAB9

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 1, 2025

Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries

🔹 To unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector

🔹 Enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas

🔹Special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands… pic.twitter.com/CMkq27pZcy

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 1, 2025

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Talk Science, Tech Aboard Next Intuitive Machines Moon Flight

Source: NASA

NASA will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 7, to discuss the agency’s science and technology flying aboard Intuitive Machines’ second flight to the Moon. The mission is part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign to establish a long-term lunar presence.
Audio of the call will stream on the agency’s website at:

NASA Live

Briefing participants include:

Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
Niki Werkheiser, director, technology maturation, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
Trent Martin, senior vice president, space systems, Intuitive Machines

To participate by telephone, media must RSVP no later than two hours before the briefing to: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online.
Intuitive Machines’ lunar lander, Athena, will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The four-day launch window opens no earlier than Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Among the items on Intuitive Machines’ lander, the IM-2 mission will be one of the first on site, or in-situ, demonstrations of resource utilization on the Moon. A drill and mass spectrometer will measure the potential presence of volatiles or gases from lunar soil in Mons Mouton, a lunar plateau near the Moon’s South Pole. In addition, a passive Laser Retroreflector Array on the top deck of the lander will bounce laser light back at any orbiting or incoming spacecraft to give future spacecraft a permanent reference point on the lunar surface. Other technology instruments on this delivery will demonstrate a robust surface communications system and deploy a propulsive drone that can hop across the lunar surface.
Launching as a rideshare with the IM-2 delivery, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft also will begin its journey to lunar orbit, where it will map the distribution of the different forms of water on the Moon.
Under the CLPS model, NASA is investing in commercial delivery services to the Moon to enable industry growth and support long-term lunar exploration. As a primary customer for CLPS deliveries, NASA is one of many customers for these flights.
For updates, follow on:
https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis
-end-
Alise Fisher / Jasmine HopkinsHeadquarters, Washington202-358-2546alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov / jasmine.s.hopkins@nasa.gov
Natalia Riusech / Nilufar RamjiJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111nataila.s.riusech@nasa.gov / nilufar.ramji@nasa.gov
Antonia JaramilloKennedy Space Center, Florida321-867-2468antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

February 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DLNR BOATING DIVISION CONDUCTING POST-STORM CLEANUP

Source: US State of Hawaii

DLNR BOATING DIVISION CONDUCTING POST-STORM CLEANUP

Posted on Jan 31, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR

DAWN CHANG
CHAIRPERSON

DLNR BOATING DIVISION CONDUCTING POST-STORM CLEANUP

Crews Also Managing Numerous Boat Groundings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2025

HONOLULU — Crews from the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) are out statewide, in full force, dealing with the impacts of Hawai‘i’s latest severe weather event.

Ala Wai Canal and Small Boat Harbor

A temporary trash boom, installed late Wednesday, has diverted much of the rubbish and debris from upstream into a permanent trap on the makai side of the Ala Moana bridge.

Very little rubbish got beyond either of the traps, preventing junk from washing into the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the ocean. DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts says the temporary boom on the mauka side of the bridge will be left in place through the weekend.

The permanent trap, on the mauka side of the bridge, was cleared on Thursday. By this morning it was completely full of a seemingly infinite variety of household and industrial trash, logs, and other vegetation. Caught up in the muddy soup was a large dead puffer fish, a bean bag chair, gas canisters, and a mattress with the pillow still on top.

This morning, a DOBOR contractor was again using heavy machinery to lift rubbish out of the trap and into roll-off dumpsters. The equipment operator started at 6 a.m. and will be working throughout the day to clear the permanent trap.

DOBOR is working with other agencies and experts to develop a permanent solution for addressing the rubbish and debris that flows through the Ala Wai Canal and ultimately ends up in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and ocean waters.

Maunalua Bay

The popular East O‘ahu boat ramp at Maunalua Bay was unusable this morning, with both sides full of floating vegetation brought in by the weather event. A three-person DOBOR crew used a small front loader, shovels, and brooms to clean up the mess and they expected to have the ramp cleared by the end of the day.

Boating Groundings

DOBOR staff is coordinating the salvage of a number of grounded boats: one on Kaua‘i, one on Hawai‘i Island, and three on Maui.

Most notable is the grounding of the 65-foot catamaran, Hula Girl, which ran aground overnight in the Honolua-Mokulē‘ia Marine Life Conservation District on the northwest side of Maui. The vessel’s owner reportedly sought safety in the bay during the storm and ended up on the shoreline.

The owner of Hula Girl has been fully cooperating with DOBOR to develop a salvage plan to remove the boat with close attention to preventing damage to sensitive coral reef structures in the area. Work will be done after consultation and in collaboration with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), which has responsibility for protection of coral reefs in state waters.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Team Maui personnel were also on scene, assessed the area and reported no signs of pollution.

“We are working closely with the State Department of Health Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office and the DLNR to monitor the situation and mitigate any hazards to the environment. The beach and waters in the surrounding area remain open, but people should maintain awareness of any potential signs of pollution such as strong smells of diesel or discoloration on the surface of the water.

The other Maui groundings included a power boat, Hinatea, which went ashore on the beach near Kamaole Beach Park One in Kihei. DOBOR staff is working to reach the owner to arrange removal. The third Maui Nui grounding was on Moloka‘i and involved a 28-foot trimaran which went adrift off Kaunakakai Harbor. DOBOR previously reported that the boat’s owner had passed away. Staff are working to secure the vessel once strong winds abate.

The Kaua‘i grounding involved a 30-foot vessel on the rocks within the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor in Līhuʻe. Its owner was able to secure the vessel and safely move it into a slip in the harbor.

On Hawai‘i Island, a vessel sunk in Hilo Bay. DOBOR reports that its owner is currently assessing the situation and working with staff to remove it.

In light of the groundings, Statts reiterated that boat owners and operators should pay attention to weather forecasts, avoid going out in advance of storms, and check that their lines are secure in harbors or while tied to moorings.

# # #

RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

HD video – Ala Wai Canal temporary trash boom (Jan. 31, 2025):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lx6pddximxlg6o296zzh4/Ala-Wai-Canal-Temporary-Trash-Boom-Jan.-31-2025.mov?rlkey=0usthx4qa8lypgikoty9dwygx&st=g14zak4b&dl=0

HD video – Maunalua Bay Ramp post-storm cleanup (Jan. 31, 2025):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yv870z46nxp2fkni3gw68/Maunalua-Bay-Post-Storm-Cleanup-Jan.-31-2025.mov?rlkey=egumq332mf55yh78m7x1k6236&st=nydkm4xm&dl=0

HD video – Debris trap deployment (Jan. 29, 2025):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mj5pu43b3wge5fapmnipc/Ala-Wai-Additional-Boom-Jan.-29-2025.mov?rlkey=kk4seljgia9ts9ruvndjig6ej&st=3k5r58j1&dl=0

(Meghan Statts SOTS transcript attached)

Photographs – Ala Wai Canal temporary trash boom (Jan. 31, 2025):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jfj7ce0mfimzau54ka0f6/AFLrcu7HUkhTA944bWfGVZo?rlkey=7sbd0g00vugwnwptoe4q7p3bs&st=95hjuf4o&dl=0

Photographs – Maunalua Bay Ramp post-storm cleanup (Jan. 31, 2025):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/njhb9dwob1qxki708m0z5/AI027pb0jR0BWyY8EFHzHAU?rlkey=w9frc7ufypbcijw72iwmd1fcw&st=rfk69njg&dl=0

Photographs – Hula Girl boat grounding (Jan. 31, 2025):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/p2v3yj8abuw8ucxksnpyx/AHauK5gKMKVTsA4Bc3nMa6E?rlkey=v7vaaa2thrkcpi19nj7dnxmkh&st=1nz4vrj9&dl=0

Media Contact:

Dan Dennison

Communications Director

808-587-0396

Email: Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

February 3, 2025

Category: Fisheries

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS (22.11.2024)

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT (5.12.2024)

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Balancing bans

Ngā Pepa a Ranginui, The Walker Papers – Ranginui Walker

Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohooho – Chris Winitana

Huia Histories of Māori: Ngā Tāhuhu Kōrero – Danny Keenan

Navigating the Stars: Maori Creation Myths – Witi Ihimaera

Te Kōparapara: An introduction to the Māori world – Michael Reilly & others

Wayfinding Leadership – Chellie Spiller, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr & John Panoho

Imagining Decolonisation – Bianca Elkington, Moana Jackson & others

A Fire in the Belly of Hineāmaru – Melinda Webber & Te Kapua O’Connor

Mokorua – Ariana Tikao

From the Centre: A writer’s life – Patricia Grace

Adapting Goethe

Plastic elephants

At the core of capitalism

Risks for compromised immune systems

Growing resistance

Following the aid

Copying The Sims’ homework

Source: NIWA

UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODSEXEMPTION TO 36 MORE LIFE SAVING MEDICINES FOR CANCER AND OTHER RARE DISEASES FROM BASIC CUSTOMS DUTY

Strengthening India’s Agricultural BackboneKey Achievements and Government Initiatives

AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26MAKHANA BOARD TO BE ESTABLISHED IN BIHAR

Budget 2025-26 Proposes Framework For Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries from Indian EEZ and High SeasBudget Announcement Targets Approx 2.5 Lakh Tonnes of Untapped Fisheries Potential in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands

DLNR BOATING DIVISION CONDUCTING POST-STORM CLEANUP

UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODS

EXEMPTION TO 36 MORE LIFE SAVING MEDICINES FOR CANCER AND OTHER RARE DISEASES FROM BASIC CUSTOMS DUTY

Strengthening India’s Agricultural Backbone

Key Achievements and Government Initiatives

AGRICULTURE IS THE FIRST ENGINE FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY: BUDGET 2025-26

MAKHANA BOARD TO BE ESTABLISHED IN BIHAR

Budget 2025-26 Proposes Framework For Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries from Indian EEZ and High Seas

Budget Announcement Targets Approx 2.5 Lakh Tonnes of Untapped Fisheries Potential in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands